[undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] near Baltimore 21 Jany 1796 Nine o'clock. Dear Sir. I have this moment received your favour of the 20^th, and am truly sensible [strikethrough: of the sincerity] of your wishes that I should accept of the war office department. On my part I beg you to believe that nothing [strikethrough: could] give me^re more pleasure than to be near you for a few years independent of public motives or considerations. I must however pray you to allow me till monday to reflect on the offer and to determin. Wheth I can with propriety and as it respects my family venture upon a change of position which by bringing me into public life must necessarily bring with it much care trouble and uneasiness. My inclination is to accept, but I shall be definitive by next post. In the mean while I obtain M^r Chaces sentiments which shall accompany my answer. With sincere affection I am D^r S^r your ob^t James McHenry