[The Hon.^ble James McHenry. Secretary at War Trenton.] [Docket notations, bottom of address panel:] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] McHenry 11 Dec.^r 1798 No 1 Cecil County, Maryland, 11^th Oct.^r 97. Sir, You have no doubt heard of the success of Mess.^rs Christie, Seney & Smith. Notwithstanding the plainest proof, by his own Letters, that M.^r C. was concerned in the Georgia speculation. the spirit of opposition to the Gov.^t prevailed, but it would not have been the case in this District, if the Hollingsworth at Elkton had not taken a decided and active part ag.^t M.^r Thomas. Levy the Son of Zebulon has good sense eno' to avoid the preposterous declamations of the party when he meets with men of Sense, but his ambition leads him to side with what he supposes the most popular party. Thus he deceived his Uncle in Philad.^a who speaks of him as a good Federalist. The bol.^d is a true Democrat and I suspect feels hurt that he has not been more noticed by the Gov.^t You may mention to M.^r Pickering that he selected a very improper person to intrust the dispatches for dispersion thro' the District. The whole Interest of the Family and all the frauds at the Election of which their partizans are known to be capable of, were used ag.^t the federal Candidate. It is true that old Zeb: did not vote or busy himself but all the others did. He seldom takes an active part — I have heretofore recommended Nathan Morris Wright of Kent Co.^y for a commission. But I must withdraw every thing I have said in his favor. I have from Authority which I must rely on. that, he has been playing a double part. Tho' he assured me that he was now well satisfyed with the measures of the Gov.^t towards France, and would neither vote or countenance M.^r Christie, he did all he could to promote his Election. I think this conduct much worse than an open and avowed opposition. It shews that he is not to be relied on and that it would be unsafe to trust him with a commission — I am very respectfully y.^r ob.^t [undecipherable]