[8 Oct 1798 u. Tracy] [Litchfield [undecipherable] free] Hon^ble James McHenry Secy at War — Trenton N. Jersey. My dear Sir — Litchfield 8^th Oct 1798. Your favor of the 3^d inst. is duly rec'd. I thank you for it — and will endeavor to lay before you, names for another Corps — I conclude we shall in Connecticut be allowed as many Officers as will organize one more Regt — including the provisional Army. If I am mistaken in this, please to let me know, by an early opportunity — In the mean time Gov. Trumbull Col. Wadworth & I will be selecting the proper characters who shall be forwarded to you, as soon as may be. — I thank you for the foreign news — I should be more thankful for the Domestic if it was more grateful in its Nature. — Storms we must have, & each must have his share; — but it is a consolation devoutly to be wished, that they may cease from within our own houshold, as they increase from without. I was aware that we were under some difficulty, by a hint I had from Knox in a letter, but I said nothing, hoping it would blow over without much mischief. — As to W^m S. Smith commanding a Regt you know the appointment is in the hands of the Executive, by law, and it must take its course, but if all I hear of him is true, he ought, by no means to have a Regt. — Let it be remarked, that I may be misinformed. I only give my opinion under present impressions. — Altho' I am of opinion almost any compromise must be made, rather than have on our hands so much Executive blocking to our movements. — The Officers of the 12 Regt. & of the Provisional Army, it seems to me, should now be appointed as soon as convenience will possibly permit. — The order of our Country will, I fear cool — and recruiting will drag heavily — For God's sake let nothing retard this matter much longer — we must have our Army in forwardness. — As soon as possible we will forward you another Regt of Officers, you can use them as Provisional or not as you please. — Could the Commission soon be sent to me, The success of recruiting is infallible. — Every thing moves at present perfectly right in Connecticut, but too long delay will at any rate do no good — "There is a tide in the affairs of men". — I am unwilling to tax a busy & useful man, to write me but must ask you to give me a line if any thing particular either foreign or Domestic, should occur. — I am Sir with esteem & affection y^r Uriah Tracy Hon^ble J. McHenry