George Salmon surveys the impending Congressional elections of 1798 in Maryland for James McHenry. Salmon notes that "party spirit rages every where and with great violence." He also says that "parties [presumably party politics] are beyond anything ever before known." According to Salmon, "the election begins next Monday and disagreeable consequences may be expected" in Maryland. Salmon calls Joshua Seney "Galatin the Second." Salmon is presumably an ardent Federalist and believes that the State of Maryland will not be represented in so proper manner as formerly.
Washington confides to Hamilton that he cannot comment on the relative rank of the three major generals until he receives an official account of the President's determination.
Caldwell has a certificate from Abraham Kirkpatrick, late Commissary General in Wayne's army, for a sum due him for services rendered as Assistant Commissary. Apparently the fever is so mortal in Philadelphia that most of the inhabitants have moved out to the country. Caldwell wants to know the best means for acquiring his money.
Enclosed is a letter for Major [John] Buell who has not yet transmitted to Rivardi the money he drew on Buell's order. Nor does he have the due bill from Col. O'Hara which Simmons had sent him.
