[Address:] To the Honorable Major General Henry Knox Secretary at War [undecipherable] Philadelphia [Archival notation: A 234] Boston March 21^st 1793 Sir Having been inform'd by Generall Henry Jackson that several young Gentlemen have (after they have obtain'd appointments in the Federal Army by the intercession of their friends only) declin'd accepting of since they knew nothing of it which occasion'd some uneasiness. To avoid which, and by the Advice of General Jackson, I have taken the Liberty first [to] trouble you with a line myself. I wish very much to spend a few years in the Federal Service, and if, Sir, you have a vacancy that you think I shall do Justice to, from what you may conceive of my Abilities from the [undecipherable] I have obtain'd. I shall receive the Obligation with gratitude & respect. & Endeavour that my friends may not be Deceived nor you Disappointed. I have had the honor to hold a Commission in a company of horse for some time past. & if Agreable to you I should very much Prefer an Appointment in your Cavalry -- I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir, Your most Obedient & very humble Ser^vt John Dillon