I have the honor of enclosing you a copy of an Act of Congress of the 16th instant, by which you will observe that you are promoted to the rank of a Major General in the Armies of the United States.(1)
This Act is so very explicit on the subject of your distinguished Merit, as to foreclose the Sentiments my feelings would prompt me to express. I will therefore only beg leave to congratulate you on the occasion, and to assure you that you have my best wishes for future prosperity and felicity.
I have the honor to be &c. &c. J.H.(2)
1 This resolution promoting General Duportail, commander of the Continental Army's corps of engineers, was adopted after the delegates rejected a motion prohibiting promotions "on account of extraordinary merit or eminent services, contrary to the rule of succession" adopted by Congress on May 25, 1781. See JCC, 20:53941, 21:1119-21.
2 Hanson also wrote brief letters this day to Jean-Baptiste Gouvion and the chevalier de Rochefontaine of the corps of engineers, enclosing resolutions announcing their promotions by brevet to the ranks of colonel and major, respectively. See PCC, item 16, fols. 123-24; and JCC, 21:1121.