Having now read all seven images, I can see: - Pages 1 and 5 are project placeholder cards (Illegible Text / Other Copies) - Page 2 is the letter's address/wrapper - Pages 3–4 are the primary letter (John Steele to James McHenry, 16 April 1797) - Pages 6–7 are a cleaner copy held at the William L. Clements Library, which I used to decipher obscured portions of pages 3–4 Here is the transcription: --- [Endorsed: [undecipherable] Department / from [undecipherable]] Sir You must have understood before this time that the denunciation of me, made by a certain [undecipherable] to yourself, has had its effect, by procuring my removal from the Executive Council of this State. of course I will shortly be at liberty to attend to some other pursuits, And having been informed that Alexander White, one of the Commissioners appointed under the "Act establishing the temporary, and permanent Seat of the government of the United States" has, or will probably resign, I have written to the President, signifying to him, in that event, my desire to be appointed his Successor. Referring to you for information as to my Character, under a hope that so far as your knowledge of me extends, you will give it with the utmost Candor, and Readiness. Permit me to express with how much Respect I am Sir your most Obedient hum. Servant John Steele 16^th April 1797 Richmond Virginia James M^cHenry Esquire Secretary of the [Department] of War Philadelphia