[Private] Mount Vernon 25 June 1799 Dear Sir By transmitting General Hamilton's letter to me of the 15^th instant, respecting the expediency of promoting General Wilkinson to the Rank of Major General in the armies of the United States, and my reply thereto of the present date, I find it the easiest mode of communication the ideas of both of us on this subject; and the necessity of enlarging thereon is superceded thereby. I have only to pray that both may be returned to Dear Sir Your affect^e H^ble Servant G^o Washington James McHenry Esq^r Secretary of War