[Docket notation: A/76; Boston [undecipherable] 90. M^r Donnison; O I encloses a Return of the Militia of Massachusetts including Infantry, Artillery & Cavalry] [Militia] Boston February 20. 1790 Major General Knox When you was last at Boston, you may remember some conversation between us, respecting the probable arrangements that might take place in the Militia, under the Federal Government— on that occasion, I mentioned to you my wish of being continued at the head of the Orderly department of Massachusetts, and desired the favour of your influence to obtain the appointment for me, if by the new arrangement that officer should be appointed anew, and in a different mode from the present. You signified your willingness to serve me, and desired I would remind you by letter, whenever the subject of the Militia should come before Congress for their consideration— induced by this friendly declaration, I now take the liberty of asking your advice and assistance— Having felt that there is submitted to Congress, and which I think is a masterly system for the National defence, I am at a loss to determine by whom it is intended that the Adjutant Generals in the respective States shall be appointed; whether by the President of the United States; by the Great Adjutant General; or by the individual States according to their own Laws— If you can find time amidst the weighty avocations of Your high Station, you will give me great pleasure in writing me a line upon the subject, and in informing me by whom, in your opinion, that Officer will be appointed— and if by the President, or Adjutant General of the United States, I will beg the favour of your influence, and that you will mention my name for that appointment— I presume that Office to be the same which I now have the honour to hold under the denomination of Adjutant General; but a Superior Office being created under that title extending over the whole Union, those of the respective States may with propriety be styled Deputies as they stand in relation to the Officer who will fill that exalted Station— It is thought here by some, that your Plan will not be fully adopted; I presume however, that the substance of it will be, although some alterations may be introduced in its passage through the Legislature— There must be some general System, uniformly operating on all the States, and altho' it may be difficult to strike out a plan that will meet the Ideas of a great people impressed with the principles of a free Government, and extending over a great Country; yet we may rationally suppose, the Citizens of America will readily feel the necessity of an efficient Militia establishment, in preference to that of a Standing Army; and that Congress, actuated by the same Patriotic spirit, will concur in an arrangement which shall be safe to their Country, and at the same time competent to all the exigencies of the Union— I have enclosed herewith, a copy of the General Return of the Militia of Massachusetts for the year 1789— imagining that it may be of some use to you in forming your Militia arrangements— you will observe the 1^st & 2^d Divisions comprehending the eastern counties, are not Returned— They have never been fully organized, but are now fast advancing towards order and regularity; nearly all the Regiments are organized, and I expect a Return the present year— I am Sir with great respect Your most [obedient &c] William Donnison Hon. Henry Knox Esq. Secretary at War—