[from Doct. Eustis. 26 Sep 1791 —] Boston September 13^th 1791. Sir, Since General Jackson communicated to me your request that I should find some proper character to recommend as a surgeon to the Second regiment, I have met with no person who perfectly comported with the idea I had formed on that subject. A D^r Stevens, practitioner at Stoughton (about eighteen miles from Boston) is the only gentleman in this place or vicinity who has expressed a desire to enter into the service. He is a good physician, whose practice is not lucrative. Young gentlemen just emerged from study, I am persuaded, are not qualified for this, which I consider an important & very responsible situation. The pay & emoluments are not an inducement to men of established reputation to leave their practice. I have lately become acquainted with M^r Carmichel mate of the regiment, with whose character & abilities I am very much pleased. Besides being universally agreeable to the Officers and men, his knowledge in the profession, would warrant my recommending him to the surgeonship of the Regiment in preference to any other gentleman who has been mentioned or has come within my knowledge. Indeed so far as my observation extends, the present establishment will not command a man from N. England worthy to supersede him. For you must be sensible, Sir, that interest alone is the leading principle in this war & no man will engage in the service who can do better at home. I am with the greatest respect, Sir, your most obed.^t servant William Eustis Hon. Henry Knox. Secretary at war.