[Maj^r Gen^l Henry Knox — New Yorke —] [Endorsement: Jno Tracy via [undecipherable] / Newbury Port 4 June 1789] New Yorke June 4. 1789 [Colⁿ [undecipherable]] Private Friendship is hardly a sufficient apology for the liberty I take in requesting your interest & influence in keeping in Office my worthy Friend Gen^l Scomb. This [undecipherable: Sacrificed] of time & property during the whole of the last War without ever receiving any compensation either from the Continent or Commonwealth even very great. Being at the head of the Militia for the County of Essex he was looked to for their Quota both of Continental & Militia Troops. It was in a great measure owing to his address & influence that this division was closed among the first, or immediately in raising their Troops and forwarding provisions &c. When this Gen^t first undertook this from motives Patriotic, he was worth a very handsome Estate, at least Sixteen thousand pounds; his [undecipherable] at the depreciation of our Paper [undecipherable]; very much injured him that his support in this [undecipherable: pursuit] of life has been the [undecipherable] Office for this post. — I would be obliged to you if you would enquire of M^r Calton M^r King & M^r George his Character. I do not suppose that this Officer for the different posts will be appointed by Congress, but Should the Gentleman at the head of this Department be at New Yorke, would be obliged to you to recommend this my friend: M^r Stephen Knox, the [undecipherable] Officer was also very instrumental & industrious in supporting our Independence [undecipherable] boots a great friend to the Officers & Soldiers of Army would also be obliged to you for your attention to him Both these Gentlemen in their different offices have proved faithful Servants to the Government & behaved with that kindness & humanity to the commercial Gentlemen as to render their continuance in Office very agreeable; M^r [undecipherable] has requested me to enquire of you whether you were disposed of [undecipherable] Islands in Penobscot, at what Price whether the present Settlers are to remain on the Islands & so whether they are to be settled by their purchasers or you. He is fond of the Islands & wishes to purchase if the terms can be made agreeable. I shall return to the Western Territory as soon as I can arrange & settle the property of my Children agreeably to my Fathers Will & proceed I deny any service to the United States in the Territory without taking off my Attention from settling a good Farm, too much I Should be very glad if under these Ideas Should any thing appear which you may suppose advantageous to me, would thank you if you would think of me; my Peggy & little [undecipherable] party joins me in best respects to your self & lady) Am Sir with every sentiment of Esteem your most Obedient & humble Serv^t John Tracy Maj^r Gen^l Knox