Philadelphia 1 Aug^t. 1799 Dear Sir. It was not untie it made its appearance in the news-paper, that I learned you had adopted Baltimore for your place of residence, and meant to devote a part of your time to your profession. I had before you left this City pointed out some advantages attending such an establishment, and I am extremely glad that your own view of the subject has corresponded with mine. I hope and I think it will be your fault if every thing does not finally accord with your present wishes. I need not tell you what I expect you have already perceived that all my friends will be yours. To balance however this you will also find those who speak well of nobody will not long speak well of you. If I can be of any service to you in any form command it freely. (Private) M^r. Murray has executed his instruction and M^r Pickering has received from him the answer of minister Talygrand — that M^r Ellsworth Henry & Murray, will be received according to their functions and respected according to the Laws of nations, and one or several ministers be duly appointed to treat with them. So far the answer would seem a compliance with the Presidents conditions as announced to the Senate in his message. The Sec^y. of State, inserted in his letter to M^r. Murray, by order of the President, this condition M^r. Murray communicated also to M^r Talygrand, viz "that they should have an audience of the Directory. On this circumstance Talygrand is silent, reserving of course, to the Directory to omit or grant it, as the one or the other may best suit their purpose. Is it a non compliance sufficient to suspend proceedings? There is besides this apparently intended reserve an insult in Talygrand communication to Murray. He thinks it strange that so much time should have been suffered to elapse to repeat a question which he had answered to M^r Gerry and the to M^r. Murray. The whole has been sent to Quincy. What could we do with it? — There has been so great a change in the situation of things in Europe, since the mission was thought of, as perhaps, to render it infinitely less before than when devised. What think you ought to be done. At Present our affairs, every where, are in the most prosperous and flourishing state. Will this mission tend to embarras [strikethrough: mend], or change them for the worse? with real regard I am D^r Sir yours James McHenry [Rec^d at the Cap^tl?] Prob^t G. Harper Esq^r.