Knoxville 9 May 1798 1A14. I lament with regret the menaced Situation of our common Country — I am lead to believe that every [strikethrough: possible] just and honorable Means have been pursued with the sincerest desire for the restoration of peace and harmony, but in case those laudable intentions of accommodation Should fail, and nothing but [strikethrough: the] a recourse to arms Must be the Alternative, be assured for, that My cordial and utmost exertions, with the good people of the State Shall and will be exerted [strikethrough: heartily] to in protecting, and defending our Country against any invader that May dare to Attack us — Not far from this place & on the Main river Holston, I have arise and well erected Set of Iron Works, Suitable for casting almost every [strikethrough: battle] Kind of Motte and Manufacturing of the same from the Same Shale on the Shortest Notice be converted to Any public Use that Might be necessary [strikethrough: therewith] and Should be glad to be honored with any commands that Might be had Necessary — I have the honor to be Sir Your M^t Ob^t [undecipherable] H^t Serv^t Honable James McHenry esq^r [endorsement panel, verso: Knoxville 9 May 1798 / [undecipherable] / [undecipherable] / Received]