Quincy July 9^th 1799 [No^r 12] Sir. I have received your favor of the 12^th & have considered the opinions of the heads of departments. I wish that courts martial may be advised, to be as cautious as possible, in all their proceedings, especially in cases of life; because the discipline of the army will depend much upon this habit. But the crime of Richard Hunt is of so dire a dye, that I have not necessary may cter to avoid the signature of the warrant for his execution, which is here returned. Yet if you & Gen. Hamilton think that one example may suffice for the purposes of public justice, the execution of that on Pierce may be respited. Sec^y Larry at War