Albany, 8th May, 1778.
Dear Sir:
An opinion of your benevolence leads me to address this letter to
you. Accident has introduced me to Monsieur Lewis de Caleron. We
happen to lodge in the same house. His modesty and decent manners made
an impression upon me, and induced me to make some inquiries into
his history and character. The gentlemen of this place say handsome
things of him. He is the son of a Major General who fell last war
at Ticonderoga. The family is still in Canada, and one of the most
respectable in that country. He was sent to France when five years old,
and there educated. He came out with some French troops to Martinico,
and by their General, as well as Mr. Bingham, was recommended to
Congress. They gave him a brevet for a Captain’s commission. He served
last campaign as a volunteer, first with General Furmoy, and afterwards
with Colonel Morgan. To me he appears to have been neglected. It seems
he did not descend to the adulation lately fashionable, and perhaps
acceptable, in his department. While effrontery and arrogance, even
in our virtuous and enlightened days, are giving rank and importance
to men whom wisdom would have left in obscurity, I am persuaded you
will be happy in an opportunity of exploring, as well as cherishing,
modest merit. I think M. De Caleron is not without it, and under this
impression I recommend him to your notice as a probationer.
Tell me in some future letter whether he deserves the favorable opinion
I am inclined to entertain of him.
I am, dear Sir,
Very sincerely, and with much esteem,
Your obedient servant,
John Jay.
Lt. Col. Hamilton.