[Docket: G. Washington / Dec. 14^th 1798 / Appointments / Custis / Henley / Gm. Cobb / Col Howard] [Private] Chester 14 Dec.^r 1798. Dear Sir, Having requested that the nomination of M.^r Custis might be with held, even if it should meet the President's approbation under any circumstances, until I could consult his Grandmother (M.^rs Washington) and Mother M.^rs Stuart: I further pray that no mention of his name for such an Office may be made until the result is known; because if their consent, being an only son, indeed the only male of his family, cannot be had, it would be better that the arrangement of him should pass entirely unnoticed, to prevent the uneasy sensations which might arise from disappointment if the knowledge of it should get to him. He now stands as Cornet, in the Troop proposed to be Commanded by Lawrence Lewis. Who was an Aid de Camp to Gen.^l Morgan on the Insurgent Expedition in 1794. Just as I was leaving the City to day, I had an opportunity for the first time, of seeing Capt.ⁿ Sam.^l Henley. Who is a man of a handsome & gentlemanly appearance. — Having no evidence respecting him, except from his own letter, While we were arranging the Massachusetts line, he was not included in it. — Afterwards, a letter from Gen.^l Shepherd recommended him, but at that time we did not conceive it of sufficient weight to travel the ground over again. — I must acknowledge however, that his external appearance (for I had no conversation with him) made so favourable an impression on me, that (being an old officer too, and brother to a very worthy man) I should be very glad if his conduct will stand the test of investigation — to see him put as a Captain in place of some Captain in that line, who has not served in the Revolutionary War. The particular one I cannot now name, but it will not be difficult to ascertain. — With very great esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your most Obed.^t & Hble Servant G. Washington P.S. I know no character in the New England States (since the declination of Gen.^l Knox and Brooks) that have fairer pretensions to be appointed a Brigadier, or even Maj.^r General, than Gen.^l Cobb. — And if Gen.^l Dayton does not accept his appointment — pray prefer Col. Howard [underline: strongly] to come forward. Ja.^s McHenry Esq.ⁿ Sect.^y of War