[Boston Aug. 11. 1790 / M^r Sylvanus Bourne. / Relation to the Marshalship of Massachusetts] Boston Aug^t 11. 1790 My dear & Respected Sir. On my arrival here I found that M^r [undecipherable] had been, [making?] [every?] possible [pains?] for the Marshalship of this district & obtained letters from some of those Persons who are talked of as proper to sign my certificates which under the circumstances they cannot with propriety do while they universally say they should have given me the preference had they known my wishes & yet notwithstanding from what has been [done?] already in my behalf to the President [strikethrough: that] I am very [fearful?] – [how]ever [Col^r?] & M^r [undecipherable] on in particular who give me leave to mention this [their] wishes that you & others would represent me – I think I am without this imputation of vanity say that it would meet the warmest wishes of my fellow citizens thus I should obtain T[o] this birth – I hope if opportunity offers you will see later the reasons of my not accompanying this [particular?] the [specific?] vouchers that I've [copy'd?] [undecipherable] – recommendations given me on other [occasions?] you will recollect that you supposed any further letters [were] necessary but as luck has pushed things it may be proper for friends to say something further to assist counteracting the [strength?] of his exertions & placing mine in a more pointed [light?] – I'll spare my dear Sir your interest which I know to be of importance if exercised with care the warmest [junctions?] of gratitude – [I] feel a delicacy in giving you this trouble but hoping that you are not totally disinterested in my welfare I am prompted to the request – I have convers'd with M^r Bondom about the [plan?] of [our?] [settlement?] & he wishes to see your proposals – hope you will soon send them on as I think [I wish?] to be at Newyork ere long, when we may settle as far [as?] I have powers if not the whole – my best respects to your lady & family – I believe me to be with unfeigned Esteem [& Respect?] your Obed. Serv^t Silvs. Bourne M^r Knox the favor of a line — [Address panel: The Honble Henry Knox Esquire / at / Newyork / favor of [undecipherable] / Postmark: BOSTON, AUG 18.]