[XXXV-77 3574] @ Mount Pleasant April 2. 1798. [813] Dear Jeneral [Mr. McIlhanne?] I thank you most heartily for the kind motives which occasioned our last Conversation, and if my Efforts could in any way be useful to you, I should be happy, on principles of personal attachment, to afford every assistance in my Power, without any other Reward than the Reflection of having rendered an acceptable Service. – But the Denomination you mentioned is not compatible with such Ideas as result from a Reflection of my past Situation as a public Servant, and from a contemplation of my present circumstances. — I have already built one Frigate, and executed an Office of very extensive Trust; and in my present Retirement, with a certain but moderate Incomes, I must be happy as long as I keep my desires within the reasonable bounds of a decent competency.) I confess however that my mind is not insensible to the Calls of my Country, and a regard to my Childrens future Situation, might induce me to accept of such Emoluments as would enable me to keep their Property in a more productive state to them. I shall therefore be ready to engage in any Duty consistent with a Conviction in my own mind of being adequate to the Task, and consistent with such repute as might be reasonably expected, both from my former & present Situations. A marine department naturally divides itself into two Branches. One relates to construction, equipment & all matters of detail: this is the Business of an Intendant or Commissary, and requires Integrity, Order, and activity. The other relates to the appointments, and the application of the Force; this is the Business of a Minister, and requires the additional Qualities of Genius, military Talents, and Decision. The latter Duty cannot be in better hands, and I do not think your country has a Right to expect from your Office the less important and more laborious Services – I am with unfeigned affection and Respect Dear General Your [Obliged?] Obedient Friend & Servant Jon Williams J^r [Hon: Gen Knox. Mc[Henry?]]