[1799] [from Gen^l. Wilkinson] [undecipherable marginalia] Head Quarters Western Army — Loftus' Heights, 20^th April 1799 Sir — It was not before the last Evening, I had the honor to receive your letter of the 12^th Feb^ry, altho the messenger who brought it, delivered me Philadelphia Papers, as late as the 5^th ult. — I regret the delay but cannot account for it. — I wrote you five days since via Fort Washington on the Ohio, & now enclose you a duplicate of that Dispatch, by a confidential half-bred Indian, who will bear this letter direct to Knox ville, from whence it will be forwarded by mail I have adopted this channel of prompt communication, to apprise you of my intentions, & to prevent any unpleasant interpretations, that might otherwise ensue unavoidable delays. — I shall give the Troops I command, the best disposition without loss of time —, & such substantial regulations will immediately follow, as may be best calculated to promote the service, secure the national Interests, & preserve tranquillity during my absence. — In the course of the ensuing Month, I shall certainly commence my Journey, but Whether by land or by water, will depend on a variety of circumstances maturely examined; but anterior to my departure hence, I shall send orders to the Northern Posts, for the transmittal to Philadelphia, of such Documents as may, combined to those I shall carry with me, give you a clear comprehensive view, of the principles of Duty & of service which have obtained, of the Systems which prevail, & the Establishments which exist, from whence you may form precise conceptions of the necessary modifications. — Believe me far from sensibly affected for the expression of kindness in which you address me, and altho professions in general be avow of Illusion, I will hazard the propriety of the assurance, that you shall find me, in all the relations of our profession, obedient, prompt, & zealous — wedded to the Sword, I have no ambition but that of military Fame, fairly earned & proudly established; & I am persuaded such views will find advocates, in the Candor of the expansion of your Breast. — If I may judge from the attitude our neighbours of Louisiana repose confidence in us, & are sincerely disposed to cultivate the Harmony which prevails — on my part, to evidence my disposition — to preserve a good understanding, & for other purposes which will occur to you, I continue to keep an Office almost constantly in the City of New Orleans The route by Land to you will require two Months, by water one only — to save time I shall adopt the last, provided the Governor of Louisiana, will guarantee my free passage without [undecipherable] or hinderances. — With much veneration & respectful attachment I am Sir Your Obed^t. Servant, James Wilkinson Major General Hamilton