[24 Sep^r 97 W^m V. Murray] The Hon^ble James McHenry Esq^r Secretary at War Philadelphia [seal] 24. Sep 1796. My dear Sir The address of the President I have seen from Annapolis — Tho' this important event has been familiarised by reflection to my mind, yet its actual happening affected me with a fine something like [strikethrough: an unlooked for evil] that produced by something like an unlooked for evil — It is an epocha. The affairs of America will be at a point for future dates to be graduated by — Venerable man — The effect of this piece has been immense here considering the Harmility village understandings — The men who can think at all, but acknowledge the force of his advice & maxims — could their effect be rendered general, his retiring might prove a new good to his Country as it has produced the public ac[q]uition of those important truths that are Actulia[?] to the U.S. Truths which are felt with the strength of conviction & the warmth of enthusiasm, because they are delivered by that man in the situation most affecting to his country, & which Page will produce a death in solec[ism?]