[Copy] Copy Secretary of War favor of W^m Henderson Philad.^a Aug.^t 9^th 1798 William Henderson Esq.^r of Greencastle, Franklin County Pensylvania, I understand has signified a wish to you of joining the Army, provided he can obtain command of a Regiment; doubtless many more have demanded this rank than can possibly be gratified however deserving — M^r Henderson was a Captain in the Pennsylvania line of the old Army, he served seven years with great credit to himself & benefit to his Country — he is possessed of handsome property, is now & has been for some years past a member of the State Legislature — to these qualifications I may add (altho one might not think it essential, but I am sure it is of some use) that his address, manners and appearance are very genteel — upon the whole I assure you I know but few men who, think would cut a more respectable figure at the head of a Regiment — I have the honor to be with much respect Sir Your Obed.^t Servant W^m Irvine James M^cHenry Esq.^t Secretary of War a Copy —