[Address panel: Hon the General Knox / Sec'y at War –] [Endorsement: W.S. Smith / July 27 – [17]91 [undecipherable]] New York July 27^th 1791. Sir. The apparent tranquility of that part of the Northern frontier on which my Brother Capt. Smith is stationed Justifies to my mind, my complying with the Solicitations of my mother and family who have expressed a wish that I should ask of your permission for him to visit his family, if it is not inconsistent with the good of the Service, I shall be much Obliged If you will permit him to visit New York this Season – I am Sir, with great respect Your most Ob^t. Humble Serv^t. W.S. Smith The Hon^ble Maj. G. Knox –