[Copy] [A. to Pickering — copy / July 19, 1798] New York July 19 1798 My dear Sir pg 26. I thank you for your friendly letter by the Post. I had not contem-plated the possibility that Knox might come into service and was content to be second to him, if thought indispensable — [underline: Pinckney]'s placed over me suits me a grade lower — I don't believe it to be necessary — I am far from certain that he will not be content to serve under me — but I am willing that the affair should be so managed as that the relative ranks may remain open to future [undecipherable]ttlement to ascertain the effect of the arrangement which has been contemplated — I am not however ready to say that I sha'' be satisfied with the appointment of Inspector General with the rank and command of Major General — on the principle that every officer of higher rank in the late army who may be appointed is to be above me — I am frank to own that this will not accord with my opinion of my own pretensions — and I have every reason to believe that it will fall far short of public opinion. Few have made so many sacrifices as myself — To few would a change of situation for a military appointment be so injurious as to myself — With this sacrifice, I am to be degraded below my just claim in public opinion — ought 'to acquiesce: — "affect^e" A Hamilton [strikethrough: July 19] 4861 Timothy Pickering Esq.