War Department 25 June 1799 [undecipherable] Sir. The within letters viz. two from Major General Hamilton dated the 7^th & 22^d of May, and [strikethrough: two] extracts from two letters from Lt. Col. Smith to Gen Hamilton dated the 16^th of May & 18^th of June inst. will shew that a misconception has taken place relative to M^r. Fowler, whose name was presented to you in my letter of the 9^th of May ulto to fill the vacancy of Major in the 12^th Regiment, in pursuance of General Hamilton's letter of the 7^th of May. As I suspended notifying M^r. Fowler of his appointment, the case is of course open to correction should you deem it proper to recall the appointment and substitute Fonda. I have reason to believe that Fonda is likely to make an officer a shade better than Fowler. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir, your most Ob^t & very Hb^le S^v James McHenry. John Adams President of the United States