It soon appeared that he was in the sulks.

When McHenry wrote to him about proceeding with the organization of the army, he replied that he was willing provided Knox's precedence was acknowledged, and he added that the five New England States would not patiently submit to the humiliation of having Knox's claim disregarded.
From August 4 to October 13, wrangling over this matter went on.

The members of the Cabinet were in a difficult position.

It was their understanding that Washington's stipulations had been accepted, but the President now proposed a different arrangement.

Pickering and McHenry wrote to Washington explaining the situation in detail.