Mount Vernon, October 27, 1798
Dear Sir:
Your favor of the 18th. Inst: has been duly received.
Your application for an appointment in the Provisional Army (if one should be necessary) required no explanation. The application, and the manner in which it was made, do honor to you as a Citizen and Patriot; and affords a pleasing specimen of what may be expected from the lovers of order, good government and the rights of their Country, if either should be invaded. I can assure you that, to see your name on the list of Candidates, afforded me pleasure; and the sentiments with which it was accompanied, were praise worthy.
With great esteem etc.