Quincy April 13. 1799 Sir Last night I rec^d your favour of the 8.^th The Proceedings detailed in it appear to have been well considered and prudently pursued. But the Sordid Spirit, which produced this as well as the former Insurrection in Pennsylvania, and which have given so much trouble to the Government, Anxiety to the Nation and burden on the Treasury, ought to excite more general Indignation than they have done. I return all the Papers and pray you to keep me informed of the Progress of the Business Inclosed is a letter from Major Badlam and M^r H.G. Otis recommending M^r Benjamin Bass Leeds to be a Lieutenant, for which I believe he is well qualified. I wish that a Plan may be considered for numbering the Regiments and arranging the Rank of the L^t Colonells Commandant and Sent to me, for my Consideration. I think the best Way will be to determine the Rank of the L^t Colonells and Number the Regiments at first According to the Number which designates the Rank of their commanding officer. [Docket: 13 Apre. 1799. John Adams Presid^t [underline: members of the Reg Rank —]] [Address: James McHenry Esq^r. Secretary of War]