To George Washington from James McHenry, 1 June 1787
From James McHenry
Philadelphia 1st [June] 1787
Sir
I have just received an express from Baltimore informing me that my brother lays dangerously ill, in consequence of which I set out immediately for that place. I wish to communicate this circumstance to your Excellency that it may be mentioned to the convention should my absence without leave be taken any notice of.1 With the greatest respect I have the honor to be your Excellency’s ob. st
James McHenry
ALS, DNA: RG 360, Records of the Federal Convention. McHenry misdated the letter 1 May.
1. McHenry returned to the Convention on 6 Aug. and remained until the end. His brother John, with whom McHenry was in business in Baltimore, died in 1790 at the age of 35.