[I 64] *War Department 9 May 1799. Sir. I have been honoured with your letters of the 19^th & 27^th, and this morning with that of the 29^th of April ulto. The inclosed list of names to fill up the vacancies in the 16^th Regiment of Infantry, and the vacancy of Major in the 12^th Regiment is respectfully submitted. The recommendations which governed in forming the list for the former Regiment are also inclosed. With respect to the latter, General Hamilton writes me in a letter dated the 7^th inst. "Col Smythe recommends as his Major, in the place of Mr. Hutton who has declined Theodosius Fowler Esq^r who in the revolutionary war served with reputation as Cap^t in the New York line, and who is a man of good political principles, character and property. I believe he will be as eligible an appointment, as circumstances permit." I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir. your most Ob^t James McHenry John Adams President of the United States