Appointments in the Provisional Army: Page #4

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Society qualify him for the appointment which he asks. --He makes no claims on the score of [undecipherable] or superior abilities; but he is known to profess a [undecipherable] of judgment; qualifications and acquirements at least equal to the [undecipherable] which he wishes; and no man stands higher than he does in the esteem of those who know him, or as a firm & steady friend to Government. --

Doctor [Wellford?] ranks high in his profession, and his Character as a friend to the Government, and as a man of integrity, is, I believe, unimpeachable. --He acted as Director of the Medical Department on the Western Expedition, and gave great satisfaction. --He may [undecipherable] to state, that he is a native of Great Britain, and came to this Country with the Army during the Revolutionary War. --That service he [undecipherable] and - [undecipherable] in Fredericksburg, ,where he married into one of the most respectable families in that quarter, and has [undecipherable] there ever since. --

I perceive, by the list which you sent me of the Officers in this State who had accepted or declined their appointments, that the name of Capt.ⁿ Thomas Turner was among the latter. --I have lately seen that Gentleman, who informs me, that, having a strong [undecipherable] for the Cavalry, he had applied for an appointed in that Corps, and that he had declined his appointment in the Infantry, because he was not acquainted with its duties, and no time for that kind of service. --I am also, by the [undecipherable] list, that there was one of the Captaincies in the Cavalry [vacant?]. --If this is not yet filled, I think, from the character I have hard of Captain Turner, he would [supply?] that [undecipherable] with credit. --At any rate, I presume it will be filled with an officer from this State, as the Troop is to be raised here.

With due respect and consideration, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most abed. Servant G^o Washington

James M^cHenry Esqr Secretary of War