[Private] [Address: Col. A. Hamilton / New — York] [Endorsed lower left: T. P. [undecipherable] / [undecipherable] / [undecipherable]] [5784] [4865] [Confidential] [h 3 t] Dr Sir, Philadelphia July 18. 98 I have before me yours of yesterday. In the morning of yesterday McHenry returned with Gen. Washington's acceptance of the command of the army, and a list, in the General's own hand writing, in which the names of the Inspector General and Major Generals stand thus Inspector General, Alexander Hamilton. Major General, Charles C. Pinckney ditto - - Henry Knox ditto - - Henry Lee } for the provi- ditto - - - Edward Hand } sional army Then follow the names of old officers from whom to select Brigadiers &c. and unfortunately, among those for Brigadiers, was that of William S. Smith, the President's son in law. It was concluded yesterday to nominate W. Dayton (the Speaker of the House) Adjutant General with the rank of Brigadier Gen. But I believe the President has changed his mind, and will appoint Dayton 3^d Brigadier, Smith 4^th with the office of Adjutant Gen. Your nomination stand first, as above — thus — A. Hamilton of New York, Inspector Gen. with the rank of Major General. I deprecate the appointment of Smith, which will injure the President in two ways 1^st because he is the President's son in law — for this will be contrasted with Gen. Washington's caution to steer clear of his relations. 2^d because Smith is a bankrupt, and if I am rightly informed, with a ruined reputation. I have not time now to add but that I am as ever Sincerely yours G.P. P.S. I wish the Senate, after passing the Inspector General & Major Generals, may postpone all the Brigadiers, till next Session, in Autumn — then perhaps a better arrangement may be made. — Pardon me for reprobating exceedingly the idea of you being made subordinate to Knox — Nobody ever thought of such a thing. Col. Hamilton