To Alexander Hamilton from James Read, 16 February 1800
From James Read, 16 February 1800
Barracks near Averysboroug North Carolina February 16th. 1800
Sir
Agreeably to your directions I have had a consultation with the Majors of the sixth Regiment, respecting the order in which the Captains and Lieutenants should take their Rank. We are of opinion that the Captains should rank as follows; William P. Anderson first, James Taylor second, John Williams third, William Hall fourth, Maurice Moore fifth, William Dickson sixth, Samuel G. Barron seventh, John Nicholas eighth, Eli Gaither ninth, and Edmund Smithwith the tenth. The advantage that will accrue to the Service is the reason for arranging them as above
It has not been in my power to make any arrangement with the Majors, of the Lieutenants, as we have seen only five first Lieutenants and five second Lieutenants.
With Great Respect I have the Honour to be Sir Your Obedient Servant
James Read
Lt Colo. Comdt.
(ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). There are an "X" mark and a rough bracket in the left margin of the letter starting on the line that begins, "as follows; William C. Anderson..." and continuing through the end of the paragraph.