[William W[ands] / March 23 - 1799] [circular postal stamp] [PAID 10] Gen.^l Alex. Hamilton New york [No. 30] Philadelphia March 23^d 1799 Respected Sir The decision of the Court Martial on Monday last, I never have agreed to, on account of a partiality which existed on the trial of the officer we had in charge I am informed by the Judge advocate, that the whole testimony will be put to you for your approbation on the perusal of the papers you will have before you, you will be able to determine whether my knowledge [strikethrough: undecipherable] proper or not— It is probable the case that I am wrong especially when it is known I was the youngest officer of the Court, but not an officer of [undecipherable] gave any reason for their not finding the prisoner guilty notwithstanding I endeavored to assign a reason for my decision, and wished to hear something [said in?] objection to what I adduced as sufficient grounds for my determination. If I have acted inconsistent in thus forwarding to you any matter we have had before us, I hope it will be considered as an error of the head and not the heart. [In hast] I am Sir with respect & esteem your devoted Servant. Wm. W. Wands Gen.^l Alex Hamilton.