[War department] [KNOX] Capt. Timothy Pitkin jun^r [To be left at the Post Office in Hartford] Farmington Connecticut --- Farmington June 23^d 1794 — Sir, I have this moment Received your Letter of the 4^th of June, informing me of my appointment by the President of the United States, a Captaine in the Corbs of Artillerist & Engineers, & now take the earliest opportunity of answering it — I should have received & answered it sooner, but have for three weeks past have been absent on a long Journey, & have this moment returned — I feel myself highly honored by the appointment, but from my present situation in life & the profession in which I am engaged, think it better to decline the acceptance of it. Permit, Sir — however, to express my warmest feelings of gratitude — to the President of the United States for the honor done [undecipherable] me, by the appointment — I [strikethrough: am Sir] have the honor to be, Sir, with sentiments of respect & [undecipherable: esteem] your most Obedient & very humble Serv^t. Tim — Pt — Jun —