Albany 19 Nov^r 1800 Sir Whether a major for the Cavalry of the united States should be retained in service, is a question, on which it would not be proper for me to make any Remarks— But [strikethrough: it cons] if it should [strikethrough: be deem] be determined that such an officer should be retained, I take the liberty of informing you that [strikethrough: it] from what I have heard and know of [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] may^r Van Rensselaer, who wishes to devote himself to the military Profession, [strikethrough: I] I really think he [strikethrough: is my opinion that he really] merits the attention of Gov^t— His [strikethrough: conduct and] [underline: [undecipherable]] [strikethrough: [undecipherable: conduct]] [strikethrough: have] Qualifications, as an Officer [strikethrough: can] probably been made known to you by General Wilkinson and others— His character here as a Citizen and [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] Gentleman [strikethrough: considers him as] is almost general Esteem; and for my own part I [strikethrough: think him] consider him as one of the most valuable and promising young Men that I know— — I have the honor it is with great Respect Sir your most ob^t Serv^t The Honble Sam^l. Dexter^q Sec^y at War —