[3297.] Baltimore July 29^th 1799 The reports which you wrote to me, my dear Sir, and some others, have determined me to follow your advice and pitch my tent in Baltimore. Here then I am, once more a Lawyer, and in an office waiting for clients, of whom, however, I have not yet seen a great number, tho' some good ones. Several Gentlemen, and among others M'Henry, M'Casto, Judge Chase and Gen. [undecipherable], tho'ly recommended [undecipherable] in preference to Baltimore, but I thought otherwise for the present; though, perhaps some time hence, I may take their advice. I shall, however, attend the courts at Annapolis and below. If any of your friends have any thing to do at either of the three places, which I hope they have not, please to recollect that I am very much at their service. I have received a letter from Gen. Pinckney of the 13^th ulto respecting the contents thereof, as he tells me that a copy has been sent to you, it is not necessary for me to Speak. My sentiments and opinion on the subject you will learn from the enclosed copy. My reasons for believing that a Brigadier's Commission was not beyond my expectations are already known to you, and I should be obliged to you to Communicate them to the Pub= sent if you think such a step proper. I will add that should all those Commissions be destined for men thought more deserving and better qualified, I would not refuse a regiment of Cavalry, for [undecipherable] of War, I should prefer serving as a volunteer, rather than in any grade lower than a Col. of Horse. The difficulty, however, will in all probability be removed by Prince Charles & Count Suwarrow, whose progress has infinitely lessened the probability of an attack upon us, & I fear will soon take away the very possibility. In that case no appointment will probably be made, and we may all remain at our desks, or return there, and wait for a new war before we contend for rank, or seek occasions of acquiring military glory. What pity that so many Suwaroffs and Bonapartes in embryo, should be chilled into mere Lawyers, Planters & merchants by the cold breath of Peace! Don't shew this to the Democrats, for they will take it literally, & say that I wished for war, in order to gain an opportunity of acquiring glory in the field. As they have already said it, however, there could be no great harm in the repetition. If you think fit, I have no objection to your sending Gen. Pinckney's Letter & mine to the President. God bless you my dear Sir! In December early I shall see you, & till then I bid you an affectionate adieu. yours sincerely Rob. G. Harper [The Hon^ble the Sec^y at War] [docket notation: 29 [undecipherable] July 1799 / R G Harper / [undecipherable]]