[20] [Private] [J.B.] Providence 14. April 1791. I have been honored with your Confidential Letter of the 5 Inst. respecting appointment &c. All the old Captains of Reputation being now better settled with their families, & having engaged in lucrative of business, do not again incline to assume a military Character. Capt. Weldon, that you mention, was an Officer of Excellent Character, but his health is now, and has been for a year past, much impaired, which would prevent his acceptance of the Company, even did his Heart again [undecipherable: fired?] for military glory — and the Battalion Officers are most dispersed, some of whom [undecipherable], have left the State; it is therefore out of my power at present to recommend a person from among those that would accept, & be honor to the Appointment; as I have not had an opportunity to converse with many of them, but will endeavour to as soon as possible, & acquaint you by Col. [undecipherable: Bailor?] who leaves this town in two days, for Philadelphia. It is a very [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] Task to describe the dark [side?] of a person's Character, but [yet?] as you have, in Confidence, requested this of me respecting [undecipherable]. I will give it you in a few Words. [He?] who lived with [undecipherable]: He was an Officer of tolerable Reputation in the army. Tho' I once thought him very [enterprising?] and never the [strikethrough: War [undecipherable]] he has rather fallen into the Habits of [undecipherable] Intemperance. This I have from good Authority [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] [undecipherable] myself [undecipherable] as he resides in the [undecipherable] part of the State [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] Major [undecipherable] has left this Town this day, Morning; Col. Bard. Tillinghast has undertaken to supply the Company &c — I will attend to the Clothing when it arrives — I am with much Esteem Your Obed. Humble Servant. Joseb. Olney Henry Knox Esquire — Secretary at War [To Gen. Knox, Sec^y of War 14 April 1791.]