(Confidential)
Philadelphia, January 22, 1794.
My dear Sir: Although I am not encouraged by the joint letter which I had the honor to receive from you, and our friend Mr. E. Rutledge (under date of the 12th of June 1791); yet, in a measure to which I am strongly prompted both by judgment and inclination, I am unable to restrain myself from making a second application to you, similar to the former one.
I have cause to believe that, the private concerns of the Gentleman who is now at the head of the department of War, will occasion his resignation of that Office, unless imperious circumstances (which heaven avert) should force us into a War with any of the Belligerent Powers, and, under such circumstances, he should hold it dishonorable to retreat from his Post.
Towards, or at, the close of the present Session of Congress (which is hardly to be expected before April, if then) this event if it takes place is likely to happen. Will you, upon this hypothesis, allow me to endulge a hope that you would fill his place? It is not for the mere detail duties of the Office I am in pursuit of a character. These might be well executed by a less important one than yours but as the Officer who is at the head of that department is a branch of the Executive, and called to its Councils upon interesting questions of National importance he ought to be a man, not only of competent skill in the science of War, but possessing a general knowledge of political subjects, of known attachment to the Government we have chosen, and of proved integrity. To whom then can I turn my eyes with more propriety than on you? I mean not to compliment, but to express the real sentiments of my heart.80
[Note:Pinckney declined the offer from "circumstances not in my power to controul." His letter, dated Feb. 24, 1794, is in the Washington Papers. ]
The intention of writing this letter, and the purport of it, is unknown to any one but myself; the result may be equally so; since it is placed upon a hypothetical base, and declared to be confidential. No more therefore than you chuse need be disclosed until the event which has given rise to the application shall have taken place, although it is essential I should know in the meanwhile on what ground I rest; without which inconveniences might result from the vacancy of the Office. With much truth and sincerity I am &c.