Philadelphia 25 July 1798 Dear Sir, [strikethrough: several lines of text] [undecipherable] I have your letter of the 14^th inst M^r Calan has written to me respecting the wish of the young M^r [undecipherable: Laroce?] to be appointed one of the aids to our General and I have accordingly submitted the application. I shall do the same in the case of your son, [strikethrough: and] who is certainly from age the accounts I have heard a young man of promise and that would soon fill the station he aims at with reputation. I was charged by a man of [strikethrough: real] talents, [strikethrough: and celebrity no less] much political celebrity to mention him to the General, when at Mount Vernon, [strikethrough: as an aid]. I did so and spoke [strikethrough: of him the gentleman] [strikethrough: of him] as the merits; but they [strikethrough: he] declined giving me any [strikethrough: General] would [strikethrough: give no] promise — and thinking to better to avoid it the engagements on the subject best course, to avoid [strikethrough: such] and [strikethrough: to be] and [strikethrough: keep] the [strikethrough: the] field of choice open [strikethrough: than] the time arrived that might [undecipherable] [join] the army. for [him] to take the field. Be assured that in this instance as well as in any other you may command any service I can render you or your son. with true regard I am Sir yours *[undecipherable] James McHenry [undecipherable] [undecipherable]