[1 Let^r 1798] [25^m V. Murray] The Hon^ble James McHenry Esq^r Secretary at War Philadelphia [W.V. [undecipherable] / Sec^t at War] [Left margin, rotated: undecipherable] The Hague 1. Sep^t 1798. My dear Sir, M^r King has agreed to receive Dan:dridge as Secretary — & D. leaves me in a few days — I lately wrote for a commission for him — If it is not granted D. would rather delay to a moment of actual fighting the honour of accepting a commis:ion — I write in haste — to request you to send John [undecipherable: as soon?] as possible — I rely on him & reject these offers — D. [undecipherable] from [undecipherable] & he will go with [undecipherable] — but his health & some better prospects make me as his friend acquiesce — Be firm a persevering my dear Minister & France will recoil & we shall triumph & once more establish the Law of nations. — I am most affectionately my dear friend & always W.V.Murray.