American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Manuscript secretarial letter with "War Department" and date of April 8, 1799 at top. To "Michael Gunklle, Contractor." Signed James McHenry.

McHenry writes: "It is contemplated to establish recruiting Rendezvous at the following places in the State of Pennsylvania, Viz: A.P. Darby, Lancaster, Wilkesbarre, Reading, Bristol, Yorktown, Carlisle, Northumberland, Lewistown (Mifflin County), Bedford, Greensburg, Washington and Eastown.

"I have therefore to r[equ]est that you will take measures to have the Recruits who may be inlisted at these places, supplied with Rations &c." (folds with some separations and minor paper loss - as above)

James McHenry (1753-1816) was born in County Antrim, Ireland and sent to North America to recover from health problems in 1771. Eventually, he apprenticed under Benjamin Rush to become a physician. He served in this capacity during the Revolutionary War. He was taken prisoner in Nov. 1776 and paroled the following January. He impressed the commander of American forces and was appointed as an aide in May 1779. In August 1780 he was transferred to LaFayette's staff until his retirement a bit over a year later.

He began a political career after retiring and represented Maryland at the Constitutional Convention, becoming Secretary of that body. During his second term, Washington appointed McHenry as Secretary of War. He reorganized the Army and established the Navy while serving in this capacity. He continued in his cabinet post under John Adams until internal oppositions forced his resignation. in May 1800. He purchased a 95-acre farm, naming it Fayetteville for his friend, La Fayette, and remained there the rest of his life. 

Fort McHenry in Baltimore was named for him, among other honors. This, of course, was the Fort that would inspire the composition of the National Anthem.