2 June 1800 Maj Gen. Alan Hamilton [undecipherable] sent 2 letters to the President dated 31 May also Letter to Major Staggert & Major Staggs answer. Confidential / Philadelphia 2. June. 1800 My Dear Sir, I [undecipherable] Mr. Stoddert (who [undecipherable]acts as Secretary of war under a temporary commission). this morning about 11 o clock. in the chair I have usually occupied, I then formally laid upon his head eight volumes of the “code militaire” by Banquet with Caesars commentaries in French; kept them upon it ’till he was nearly stupified, when I pronounced him duly installed and as well qualified to discharge the duties of Secretary of War as the President. Return me the Majors papers - [undecipherable] without taking a copy of any part thereof. [undecipherable] The original was dispatched yesterday to the [undecipherable] old man. What feelings it will excite, or how he will beat the subject I shall not anticipate. Return me also the copies of letters sent you some time since relative to Col. Smith and Jones and under cover to the Seccy. of War, directed to me in my private capacity. I do not think I shall be able to leave this City for Baltimore before the middle of the month. I am dear Hamilton Your sincere friend

Major General Hamilton.