[Free] The hon. Major General Knox Secretary at War Philadelphia [N. for April] [undecipherable] [Mr W Morris] [4 Avril 1792] My dear Sir New York April 6^th 1792 I long ago made a resolution to trust to my own activity & industry in private life, rather than depend on Government for a liveing, my success even exceeded my expectations, & not more than a Month since in a review of my affairs, I thought I had perfected all my wishes— the thing is changed the almost total banckruptcy that has taken place in this City leaves me without a Dollar I have this consolation that it has arisen from no imprudence on my part, my misfortunes proceed from the failures of others— my operations were so conducted that even the great depreciation of the public Debt must in the event of confidence & the existance of private credit, have benefited me much— In the fullest confidence that you will treat my application with attention I take the liberty of mentioning my wish to be employed under Government the subject of late has engrossed so little of my attention that I declare to you I know not to what particular object to direct my application— As you have some acquaintance with me I may perhaps be better guided by your observations than any thing I could at present suggest— I remain Dear Sir with sentiments of the highest esteem Your obt Servant Wm W Morris [The hon. The Secretary at War]