Dear Sir Baltimore 25 Septem: 1798 I am lately returned from a little excursion through different parts of this State with a view to drive away some complaints that seemed gaining on me by being confined too long to the air of Baltimore — Wherever I went, the ensuing election for Representatives to Congress seemed to take up the entire thoughts of the People, and party spirit rages every where with great violence — in the upper Counties M^r. Dan is opposed by a M^r. Heister who formerly lived in Pennsylvania and a Member from thence, this contest appears doubtful, the former is supported by all the friends of Goverment, of course you know who will stick by the other, — in the District represented by M^r. Sprigg, a Doctor Thomas is brought forward of opposite principles to the other, the issue of this is also very uncertain; the District lately represented by M^r. Mathews, is contested by Gabriel Christie who was formerly in Congress and a Doctor Thomas, 'tis thought Christie will be carried to the disgrace of that district — M^r. Hindman who has been so long in Congress will be pushed hard by M^r. Seney whom [Honourable James McHenry Esq^r.] [fro. Solomon / 25 Sept 1798]