[I 166] War Department, 31^st [May? 1800?] I respectfully take the liberty to state to you my recollection of the substance and incidents of the conversation which passed between us on the evening of the [Sunday?] preceding my resignation of the Office of Surgeon for the Department of War. I dined on the same day with M^r [Pickles?], and was at table when informed that my Servant waited at the Door to see me. He brought me a Note which had been [sent?] to my [House?] from you, requesting M^r M^cHenry's Company for one minute. I immediately waited upon you at your own House, and being shewn into the common sitting room, found you there alone. After desiring me to sit down the Conversation commenced as follows. President. I sent for you to request you would make a proposition to M^r Jonathan Williams. I did not understand before this morning the pretensions of M^r Israel Whelen, who has filled important Stations in the State of Pennsylvania, and is professed upon me by the most respectable characters