Now I have all six images. Pages 1 and 4 are archival placeholders ("Illegible Text" and "Other Copies"). Pages 2–3 are the primary source, with pages 5–6 as alternate copies of the same letter. I'll transcribe from the best-available readings across all copies. [39] Sir/ Quincy, May 16^th 1799 I have received your Letter of the 7^th May and since there appears a difference of opinion concerning, the Construction of the [undecipherable: Battalions?] and the Law and as I see no necessity for an immediate appointment, I am inclined to suspend it for the present, perhaps till the meeting of the Senate. I think well of M^r Williams as a gentleman of Sound [undecipherable: Attainments?], as a good [undecipherable] [undecipherable] man but his Military knowledge is new to me— I wish to know of his early life [as] he was one of Paddock's Artillery Company & at present I am much inclined to appoint him or rather nominate him as Major— and the others as Captains as you have proposed— I am happy in an opportunity to appoint M^r Izard as well as M^r Burrows. My [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] you know and [undecipherable] recommendations one of the first hand— Inclosed are all the papers returned Secretary at War— John Adams —