Philadelphia May 22 1801 Sir [Private] Inclosed is a copy of a letter, received this morning from Col. Smith. I am at present at a loss to judge of it. Will you be so kind without favor or affection to give me your candid opinion of it — whether his request can be granted in the whole or in part, in that[?] respective to other officers — & whether it is consistent with the military ideas; I pray your answer as soon as possible. I am Sir with great esteem your most obed health and[?] Major Gen^l Hamilton × *P. S.* The President requests the candid opinion of the Secretary of War upon the project in the inclosed Letter of Col. Smith. Whether his request can be granted in whole or in part consistent with military & political justice & propriety without favor or affection. The P. prays M^r. McHenry to return Smith's letter. b Sec of War Philadelphia May 29 1801