[General Lee / March 24. 1799] [Tresplemann & Norris / March 25 / 3 / 2-2 / v-2 / 23] Major Gen^l Hamilton             New York [Acknowledges receipt of his & to the President letter respecting the same Subject — I am particularly obliged by the trouble he has taken in the business] [p190] Stratford Virg^a march 24^th Dear Sir. I never reced y^r lr on the Subject of the recruiting service enclosing one to Col^o Barker till the last evening.         I would with much pleasure contribute any aid in my power towards the successful execution of y^r object for I really believe the best Plan'd the best execution will still be very Slow in front among us.         A consultation with the officers to be employed in the conduct of the business might hasten the result— this not being directed & requiring [undecipherable: probable reading "time"], must I suppose be dispensed with— yet I believe such a preliminary step judicious—         The weight which has ever been thrown in this state upon the govt operates constantly & applies its effect to all [undecipherable] which concern the govt— It would be peculiarly pleasing to a certain set to see the recruiting service frowned on by our people; this they predict will be the case & this end they will latently conspire to produce.         Exclusive of this artificial obstruction which that business will have to encounter, here are natural clogs arising from the turn of our [undecipherable], the facility with which the [undecipherable] live, & the high price of labour.         If the law had allowed [the] use of popular characters as recruiting officers to be paid for [the] service I believe essential good would be derived in this state from such instrumentality— I know not whether there be such a provision         I will reflect on what is best to be done & if by myself or this Col. Barker or unitedly any assistance can be afforded on my part it shall be given. I wish I could hear in reply before I did begin— the law having expired [undecipherable] under which I was nominated, [I] consider that nomination at an end; nevertheless I shall always be happy to advance y^r objects in this country.         With great regard         & am y^r friend & ob^t Ser^t                     Henry Lee