[Cover docket notation:] H 2 feby 18 to 1799 Gen Lee Recruiting Services [Marginal notation, rotated:] A. Hamilton / Maj. Gen. Lee / New York feby. 18. 99 [p 254] (250) New York Februa. 13. 1799 Dear Sir The inclosed letter to [Col.] [strikethrough: Parker will or, can to you me plea]sure [strikethrough: when] it is deemed expedient to pursue the recruiting Service within the State of Virginia. [strikethrough: Not] having It would be very pleasing to me, if you could yourself make it convenient to [strikethrough: make] direct the arrangement [strikethrough: it is referred to the] [strikethrough: referd to the] which [strikethrough: the enclosd] letter [strikethrough: requests to] to Colonel [strikethrough: maker]. In this case, the letter need not be sent to him, unless you think his cooperation may be useful and [strikethrough: his presence with you] can be expeditiously had — or as it is expected the recruiting Service will now Speedily begin, it is desirable that this preliminary measure be completed without delay. Should [strikethrough: it not be] you conclude for any reason to forward the letter to Col. Parker, you may do it by [undecipherable] the expense of which will be reimbursed. With great affection & regard [I am] D^r Sir Your Obed^t Ser^vt Major General Lee