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Knoxville 15th July 1798

Sir

I have this day been I am honoured with yours of
the 29 ultimo, inclosing the last dispatches from
Paris - I am particularly pleased that you conceive
it necessary to communicate to the Execution of each ^state
such matters as may be deemed proper to impart,
touching the safety and interest of the United States:
It will aid them very much in their administrative
^departments functions and at all times times as it will by conveying
a knowledge and certain information, of events and
measures that have & may probably take place; from
which Circumstances, which they may so direct and Govern their
measures, as will may greatly facilitate the views of the
General government, and add strength and energy through
out the whole Union - M^r. Claiborne as ^is a young
politician, tho I conceive ^him well meaning and ^highly deserving
of public confidence, yet he has has not had any military
experience I conceived it a duty I owed my country as
& also my friend, in so alarming a crisis, to give him
my Ideas and opinion on so very important and ^interesting a occasion,
and I have reason to believe, that he is now become
fully evinced of the propriety of our suggestions observations and
opinions, with respect to the manner in which our country is to be
defended.