Baltimore 9 Feb^y 1794 Sir Your application to me by some of M^r Barbers friends, to recommend him to you as a Candidate for an office in the army of the UStates. I desired that he might be made particularly known to me. The enclosed letter, in which he has answered all my questions very fully contains nothing that I have any reason to doubt. On the contrary the facts are corroborated by the testimony of his brother a Gentleman who was married some time ago into one of the most respectable families in this State and who is now here. I have also the corresponding testimony of one other Gentleman with whom M^r Barbier resides in the Country. I submit his application and request to be informed, so soon as it can be made convenient whether M^r Barbier may hope for an appointment. Allow me to suggest that among the many Emigrants from S^t Domingue and other french Islands who found a temporary refuge in this place there are several who bore Commissions in the French Armies, particularly in the Colonial Regiments. If the policy of retaining, for the service of the United States, such foreigners as have studied and exercised the Art of War Scientifically has ever been contemplated by the Executive with approbation, perhaps the present is as favorable a time as can occur. Many of these Gentlemen despair of ever being restored to their former Rank and Command in the French Army and as few I believe expect the restoration of their fortunes. A M^r Caria, the other day presented himself to me, wretchedly clad and half starved with cold & hunger— His Wife and little daughter were in the same condition. He was an Officer in the Cape Regiment and fought under De Estaing at the Siege of Savannah where he received honorable wounds. Similar instances not unfrequently occur, and after the great exertions this town has made, it is difficult to keep these people from starving. They generally seem to have no qualifications, but for fighting [strikethrough: and] — With great respect and sincere Esteem I am, Sir, Your Most Obed^t Humble Servant [H Knox Esq^r Sec^y of War]