Newark 25^th May 1792. Dear General from a Conversation we had whilst I was at Philadelphia you had reason to presume that the appointment which you have since offered me, would have been accepted without hesitation — Indeed I should then have gave little doubt on the subject — I have now ground strong reasons in favor of the appointment, but they have be you articulated by the Committee of circumstances, and particularly by the unwell and serious indisposition of my Father in Law Judge Tuttle whose ill state of health prevents him from placing any attention to his own affairs, and whose sole dependence is on me for the management of all his business — After a full consideration of the subject I have finally concluded to decline the offer of an appointment, which I consider as very important and honorable, and for which I have been indebted to your generosity — with every Sentiment of respect Please to be your very affectionate friend & most ob^t humb^le Horatio Hyer Gen^l Knox Secretary of War William Hull