John Adams, President of the United States of America. To all who shall see these Presents Greeting: Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Patriotism, Valour, Fidelity, and Abilities of William North I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, do appoint him Adjuntant General of the Army with the Bank of Brigadier General in the Service of the United States:- and to take rank as such from the Nineteenth day of July One thousand seven hundred Ninety eight he is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duties of his appointment by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging: And I do Strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under his Command, to be obedient to his Orders______________________And he is to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the future President of the United States of America, or the General or other superior Officers set over him, according to the Rules and Discipline of War. This Commission to continue in Force during the Pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being: By Command of the President of Given under my Hand, at Philadelphia this the United-States of America. Seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord James W Henry One Thousand seven Hundred and ninety nine, Secy. of War and in the twenty fourths, Year of the Independence of the United States. John Adams [written vertically on lower right side: Registered John Caldwell CL. Clh. War Dptmt ~ ]