[Address panel:] [circular postal stamp] Aaron Ogden PAID Elizabeth Town N. Jersey [Left margin docket, rotated:] Gen Hamilton / Adjt [undecipherable] / G. [undecipherable] here / recd on July 18^th 1799 [Right margin notation, rotated:] [undecipherable] New York July 11. 1799 Sir I will not require the discharge of the four men you mention. There are cases where for very special reasons relaxations of the rule may be considered as not inconsistent with its main intent. As to the Hollander, who has served an apprenticeship in this Country, though I think the peculiarity of the situation forms a very natural exception to the principle of excluding foreigners; yet I do not [undecipherable] to give my Sanction till I shall have had that of the Secretary of War. I Should not fear that a [undecipherable: probable reading "discretion"] to deviate from the regulations in particular instances would be refused by you; but the precedent would lead to a latitude of application not expedient or to the charge of undue partiality. You will therefore please to report specially any cases which may occur that in your opinion under exceptions adviseable. I am thinking of a plan for the Separate employment of all Soldiers who on account of desertion may have subjected themselves to corporal punishment. You will send the man of Capt Thompsons Company to Fort Jay. The practice is to let men of this description undergo a Trial, the issue of which is some very moderate punishment, in consideration of the surrender. It is not deemed expedient to dispense altogether with punishment. With great consideration I am [undecipherable] Yr Obed Serv A Hamilton [Col Ogden]