I am this instant favoured with a lettre of the baron de Steuben a Copy of which I have the honor to inclose; as this is the first notice I have officially received relating to the society of Cincinnati, I have reason to be still at a loss to know whether the honor intended by the conference of that order on the americain’s officers extend to foreigners who have served in it with some reputation; and as in all cases where the advantage & interest of the legion & my own may be concerned in a military light, I wish they could be obtained with the approbation of your Exellency and through your patronage. I take the liberty to adress you on this occasion, and at the same time to declare our unlimited submission & confidence to whatever you may order, advise, or approve. as soon as I am favoured with your answer I shall proceed agreable to it, and shall be allways anxious to be deserving of the Esteem, & wear the testimony of it, of an army which I respect, in which I spented the most flourishing days of my life, & which was headed by the first military man of our age—I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir your Exellency’s the most obedient hble servant