1. McHenry is referring to the uniform and other military equipment that Tench Francis in June was asked to secure for young George Washington Parke Custis. See GW to McHenry, 7 June, n.1. There apparently was some problem with the shipment, for on 22 Sept. GW wrote Francis: “Sir, Much time has elapsed since I requested the favour of the Secretary of War (that they might be ⟨comport⟩able to any regulations which might have been established there) to provide ⟨mutilated⟩ be provided, some articles for the equipment of Mr Custis as a Cornet of Horse.

“In answer, he informed me that he had commissioned you to execute my request. To know the result, as some of those article are much needed, must be my apology for giving you the trouble of receiving this address from Sir Your most Obedt Hble Servt Go: Washington” (letterpress copy, NN: Washington Papers) . Francis’s reply of 27 Sept. has not been found, but GW wrote him again on 7 Oct.: “Sir, A few days after giving you the trouble of my last, two boxes came to hand with sundry articles of equipmt for Mr Custis; but no letter, invoice or account accompanying them, it is not known whether a clock, which was requested at the time the other things were has been provided, or not.

“If, as this little Commission has passed through your hands, you could give me any information respecting ⟨illegible⟩ would be kindly received; and might be the means of preventing a double ⟨illegible⟩ of this article.

“I pray you to present me respectfully, to your Lady—& neighbour Mrs ⟨illegible⟩ in which Mrs Washington unites. I am Sir Your Most Obedient ⟨&⟩ very Hble Servant Go: Washington P.S. Your favr of the 27th Ulto is just recd” (letterpress copy, NN: Washington Papers).