Washington, George, 1732-1799. The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources
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*To JAMES McHENRY

    (Private)

   Philadelphia, January 20, 1796.

   My dear Sir: Let this letter be received with the same friendship and frankness, with which it is written; nothing would add more to the satisfaction this would give me, than your acceptance of the offer I am going to make you.

   Without further preface then, will you suffer me to nominate you to the Office of Secretary of War? That I may give evidence of the candour I have professed above, I shall inform you, that for particular reasons (more fit for an oral, than a written communication) this Office has been offered to Genl. Pinckney of So. Carolina; Colo. Carrington of Virginia, and Govr. Howard 1 of Maryland, and that it would now give me sincere pleasure if you would fill it.

[Note:John Eager Howard. He was Governor of Maryland from 1788 to 1792. ]

    After making this declaration I can press you no farther; but I press for an immediate answer, as the public Service is suffering much for want of a head to the department of War. If you consent to this nomination, prepare to come on as soon as it is made (for the reason just mentioned) altho' at this season, and in the present state of the Roads, you should not find it convenient to bring Mrs. McHenry and your family along with you.

   Sound, I pray you, and let me know without delay, if Mr. Saml Chase would accept a seat on the Supreme Judicial bench of the U. States, made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Blair. If his decision is in the affirmative, he will at once perceive the necessity of being here by the first monday (if possible) in next month, at which time that Court is to sit in this city. 2 Altho' these subjects are, both, of an interesting nature, I will add no more on them at present; but assure you of the sincere friendship, and Affecte. regard of &c. 3

[Note:McHenry's letter of acceptance (January 24), stating also that Chase would accept, is in the Washington Papers . ]
[Note:From the McHenry Photostats in the Library of Congress.

   On January 26 the President nominated McHenry and Chase, and also William Cushing, of Massachusetts, the latter for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. On January 27 the Senate concurred in these appointments. The nominating message and the concurrence are entered in the "Letter Book" in the Washington Papers . ]