[Private] Honourable James [Knox?] Secretary of War Philadelphia [Col. [undecipherable] [undecipherable]] [Col [undecipherable] march XXX-143] Fort Washington February 10^th 1794. I was yesterday my Dear Sir honoured with your friendly Letter of the 6^th of January by the first Boats that have arrived for a very long Time — here this has been quite about [undecipherable] as much Ice at Pittsburgh & the Rivers till [undecipherable] of February, and last days past I am informed the Allegheny was clear. Before this can reach you our military Arrangements to [undecipherable] undoubtedly have been made, and to express my Inclination as to military Life [strikethrough: to state] I [undecipherable] forever to leave [undecipherable] command the Army and an Appointment like that of the late Campaign continued to me with [underline: suitable] Rank, I should cheerfully endeavour to discharge the Duties [undecipherable] from a variety of very strong motives. There no doubt that the [undecipherable] appointed what he has thought [proper?] [undecipherable] the [Indians?] and [undecipherable] it is also [undecipherable] myself that I have [tried?] enough [undecipherable] my feelings to [subject?] to public [undecipherable] Inquiry. As to I am more than a little [undecipherable] from the future neglecting this Office [undecipherable] which I sustained in the [early?] Part of my Service and the manner of bestowing in [undecipherable] [undecipherable] with so little Regard to what I was even enough to suppose due to me. In reply to the Arrangements in the Direction of Presque Isle and Muskingum with [undecipherable] have expected to have been made the Leave to refer you to [Governor?] [undecipherable] — Every thing within the [scope?] of my Abilities has been done — I have [written?] to the Commandants of militia of the [undecipherable] Counties impressing upon them [undecipherable] among them the necessity of their [undecipherable] and insist upon [Major?] [undecipherable] or when in Command for a Detachment to be sent to Presque Isle — Copies of my Letters and Proceedings will [undecipherable] since forwarded to the [Governor?] [undecipherable] and in any [event?] just [undecipherable] my best duty — beg you would present my most respectful Regards to M^rs Knox and your Family and believe me with strong Attachment and every Sentiment of Respect. your affectionate H. [Carpenter?]