[Annapolis Decy 3] [filing notation, upper left] [undecipherable] [filing notation] James M'Henry Secretary at War Philadelphia [Mr. Carroll of [undecipherable] — Decy [undecipherable]] [postal endorsement, inverted] Annapolis Decy [3] 1796 I reed by this days post y^r letter of the [undecipherable] covering the Pres^ts Speech, with which I am much pleased, particularly the part relating to [undecipherable]'s conduct, which contains a due mixture of temper & firmness — They hope the Congress will be unanimous in expressing their disapprobation of the Ministers proceedings. Surely they must be offensive to every good American. The resolution you speak of was brought on by M^r. Rob^t. Smith, when in the house of Delegates; it will make way for one drawn up by M^r. [undecipherable] & which will be discussed tomorrow, & [undecipherable] will pass unanimously — I think you will prefer it to the one brought in by M^r. Smith — Wednesday the application of the commissioners for the loan 15000 of [undecipherable] Stock will be taken up by the house of Delegates — M^r. Scott the attending Commissioner says a majority of to will be in favor of the loan — You know mix little with the members, so am therefore less able to judge whether Scott's calculation is to be relied on — It is conjectured with us that M^r. [undecipherable] will be elected President; the Eastern Electors have generally voted for him — the anticipation may be realized. — Some think this event would be a fortunate one, as his Administration would be less opposed than that of M^r. Adams: however not so much the man as measures occasioned opposition. It was not Washington, but his measures that were opposed; his greatness was the preventing his country from becoming a party in the war with France, and being involved in the same calamities which afflict that country. — A man must be blind indeed not to see thro' the designs of the party. — I hope, yet do not expect it, that peace will save us from serious discussions with the Directory. I am &c [undecipherable] Ch. Carroll of Carrollton.