War Dept. 2 May 1799. Dear Sir. As it is by no means [strikethrough: improbable] take place that events may [strikethrough: occur], which will render it indispensible and proper to raise the tentative army, in part or in whole, it has been thought expedient, that measures should be taken, for selecting the best qua- -lified among those who would be willing to serve & fill its different regimental grades, with a view of being prepared to proceed instantly, on the event acurring to raise the men. The course of reference to the Senators, has been pursued for the States of New Hampshire, Massachussetts Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont New York, Pennsylvania Delaware and Maryland. For Virginia I have thought it best to refer the subject to you, and the States of South Carolina and Georgia to Gen^l Pinckney. With respect to N. Carolina I have not yet been happy enough to fix upon proper characters to adopt, having some reason for overlooking the Governor, I mean I do not think he is sufficiently imprued with the propensity of selecting real federal men. The inclosed letter was written some time ago, and purposely detained tile the election, should be over in Virginia. Inclosed is the act giving eventual authority to the President of the U.S. to augment the army, in pursuance of which the present measure has been adopted. I am D^r Sir sincerely & Affy Yours [2 May 1799 To Washington Geo. Washington] [Geo Washington Es^q & Gen^l de]