[Docket: 27 June 1799 / Gen. Hamilton / Cavalry / Gen Wilkinson] [Private & Conf.] June 27 1799 My dear Sir. I answer to yours (just rec'd). of the 25^th inst. It would be agreeable to me to see a troop of horse completely organised, that we may ascertain, as far as practicable with so small a model, the improvements of which cavalry are yet susceptible. You may write me therefore an official letter on the subject proposing it, and request my final directions. I shall give them. Gen. W— has certainly claims to promotion, and so far as it relates to myself I shall not oppose it. It will be proper however, that General Washington be consulted before the least step be taken in the business. Your maxim is in general a good one: Half confidence is bad: of this however be assured, that until the commercial pursuits of this gentleman, with, and expectations from Spain are annihilated he will not deserve the confidence of government. Further I recommend it to you most earnestly, to avoid saying any thing to him, which would induce him to imagine government had in view any hostile project, however remote or dependant on events, against any of the possessions of Spain. I require this caution on good grounds. Yours James McHenry [Maj^t Gen Hamilton]