If he should accept it, all the world, except the enemies of his country, will rejoice.

If he should come to no decisive determination, but take the subject into consideration, I shall not appoint any other lieutenant general until his conclusion is known.
"His advice in the formation of a list of officers would be extremely desirable to me.

The names of Lincoln, Morgan, Knox, Hamilton, Gates, Pinckney, Lee, Carrington, Hand, Muhlenberg, Dayton, Burr, Brooks, Cobb, Smith, as well as the present Commander-in-chief, may be mentioned to him, and any others that occur to you.

Particularly, I wish to have his opinion on the men most suitable for inspector general, adjutant general, and quarter master general.
"His opinion on all subjects would have great weight, and I wish you to obtain from him as much of his reflections upon the times and the service as you can." The communications between General Washington and the secretary of war appear to have been full and unreserved.

The impressions of the former respecting the critical and perilous situation of his country had previously determined him to yield to the general desire, and accept the commission offered him, provided he could be permitted to select for the high departments of the army, and especially for the military staff, those in whom he could place the greatest confidence.