Philadelphia Novr 11. 1775 Dr Sir I had the Pleasure of a Letter from you a few days ago and was rejoiced to learn that you have at last determined to take a more important share than you have done hitherto in the Conduct of our military Matters. I have been impressed with an Opinion of your Knowledge and Abilities in the military Way for several years; and of late have endeavored, both at Carrys at Watertown and at Philadelphia, by mentioning your Name and Character, to make you more known, and consequently in a better Way for Promotion - It was a sincere opinion of your Merit and Qualifications, which prompted me to act this Part and therefore I am very [struck: glad] [inserted: happy] to be able to inform you, that I believe you will very soon be provided for according to your Wishes, at [2] least you may depend upon this that nothing in my power shall be wanting to effect it. It is of vast Importance, my dear Sir, that I should be minutely informed of every Thing which passes at the Camp, while I hold a Place in the Great Council of America: and Therefore I must by the Favour of you to write me as often as you can by Safe Conveyances. - I want to know The Name, Rank and Character of every officer in the Army - I mean every honest and able one - But more especially of every officer, who is best acquainted with the Theory and Practice of Fortification and Gunnery. - What is comprehend'd within the Term Engineer? and whether it includes Skill both in Fortification and Gunnery - and what Skillfull Engineers you have in the Army and whether any of them and who have seen service & when and where I am Sir your very humble Sert John Adams - I want to know if there is a compleat set of Books upon the military Act in all its Branches in the Library of Harvard Colledge, and what Books are the best upon those subjects.