James McHenry (Fort McHenry) Signed Letter

Discovered: Fort McHenry namesake and member of George Washington’s cabinet, James McHenry’s boldly written and signed letter of December 25, 1778 re: instructions for Capt. Filton.

The letter addresses "My Lord" (whose name is left blank) regarding enclosed instructions for "Captn. Filton".

Purpose: The sender has the "honor to inclose you the instructions for Captn. Halton".

Request: "Your Lordship will be pleased" to give Captain Halton "such further directions as you may judge necessary" should anything appear to be omitted.

Postscript (P.S.): The sender notes "Not knowing that most Noble person you wd. fix on" for the "place for the officers name", he has left the name blank.

The letter is signed by James McHenry and addressed to a "Burlington street" recipient (likely an address or a person's title/location).

James McHenry (1753–1816) Signer of the United States Constitution, Delegate to the Continental Congress from Maryland and the Third United States Secretary of War under George Washington and John Adams (1796–1800). Served as a Surgeon during the Revolutionary War, taken prisoner by Sir William Howe – paroled and appointed aide to General Washington, present at the Battle of Monmouth. Transferred to General Lafayette’s staff until 1781. Served in the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate. As Secretary of War he reorganized the Army and established the United States Department of the Navy.

Upon his death Mrs. McHenry wrote “Here we come to the end of a life of a courteous, high-minded, keen spirited, Christian gentleman. He was not a great man, but participated in great events and great men loved him, while all men appreciated his goodness and purity of soul. His highest titles are that he was faithful to every duty and that he was the intimate and trusted friend of Lafayette, of Hamilton, and of Washington.”