Now I have all pages. Let me produce the transcription. [28 augt 1799 President intend.] Trenton War Dept. 28 augt. 1799 Sir [strikethrough: I have the honour to inclose the copy of a letter from M^r Jonathan Waldo [strikethrough: describing] the application of monies for the [strikethrough: defence] improvement of the defences of Salem and] [strikethrough: I have the honour to inclose— [undecipherable] M^r Jonathan Waldo [undecipherable] [undecipherable] in the name of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] awaiting my answer.] The circumstances and time did not seem to admit of a previous communication to you, had it been considered ^necessary in such a case. Generally the forts have been named by the Engineers who constructed them or by the General commanding in the District [strikethrough: and often] [strikethrough: with so] without the previous concurrence of the Secretary of War I have the honour & John Adams Pres U.S. [Trenton U.S. 28 Aug.^t 1799 the President [undecipherable]] Trenton. War department 28^th August 1799— Sir, I have the honour to, inclose the copy of a letter from M^r Jonathan Waldo, respecting the application of Monies for the improvement of the defences of Salem, and an alteration in the Name of the Fort, with my answer. The circumstances and time did not seem to admit a previous communication to you, had it been considered necessary in such a case. Generally Forts have been named by the Engineers who constructed them or by the General commanding in the District, and often without the previous concurrence of the Secretary of War. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most Obedient, and most Humble Serv^t— The President of the United States. [Copy] [To Jonathan Waldo] Trenton War department 28^th August 1799— Sir, Received last evening, your letter of the 20^th August— the application of the Monies transmitted for the improvement of the defences, for the Harbour of Salem, I have no doubt, has been as œconomical and judicious as was to be expected, from the respectable Selectmen of the City of Salem. I request, Sir, you will present to them my best acknowledgements for their attention to the business, and Accept the same for your particular superintendance under their appointment. Observing that most of the Fortresses of the United States, in the same quarter of the Union have experienced a change of Name, from that they formerly bore; you request that the Fort at Salem may take the Name of Pickering, and intimate that permission so to name it [strikethrough: undecipherable] would be very grateful to the numerous Friends to the Secretary of State in the body of Salem, his native place; that it will be a small, tho' public testimony of respect for his Character, and will manifest a grateful recollection of the important Services he has rendered his Country, by his vigilance, firmness and perseverance in the arduous duties of his public Office" I beg you to believe I experience an intire satisfaction in acquiescing with the request. you will permit me to observe, that I consider the request to have been made on behalf of the selectmen and Citizens of Salem, and that this local proof of the affection of the early Companions of the Secretary of State, and attention of the Citizens in general of the place of his Nativity, while it does honour to their feelings, is, to use your expression a "public testimony" of desert, To have deserved, obtained and retain through life, or during a considerable extent, of the Administration of an important public Office, amidst the Collision of parties, and in times of uncommon difficulties, the esteem of the Wise and good, and the affections of early friends, is the lot of few Statesmen, but may be classed among the highest gratifications of an upright mind. I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, your Most Obedient Servant— [James McHenry]