Whether you are indebted to me, or I to you a Letter I know not, nor is it a matter of much moment—The design of this is to touch, cursorily, upon a Subject of very great importance to the well being of these States; much more so than will appear at first view—I mean the appointment of so many foreigners to Offices of high rank & trust in our Service.

The lavish manner in which Rank has hitherto been bestowed on these Gentlemen, will certainly be productive of one, or the other of these two evils, either, to make it despicable in the eyes of Europe, or, become a mean of pouring them in upon you like a torrent, and adding to your present burthen—but it is neither the expence nor trouble of them I most dread—there is an evil more extensive in its nature, and fatal in its consequences to be apprehended and that is, the driving all your own Officers out of Service, and throwing not only your Arms, but your Military Councils, entirely in the hands of Foreigners.

The Officers my dear Sir on whom you must depend for defence of this cause, and who from length of Service—their Connexions—property—and (in behalf of many) I may add, military merit, will not submit much, if any longer, to the unnatural promotion of men over them, who have nothing more than a little plausability—unbounded pride and ambition—and a perseverence in application, which is not to be resi[s]ted but by uncommmon firmness, to support their pretensions—Men, who in the first instance tell you, that they wish for nothing more than the honour of serving in so glorious a cause, as Volunteers—The next day sollicit rank without pay—the day following want money advanced them—and in the course of a Week want further promotion, and are not satisfied with any thing you can do for them.

When I speak of Officers not submitting to these appointments, let me be understood to mean, that they have no more doubt of their right to resign (when they think themselves aggrieved) than they have of a power in Congress to appoint—both being granted then, the expediency, & the policy of the measure remain to be considered; & whether, it is consistent with justice, or prudence, to promote these military fortune hunters at the hazard of your Army. especially as I think they may be denominated into three classes—to wit mere adventurers without recommendation, or recommended by persons who do not know how else to dispose of, or provide for them. Men of great ambition, who would sacrafice every thing to promote their own personal glory—or, mere spies, who are sent here to obtain a thorough knowledge of our situation, circumstances &ca; in the execution of which, I am perswaded, some of them are faithful emissaries, as I do not believe a single matter escapes unnoticed, or unadvised, at a foreign Court.

I could say a great deal on this subject, but will add no more at present; I am led to give you this trouble, at this time, by a very handsome certificate shewed me yesterday in favour of Monsr Neville written (I believe) by himself, and subscribed by General Parsons. designed, as I am informed, for the foundation of the superstructure of a Brigadiership.1

Baron Steuben I now find is also wanting to quit his Inspectorship for a command in the line, this will also be productive of much discontent to the Brigadiers. In a word, altho I think the Baron an excellent Officer, I do most devoutly wish that we had not a single Foreigner among us, except the Marquis de la Fayette, who acts upon very different principles than those which govern the rest. adieu. I am most sincerely Yrs