[Jon. Williams 20 Sept^r 1789] Dear General. Boston Sept^r 10. 1789. I am too much pleas'd by the affectionate expressions in your kind letter which I have just received, to suffer it to pass without an answer, tho' I do not mean to engage you in a correspondence which cannot be of sufficient importance to justify a waste of that time which you so usefully and so honorably employ. I am sure you will be pleased to hear that I am to be a permanent Citizen of these States, Mrs Williams having herself proposed to join me; the Spot must be within the federal ten miles square, and I shall endeavour to make it near enough to you to partake of the pleasures of that friendship which begun in early life, and which I trust may be increased, but can never be diminished by the most intimate knowledge of each others heart and mind. Thank you for your attention to my recommendation which I will not wear out by frequent application, for I hold it to be a superlative piece of impertinence to make interest, as it is called, with Officers of State. The welfare of the nation and the merits of the Individual are the only points, that, were I an Officer, I would ever be guided by, and consequently, the only ones upon which, an honest man should ground a request; and upon these principles, such a mind as yours can never be displeased at the presumption of an old Friends. Make my best respects acceptable to your good Lady and believe me to be with respectfull deference My dear Sir Your most affectionate & sincere Friend Jon Williams J^r [Hon. Gen Knox.]