I this morning recd. the two Copies you was so obliging as to send me of the State papers published in pursuance of the Resolution of Congress of the 22d. June. they shall be laid before our Legislature at the approaching Session—1

Every true American here rejoices that General Washington has accepted the Command of the army— it is an auspicious Event— Being of the Number of those who expect a severe war with France, the moment she makes peace with Britain, I feel great anxiety that nothing may be omitted to prepare for it. At the Commencement and indeed during the Course of our revolutionary war, we suffered from the Inefficiency of too many of our military officers— great care should be taken to avoid the like mistakes—former Rank cannot compensate for the want of essential Qualifications. To pass by certain Characters cannot but be unpleasant; and yet in my opinion public Good forbids their being called to the Field. we shall probably have very different Generals to contend with from those which Britain sent here last war; and we should have very different ones to oppose them from several of those who then led our Troops. I cannot conceal from you my Sollicitude that the late Secy of the Treasury may be brought forward in a Manner corresponding with his Talents and Services— It appears to me that his former military station and character, taken in connection with his late important place in the administration, would justify measuring his Rank by his Merit and Value.2 pardon these Hints— I know that these matters are not within my Departmt., but they occupy my mind continually. It is an agreable Circumstance that our President, notwithstanding the diplomatic Skill of France, stands high in the public Estimation and Confidence, and that the utmost Reliance may be reposed on his Patriotism. He has much to think of and to do; but while his measures are well matured, deliberately adopted and vigorously executed, his administration will be rendered more and more glorious by successive Difficulties— Yours sincerely