Williamstown Massachusetts, January 23^d 1799. Sir, I must forever lament your absence from New York when I was there last December, which deprived me of the honour of paying you my personal Homage. my respected friend Mr. Sedgwick had favoured me, with a letter which I wished to have presented myself; but as it may contain some matters foreign to me; and as I do not propose to return soon to New York, I take the liberty to Inclose it: one of the objects of my journey, I hope, is so far accomplished that I may not trouble you in a professional capacity (I mean as a counsellor) I suppose I shall not be so successful in my other pursuit, having seen a list of the military appointments of six Regiments, and in vain saught for my name among the defenders of the country. as I expressed my wishes fully to my generous patron Mr. Sedgwick, and as he was apprised I could not serve unless appointed as one of the oldest captains, I must submit to my fate and relinquish my future prospect in that line, not having the presumption to thinck that this neglect was intended to better my expectations — although born abroad having resided nine years in the country where I proven a genteel Independence — wishing to give up a british halfpay, and having taken engagements in case of success in my request, to pay more than the amount of my expected military pay to a gentleman to attend for me a considerable mercantile concern, I thought myself a fair and disinterested candidate. I shall still be happy to embrace any other opportunity to serve the cause and to support government to the utmost of my abilities; persuaded as I am that wisdom alike dispenses its favours and refusals I have the honour to be with the highest respect and sincerity Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant. Samuel Mackay. [Addressed:] Hon. the Gen.^l Hamilton New york.