In my letter of the 27th. of last Decr: I took the liberty thrô you to recommend my friend Major John Hobby of Portland to some appointment in the stamp department of the revenue but I find that business has been annexed to an existing office. I have now to solicit for him one which probably will take place soon, I mean that of a purchasing & issuing commissary for the troops which are to be stationed at Portland & elsewhere in the District of Maine.1

I shall enclose you a recommendatory letter from Genl: Knox to the Secretary at War, with whom I have no acquaintance to my knowledge, which I pray you to send to him. Of the character of the Officer mentioned in it nothing need to be added by me: but it is proper to say Genl: Knox has misconceived his wishes in supposing him to be desirous of an appointment of a Field Officer of Infantry with a prospect of promotion. This he does not incline to accept, being during our revolutionary war constantly employed in the Artillery Corps, and in the Laboratory; with which he feels himself well 60 acquainted. He supposed a body of Artillerists wou’d be stationed, principally in Boston, under the command of a Majr: or Lt: Colo: Commandant, whose command wou’d be extended over the posts in the other sea-ports of this State, or at least the neighbouring ones. This was the appointment he wished to obtain, or if such an one shou’d not be made, but a Laboratory shou’d be established there, or in the vicinity, or a commissorial department for purchasing & issuing for the troops stationed for the defence of our Sea Coast, an appointment in either of these departments, thô he wou’d prefer the first, he wou’d willingly accept of— Madam, I will not again trouble you with applications of this nature, they being exceedingly disagreable to my disposition: but I shall positively decline ever making one, for any friend who shall apply for such purpose.

Suffer me to suggest to you, one matter not of the least consequence to the public interest. I mean that of displacing forthwith every officer of the United States, who in this crisis of affairs, shall refuse to come forward in support of our national Government. I have a particular reference to some in Portsmouth, whose dismission, I may venture to say, is in a sort demanded by the public voice, and whose continuance in office has become exceedingly disagreable to the firm friends of our Country. Their names & offices have been published in our Newspapers, otherwise I shou’d not have been particular in my suggestion.—2 I view our public affairs in too serious a light to admit of an indecisive line of conduct in our Administration. They will now find their measures supported almost universally. This therefore is the moment for Action, as well as Deliberation, and if not improved may be the cause of discouragement of the present active friends of Government. In my opinion, it is impossible to stand on better ground. I know who does not want the disposition to do all that is necessary or expedient for freeing our Country from foreign influence & a vile domestic faction more hateful because more wicked than all our foreign enemies, if possible.

I am with the greatest respect / Madam your obedt. hbl: Servant

I have the happiness to inform my invaluable friend mrs Adams of the safe arrival of her precious little ward the had a long passage of 12 days but the Nurse nor Children were not sick and Naby was only one day very sick the babe did not appear fatigued with the voyage but is very much tanned which I think must Conceal some of her beauty. she is very lively and is grown very fond to have me nurse her. I think her an inestimable treasure every one almost that has seen her says she looks like mr Black

I suppose the Ladys are not permited to address the President or I would have sent my Name on the Quincy address as mr B was absent & I did not know he would have had an opportunity of signing it but We are at all times admited to Congratulate our friends on every happy event the meet With.— on the present occasion Give me leave to Congratulate the President & yourself on the unanimity and Confidenc of the People which I believe the have fully evinced by the Number of addresses which have made their appearance— I was happy to hear by mr Black that both yourself and the President had enjoyed good health the past season I hope Congress will be able to finish their Business Soon. I am affraid the weather will not agree with you if you have to tarry much longer in that Sickly City.

mr Black joins me in respectfull Compliments to yourself & your best friend and miss Louisa whom I long to see.— I am Sory for mrs Brisler losing her only parent When she was absent from her—

accept my thanks Dear madam for the present sent by mr Black and the many favours you have been pleased to Confer on your Gatefull and affectionate friend