[Docket: 2^d May 1799 / [undecipherable: probable reading: Gov. Gilman]] [Top right: [undecipherable]] War Department 2 May [undecipherable]. Dear Sir it is by no means im[prob]able [undecipherable: probable reading: that events], may occur, which will render it indis[pensable] — [undecipherable] propose to name the eventual ar[my], part or in the [whole] it has been thought expedient, [to take] measures should be taken, for selecting the [best] qualified among those, who would be willing to serve to fill its [undecipherable] the grades, with a view of being prepared to proceed instantly, on the event occurring to raise the men. in [course] of reference to the Senators has been pursued for the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island Connecticut, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, and a lett[er] accordingly to the Senators of New Hampshire of which the inclosed is a copy you will perceive that I have requested the Senators to avail themselves particularly of your information. But I now take the liberty to request you to communicate without reserve. I should certainly have made this communication to you sooner had not business of a very important and [undecipherable: probable reading: delicate] nature it [undecipherable]. and had I not [undecipherable] the character you every where [undecipherable: probable reading: approved] for unequivocal patriotism and love of our government. I have the honour to be with great regard and esteem D'r Sir your [undecipherable] ob[edien]t S[ervan]t James McH[enry] [His Excellency]