I have delayed answering your letter on the subject of the military appointments in hopes of being able to accomplish your wishes but as I find that not probable I now inform you that Mr Hutton has after deliberation totally declined any appointment. Mr Dole consents provided he can obtain a Regt. numbers are daily appl⟨ying⟩ to me for appointments in the army but the provisional army they do not understand; pay is an object with many—Gen Gordon requests me to mention a Mr Stephen Ball of Saratoga for a Company in the provl. army he will vouch for his Character &c. Mrs. R has been very ill since her return but is recovg.

Yours senly