[Capt Ellery Aug 14. 1799] Newport 17. May 17 Alexander Hamilton Esquire Inspector General of the army of the U. States. New York. Newport, May 14^th 1799 Sir, In consequence of my absence from America, I had not the honor of receiving your circular letter, dated Feb^y 10^t., till the day before yesterday, which was the first day of my arrival at Newport, where all the letters addressed to me, during my absence, had remained. It is now too late, I presume, to make the observations you desired me to communicate, respecting the distribution of the different States into districts & subdistricts, as it is probable every arrangement of that kinds has been already made. Assistant Geneal North, in a letter of the 30^th ult., did me the honor to offer me, the appointment of Assistant Adjutant Gen^l. and requests me to communicate to you, my answer, in case of acceptance. — From a total inexperience of its duties, I felt a hesitation in making my determination, resulting from doubts of my adequacy to the employment, & it is with diffidence I now accept of it, — but I trust, no exertions on my part will be wanting to diminish my incompetence. As I have just returned from the West Indies, my private affairs require immediate attention, & I have to solicit the indulgence of a week for that purpose — at the expiration of which time, I shall immediately proceed to New York, & receive your orders. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obed^t Serv^t. Abraham R. Ellery