[War Department [undecipherable: probable reading S.] Dexter [postal stamp]] The Hon. Jonathan Dayton Elizabethtown N. Jersey [Docketing notes, inverted: June 26. 1800 / from [the] Secy of War] Washington 26^th June, 1800 Dear Sir, I am honoured with your obliging favour of 17^th inst. For the expressions of friendship & [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] continued in it, please to accept my thanks. The business is new to me, & I cannot have [undecipherable] in it. I hope a little time will improve me: As to Lieut. Pratt; he shall be attended to, & if possible gratified. The applications & recommendations are so numerous as to become embarrassing. I am about attempting to arrange them, & form a list for the approbation of the President. My knowledge of the business is yet so imperfect, that I can only express my wishes that he may be successful. I am Sir, with great sincerity Your obed^t. friend & serv^t. Sam^l. Dexter