[115.] D^r General New Windsor 10^th April 1799 The last time I had the honor of an Interview with you, the soliciting your patronage relative to public work, if any thing was to be done in my line— You were then pleased to desire me to put you in Remembrance by a line as oft served, lest the multiplicity of business to which you were obliged to give attention should cause you to forget my application— D: Sir, believe me it is sheer necessity obliges me to trouble my friends among the number of whom I have allways had the confidence to calculate on you as one— From the above suggestion I believe you will forgive me if I take the liberty to suggest to you that in my opinion James Watson Esq could if so disposed could put some Employment into my hands— There is a Number of Armed Vessels now building under his direction, the Gun Carriages of which, I am of opinion could be compleated here of equal Quality from 5 to 10 P: Cent cheaper than they can Possibly be [undecipherable: probable reading "procur'd"] for in N. York— If this matter should be favorably thought off, I would chearfully engage in the business— Now is the moment, whilst the Saw Mills have Water, to prepare the timber for the carriages and put it into a condition for seasoning— I farther beg leave to observe that a Gentleman informed me y^esterday that it either was, or, had been in contemplation to Establish a Navy Yard in the Vicinity of N: Burgh If so I will esteem it a particular favor to receive a line of information (if proper) And should the matter be carried into effect, it may be in my power to communicate some Ideas not altogether useless— I am with Esteem & Respect Your most Obed: Humb: Ser:^t Rob^t: Boyd The Honble Gen:^l Hamilton [Address panel: The Honble. Alex: Hamilton Esq^r / Major General &c / New York.] [Endorsement: 18 April 1799 / Robert Boyd] [Notation: Robert Boyd / and [undecipherable]]