War Department 1 April 1799. I wrote to M^r Goodrich on the 29^th ultimo respecting D^r Belpre, informing him that a change in the law which had reduced the number of Surgeons Mates to two, to each Regiment, had disenabed me from carrying into effect my intention of appointing D^r Belpre to succeed D^r Davenport; that I had however and another act appointed him a mate generally with the same pay and emoluments as he would have received had the old arrangement been continued. I hope what remained in my power to do for a person so well recommended will prove satisfactory. With great respect I am Sir your Ob^t & hble S^t. Hon^t Jon^h Brace James McHenry [cover:] [postal mark: PH / AP] War Department James McHenry [undecipherable: 3d Mil.] Hnble Jon^h Brace Hartford Connecticut [verso, lower left, undecipherable]