February 22 1800 A letter of recommendation from his Excellency John Jay to the Secretary at War Albany 22 February 1800 Sir Mr. William P Van Rensselaer, of Cherry Hill near this City a Brother in Law of Major Solomon an Rensselaer, is desirous of a Commission in the artillery Service of the United States. I have little personal knowledge of this young gentleman; but his character is represented to me as being fair and amiable. My Respect for the Family induces me to communicate this information to you; and I wish that my own Knowledge of Mr Van Rensselaer had been such, as to enable me to mention him in more explicit terms. You will probably receive from others, more full and satisfactory information respecting him; and if so, his application will doubtless meet with the attention, which in my opinion is due to a Family, which in many instances have exhibited a real virtue and valor.
I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir Your most obet Servant, John Jay The Honorable James McHenry Esq} Secretary at War &c}