James McHenry Esqq [upside down] Washington from 18 July 96 [rightside up] 2-82 Private 18thJuly 96 Dear Sir, I have not [undecipherable]:city enough to discover what end was to be answered by reporters_first, that I was to be in Philadelphia ^on this 4th July__and secondly, when that report was conducted by my nonappearance, then to account for it by a fou from my Phaeton If any scheme could have imaginated; or been facilitated by these, or any other report however unfounded, I should not have been surprised at the propagation of them;_for evidence enough has been given that truth or falsehood is equally used, a wind often sent to that class of men if their object can be obtained I wish you now, & am always your affectionate Go. Washington