[W^m V. Murray / Nov. 15 1796] [free] [The Hon^ble James McHenry Esq^r Secretary of War Philadelphia] [R] [Entr'd Nov. 17 —] Tuesday 15^th Nov. 1796. My dear Sir, Your letter of the day of Election in Philad.^a did not reach till this night — Accept my thanks when I tell you that the Lodgings which you mention will not do for either in neighborhood or price & besides the drawing room at two pair of Stairs — We should else consider ourselves as particularly fortunate in the accommodation for as expected — quiteit a family. In three days I [undecipherable] found some little parlone down Stairs & bedroom in the neighborhood [undecipherable] since a fine. I admire the Poem you so kindly sent me though a foster I am a cold admirer — We have nothing yet, on Elections. our man is elected — but Whittle beat him in Carolina three votes. It always appeared to me a nice [undecipherable] between J. & A. — & more so when I arrived at home a family. This State is most divided — No effort however ought to be omitted let what will come of it — No man ever saved himself from drowning, if instead of swimming he stopt & [undecipherable] & trusted to the tide. — Thank you for Passion, [undecipherable] minds — Col. B's note to [undecipherable] is excellent — y^r most obed affectionate [undecipherable] W. V. Murray