[undecipherable: probable reading "Previter"] pg 82 Boston January 21, 1799 Dear Sir Having obs[undecipherable] a list of appointments re[undecipherable] which my name was not inserted has filled me with disquiet[undecipherable] [undecipherable] for some reason or other it may be [undecipherable]. Although it was the opinion of some of my friends that I might have relied, founded on the Honorable testimonials of services during the [undecipherable] war from General Washington and the respectable characters which were transmitted the Secretary of war not in a matter of so much moment, I judged it expedient to repair to Philadelphia to the [undecipherable] of presenting my respects to General Washington and yourself personally and to endeavour to obtain if not positive assurances, get some evidence which would prevent or remove all uneasiness as to the certainty of an appointment. And in fact such was the [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] from General Washington and yourself that all my [undecipherable] were removed, and I returned to this place impressed [undecipherable] the belief that it should not be neglected. But with the [undecipherable] of having performed an unpleasant and expensive Journey, I found that [undecipherable] had deceived me. Under the circumstances of the case I flatter myself that I may be permitted without offence to address to you this [undecipherable] in order to obtain the regiment [undecipherable] placed. The [undecipherable] of my mind on [undecipherable] of a respectful application do not to be [undecipherable] by the [undecipherable] of General Washington and other [undecipherable] of rank may be imagined, and therefore is unnecessary to be further explained. It is not for me to arraign the policy which has dictated a different choice. A comparison of myself with others is a circumstance too delicate to be made — Great has been the disappointment of several officers in this quarter, and since the appointments have been announced several have wrote to the President to ask [undecipherable] public characters on the subject — a Major Rice [undecipherable] sent off on saturday last a long letter to the President, and I beg from you the favour to drop [undecipherable] a line in my [undecipherable] to meet [undecipherable]. Mrs G. is quite sick in consequence of what has happened to me. I solicit a line from you to let me know my fate. Be candid, as I tell my friend — With great regard, I have the honour to be Sir, your most Obedient — humble servant Caleb [undecipherable]. [Addressed: The Hon^ble Major General Hamilton, New York. Post paid.] [Postal markings: 1A; Paid 10/] [Docket: [undecipherable] / C Gibbs / Jan. 21. 1799 / [undecipherable]] [wax seal]