James McHenry was an Scots-Irish American military surgeon, statesman, and a Founding Father of the United States. McHenry was a signer of the United States Constitution from Maryland, initiated the recommendation for Congress to form the Navy, and was the eponym of Fort McHenry. He represented Maryland in the Continental Congress. He was a delegate to the Maryland State Convention of 1788, to vote whether Maryland should ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States. He served as United States Secretary of War from 1796 to 1800, bridging the administrations of George Washington and John Adams. At the time of his death, McHenry owned 10 slaves, most of whom either worked as household servants or maintained his estate.
[Fredericksburg, New York, September 21, 1778] Sir, In order to get rid of your present accumulations you will be pleased to take the pills agreeable to the directions; and to…
[ Paramus, New Jersey, December 6, 1778 . “… desire Colo. Harrison to write to Genl. Greene on the subject of his Letter respecting a change of ground for hutting.…
James McHenry informs Benjamin Franklin of the warm reception Marquis de Lafayette receives during his American visit, expressing gratitude from the citizens. He also reports the near collapse of the congressional committee of the States due to members' departures, signaling a lack of effective government and uncertain communication until John Jay possibly assumes the foreign affairs role.
War-Office 7th February 1797. Sir, I have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid Pension-Applicants, belonging to the State of New Jersey, who have been re-examined by…
8th April 1797. The quantum and kind of defensive force necessary at this juncture, and which it appears to the Sery of War, Congress ought to make immediate provision for,…
War Office 13 April 1797. Sir Conceiving it proper that you should be informed of the arrangements, regulations and instructions, relative to the most important objects in the department of…
War Office 29 April 1797 The Secretary of War, in conformity with the desire of the President as expressed in his letter of the 14th instant has the honour to…
Near Downings town 5 Sepr. 1797. Sir. The recent death of Doctor Way has left the office of treasurer of the mint vacant, to which Mr John Knap a native…
Near Downings town 24 Sept. 1797. Sir. I received at this place your letter of the 1st of Sepr. instant with its several references. I have been attacked here with…
Near Downingtown 20 October 1797 Sir I received by yesterdays mail your dispatch of the 20 September Ult. Major Lovell sent it from [Pittsburg and expected] to be here in…
War Office, Novr: 22, 1797. Sir, The inclosed copy of a letter to the Accountant for the department of War, dated the 11th: instant, with his answer of the same…
War Office 15 Febry. 1798 In obedience to the request of the President the Secry. of War respectfully submits the following observations, on the subject of his reference of the…
War Department April 6th. 1798. Sir I have the honor to inclose a report, and documents, in the case of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Rochfontaine Commandant of the Corps of Artillerists,…
New York 13 June 1798. Sir. I arrived here yesterday about 7 O’clock a.m. and after breakfasting visited Governor< , Start deletion, Island , End, > Bedlow & Oyster Islands.…
War Department 18t. June 1798. Sir, I have the honor to submit, the enclosed papers Nos. 1. to 4 inclusive relative to my proceedings at New-York. I am Sir /…
War Department 4th. August 1798— Sir, The more I contemplate the detail of organizing the twelve regiments of Infantry, to be raised; the more I percieve the difficulty of effecting…
War Department 13 August 1798— Sir, I received, on the afternoon of the 10th last, from Mr. Elisha Hall secretary to the commissioners for holding a treaty with the Cherokee…
War Department 17 Augt. 1798. Sir. I have just received the enclosed letter and address. General Badgley of Hampton, lives near Baltimore, is one of the wealthiest men in the…
War Department 22nd. Augst 1798 Sir, I have the honor to enclose a patriotic address from the Brigadier general, and field officers of the third Brigade of Maryland Militia with…
War Department. 10th Sepr. 1798. Sir. I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter from the Quarter Master General dated the 21st ulto, and a copy of…
War Department 15 Sept. 1798 Sir. I have had the honour to receive your letters of the 3d 4th and 5th of this month. It is somewhat difficult, I imagine…
Trenton 21 Sept. 1798 Sir I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 13th instant, for which I sincerely thank you. It has not only relieved me…
War Department 18 Octbr. 1798. Sir, I have had the honour to receive your several letters under date of the 13th 14th 17th and 21st of September and also of…
War Department 30 Octbr. 1798 Sir. I had the honour to receive your letter dated the 22d inst. this morning. Inclosed are copies of letters from me of this date,…