James McHenry LS Regarding "Armory and Works at Harper's Ferry on the Potowmack"

1p handwritten letter signed by former Constitution signer James McHenry (1753-1816), then in his capacity as Secretary of War, as "James McHenry" near bottom right. Issued from the War Department on April 12, 1800. Docketed verso, with minor isolated bleed-through along the right edge. Faint ink ghost impression at top mentioned just for accuracy. Expected paper folds. Else near fine. 7.75" x 9.75".

In part, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"Mr John Mackay lately employed by the Department of War as Storekeeper and Paymaster to the Armory and Works at Harper's Ferry on the Potowmack, having resigned and proposed to settle at New Orleans in the Commercial or Commission line, I request for him your attentions and countenance. He has discharged the duties of his late Appointment with integrity and satisfactorily so as to claim from me this notice and recommendation."

James McHenry boasted an impressive Revolutionary War-era political and military career. A Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress, McHenry also attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he signed the famous document. The Revolutionary War veteran also served as 3rd U.S. Secretary of War to Presidents George Washington and John Adams, and was the namesake of Fort McHenry.

Construction of the armory at "Harper's Ferry" (modern day Harpers Ferry, West Virginia) began in 1799, and was not finished until 1802, making this a very early reference to the site later made notorious by John Brown's aborted raid in 1859.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!