[Cover: 28^th 1798 / Benj Stoddert; Addressed to: James McHenry Esq^r / War Office / Phil^a; Postal frank: Free; Administrative notation: from 28 may 98 (private)] [Private] Geo Town 28 May 798. D^r Sir Unqualified as I really think myself, I have after a thousand struggles, accepted my honorable & at this crisis, important appointment. Who that has the feelings of an American, could refuse to try at least, to serve his Country at such a time? I put [undecipherable] this early, my claim on your Friendship for all the assistance I shall need — & it will be a great deal. I mean to set out for Phil^a as early as possible — I hope a Week delay will not be thought long — & I hope I shall not find it necessary to [undecipherable: bestow?] more than a Week on my private affairs. — I go at first without my Family — who are to follow — or to wait [till] the [undecipherable], as I shall determine [undecipherable: upon?] going to Phil^a —— You did not write me a word, about your wishes as to my acceptance — or refusal — make up for the deficiency by writing me on the rec^t of this — if possi-ble, flatter me into a belief that I shall be able to avoid merited reproach — One letter, may reach me, before I leave this — [strikethrough: undecipherable] I am D^r Sir with great esteem, Yours — Ben Stoddert