To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 September 1792
From James McHenry
Baltimore 25th Sepr 1792
Sir
My not writing has been owing to two causes. I was confined to my bed by a fever (remittent) the 5th instant, which left me there till the 20th. I had little hopes of a recovery but it has pleased god that I should get the better of it. I am now convalescent and may soon be as well as heretofore. The other reason is that I have only had Mr Hammonds answer which is against a removal. Mr Tilghmans I expect every day. I had written to both before my illness being very intimate with them.1 This my dear Sir is the cause why I have not sooner informed you of the state of the business you were so kind as to commit to my care.2
The merchts have again renewed their application to me to beg you to spend one day in Baltimore on your return, and with such instances of respect and attatchment to your person as to make me more desirous that it may be convenient. I told them that I thought the best way would be to concert matters with Grant, and when we got you here to keep you for the day.3 With the most sincere attatchment and affection I am D. Sir, your Ob. hble st
James McHenry
ALS, DLC:GW; ADf, MdAA: James McHenry Collection.
1. The last five words of this sentence are not included in the draft.
2. In his letter to McHenry of 31 Aug., GW asked him to inquire of Maryland lawyers Nicholas Hammond and William Tilghman whether either would be interested in appointment to the recently vacated position of U.S. district attorney for Maryland, and if so, whether they would be willing to move to Baltimore in order to fulfill the duties of that office. In his first letter to GW of 4 Oct., McHenry enclosed Hammond’s and Tilghman’s letters, written to him on 12 Sept. and 3 Oct., respectively, in which they both declined the appointment because they were unwilling to move to Baltimore.
3. GW often stayed at Daniel Grant’s Fountain Inn when he was in Baltimore. A notice in the Baltimore Evening Post and Daily Advertiser on 11 Oct. 1792 reported that GW arrived in Baltimore the previous evening “and this morning proceeded on his journey to Philadelphia, accompanied by his Lady.”