To Alexander Hamilton from William Paterson, 20 April 1799
From William Paterson, 20 April 1799
New Brunswick, 20th. of April, 1799.
Dear Sir,
Mr. Wemyss, who lives about ten miles from this place, is a gentleman worthy of your notice. In 1766 he entered an ensign of a company in the 40th. British regiment of foot, and was afterwards a lieutenant and captain in the same regiment. In 1778 he was made a major, and in 1787 a Lt. Colo. of the 63 regiment. He was employed in this country during our revolution-war, and distinguished himself by his vigilance, activity, and skill. I am informed, that he was one of the best disciplinarians in the British army, and acted, while in the southern states, in the capacity of an adjutant-general. He is a Scotsman, sober, cautious, and sensible. I believe he would be an acquisition to our army, and with that view I take the liberty of recommending him to your attention. No doubt, some of the gentlemen of your city are well acquainted with him.
I am, with great esteem, Yr. Obt. Hbe. Servt.
Wm. Paterson
(ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). On the cover H wrote a draft of his reply: "I shall with all the respect so justly due to it bear in mind his recommendation of Mr Wemys if the occasion shall occur in which consistently with all the considerations necessary to be attended to the Government can avail itself of his services."