Mount Vernon 7 July 1797 Geo. Washington Mount Vernon 7th. July 1797 Dear Sir, By the last Post I was fa: voured with your letter of the 3rd instant and thank you for its enclosure, al: though, on the same day, I had, myself, transmit a copy thereof to the Secretary of State. I had doubted a while, whether to forward it to your Office or that of State, but finally resolved to send it to the latter, as it seemed more properly I thought, to belong to that Department. If the letter intercepted by Mr. Byers is a serious one, and the Gentle: man’s handwriting is not easily mis: taken, or counterfeited. What excuse can a late Governor or present Senator of the U.S., or his friends for him, offer for such nefarious conduct? The defense must be curious, and with, I have no doubt, be conducted with as much effrontery as art. I hope, not: withstanding, if the fact is proved, that the author will receive the punishment ment which the Constitution and Laws of this Country can inflict, and thereafter be held in detestation by all goodmen. To seek private emolument at the expence of Public Peace_ perhaps at the expence of Public Peace _ perhaps at the expence of many innocent lives: _ and to aim a [undecipherable] at the reputation of a virtuous character hazarding his health-probably life to promote [undecipherable] lity between the Indians and our fron: tier Inhabitants; and by destroying his influence, or well earned good name among the [undecipherable], to render him inca: pable of serving his Country because he may be a stumbling block in the way of a plan which he has in con: templation, is a crime of so deep a dye [undecipherable] no [undecipherable] convey erade: quate idea of to my mind. A poor wretch steal: ing the work of a [undecipherable], possibly to buy bread, would be hung, or confined to hard labouer; and here, a plan (at which I can only guess) as on poor to defraud the public of the rights; deprive Citizens perhaps (is it consequencial) of their lives, to [undecipherable] character._and ultimately, war, [undecipherable] concomi tants, [undecipherable] with, more than probably, meet with advocates. But as you inform me that the matter would be laid before Congress as on Monday last, I shall wait (with some degree of impatience I confess) to learn the result. Always, I remain Your affectione frd. [signature] G. Washington James McHenry Esq.