[I 34] War Department 1 Nov. 1798 Sir. I received a letter yesterday from Major General Pinckney, in answer to mine of the 30^th a copy of which is enclosed. I have the honour to be Sir with the greatest respect and attachment your most obt S— James McHenry John Adams Esq^r President of the United States --- [Copy] [I 35] Trenton, October 31. 1798. Dear Sir, Agreeably to your desire expressed in your favour of yesterday, I shall endeavor to be with you either at this place or Philadelphia, on the tenth of next month. — I am sorry that General Knox has declined his appointment. A few hours after the Ship in which I came, had cast anchor in the North River, it was intimated to me, that it had been doubted, whether I would accept my appointment, as General Hamilton, who was of inferior Rank to me, in the last war, was ranked before me, in the new arrangement. I declared then, and still declare, it was with the greatest pleasure I saw his name at the head of the list of the Major Generals, and applauded the discernment which had placed him there. I knew that his talents in war were great, that he had a genius capable of forming an extensive military plan, and a spirit courageous & enterprizing, equal to the execution of it. I therefore without any hesitation immediately sent him word, by Major Rutledge, that I rejoiced at his appointment and would with pleasure serve under him. It was not until about ten days ago that I was informed by my friend Major Haskell, that General Knox was dissatisfied that Gen^l Hamilton and myself were placed before him. As I considered Gen^l Knox to be a very valuable Officer, tho' I do not estimate his talents in a degree equal to those of Gen^l Hamilton, I told the Major that rather than the feelings of Gen^l Knox should be hurt, at my being ranked before him, he might take my place in the arrangement, & I desired him when he wrote to the General, to intimate this to him. Gen^l Knox's absolute [underline: refusal] to serve, because I am placed before him, would make the same offer from me now improper. I do not therefore renew it. But if the authority, which appointed me to the rank of second Major General in the Army, will review the arrangement, & place Gen^l Knox before me, I will neither quit the Service, nor be dissatisfied — I have the honor to be with great respect and regard, Your most obed^t humble Servant, signed, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Col. McHenry, Secretary at War of the U. States.}