Philadelphia July 25^th 1798 Sir having been intimately acquainted with M^r James Blain of Carlisle in this State, from his Early Youth, and being informed that he has Enrolled his name as Candidate for a Majority in one of the Regiments to be raised on the present Millitary Establishment, I have the pleasure to assure you, that he has been Uniformly respected as a Man of Strict honor and unblemished character, warmly attached to the interests of his Country, and that I am [strikethrough: that he will] perfectly Confident that he will do himself honor, in any Station or grade to which he may be appointed, I am. with Sincere respect Your most obed^t Hum^d Serv^t James O'Hara the Hon^ble the Sec^y of War.