To George Washington from James McHenry, 16 October 1798
From James McHenry
(Confidential)
my dear Sir.Trenton [N.J] 16 Octbr 1798
You will see by the inclosed the step I have taken, and the information and aid which I expect to derive from the Major Generals in case it is approved, and also the desire I have to draw you for a short time to Philadelphia.1 I know not how all this is to end, and feel perfectly tired of the uncertainty in which so many important measures are kept fettered and involved.
I hope you will approve of the exposition I have given of my views, and the propriety of my fortifying or correcting my own opinions by those of the Generals. I have informed Hamilton of the points upon which I shall look for his assestance that he may come prepared.
I am extremely anxious to know the result of your letter to the President. Yours ever & affectionately
James McHenry
ALS, DLC:GW. McHenry sent a similarly worded letter to Hamilton on the same day, including possibly the same enclosures.
1. Among the enclosures probably were McHenry’s letters to John Adams and to Alexander Hamilton of 15 Oct., as well as a letter written to Henry Knox around the same date. See McHenry’s first letter of this date and GW’s second letter to McHenry of 21 October.