[I 30] War Department 30 Oct^r 1798 Dear Sir I had the honour to receive your letter of the 25^th inst. I rec'd a letter this morning from the President by which I find that M^rs Adams' health is so low, and her life so precarious, that it will be impossible for him to leave her till it becomes absolutely necessary for him to meet Congress. I regret extremely this circumstance, as well on account of the cause, as being deprived of his opinions. But that no delay may arise thence injurious to the service, he authorises me in case the Generals and I should judge it necessary that the officers of battalions, should be appointed before the meeting of Congress, to fill up their commissions out of the blanks I have in my possession. Gen. Pinckney who is here, for a few days, I expect will give his attendance on the 10^th of next month at which time I also expect General Hamilton. Inclosed is a copy of a letter from General Knox declining the appointment of third Major General, so that we cannot count upon his aid or assistance. Having disclosed to you the objects of this conference in my letter dated the 16 inst. I flatter myself it will be in your power to give your attendance on or about the 10 of November next, at this city or Philadelphia, as the case may be, and that you will bring with you the letters and recommendations respecting candidates from the Southern district and all such papers as may be useful, as well as the inclosed list of officers who continued in service to the end of our revolutionary war With sincere respect & esteem I have the honour to be D^r Sir your most ob^t & h^ble Serv^t James McHenry [Lt. Gen. Geo Washington]