[Docket: 13 Sep. 1798 / President / acknowledged / 18 Oct^r] Quincy Sept 13. 1798 Sir I have rec'd your Letter of the fourth and return You the Blank Commissions Signed and all the Papers inclosed in yours. As to Major Brooks, I know not how a Man can talk of fighting "French Blokhounds" who has been capable of Saying Since his appointment "that Things "were going [undecipherable] all before the Arrival of the Dispatches "of the Envoys; but the publication of those Dispatches had "ruined every Thing"? He must have a very loose head if he has an honest heart. I will leave it to you and Mr Stoddert to determine this affair according to your best Judgement. The Gentleman is to me a total Stranger. If you think it Safe to trust him, I will. – If not arrange him Some other Way. General Norths Letter I dont admire I mean neither to plead, Stipulate or negotiate with him about his Acceptance – I had no Idea of impressing him [strikethrough: into the Service]. He may Accept or reject his appointment as he pleases unconditionally. I Shall give him no other Command or [undecipherable] and his future Behaviour will depend his future Ap[pointment]. I pray you to reply to the Corps of [undecipherable: prob. Arty.] of Warren County N. Carolina according to your own Ideas. The other Things are approved by yr hml Se[rvant] John Adams [Address: James Mc Henry Esq]