War department, 29^th April 1795 Sir, I have received your letter of the 16 instant. The respectable recommendations produced in behalf of your brother are entitled to the greatest attention. I should not hesitate, as far as the business has been confided to me by the President of the United States to make the appointment instantly as requested, but for the single consideration that such an appointment might be considered as injurious to the claims of the old officers of the late war whose services and sufferings give them a just preference to military appointments. But if no character of that description should offer their first interests must not suffer by any improper appointment. The appointment under present circumstances will therefore remain suspended for a short time. It may not be amiss to observe that a remonstrance has already been received from Rhode Island against the appointment of a person not of the late army, and recommending Lieutenant Sherman to the vacancy, but upon which there has been no proceeding. I have the honor to be Sir with great respect, Your most obed^t Serv^t [signature] Secy of War