[Private] [undecipherable] Boston May 27^th 1798 [assigned] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] The naval department not being yet organized, I can with more propriety address this letter than to yourself. Indeed were that department in operation it is probable the supplies in the naval line would rest as heretofore with the treasury. I have before written you respecting my friend General Henry Jackson who has acted as Naval Agent in the building of the frigate Constitution — No person on earth could have [undecipherable] him, [in his] zeal, [undecipherable] economy, [undecipherable] — he has [obtained] a degree of critical knowledge of men and things relative to the construction and equipment of [undecipherable] service, which is very desirable for the public service. Of his integrity integrity I shall say nothing further, than that it is [undecipherable: probable reading "unimpeached"], and that every guarantee thereof, to any amount could be obtained by persons of the most indisputable fortunes — In addition, his service in the Army of the United States, and his attachment to the government, ought perhaps (all other circumstances being equal) to entitle him to expect a continuance of his Naval Agency. Under these circumstances therefore permit me to ask your influence that he be not superceded in his line of naval agency. I know well the motives which actuate you and the other members of the commission, and also the elevated mind of the President of the United States. I entertain therefore a confidence that no misrepresentations either of envy or avarice should be listened to, on this occasion and my friends feelings [undecipherable] not be [undecipherable] wounded by the appointment of any person to supercede him — I make this [on] the confidence of friendship, wishing however that its operation may be for the public service. We are entering on a scene which will require an union of all hearts and hands, to stem a torrent which already has overwhelmed one quarter of the inhabitants of our globe — I have no doubt of our success — But [undecipherable] when the War rages fiercely, Many Porcupines which now fly about gently will be wanting in the day of battle. My [undecipherable] as well as body are devoted to the independence of our Country, and [undecipherable] rather [than] every animated thing [undecipherable] from off the face of the United States than sacrifice upon the bloody throne of French Usurpation — The President [undecipherable: probable reading "shines"] like a god in the declaration of his sentiments, he must and it will electrify all the good people of the US — But all are not good — we must have some [of] those [undecipherable] internal conflicts — Although neutrality has hitherto been our motto, yet in the warfare into which we are about [entering], we can suffer no neutrality to be in the bosom of our Country — Every man must take [a] part — a [undecipherable] must be [undecipherable], or an embarkation [undecipherable] where [undecipherable] must be provided — [undecipherable] should harrass our perfect cause — But decision must [undecipherable] — Let me hear from you on this, as well as on the subject [undecipherable] on the 20^th instant. I am with sincere attachment [undecipherable] The Honorable Oliver Wolcott. H Knox