[Private.] Phila. 20^th July 1799. Dear Sir M^r Jonathan Williams the gentleman I had intended for an assistant to M^r. Frances has suggested to me that he would be glad you should read certain papers, explanatory of his conduct in a transaction relative to his Father in law M^r Alexander, which M^r. Frances, on a representation by [M^r?] Morris had viewed in a criminal light, and objected to the proposed association on that account. The inclosed papers are those alluded [strikethrough: to with my letter which accompan'd them.] [strikethrough: to. From the vague manner in —] M^r. Frances, who has read [strikethrough: them well] [strikethrough: and in] expressed himself, neither wholly acquitting nor blaming him. I do not think the appointment can take place [without?] his consent. [undecipherable] I to make it [undecipherable] your [undecipherable] and [by?] a [undecipherable] messenger for [undecipherable] to the [undecipherable] and as M^r Frances is also [give him an assistant] Navy Department can I [undecipherable] without the concurrence of the Sec^y. of the Navy? These questions require some attention. I proposed to the Sec^y. of the Navy a joint letter to M^r. Frances on the subject of his not keeping absolutely [the?] office. Thus M^r [Stoddert] declined and [strikethrough: the] suggested his son in law M^r Harrison for his assistant. [strikethrough: The] [strikethrough: the appointment] would afford no real relief I could not agree to this appointment. So the matter rests at present. Nothing is suffering in the mean time. You will recollect when you read the report of the Q. Master concerning the [undecipherable] forwarded [strikethrough: [undecipherable] to proper commencement] from those places — that above 700 coats were ordered to be — made for the 14 & 15 Reg^t in Boston and 300 in Baltimore, for the 9^th and that the other [undecipherable] articles on your requisitions not noted [there?] [Those?] have not appeared on those schedules [that?] have been ordered from different [strikethrough: distinct] districts, &c. — yours JMcH [Gen Hamilton.]