Draft Letter

Relative Ranks of Major Generals, Etc.

McHenry is pleased that Washington has recovered after being indisposed and advises him to avoid the early morning and evening air. Despite McHenry's endeavors, the President seems determined to place Hamilton last and Knox first. McHenry is not sure how Hamilton will react to this development and hopes only that Hamilton will agree to serve. He promises to keep Washington informed of further developments.

1798

09

07

Trenton

Partially illegible.

George Washington

James McHenry

[Alexander] Hamilton

[Henry] Knox

President [Adams]

Trenton

public prints

1798090700001

1

7 Sept. 1798
Lt.[?] Gen. Geo. Washington.
[undecipherable] President
[undecipherable]
[undecipherable]

Frank


Trenton 7 Sepr. 1798
123
Dear Sir
I recd. yesterday evening your letter of the 3d inst. I had understood by the public prints[?] that you are were indisposed, and am truly & sincerely rejoiced to learn from yourself that you have recovered. I think it will be propoer that you should intermit for some time your attention to business, and avoid the early morning and evening air, as well as too much undecipherable exposure to Strike-through text the hot sun.
The President is Strike-through text determined to place Hamilton last and Knox first. I have said what I thought undecipherable to endeavoured in my power to preserve your arrangement, have [undecipherable] I apprehend in doing so but without effect. & you shall be [undecipherable] informed as soon as I communicate to you in a short time the course that business has of the course the of the business. I know not how it will be received by Hamilton and can only hope that he will not refuse to serve. I shall however soon know and will instantly inform acquaint you.
Your sincere & Affectionate
Lt Gen. Geo. Washington Esq