Philadelphia April 1 1792

Dear Sir

     I have seriously & maturely considered the confidential (partially underlined) and friendly communication with which you honor's me yesterday_ and entertain the most greatful & lively sense of the favorable opinion the President (partially underlined) is pleased to exprefs of my military abilities_and of his very kind intention in my favour;
But shou'd be wanting in duty_not only to that great and good man_but to myself was to accept of an appointment in which its more than probable shou'd be restrained from rendering that service to my Country_in a subaltern station_that my experience might otherwise afford, if subject only, to the orders and advice of the President (partilly underlined) and yourself.
I can not therefore think of committing  my military character (which is dearer to me than life) to the fortuitous events of the War_which I can not direct and shou'd it be crowned with sucefs_undecipherable & honour will belong to an other_which

(last line is undecipherable) have in the disgrace, after giving it peace and ease_and relinguishing certain pleasing prospects in the Civil (underlined) line to which I am invited by my fellow Citizens

Be pleased to accept of my sincere thanks for the friendly part you have taken_and afsure the Pesident that I shall always be ready to serve him with my life and best services in a situation which I cou'd win, and except them to the best advantage & with effect
I have the honor to be with every sentiment of Esteem Sir
                Your most Obet
                 & every
                     Humblest
                                 Anty Wayne

undecipherable I will do myself the honor to call when at undecipherable if you will be at undecipherable

The Humble Genl HKnox