[p. 47. 1/8] To the President of the United States of America, [heavily struck-through text at bottom, undecipherable] Baltimore. June 1784 Dear S: Troubles and harrassed as I know you must be with a thousand applications I feel the utmost reluctance at the thought of increasing their number; and having [strikethrough: some persons] at [strikethrough: some of] some occasion, at [strikethrough: the inclination] of [strikethrough: some] inconvenience. At [strikethrough: the instrument of some] [undecipherable], I am [undecipherable] by [undecipherable] to be [undecipherable] of a very particular nature which must interest you to excuse me for Taking the liberty to mention it. Mr Sam[uel] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] me for [undecipherable], has it in view to [undecipherable] him in the office of collector of the Tonnage duties, which he holds under the State of Pennsylvania, should the like be established by Congress. That gentleman was an eminent merchant not some time since, but from those changes which [undecipherable] his human affairs from those dangers which became his only support. I know his present office is become his only support. I know he has always been distinguished by his patriotism; he has, I believe, has often rendered services to the public to his own detriment. If no person more deserving offer, it would give one great pleasure as well on account of his worth, as the interest I may feel from having known his [undecipherable], should he be so happy as to meet with your approbation. [Undecipherable] no more to pardon this liberty, and to be [undecipherable] that I should never use it to the [undecipherable] of any favorable opinion you may have been pleased to entertain of one who is most respectfully and is truly your affectionate and very humble servant. James McHenry The President of the United States of America —