[Private] War Department James McHenry M^aj Gen. Alex. Hamilton [archival docket: 6641. 91[undecipherable] / Apr 16. 1799 / — No 1 of copy] War Dept. 16 Apl. 1799 Dear Sir Cap^t Willing, I understand will apply to you to obtain for him Leave of absence from the U.S. during a voyage to China or the East Indies, and I find his relations have much at heart that it should be granted. I believe he means to relinquish any claim to pay, during his absence. This I consider indispensible. I write for reasons I shall explain to you when I see you that it may not meet with distructions upon your part. yours sincerely & affy James McHenry