[Docket: J Brooks / On [undecipherable] 179–] [Archival notation: 484 a 771. XXXI–342] [Eno Brooks] Dear Sir, Sunday noon I was honored with yours of the 12^th inst — in which you have given me the arrangement of the general officers. It is far from my wishes to occasion any needless delay in giving my answer. But [undecipherable] as I am, so remote from the seat of government, it is out of my power to avail myself of such information as is necessary for me to form an opinion in my own mind. I shall therefore take the liberty of delaying an answer to the official letter & the Secretary of war till I can be favored with an answer hereto. I may perhaps mistake the point of propriety, but I conceive no person can give me the needful information but you, & whatever you may think fit to communicate confidentially, will find a safe repository within my own breast. Three things occur to me as pre-requisites to a statement of the general question of acceptance or non-acceptance, in my own mind. All of them are interesting — the [undecipherable] to my honour. They are whether the order of appointment [viz:] Morgan, [undecipherable]: & Brooks as exhibited in your letter be conformable to the relative rank of the appointed, in the late army? Is it not by that principle is present rank to be ascertained? — what time will be allowed me, in case of acceptance, for the arrangement of my private & domestic concerns; & in the last place what is the probability of permanence? Under the first article I conceive there can be no question, but between Gen^l Willett & myself. As it strikes my mind priority of rank was, in the late army, in my favor. Under the second, such is the state of my books, that is, so numerous are my existing accounts, that a considerable time will be wanting for me to bring them to a close. The business of the last may be perhaps only conjectural; but a degree of evidence is necessary to form an opinion of probabilities. From this sketch you will discern my views. You may rely that so soon as I am favored with a line from you, my ultimate determination shall be forwarded. With every sentiment of respect & esteem, I am, Dear Sir Your most obed^t Serv^t J. Brooks. Medford April 24^th 1792. The Hon^ble Henry Knox Esq^r