Philadelphia 24^th May 1800— Dear Sir, One of those little tattlers, who infest, when permitted the ears of men in certain stations, has whispered to the President, who mentioned it to me, as if he believed the story, that I had obliged you to resign the Office of Chief Clerk in the Department, to make room for my Brother in Law. The circumstances of this falsehood being noticed by the President, induces me to request to be informed, whether any part of my conduct, or any act or expression of mine was the cause of your resignation, and whether, while you filled the Office of Chief Clerk, my behaviour to you, was not always that of a gentleman, marked with good nature, kindness, and friendship. As I shall leave the Department of War in a few days, it will give me pleasure to carry with me your candid recollections on the subject.— If I have wronged or forced you from Office, it was certainly by some unintentional act of which I am still ignorant, and cannot be displeased with you for disclosing it. I am Dear Sir, very sincerely your friend & humb^le Serv^t James McHenry [Major John Stagg New York.]