Paramus November the 28th 1780 Dear Hamilton Here I arriv'd last night and am going to set out for philadelphia - Gouvion [struck: Returns] [inserted: goes strait] to Windsor and By him I write to the General - I speak of hand and Smith whom I Recommend and Add Unless, however you was to cast your eye on a man who I think would suit Better than Any other in the World _ Hamilton is, I confess, the officer whom I would like to see in that station - Then I go on with the idea that at equal advantage [2] You deserve from him the preference - that your advantages are [inserted: the] greatest - I speak of a cooperation - of your being in the family - and conclude that in every public or private Account I advise him to take you - I know the General's friendship and gratitude for you, my dear Hamilton - Both are [struck: perhaps] greater than you [inserted: perhaps] imargine - I am sure he needs only to be told that something might suit you, and when he thinks he can do it, he certainly will My best Compliments wait on my friend Schuyller, the ladies and particularly Mrs Hamilton - tell her that as your dear friend I have a write to be hers - so that from this moment I begin to claim all the Rights and privileges annex'd to this station - [3] Before this campaign I was your friend and your very intimate friend agreable to the ideas of the world - since my second Voyage my sentiment has increased, to such a point the world knows Nothing about - to that Both from want and from scorn of exprestions I shall only tell you Adieu Yours Lafayette [docket] 28 Novr. 1780 Lafayette +