[326] To the Honble James M^c Henry Secretary of War I have the honor to inform you that I intend leaving Philadelphia tomorrow afternoon ex-cepting you should think proper to station me on the Business respecting the Frigate in Portsmouth. If it should be consid-ered hereafter to intrust me with any part of the Business you may depend on my punctuality performance. If my terme should be too high shall be willing to alter and Conform to what may be a reasonable Compensation for the intended nuse accrording to the objects it may embrace I am Sir your mo Ob^dt Sert (signed) Tho^s Thompson [signature] [Received^o Nov. 10^th 1796.]