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.

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.

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. From a prior meeting, Knox assured President Washington that Hull would accept his military appointment, and in this letter, discusses directly with Hull whether he will accept or decline. Also mentions General [John] Brooks' recent decision to decline the appointment.

Letter appointing Sargent to the office of Adjutant and Inspector General of the United States Army. Writes to appoint him to the office of Adjutant and Inspector General. Has worked to get this appointment for Sargent and hopes he will derive honor from it. Feels that it is his duty as a friend to let Sargent know that this was not a popular appointment. Relates that many have complained excessively of your haughtiness and stern manner in executing the office the last year. Adds that he knows there must have been reason for this behavior, but asks him, with the affection of a brother [.] that in the future, while obedience to every order shall be executed, that the manner of doing it, be tempered with that politeness and softness of manners, which no gentleman on the continent can better exhibit than yourself. Believes that if he fixes this problem, he will do brilliantly. Asks him to provide Knox with news of his experiences at his post.

Discusses their recent correspondence, and mentions that he has recently declined a military appointment. Recounts conversations he and Knox have had about the possibility of his appointment, as well as about the appointment of General [John] Brooks and Brooks' decision not to accept. Also discusses family reasons for declining, particularly the illness of his father-in-law.