[undecipherable] Philad^a 25 Nov^r. 97 dear Sir I recd yours of the 19^th of last which [undecipherable] upon for it. [undecipherable] reflects of which [undecipherable] you know [undecipherable] opinions [undecipherable] as [undecipherable] reports France at [undecipherable] time. It has undergone a change since you left this place, and it was [undecipherable] none since, except among the [undecipherable], the Opposition and such as enjoy a free and lucrative commerce by means, [undecipherable] contracts into private [undecipherable] I observe however that even these persons speak with more reserve than heretofore and no [undecipherable] covered [undecipherable] petulant tone. As to the last [undecipherable] in France, altho it can be presumed that this description of men rejoice at them, yet the directory having so openly violated every principle of their constitution, seems to perplex them a little about the mode of justification and praise. I expect notwithstanding that a renewal of hostilities with [undecipherable] a victory or two on the part of [undecipherable] will remove their scruples. So [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] measures of the [undecipherable], their unrestrained appearances. Taking their [undecipherable] for a [undecipherable] that at least [undecipherable] of the clubs [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] [f]armers and men of property not farmers or me[rchants] and merchants men of property, one disp[osed] to hazard every thing for the preservation of their own government. At the same time it is no less true, that there is a strong desi[re] among these men for the preservation of peace and perhaps a greater degree of apathy to the evils and imposes on that account, than consists with good policy and the adverse state of things; with the real strength and resources of the country; with its power and means to teach France a lesson of [undecipherable] and bring her back to those engagements which she has so wantonly violated. [undecipherable] for the apathy and [undecipherable] conquests now setting to [undecipherable] The Speaker of the house of representatives, (Mr Dayton,) seems to be roused the [undecipherable] of the necessity of the merchants being permitt[ed] [undecipherable] or of an embargo. [undecipherable] also [undecipherable] [undecipherable] has the appearance of [undecipherable], but it may not be so intended, and we well believe it is not. Among [undecipherable] the necessity for their arming is generally felt and spoken of as a proper measure of self defence. Little however any [undecipherable] on the subject may be delayed by Congress [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] no. of your mission can be ascertained. one thing I think you may safely rely on, that our fellow citizens will rise in courage as difficulties increase, and show themselves worthy of the rank which they hold and the position which providence has assigned to them [undecipherable] [undecipherable] from the Presidents Speech she if she has not done, and that she ha[s] been attempting to do. She certainly departs from her interest whenever she takes a single step which may [undecipherable] from the [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] of the western and sea fearing people to a war with her. I hope she will see things in [undecipherable] light. I can assure you a co[n]tinuance of peace and friendly intercours[e] with her is sincerely desired by our government. I add to the Presidents Speech some late news-papers with my best wishes for your health. your brother in [undecipherable] and [undecipherable]. yours sincerely James McHenry Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Esq^r