[Docketing notation, lower left of address panel:] From Gen. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] 1799 [undecipherable] [undecipherable] To [The?] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] Philad^a July [undecipherable] 1799 The interesting incidents which have lately occurred in our Political Situation, having rendered it expedient to enlarge the sphere of our military arrange[ments] and [undecipherable] as a consequence become necessary to regulate the [undecipherable] of our military forces, fix its can[ons], and describe their positions, in such a manner as while it will form [a] distinction the Department of [undecipherable] of details incompatible with its more general and [undecipherable], will [undecipherable] also [undecipherable] like harmony, conducive to [undecipherable] a unity and system in the different branches of the Service. The Commander in Chief, having [undecipherable] [undecipherable] determined definitively [undecipherable] [undecipherable] in furtherance of the above views to place the military command [undecipherable] in the superintendence of Major General [undecipherable] and myself. In the allotment for this purpose my agency is extended to the garrison[s] on the Northern [undecipherable] and to all the Troops on the North Western [undecipherable] extending to the banks of the Ohio, and upon the Mississippi; in short to all the Western Army except the parts which may be in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Of this you will have been informed by the Secretary of War. I now [undecipherable] which [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] between us [undecipherable] allow myself to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] mutual Satisfaction. Every disposition on my [undecipherable] will certainly facilitate it, and tend to promote the [undecipherable] the manner best adapted to your [undecipherable] and the advancement of the Service. It was the united opinion of the [undecipherable] in Chief, General [undecipherable] and myself, when lately [undecipherable] Philadelphia, that your [undecipherable] presence in this quarter [undecipherable] towards a full discussion of the affairs of the [undecipherable] which here [undecipherable] long [undecipherable] the direction, in their various relations, and towards the forming [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable] rights of [undecipherable] more [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] arrangements. Much may be [undecipherable] in a personal interview, which at so great a distance can not be [undecipherable] by writing. The actual [undecipherable] Situation of our public affairs seems [undecipherable] Indeed[,] render this step indispensable. — You will therefore [undecipherable] please, with all [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to return to Philadelphia [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and immediate advice [undecipherable]. If this can conveniently [undecipherable] accomplished [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to late that [undecipherable]. On this point you are [undecipherable] and will no doubt act with [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] must rest with you to dispose of the command of the troops at the different Stations during your absence and to give the [undecipherable] instructions in [undecipherable] [undecipherable].