From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 4 December 1799
To John F. Hamtramck1
New York, December 4, 1799. “In your letter of the fifth of October you speak in strong terms of the ignorance of particular officers of the old regiments.2 It is desirable that you should point out the individuals who are incapable of writing or reading. The communication will be received in confidence as it respects the individuals.”
Df, in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. For background to this letter, see James McHenry to H, November 25, 1799; H to McHenry, December 3, 1799.
2. H is referring to the Western Army. See the introductory note to H to James Gunn, December 22, 1798.