In answer to your favor of the 14th enclosing an application from Lieut. Greene of your Regt to retire from service, I have to inform you, that (by the explanation of the Secretary at War) the Emoluments of the Act of Congress of the 19th of Novr last, were not intended to extend to any Officers except such as belong to the Lines which are reduced—therefore the request respecting Lieut. Greene, however deserving he may be, cannot be complied with, unless a derangement should take place in your Corps; and this you know will ultimately depend upon the States compleating or not compleating the Regt to the proposed establishment of 500 Rank & File—Perhaps Mr Greene had better wait the event, and if the reduction should be carried into execution avail himself of it; otherwise it will be at his option to make his resignation at any time. I am, with great esteem Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt