[3 aug^t. 1796 Fred. Folger] Honorable James McHenry Esq^r. Secretary at War — Philadelphia [seal] Honored Sir Aux Cayes July 3^d 1796 With pleasure I have learned by the public papers that you have been appointed Secretary of War, of the United States, — Give me leave — Sir — to congratulate you on this deserved Exaltation of your Character and Repeated Marks of the Confidence of the President of the United States — You are now Honored Sir, at the head; of an Important department of State which your Patriotism experience and Ability will enable you to fill with Honor to yourself and Insure the Approbation of your Country — The full and uninterrupted enjoyment of there Blessings none can with you more Sincerely then your Humble Subscriber — I am now Residing at Aux Cayes the Capital of the South Colony of St Domingo; the American agents that Occasionally reside here as well as the Masters of Vessels and Other Citizens of the United States that Arrive in this department experience much inconvenience for want of a Consul or some person as a Representant of the United States to Defend them from Impositions and Various Vexations that frequently Arrive — Therefore a considerable number of the Citizens of the United States, that Reside here, and Other Transient persons have Requested that I would make Application to the United States, that a Consul might be Appointed for this department to Reside here — There being no person in any of the Departments of State by whom I had the Honor to be Known but yourself — I therefore beg your excuse much Honored Sir for the liberty I have taken in making this Communication to you — and Should there be any Appointment made in Consequence hereof I take the liberty to Solicit your Interest in my Favor that is if you think me Competent to the Duties and trust of such Appointment — All I can say is I will use the utmost of my powers to preserve and Protect the Honor and Interest of my Country, and aid and Comfort our Citizens and endeavour that Justice Shall be rendered to them in all Respects — With my Sincere wishes for your Health and Prosperity in your honorable and Worthy Pursuits I Remain much Honored Sir Your Devoted Servant Honorable James McHenry Esq^re. Fred. Folger