[RICH[undecipherable] JUly 8 [undecipherable]FREE[undecipherable]] The Hon^ble General Knox Secretary at War New York [undecipherable] [Enfield [undecipherable]] My dear Sir Cleminton Powhatan via Richmond July 1. 1789 In my last I informed you that it was highly probable I should decline paying a visit to New York — I have since that absolutely determined in my own Judgement that it would be entirely unfitter for me to appear there. I did expect that many would collect there in quest of appointments, and that it would draw on them remarks which would tend rather to injure than promote their wishes — I now learn that this is in fact the case — I would not be ranked amongst them for the world. could one have any appearance of success it would exempt him from such imputations, but without such a pretext I conceive that to be there would be hugely disagreeable. upon These considerations I have determined not to come — indeed I do not suppose that the nominations of the President are to be influenced by the circumstance of absence or presence — his choices will depend altogether on his knowledge of the characters who are willingly accept appointments. I shall still leave this business on the general ground it was formerly placed on., and submit the management of it to my Friends who are on the spot, amongst whom I consider you the first. Present me to Mrs K— & Mrs C— and believe me to be, with the greatest regard, Y^r aff^te Friend & Serv^t D. Carrington [Gen^l Knox]