[Draft] [28 Dec^r 1798 To Alex Hamilton.] Philad 28 Dec^r 1798 Dear Sir I have this moment received two letters from you [strikethrough: dated] under date of the 20^th & one the 26^th. [strikethrough: The business which] the last [undecipherable: has] The President directs the list of nominations to be submitted to the heads of departments for their observations; and I have not yet [strikethrough: had] been favored with these observations [strikethrough: I except] from all of [strikethrough: these] [strikethrough: from any of] the Gentlemen. I expect them and that the nominations will be made in [undecipherable: a few] days. Butlers name will stand — [strikethrough: found] several names will be omitted — some of them would not accept if appointed [strikethrough: found to be] others disqualified. Their places will not be filled up till time can be given for consideration & information Gen. Pinckney left Philad. some time since. I heard nothing of the project of a military school. On the 24^th Inst. I [strikethrough: forwarded] my which will be [strikethrough: and] [undecipherable: more] [strikethrough: largely] report to the President on the subject of our military affairs. It embraces [strikethrough: the] all the points, mentioned in [undecipherable: Colo.] to [undecipherable: administer], [strikethrough: organization] with [undecipherable: many] [strikethrough: which you have by] [undecipherable: suggestions] [strikethrough: suggested] by Gen Washingtons letter, and with adherence [undecipherable: nearly]. I have and some other subjects [undecipherable: contained] in the report availed myself of his name [strikethrough: was letter with much address and] but I borrowed [strikethrough: it] this course [strikethrough: preferable] [undecipherable: subjects] as it would [undecipherable: not do to have] them at a [undecipherable: submit] [strikethrough: was fashion] to be laid before Congress in any form of [undecipherable: his] letters to Congress. Of course your [undecipherable: extracts from our] letters will not be before Congress. There would be no end to [strikethrough: heart-burnings] complaints and [strikethrough: dissatisfaction] heart-burnings were a foreigner to be placed at the head of the second regiment of artillery. Tousard would be less exceptionable and in a little time more scientific. I am not at all displeased with him; [strikethrough: after] he [undecipherable: has] a [undecipherable: bold daring] [undecipherable: born] and [strikethrough: properly] apt to learn. He will amend [strikethrough: if] the failing you mention [strikethrough: from] no doubt, as soon as he perceives it [undecipherable: likely] [strikethrough: altho] it will not [undecipherable: hurt but] [undecipherable: incline] to stand in the way of his promotion. with me it might [undecipherable: settle] the [undecipherable: other]. I inclose you a copy of the recruiting instructions & the bases upon which they have been formed. [Alex Hamilton E—]