Trenton, War Department 2^d Feb^ry 1799 [undecipherable lines] Sir. In many cases I issued a noti- fication in the news papers, requiring officers absent on furloughs, or otherwise in certain of the States, to report themselves to Major General Hamilton. It appears by a letter from the General dated the 28^th ults, that this measure has not produced its effect, and that a more decisive & stronger one is absolutely necessary. I have therefore issued the inclosed notification to officers of the 1. 2. 3. & 4^th Regiments of Infantry, and 1 Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, who are absent from their regiments, and directed him to report to me the names of all those who do not comply with the same, to the end, that such proceedings may be had respecting them, as the President may judge proper. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir, Your most Ob^t & most h^ble S^t. James McHenry John Adams President of the United Stat[es] . All officers of the 1^st Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, and of the 1^st 2^d 3^d and 4^th Regiments of Infantry in the service of the United States, who are, from whatever cause, absent from their Commands, are required with all possible expedition to report themselves by letter to Major General Alexander Hamilton. The Officers thus called upon will be held amenable to any avoidable delay in reporting themselves, and those who do not report in four months from the date of this notification, will be presumed to have resigned their Commissions.