I am favord with your Letter of the 24 feby inclosing the several plans therein mentiond and I beg you to accept my thanks for your Services in constructing the Several Works on the Mohawk River.

Your Representation respecting your Rank and claim of promotion is also come to hand—I am very sensible of the Zeal, professional knowledge and Activity you have Shewn during your Services in this Country and should be happy in contributing to your advancement—but it is a matter in which I have not in the least interfered[.] those Gentlemen of your Corps who have obtained promotions owe it intirely to their good fortune in having assisted at a successfull Operation and to the Representations which were made to Congress by General Du Portail in consequence thereof.

That you had not the good fortune to share in that success was not your fault—nor can the Minister of France or any other person on that account take up any Idea injurious to your Reputation as an Officer—Your Character in the Army will always command such Testimonials as will not only remove every such Idea but will in France give that just Value to your Services which they Merit. I am &c.