The Officers of the Provisional Army are to be appointed. Two Regiments will be officered from this State. I am required to recommend. I will thank you for your Assistance. But I must ask the favour of you to be particularly circumspect and in giving me your opinion to be precise in marking the degrees of your approbation. This is a case in which careful selection must be exercised. You will oblige me by having Hutton sounded once more. But he must be now explicit. Let Dole also be sounded. It may be fairly understood that these Officers will not be called for until matters are very serious indeed & then Military Men could with an ill grace withold their services.

With great regard I am Dr Sir Yr obed Sr