[Private] Baltimore 6^th Jan^ry 1792 Dear Sir, I am honord. by your private letter, in the most, and thank most, very highly complimented by the favourable opinion the President is pleased to entertain of my Abilities. But, my dear Sir, I do not [strikethrough: accept] at this time, accept a command in the army were the President were to think me worthy of commanding in chief. My health for more than two years has been extremely precarious, and late rigimes the most attentious care — The happiness of my family which is most dear to me must, in case of my acceptance, be for a time Suspended if not Sacrificed; and a charge, in which my integrity and objections are engaged. a charge of a number of helpless Children and there States must be neglected under present circumstances. I request to be glad for declining the honor proposed to be conferred on me and persuade myself that you will do me the justice to believe that when it [undecipherable] my power to render more effectual pines to my country I shall be most happy in the opportunity. With very great respect, R.H.W. [Address leaf:] [FREE] General Otho Williams Baltimore [Docketing:] General [undecipherable] 3^d 6 Jan^ry 1792