Boston 25. October 1798. Sir, I have received your letter, enclosing a commission, and giving me to understand, that A Hamilton is ranked as the first, C C Pinckney the second, and myself as the third Major General, and that this arrangement is considered as definitive. In so plain a case, it is unnecessary to multiply words. The impossibility of my serving under officers so much my juniors, must have been known, to those who made the arrangement. The principle that no Officer can consent, to his own degradation, by serving in an inferior station, is well known, and established among military men. The duty which I owe to myself, precludes my placing myself in such a situation. I therefore definitively decline the appointment of Third Major General. In this aspect of the affairs, a compliance with your invitation, to repair to Trenton or Philadelphia, would answer no valuable purpose. The recommendations, and applications, I have received, from this, and the neighbouring States, for military Commissions, shall be transmitted to the War Office, before the 10^th of November. I have the honor be Sir Your most obedient Servant. (signed) Knox The honorable The Secretary of Wars