[Address: Col. Mc Henry] [seal] [undecipherable] [Private] Philadelphia March 14. 1800. Dear Sir! From the favourable recommendations which have been given of M^r. George Nath I am inclined to believe that a better person could not perhaps be selected for Clerk & Store Keeper at Harpers ferry. I have long known M^r. Norths character to be that of a Man of probity Honor, and he is both resputed & esteemed in Berkeley County. I have placed my business in his hands in the receiving annually some monies on my Account, I have the greatest confidence in him, insomuch that I offer'd to be his Security for the faithful performance of any Trust which might be committed to him. I have however since reflected on the [underline: principle] of a public Officer becoming Security for another, and I doubt not you will agree with me, that, any thing which might in any possible case occasion the least anxiety, should be relinquished. In making this communication, I have presumed upon your friendship to which I have been favor'd, and at the same time, I would wish to assure you that no doubt exists in my mind but that the Public would be faithfully served by M^r. Nath. should he be so happy as to receive the appointment. May I ask your Indulgence herein, with great respect, I am D^r. Sir, Your most obed^t. most humble Ser^t. James Mc. Henry Esq^r. Joseph Nourse you intimated, that an Inquiry might be proper in relation t the House of Alexandria, but this than not done, the Principle being the objection: I have considered M^r. North as only free from Debt, but possessing a handsome Property.