[Sec^t at war 3 July 1799 [underline: Coun^t Rumford]] War Department 3 July 1799 Sir I have received your letter dated [undecipherable] the 16^th, to which is annexed a copy of a letter from Count Rumford, formerly Sir Benjamin Thompson, to you, dated the 13^th of [undecipherable] last, in which he communicates his intentions, if it shall be possible, of visiting his Native Country, in the Spring of 1800. Provided you [undecipherable] continue to advise it, and to encourage him with the hopes of a kind reception; mentions the model of a Field piece, on a new construction, which he destines, as a present to the United States, and that to assist in the establishment of so useful an institution; as he considers that of a military school or academy to be, to the United States, he showed his having to be permitted, to present to the Academy, his collection of military books, Plans, Drawings and models, requesting, that this offer, may be made known to the Executive Government of the United States, and that you would inform him as soon as convenient, whether it will be accepted. I enclosed your letter to the President at Quincy near Boston, observing, that the reference to me could only be meant to apply, so far as respected the military department, and submitted to his consideration, whether the United States might not derive advantage, from a proposal being made to the count, which if accepted, would secure to the army the full benefit of his skill and experience? I suggested, that there was still a vacancy for a Lieutenant Colonel of one of the Regiments of Artillerists & Engineers; that the President was authorised by the 17^th Section of "an act for the better organizing of the troops of the United States and for other purposes", passed the 3^d of March last, to engage, and appoint, distinct from the officers of the corps of Artillerists and Engineers, two Engineers, with the rank of Lieut. Colonel, and to stipulate and allow to them, respectively, such compensation, as he shall find necessary and convenient. And that, by the 9^th section of "an act to augment the army of the United States, and for other purposes" passed the 16 July 1798, provision was made for an inspector of Artillerists to be taken from the line of Artillerists, and Engineers, who should be allowed in addition to his pay in the line, thirty dollars per month, and four rations of provisions for his daily subsistence. These two propositions might be made to the count. 1^st. He might be offered, the vacant commission of Lieut Colonel, and be appointed also the Inspector of Artillery. 2^d. He might be invited to accept of the Office of Engineer, contemplated by one of the acts cited. I intimated, that I considered the Count to be less of an Engineer, than of an Artillerist, and should therefore think it most [undecipherable: probable reading "advisable"] to give the preference to the first proposition, but that I might be mistaken in my supposition. That if he accepts, he might have the superintendence of the military academy, which the law so far contemplates, as to have made provision for books, instruments and teachers. That altho' the Count should refuse himself to either office, the offer could not be otherwise than grateful to him, proceeding from the government of his native Country, and must induce him, when opportunities present, to be useful to the United States, to the extent of his abilities. The President's answer to my letter informed me, that he had read Count Rumford's letter to you, been attentive to the character of this gentleman for five or six years past, and had read some of his essays; that from the latter he had formed an esteem for his genius, Talents, enterprise and benevolence which will secure him, in case of his return to his native country, a reception as kind and civil, as it may be in his power to give him. He intimates, that some gentlemen, who left the Country, as the Count did, have found [undecipherable], either to give or receive satisfaction; but adds, I shall not scruple however to give him, any of the appointments you mention, and leave it with you, to make such proposals to him, through Mr. King, within the limits you have drawn in your letter, as you shall think fit. The import of my letter to the President and of his answer, which I have just detailed, will suggest to you, the communications it will be proper to make to Count Rumford, and entertaining the same opinion with the President, and (as I think I perceive) yourself of this gentleman's character, experience, talents, and capacity to be eminently useful to his native Country, I cannot but indulge an ardent wish, that the offers, you are now authorised to make him, will be accepted; but if otherwise, that the assurances given by the President, of a kind reception will hasten his visit to his native shores, and induce to impart for the benefit of his countrymen, the beneficial results of his studies, information and experience. From those communications which may be made to or through me re-:lative to my department, I shall derive, I have no doubt, facilities and aid, entitled to my acknowledgements. The model of a Field piece on a new and improved construction I am anxious to receive as soon as possible: it may be highly useful to us at this time, or as a standard for our national artillery. You will be pleased to thank the Count: as well as for his, very liberal offer, to procure for the use of, a military academy, an establishment truly important to the United States, his collection of military books, plans, drawings and models, which will be accepted with the high consideration it deserves. I have written to you repeatedly and hear with some surprise, that you have not had my acknowledgements, for the books, medals &c at different times received from you. You will now be pleased to accept my thanks for the trouble you have taken, but shall I regret to impose upon you; and to present to M^r Trumbull, my particular acknowledgements, for the share of trouble he has had in rendering the Indian medals so perfect as I find them. will you permit me still further to avail myself of your kindness, and request, that when to be met with conveniently, you will continue to procure, such books of merit on military subjects as you suppose will be most useful. If you think they might be advantageous to an American in public life, and are procuring such a collection for yourself, I have to request you would [strikethrough: also for me] direct the person you may employ for that purpose, to procure for me also a collection of the best political tracts or pamphlets which have been published in England for some years back, and to continue the collection occasionally for me. I presume the collector will consult the reviews and such like works for the best pieces in this line of controversy. I have the honour to be with great respect, Sir your ob^t hble s^r James McHenry His Excy. Rufus King Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Great Britain.