Baltimore February 4th 1794 Sir, It has been suggested to me thoot Congress will this Session, establish a very respectable Military defence for the Country. Under this impression I enlarged a little in my letter of yesterday, which will be herewith inclosed on the policy of retaining, in the service of the United States, such French Gentlemen as are Scientifically qualified for command. The consideration, how few of our Country Men know any thing of Germany or Fortification will I hope escuxe the suggestion. The present is to Solicit a Commission for William Buchanan Smith, Son of William Smith, of this Town whom you probably knew in Congress and Brother to Campbell, whom at my request you appointed Ensign; He is too Brother to Mrs Williams and I must therefore forbear to express the expectations that I should form of him after being initiated into a Military School. At present he is nothing at all; Having been all his life indulged in his love at case, and to little restrained from the present of his pleasures, he has lived at home dependant upon his father without acquiering any Character but that of a Buck; of which he seems now most heartily tired ad ashamed. He is about twenty six or twenty seven years of age (elder than Campbell) above six feet high - Very stout, but well proportioned, Handsome, and altho [undecipherable]-fident amongfriends posssses I believe the qualifications of a good executive Officer. Mr. Smith will accept the Commission of first Lieutnant in any established Corps of Infantry; or the of second Lieutnant in the Cavalary. But if several new Corps are to be raised it is probable the number of recruits [undecipherable]-ould raise might entitle him to a Company. I am, Sir, With Esteem & friendship Your Most Hbl Servant I write very little at ease, in my sich-Chamber You will therefore pardon negligences and mistakes I pray for the prosperity and happiness of my [undecipherable] and feel a cordial affection for all my old Military Friends Farewell

[Written along the left edge:] To Gen.l Knox 3d and 4th February 94

Genl Knox [internal notice, stamped:] NOTICE: This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code) MS 908 THIS COPY IS MADE FOR REFERENCE NOT TO BE REPRODUCED OR PUBLISHED