[Copy.] [Docket: Thomaston, St. Georges River, 19^th April 1800. General H. Knox. Relative to certain claims of Mr. Silas Dinsmore.] [Rec'd 7 May] Thomaston, St. George's River, 19 April 1800. Dear Sir, I have just received the honor of your letter of the 28^th of the last month respecting certain claims of M^r Silas Dinsmore. At a considerable time ago, he and General P. Wadsworth, addressed me either on the same subject, or relatively to his retention of military Rank to which he conceived himself entitled. But I then supposed as I do in the present case that the documents of the War Office are the best evidence of the intention, as it was not usual or proper to promise verbally rewards excepting in cases of a very peculiar nature. My general recollection is, that upon M^r Dinsmore's application for his Commission as a Lieutenant I was pleased with his appearance and the evidence of a good education, and in the result offered him the appointment of Indian Agent with a Salary so exceeding the pay of a Lieutenant as appeared an ample compensation for his time and Services. I recollect also that ideas were held out to him that if he greatly succeeded in the objects with which he was charged, the Government would find his employment essential, and that therefore he might have his compensation increased upon a future arrangement. Although I do not recollect the promise of four Nations, nor of payment for a Horse, or Horses, yet I am persuaded fully, that all incidental and contingent Expences [underline: necessary] in the entertainment and management of the Indians were to be at the cost of the United States. No stated compensation which a public Officer could conceive himself authorized to allow to an Agent, would be adequate to such necessary Expences. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your obed. Servant, (signed) H. Knox [Address:] The Honorable The Secretary of War [undecipherable: Jas. McHenry?]