Mr. Wilkes, stands high on this list of <illegible>, & it is probable that he will be offered for promotion if any are. I wish that several should be promoted & if my own views prevail, it will be done. You know however that the Senate have now before them a question ^the decision of^ which must influence this. The uncertainty therefore which exists on the subject — and the effects ^among the officers^ which always follow a knowledge that <illegible> are to be made, induce me to request you not to speak of the matter publicly. The decision will no doubt be finally made within the next 20 days.