[Copy] [Private] New York March 27^th 1799 Dr. Sir At length we are on the point of commencing the recruiting service in five of the States, Connecticut, N. York New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Delaware. It is hoped, that it will not be long in successfully embracing the others, where officers have been appointed. But in our affairs till a thing is actually begun, there is no calculating the delays which may ensue You have been informed that the recruiting service has been put under my direction, but for many matters of detail I must go to the Secretary for a sanction, and it is not always that it is rapidly obtained. Things however are at last getting into such a state that this business may be expected to progress without interruption The letter some time since sent you & for General Lee was intended to be left open. It respected the division of Virginia into four districts & twenty sub districts, or company rendezvouses, designating a place in each for the head Quarters, of the rendezvous — I have as yet had no acknowledgement of it — Before Gen. Morgan left Philadelphia, I got him to give me a plan. Inclosed is a copy. If you think a better arrangement can be made, shall I ask the favour of you to have it done — For I cannot now rely on the success of my resort to General Lee in any reasonable time. Will you have the goodness to put the letters herewith in a train to reach their destination with certainty — They are open that you may perceive their object — Very Respectfully & Affect^ly I have the honor &c to be in your Obed^t A Hamilton [General Washington]