[18 Augt. 1798 President — J. Adams Why was Brooks placed where he is — should he be appointed in the room of Cap^t. Muldine deceased —] Quincy, August 15. 1798 Sir Since I have been here, his Excellency the Governor of this State has enquired of me with Some Anxiety to know whether the Cession of Castle Island is accepted. I referred that Act of the Legislature of this State to you or the Secretary of State to prepare an Answer of Acceptance. Will you be so good as to attend to this Subject as soon as possible and forward the Acceptance to me for my Signature and Conveyance to the Governor, if that is Sufficient. I dont remember that the Acceptance of Congress is necessary. Major Jackson of the Artillery has applied to me: Says he has not received his Commission and is out of Employment. I have received very unpleasant Information of the Principles and Conversation of one of the Majors of the new Corps of Artillerists. I wish you would enquire into the Character of that Merylander. I wish to know also by what rule Jackson is placed as the third Major? What Pretensions has Brooks & the other to the Precedence? Lovell shall be appointed a Captain of Artillery in the Place of Mitchell. His former Rank, his Age, his Talent, his Service, in the Family of the Commander in Chief, his Education his Connections entitle him. I am Sir your humble Servant John Adams James M^cHenry Esq^r Secretary of War