Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810 to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letter. Writes, "Your suggestion as to the advantages to be derived from a personal attendance at the metropolis, is constantly found in the experience of Mankind & I am satisfied that such a step would give me a better appearance of success than I can otherwise have, but [were] this situation were it to continue for any length of time, would be painful to me, and no judgment can be [favored] when the arrangements of the Government will bring forward its permanent appointments." Is presently engaged in public business, but will travel to New York in early summer if he finishes the business by then. Writes, "I shall adopt your advice in making a communication of my wishes to the President as soon as I am informed that he has accepted his appointment. This is a step that I should feel much difficulty in taking, but for the consideration that it will be perhaps, the only proper mode of tendency over services to the public." Adds a postscript regarding a new appointment that was made prior to his announcing his attention to seek a position.