War Department, Trenton, September 17^th 1797 Sir, I enclose a copy of a Memorial from sundry persons, all of whom I suppose to be engaged in Trade in the North Western Territory – and of a letter from David Ziegler dated Cincinnati 10^th of June last, on the subject of what the memorialists consider an injurious system of monopoly of Trade, occasioned by the Military Orders & Regulations of the Commanding General of the Western Army. I pray you to take the subject of this memorial in all its relations, and probable effects, into your serious consideration [strikethrough: General] [undecipherable: Wilkinson]; who I presume is near you, will doubtless be able to give you [undecipherable] explanations of the orders he has issued, or regulations he has made, [undecipherable] from the basis of complaints, assuming a consistent and [undecipherable]. Will you be pleased, as soon as you have matured, to favour me with your opinion at large, and should you think it an object of urgency, to conciliate the affections of a number of people of some influence, [undecipherable] you such action for the purpose, as to your judgment may seem proper and equitable. I am Sir, with respect, Your Ob^t Servant, James McHenry Major General Alexander Hamilton