Signer of the United States Constitution from Maryland and the namesake of Fort McHenry (1753-1816) who also served as a delegate to the Continental Congress from Maryland, and the third United States Secretary of War. LS, one page both sides, 8 x 12.75, August 1, 1797. Letter to "His Excellency the Governor of New Hampshire," John Taylor Gilman, transmitting an order from President John Adams. In part: "I have it in order from the President of the United States, to lay before your Excellency the Act herein inclosed, intitled 'An Act authorizing a detachment from the Militia of the United States,' passed the 24th June 1797. The object of the law being to provide and have in readiness, a select and completely equipped, and organized body of Militia, fit for action, in all respects. The President in pursuance thereof, requests that you will be pleased to take immediate and effectual measures, to organize, arm, and equip, and hold in readiness, to march at a moment's warning, the detachment required to be so organized, armed, and equipped, by the State of New Hampshire, agreeably to the said law, and the Act, intitled 'An Act more effectually to provide for the National defence, by establishing an uniform Militia throughout the United States,' passed the 8th of May 1792. With a view to expedite the completion of the said detachment, the President has judged it expedient to authorize you to accept any independent corps of Cavalry, Artillery, or Infantry, as part thereof, provided they shall voluntarily engage as Corps, in the Service." In fine condition, with a small mounting remnant to the upper right corner of the signed page.
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