[Draft] D^r S. I have a second time maturely reflected on the proper rule to be for promotions in the army, and I continue best to adhere to that which was adopted to by the General Officers last Winter, I which may is recapitulated in your letter. I am [undecipherable] persuaded that in the general course of [undecipherable] things it will work well and Satisfactorily [undecipherable] A moments hesitation as to its universal application arises from the Situation of the four Regiments of the old establishment. The undisposed rights of [undecipherable] the older Captains, as resulting from past [undecipherable] usage may appear to be infringed — [undecipherable] But this inconvenience must be [undecipherable] perhaps mitigated by a distribution of the oldest Captains among the four Regiments. There cannot with propriety or order be two Rules — That what is proposed will after a little time operate favourably every where & give equal chances. With the great esteem & regard I am D^r S. [signed] A Hamilton [The promotions to field Officers should be complete before the rule is applied] Sect of War