Boston 5^th March 1798 (minute) My dear Sir Our friend General Cobb, has mentioned to me a conversation which he had with you on which you appeared from certain statements made at the treasury, of the accounts of General Henry Jackson the agent for the frigate at this place to doubt of the integrity of that Gentleman. Be assured my dear Sir, that doubts of that nature might with as much propriety [strikethrough: &] attach themselves to General Washington himself as to the character of General Jackson. I have known him intimately from his earliest youth to the present hour, and no person existing has any cause to question his integrity — On the contrary his character for uprightness is fully established. The object of this letter therefore is to solicite you to restrain the communication of such sentiments in future. There are Jacobinical incendiaries enough to propogate calumny against every good man without any reason whatever — But were they to obtain such wheat from you, as the one alluded to, although they might doubt of your veracity in every other case, yet in this they would consider you as a sacred authority. It is probable that some defects in the forms of General Jacksons accounts or vouchers may have been the source of this suspicion. But it will be easy for him to conform to any mode you may prescribe, which he will do on the least intimation. But if the mode of his accounts may not have been conformable to the customs of the treasury — yet the justice of his charges must have been substantiated. I mean that he actually paid the money he charges for articles purchased, or labour obtained for the public service. And this circumstance will be sufficient in such liberal minds as yours to shield him from all improper imputations. I have written this letter from motives of friendship to General Jackson and to endeavor to prevent in your mind every suspicion of unfairness, in a character which in all respects highly worthy and respectable. I am my dear Sir Your friend & Serv^t Knox The honorable Oliver Wolcott [Henry Knox to m^r Wolcott 5 March 1798]