[Private] Baltimore 26 September 1790 Dear Sir Having been absent, on a tour to the Sweet Springs in Virginia, on account of my health, from early in June until last evening — Your letter of the 21^st of July, was not until now but into my hands. The abstract from Col. Harmers letter is equally unexpected, and unaccountable to me — My Brother, who is now with me, and will be the bearer of this letter, is unacquainted with the circumstances which occasioned the representation; We both hope that subsequent reports, from the same quarter, The returns that have been made, and the estimates that have been approved; together with the other testimonies in favor of the contractors, and upon which the Secretary of the Treasury has been pleased to order further advances of money on account of the contract, will concur to restore their credit at the War Office: and to regain your confidence and good opinion — I am, Sir, with very great Esteem, Your most humble Servant O. H. Williams [General Knox] [Baltimore, 26 Sep. 1790 — Otho H. Williams]