[Free J. Dayton] Maj.^r Gen^l A. Hamilton New York [undecipherable: probable reading — recd / from J. Dayton / Jona: Dayton] [Military only] Elizabeth town March 22. 1799 Dear General, Your letter addressed to Major Ford, reached the Post office in Newark a few minutes after the mail for Morris was sent off, and was consequently brought back to me. After seeking [strikethrough: at] the whole of yesterday in vain, for some expeditious & safe private conveyance, I was compelled to hire an express for 3½ Dollars who delivered the letter to the Major this morn^g & brought back from him the enclosed to you. I am D^r Sir very sincerely Yours Jona: Dayton [Maj.^r Gen^l Hamilton]