[Boston Aug. 17^th 1789. M^r Jon: Williams Recommending Cap^t Samuel Co Newman.] [XXIV- 138 3560^a] Boston August 17. 1789. Dear General. The principal object of this Letter is to remind you of my friend M. Samuel Newman whom you undoubtedly knew in the army, if not personally at least by reputation, for I have heard from several Quarters that he was an officer of merit. M^r Newman is so much attach'd to a military life that I believe he [strikethrough: hears] every morning in imagination, hears also Reveillée, but I believe he has altogether forgot to [underline: retreat], & I am persuaded he will never order a drum to beat the last, unless the humanity of not uselessly exposing lives should oblige him to it. I never presume to Solicit favours from Officers of State unless consistent with the grand Object of all good Officers, the [strikethrough: undecipherable] Welfare of our Country. It is hardly necessary to Say after what I have written that I should be happy to hear that Cap^t Newman had Something to do in any new Lines in the Service of the United States. — I beg my affectionate Compliments to our Friend M^r Shaw. His [undecipherable] has given one [strikethrough: undecipherable] great pleasure & I hope his new plans will be full more advantageous & honorable. — Permit me to take this opportunity through you to thank him for his continued Friendship to my Brother Jack, which in whatever he may choose to command I am confident will inspire a hearty affectionate return of gratitude & exertion. I beg you to make my best respects acceptable to your good Lady & to believe me to be with unalterable attachment Dear General. Your obedient & affectionate Friend & Servant. Jon Williams [Gen^l Knox.]