[[undecipherable] — 3^d 19^th 1798 —] [(Copy) [undecipherable: probable reading "Tracy"] without signature] [M^r. Henry, or [undecipherable]] I have received [undecipherable] two or three from you - I would have answered particularly to that of the [11^th] ult. sooner, but I [have been] so much confused & [indeed] disturbed by the humour (not a very pleasant one) which the President has discovered since his leaving Philadelphia, or rather since the last day, on which the Senate was in session - It has been his wish to change the order of nomination of the Major Generals so as to give Knox the first rank, Pinckney the next & Hamilton the third place - As this arrangement would have occasioned a serious rupture, or at least misunderstanding, [undecipherable] him and General Washington, lost to the country the services of Hamilton and perhaps those of General Washington, all have been at work to prevent so many evils & [undecipherable: probable reading "failing"] at a time when we stand in need of the union of the best talents, men and means - I hope & think we shall be able to subdue this storm - altho' it has been almost a hurricane. — I have had a little from [undecipherable] on [undecipherable] for a certificate to shew that he had not [undecipherable] in the election for Senator. It will, I conceive, [undecipherable] obstacles [undecipherable] as ought only to be got [undecipherable] to give him a [undecipherable]. What say you to [undecipherable] I forwarded your friend already [undecipherable] a letter to supply the place of Booth in the event of his resignation - the President assured that he was to [undecipherable] in such a case to make another appointment and [undecipherable] North has signified that he accepts. I shall take due care of the names you have returned. Perhaps your State may not obtain more officers than belong to a regiment and it may be thought adviseable to take most of the cavalry officers and men from the South and [undecipherable: probable reading "add"] when they are to serve in all probability. You say the persons recommended cover only about half the State: will it not be proper to name some fit characters for officers from the other half. As more to select from should now be given to the State than a regiment, or should it be expedient to take from a greater division — Take care in doing this not to excite cause against yourself. [→] Add the information from M^r. King of the 6^th Aug.^t 1798 James Mc Henry A True Copy Charles Scribner May 6^th 1844