[24 April 1798 David Denny] M^rd James M^cHenry Esq^r Secretary of War Philadelphia [Favoured by [undecipherable] [undecipherable]] Dear Sir/ Aplication has been made to me by James Moore Esq^r and William Hunter Esq^r to recommend a young Gen^tman of the Name of Washington Carmichael as a Suitable Person to Serve in th^e army as a lieutenant, [strikethrough: which] the young man I have Not been Much acquaint with, but from the best information I can have am of opinion he will answer the purpose, as he is out of business and No Great fortune to depend on. I would be Satisfied if it meets with your aprobation to give him a lieutenants Comition and Make No doubt but he will Make a Good officer — the young man being the Son of our former Minister whome I esteemed [strikethrough: He] was a firm friend to his Country, My friendship for the Family Makes Me desirous that you Should do him the favour to Give him a Commission — My Dear Sir am obliged to you and M^r Caldwell for the packet you Sent me take heart My friend times are getting better, people are getting their Eyes opened — you May be assured that in the Country there is very few in the french favour and those that are Must be quiet — I think it is a pity the Should breath the are of a free republick, I am for Sending them all to france among their dear friends — Since I seen you I have been busy on my little farm Give My Love with Belongs to M^rs M^cHenry and Family M^r Caldwell and Family — I am your Friend 14 Aprile 1798 David Denny