Discusses Hull's relative rank in the corps of troops directed to be raised in Massachusetts. He hopes circumstances do not lead Hull to leave the service. Mentions that he would be sorry to see Major [William] North resign. In a postscript states it was his intention to get Congress to alter the titles of field officers but has not had an opportunity yet. Noted as private in the upper left corner.

Discusses his resignation from his office and thanks Knox for his kindness, friendship and support.

Discusses Congress's decision to reduce the troops and states, I feel most sensibly for the situation of the officers. In relation to North's resignation as Inspector General, states that he did not forward it on and that if North desires, he can probably resume the duties of that post (see GLC02437.03528 and .03495). Comments that Colonel Hull wrote to him about the issue with North's relative rank but believes it is something the state must decide.

Mentions his new appointment in the military. Discusses a dispute involving ranks of soldiers in the state of Massachusetts. Refers to a Congressional resolution appointing him the second officer in the state. Had been under the impression that the only person in the state he had to answer to was [Henry] Jackson, but would like Knox to clarify the chain of command so that he can regulate [his] conduct accordingly. Mentions a dispute with [William] North.

This collection of documents, including many previously unpublished, details the role of the Army engineers in the American Revolution. Lacking trained military engineers, the Americans relied heavily on foreign officers, mostly from France, for sorely needed technical assistance. Native Americans joined the foreign engineer officers to plan and carry out offensive and defensive operations, direct the erection of fortifications, map vital terrain, and lay out encampments. During the war Congress created the Corps of Engineers with three companies of engineer troops as well as a separate geographer's department to assist the engineers with mapping. Both General George Washington and Major General Louis Lebéque Duportail, his third and longest serving Chief Engineer, recognized the disadvantages of relying on foreign powers to fill the Army's crucial need for engineers. America, they contended, must train its own engineers for the future. Accordingly, at the war's end, they suggested maintaining a peacetime engineering establishment and creating a military academy. However, Congress rejected the proposals, and the Corps of Engineers and its companies of sappers and miners mustered out of service. Eleven years passed before Congress authorized a new establishment, the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers.

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