Marked Private. Makes reference to the baneful leaven, the radical democratic principles of the French Revolution, influencing troops in his army. Mentions that Thomas Paine's The rights of man, has been held up as a Criterion, even of Military Government. Attempts have frequently been made to evade & disobey Orders, under various & unworthy pretexts & idle quibles [sic], unknown at any period before that time, in the Legion. Reports that the most visible actor is Major Cushing who is a very artful & seditious man. Also mentions a Captain Gunn. Goes into some of the insubordination of the troops. Is waiting for the right circumstances to make a proper example of someone to stop these acts. Expresses his anger over the poor conduct and service of contractors supplying the army. Believes he might have to retreat because of lack of supplies. Mentions these facts in confidence, but believes they will soon be common knowledge. Says NB I am under great obligations to Genl. Posey - Genl Wilkinson has but recently joined, having been very ill.

Marked Private Personal & Confidential. References Knox's letters of 5 and 9 March. Claims some of the officers are drunks who lack military skills. Expresses sarcastic anger over orders given by Knox about ensigns in the army. Wayne does not have enough ensigns to follow Knox's orders from the letter of 5 March and is frustrated that he cannot use the provisional ensigns as ordered in the 9 March letter. The provisional ensigns need to be confirmed by the Senate. Says he does not want to put the men or his own personal honor on the line with some of these officers. Suggests the commandant of the 4th Sub Legion should be given command of the scouts and spies. Says the commandant of the 3rd Sub Legion will be court martialed. Vertical tear at the bottom of the letter, which effects the signature and all four pages.

Thanks him for his recent letter. Accepts his congratulations for the newly-formed federal government and our truly illustrious Cincinnatus [George Washington] to be head thereof. Extensively discusses diplomatic relationships between countries in Europe, especially an alliance between Great Britain, the Netherlands and Prussia, which was created to offset France and Russia's alliance. Comments that the British mercantile class is for war with some power, not on a general scale of Justice or policy, but for the benefit of trade. Says America requires peace, as she is not consolidated sufficiently ... She requires time to create and arrange her resources. Also discusses disturbances on the Georgia frontier and says that the president has laid the matter before Congress. If troops are needed, Knox suggests raising a special force rather than relying on militia. He goes on to discuss the Spanish claims and arrangements in the Indian Department. Month portion of the date added later in pencil.

Has read and considered Knox's recent letter and is proud that he and the President think highly of his abilities. However, must decline Knox's offer of an appointment, apparently because he feels he would find committing [his] military character to events which [he] can not direct exceedingly difficult. Plans to obtain a civilian post instead. Thanks Knox and the President profusely.