[Docket: A G. N° 2 — Philad.^a 21 Feb.^y 1800 — Albert Gallatin — M.C. — recommending John M'Gowan — by virtue of the recommendation of the Collector of Customs of Passamaquody (Maine) as a Refugee of Merit from Nova Scotia] [Addressed:] James M'Henry Secretary at War Sir The bearer, John M'Gowan, is a Nova Scotia Refugee who was introduced to me by letters from the Collector of Customs at Passamaquody (Maine) with whom I had some acquaintance about 20 years ago & whom I know to be a man of integrity. From his information I have no doubt that M'Gowan is entitled to the bounty of Congress & that his losses have been considerable, but from his ignorance of the law, he had not brought the proofs required by law to substantiate his claim. Under those circumstances I advised him, at all events to file his claim in your office which he informs me he has done. My understanding of the law is that although it be necessary to exhibit the claims before the [blank] of April next, yet the claimants may be allowed further time to produce their proofs. And under that impression I have advised him to return to Passamaquody & collect his proofs. As he has no Agent here & is too poor to pay one, I have suggested that he might enclose his papers under cover directed immediately to you. I now enclose the informal papers which he had brought with him, & wish he may be informed whether the construction I give to the law, relative to a Subsequent exhibition of proofs, be correct. & whether there is any impropriety in directing his papers to you as one of the Commissioners designated by the law. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir of your most Ob. Serv.^t Albert Gallatin Philad.^a 21 Feb.^y 1800 P.S. As your numerous avocations may not leave you time to converse with the man, a few lines directed to me, if more convenient, will answer the same end. Hon.^le James M'Henry Secretary at War