[31 Jany. 1796 President. Washington] Baltimore 31 Jany 1796 Dear Sir. I rec'd. yours of the 28 last night and had its contents immediately communicated to Mr Chase. he is extremely pleased with his appointment and I have great hopes that its good effects as it respects the public will extend beyond the[m] [undecipherable: probable reading "judiciary"] department, but on this [undecipherable] point it is unnecessary to be particular till I have the happiness to see you. He would have set out to-day at noon but the stage he had engaged disappointed him so that he will only commence his journey, tomorrow. I pray you to receive him kindly and cordially. I intend to leave this place on wednesday on horseback and to be in Philada. by friday evening or saturday forenoon. For having a bad cold I shall be obliged to start sometime after sunrise and take up my lodgings before sun down. I must however mention to you lest some obstacle not forseen at present should occasion a longer delay what I have yet to do. Having been connected in two merchantile partnerships I have thought it proper to enter [strikethrough: upon] into my office totally free from every such connection. One of them I have [strikethrough: already] settled [strikethrough: on saturday] yesterday last at an actual loss of about £3000, the other which has netted me for five years past £1000 annually I expect will be finally adjusted to-morrow, [strikethrough: after then] after which I shall meet you with a disencumbered mind and rich enough to require no increase of salary, and [strikethrough: not] [by no means] displeased at any sacrifice I have made that approaches me at this moment to your labours and cares. With the sincerest respect I am &c h[umbl]y truely & affe[ctionate]ly your mo[st]—