[4 Sep^t. 1798 President— application for [undecipherable] claims. [undecipherable] has [Tousard?] been— sent forward— word to for Artillery Inspection— Brother has used expressions [impty?] [undecipherable]— Louis promotion sus- pended—] [[diagonal notation: undecipherable: probable reading J McHenry]] [(169)] Quincy September 4. 1798 I received your favour of Aug. 22. last night. I hear nothing from the Secretary of State respecting the Castle, which ought to be received, and the [Garrison?] moved as soon as possible and a respectable officer and garrison appointed. I perceive that [undecipherable] is a coming there. I know not why, nor do I know one. General Hamilton recommends [undecipherable] to be Inspector of Artilery. I have no Passion to [undecipherable] Towards H nor Artilery, but [a/an] [undecipherable] with the Name & [figure?] of a Frenchman would not in a French War have the [Confidence?] of this nation. The recruiting [Service?] in Boston I understand has [not?] [done?] much, but the demand for arms [undecipherable] will [interfere?] with it. M^r Brooks is the Major I alluded to in a former Letter. The letter from M^r Stoddert and that from Major Brooks, which you intended to enclose in your Letter to me you omitted. So that I am ignorant of his apology. But I have unlooked Information, that Long find his Nomination to be a Major and his knowledge of it & He Said Things which would [undecipherable] me and all my Children and Grand Children. If you can prove such Expressions against Col Smith or any of my [Sons?], you shall have my Consent to find them fairly [undecipherable]. Untill I have Some Explanation or [Satisfaction?] even [on?] this Subject I will [undecipherable] my [undecipherable]. I am very Sorry you never [undecipherable] his [undecipherable] omitted to enclose his Letter and M^r Stoddert, Against Major Hoops I have received no Accusation or [Recommendation?]. Although [undecipherable] was a Captain before many whom you mention are Lieutenants, I am convinced by your Reasoning that it will be better to think of Some other [Arrangement?], and for him, different from that which [undecipherable] made [undecipherable] in the place of Cap^t Mitchell. We will postpone this Subject then if you please [undecipherable] future Consideration. With great regard I have the Honor to be your most obedient & John Adams James McHenry Esq^r Secretary of War [undecipherable]