Aux Cayes Nov. 29^th 1796 Sir From the Consideration of your condescending to notice me, and the probability there appears, of my being here in a Publick Character, I hope you will excuse my taking the liberty to Trouble you with the present. Lately left this place, for the United States, Citizen Lamontagne, he has been Sometime here in the excercise of the functions of Comptroller of Marine, and Ordonnateur Civil — to Say at the head of Administration of this department — While he has been in Office he has been attentive, and active to see Justice done to our Commerce, and appears to be a Friend to the Americans — he has not been long here, whereby I am not intimate with him — he is a Man of Abilities & address, and his Appointment is legitimate from France — It is expected he will return here again Soon, not to say to Oblige me only, but I think it might render essential Service to our Commerce & our Citizens, to Notice this Gentleman not so much by design, as a thing of Course in the politeness of our Country — This Honour would Confer an Interesting favour on your fellow Citizens in General that have relation here, and on none, more so than, much Honoured Sir, Your most Ob^t. Most Obligd Serv^t. — Fred Folger P.S. Since writing the above M^r. M^cIntosh has arrived, and brought with him for me, the Laws of Congress, Instructions to their Consuls &c — Yours as above [initials] James M^cHenry Esq^r. Secretary of Warr Philadelphia