I have been favored with your private letter of the 21st, & should have given it an acknowledgement sooner but thought a few days would have let me more into the views of Congress with respect to the Peace Establishment than I had any knowledge of at the time of its receipt—I am as much in the dark now as ever, and as unable to guess at the number of Troops which may be retained or raised for this Service—I am inclined to think however the force (if any) will scarcely amount to a Major Generals Command—If it sh’d, as the appointment of Officers will be with Congress or the Secretary at War, (and not with me even if I should be here) I will give in your name & wishes with others who have written or spoken to me on the same Subject. wishing very sincerely it was in my power to oblige all; & to put them in a way to receive compensation for the losses they have sustained in Service, by adhering to the Interest of their country. With great esteem & regard I am. Dr Sir Yr most Obt Hble Sert