War Department 11^th March 1799 Sir, The President of the United States hath this day appointed you, to be a Brigadier General of the Provisional Army. Assuring myself, from your known Patriotism, that you will not decline the Trust reposed in you, I have the pleasure, to enclose your commission. It is required by Law, that the whole of the Military of the United States, shall take and subscribe, on oath or affirmation, a form for which, I also enclose, and request you will return the same, sworn or affirmed to, and subscribed before a competent Magistrate, to the Office of the Department of War. I am Sir with respect your obedient, humble servant James McHenry Wallison McPherson Esq^r Brigadier General of the Provisional Army.