[Docket: [undecipherable] War Department / James McHenry / [undecipherable]] [H^nble James A. Bayard / [undecipherable] / Middletown State of Delaware] Trenton, 3^d. Feb^y 1798. Dear Sir, The inclosed fragments of news papers will shew you that Col. Howard had informed D^r Thomas of Frederick by letter. that Gen. Smith, at the Presidents Table, had said he wished our Envoys had given the French the money they demanded, and that General Smith denies the charge. Col. Howard has earnestly requested me to give him such information, respecting the Generals language and conversations on this occasion, as may be in my power to obtain. Yesterday evening only, I understood, you were of the party at the Presidents, and that struck with the Generals sentiments you had repeated what he had said to several gentlemen. If the fact is so, I request you to take the trouble to state the Generals conversation to Col. Howard. Your testimony, I consider of importance, and I am certain you didee not [undecipherable] it. I am D^r Sir with very great resp^t & esteem your Ob^t S^t James McHenry