Rocky Hill Octr. 23d.1783. My dear Sir, Since the return of Genl. Lincoln, I have taken occasion to move a little on the subject of your letter of the 17th of last Month - Notwithstanding other matters have kept the Peace Establisment entirely out of view. - I suppose, at least I so hope, that it will now be taken up with a determination to go thro' with it - without more delay. Upon enquiry, I do not perceive any intention to abolish the Office of Secretary at War; but to place it upon a more œconomical plan. - I find that, General Lincoln (I believe before he went to the Eastward) was called upon to give his aid in this business. - and that a Committee, in consequence, have actually reported to the effect of the enclosed paper, which I obtained from General Lincoln, and have since found that [inserted: it] corrispondant with the Report. - By what I can learn, there is a great diversity of Sentiment among the Members of Congress, respecting the Peace Establishment; and [inserted: that] great opposition will be given to the Measure, whenever it is brought forward. - It may be well therefore for you to consider, whether upon the footing, and with the emoluments as agreed to by the Committee, the Office of Secretary at War (which I presume will very soon be acted upon) would meet your views. - If it should, and you will let me know it by return of the Post, I will mention your name to more Gentlemen of my Acquaintance in Congress than I have already [2] already done, and should be happy if any endeavors of mine, can serve you. - Genl. Lincoln is of opinion, that a capable & confidential assistant may be had for, say between 500 and 1000 Dollars; but when to this, Travelling expences, Wood, Paper, Candles &ca. are added, I should think it would sink pretty deep into the residue; He, conceives otherwise, unless the Secretary, whoever he may be, chuses to travel with [inserted: a] Retinue & incur more expence than [inserted: is necessary] Whether the acceptance of this Office would open a door to any thing more than appears upon the face of the Report, is not for me to say; nor would it do I think to depend upon: The uncertainty of what [inserted: Offices] may take place, in case of a Peace establishment; or whether there will be a Continental [inserted: Establishmt] [strikeout] or not, is such, that it is too hazardous for me to deliver any opinion upon, tho' I shall neglect no opportunity of making myself acquainted with the views of Congress, in all the Stages of this business, and I will drop you a line on the Subject. - My best wishes attend Mrs. Knox and I am with the greatest truth & friendship Dr Sir Yr. Most Obedt. and Affectionate Servt Go: Washington PS. Shaw, no doubt, will give you a full acct. of your Money applicn. - the way has been so paved, that the only difficulty in [struck: the] it [struck: way], I believe, is to get nine States which (are necessary in these cases) together Majr. Genl. Knox [docket:] (Private) from his Excellency Genl Washington 23 October 1783 Original No 11 -