War Department 1 May 1799 Dear Sir. I have received your letter, dated Salem 12 of April, in answer to mine to M^r. Dexter and yourself, respecting suitable characters to fill the different military grades in that proportion of the eventual army it may be necessary to raise in the State of Massachusetts. The aspect of our political relations, as they respect Europe and particularly the French Republic, does not seem to have changed since the passing of the laws, which authorises, eventually, the raising of the army, for which it is now wished to select proper characters to officer; consequently I cannot hazard a conjecture even, when it will be raised, and at what time, its officers, can with propriety be considered in pay. It is the Case, that occasions this uncertainty, while it imposes upon the President a high responsibility. Can it be thought unimportant, whether we shall or not, be possessed of suitable characters, appointed and ready to recruit the army, at the moment the President shall judge it proper to to call it into existence? If the events presumed by the laws [as probable] take place, and who can insure us that they will not, our ultimate safety, might indeed, depend upon such a state of preparation, as it respects deserving officers. Would it be prudent to wait until the moment of danger arrives, and then employ any portion of that time in selecting appointing and arranging officers, which ought to be altogether devoted to action? I flatter myself that no difficulties [undecipherable: will occur to —] to a proper selection, [strikethrough: will arise] on account of this uncertainty, especially as it will not require of the gentlemen who may be appointed any immediate personal sacrifices of either time or money, or relinquishment of their present pursuits or business. Actuated by the views and motives suggested, I had taken measures to obtain the best information, of suitable characters, to fill certain grades in the eventual army, by quotas, on the several States; and in consequence wrote to yourself and M^r Dexter, and to you both I have to make my acknowledgment, for the promptitude and zeal, with which you have undertaken, in certain respects not a pleasing task; but one which the good of the Country requires of some well informed, and firm patriots; and in the exertions of M^r. Dexter and yourself, I feel a confidence there will be no relaxation. As [strikethrough: with respect] to characters hertofore recommended and not appointed to the army I can assure you I have had to sustain very serious remonstrances from [two of] the General officers who framed the list to which you alludes, relative to alterations which you know were made in it. What I pray you is a Secretary to do in such a dilemma, when attacked upon one hand, for [strikethrough: having] consenting to certain alterations, and on the other, for not [strikethrough: having] making more? Having said this much, I shall only add, that [strikethrough: your] list will not be submitted to a board of Generals, [strikethrough: you are to have nothing to apprehend from any] [strikethrough: proceeding of that apprehension]. The partitioning the state between yourself and M^r Dexter, so as that each can apply his attention and correspondence, to his own division, without mutual interference, appears to me judicious, and will have a salutary result. I have the honour to be, with sincere regard and esteem D^r Your ob^t James McHenry [1 May 1799 — B. Goodhue Esq] [Bruce B. Goodhue.]