[Jany. 29^th 1799 Jas. Cochran] His warm recommendation of M^r. Kirkland not[e] entitle him to my particular [strikethrough: him to attend] attention as far [strikethrough: attend the general] all the circumstances requiring attention shall permit [Written diagonally: Major General [undecipherable]] [Apg 12d.] Phi. January 4. 1799 [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Sir. The inclosed letter was handed to me with a view that I should promote its object. I can only say that my know- ledge of the Country where Captain [undecipherable: probable reading Horton] wishes to recruit, induces me to believe that his request is a fruitless one. Lest I sug- gest my opinion to you on the subject permit me to recommend Captain [undecipherable: probable reading Horton] to your notice, in one of your strong de- tachments. He is a young man with whom I am very well acquainted, and as far as my judgement goes, believe him to be a good Officer and a good disciplinarian. He was [undecipherable] man with me in the Militia in our State where I had some opportunity of knowing his capacity for the Army. He is ambitious of gaining military action and very [undecipherable: probable reading competent] to important trusts, and would like much to be employed in the Staff [undecipherable] or the like. I am sorry to inform you that M^rs Cochran is still confined to her room and no hopes of getting out until we shall farther examine the matter. She is not better I think than when she left New York. She best respects and mine to you and M^rs Hamilton. I am with Senti- ments of respect & esteem — Gen^l Hamilton — your [undecipherable] J. Cochran