[James McHenry Esq^r] [T. Pickering / 19 Aug^t 1797] [seal] D/[undecipherable] 9 Aug^t 14. 97. I return the letter from N. Brunswick. The object of the Spanish poppy and his hired witnesses was apparent from the beginning: but I have a perfect contempt for him and them. Odiorne's lying in wait for Easton is I suppose to fix him to stand to the information which Ripley and Odiorne have sworn that they received from him, before he can give any counter declaration. Perhaps they [strikethrough: undecipherable] have a bribe to offer from V. to make sure work: but neither do I fear this event or its consequences. Armed with truth I defy all the villains which the unprincipled D[undecipherable] and his dollars can assemble in array against me, and all the other devils incarnate in the U.S. who would be pleased with my destruction. Sincerely yours Pickering P.S. A thought just now occurs, which induces me to retain the letter [strikethrough: to keep] for the present. Mr. Mc Henry.