[for Gen Hamilton Feb. 2, 1799] [Private & Confidential] Fort Wayne February 2^d 1799 Dear General, it will no doubt be surprizing to you to see an officer of my Rank and of twenty one years Service make an application so incompatible with the profession of Arms; but the Military Establishment of the United States is so unsettled and so changeable, that a promotion frequently proves more injurious than advantageous to a man who Makes the art of War his profession. — To be promoted for a few days, and be discharged would be a fatal Stroke to me. you Know I have no other profession than my present one; I have grown old in it, and & the honor of my Cloth have kept my self poor by having all the time lived up to my pay. was it in our Service as it is in all Europe, that when officers are deranged they retire on half pay, it would be an alleviation; But as it is not the Case and until it is, let me entreat you to guard against an appointment which might be the means of throwing me out of Service; [underline: that is] if it can be done with honor to my self — I hope my Dear General that you will excuse me for troubling you with this letter — Old Soldiers frequently Claim the Benefit of friendship with a former former acquaintance; it is the only apology I can offer, and I hope you will have the Goodness to accept of it — I have the honor to be Dear General with very great Respect and Consideration your Most obedient and Very Humble Servant [signature] Major General Hamilton