[President of the U.S 24 Jany 1796] Near Baltimore 24 Jany. 1796. Dear Sir. I resume the answer to your letter of the 20^th [strikethrough: which I] acknowledged the moment after I received it. I cannot say that [strikethrough: unpublishable of may be] I have ever experienced so much hisitation between giving way to my inclinations and attachment to you personally, and my own interest and ease, as has taken place during the two past days. It is [strikethrough: right] however [strikethrough: now] [strikethrough: are over and it is right that] that I should confess, that the [strikethrough: soothing] ideas of serving under you [strikethrough: more particularly] at this [strikethrough: particular] crises has effectually and irresistibly silenced mes [strikethrough: Oppo-]sition. Look then as I am, and with a heart truely devoted to you and the public good, dispose of, as you please. I shall commence to-morrow to prepare every thing to facilitate my departure hence in as [strikethrough: few days as possible] [strikethrough: soon dis dis facilitate] after hearing from you, and [strikethrough: con dis dis facilitate] in the mean While have obtained M^r. McHenry's consent to remain here tile I [strikethrough: can] get a house in Philadelphia and the necessary furniture for her reception and accommodation. As to your orders respecting M^r. S. Chase, without detaining you with the preliminary matter that indicated to me his mind, it may be sufficient [strikethrough: generally] he requested me to tell you that to inform you [strikethrough: that he well] accepts and particularly, that "he receives your intention to nominate him to a seat on the supreme judicial bench of the U. States with the utmost gratitude." He added. "The President shall never have reason to regret the nomination," and I believe it. He agrees to be in Philadelphia by the first Monday in next month. Thus Sir you see what you have done. you have made an old veteran very proud and [strikethrough: very] Happy, and one not very young to approach the station you have assigned him with fear and trembling, for who hencaafter [strikethrough: may have] [strikethrough: can expect] to escape without a wound, [strikethrough: more than] [strikethrough: true the] whilst men [strikethrough: are] to be found who [strikethrough: cones] have aimed [strikethrough: poisoned] arrows at yourself. With the most sincere respect, [strikethrough: and all advan-] I am Dear Sir very affectionately your most obt & devoted Serv^t. James McHenry Her Excellency George Washington [strikethrough: the] The President of the United States.