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OSL JAMES H. BLAKE, TO LEWIS SUMMERS

Washington City Decr. 8th. 1812

My Dr. Sir

I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your highly esteemed favor of the 12th of Sept and must offer as an apology for not writing you sooner my multifarious concerns and having nothing to communi- cate but what you get through the News papers -- At present much specul- ation is excited respecting the Change that has taken & those that are like- ly to take place in the Executive Cabinet. --

The Secretary of War has at last yielded to public opinion and re- signed - the vacancy is not yet filled -- Genls. Armstrong, Dearborn and Wilkinson & Mr. Crawford; Senator from Georgia, are all spoken of to fill the place -- iiy opinion is, that Armstrong will have the appointment - Eustis's conduct as Secretary has been severly censured on the floor of Congress. Col. Taylor Senator from South Caroline a few days ago pro- nounced on the floor of the Senate the severest Phillipie against him ever delivered there.

Genl. Dearborn 'tis said is daily expected on here to hand in his re- signation on account of his bad health -- And it is also reported that Col. Monroe is to be appointed Lt. Genl. of our Armies and Genl. Wilkinson to be ordered on here to take the command of the right wing being the next most honorable station . -

Mr. Gallatin is spoken of for Secretary of State & Comptroller Rush for Secy of the Treasury -- Mr. Russell our late charge Des affaires from London for Comptroller -- Mr. Chenes of Charleton & Capt. Jones of Phila- delphia, are both spoken of for Secretary of the Navy. - Certain it is that most of the Departments require a change of its head a the public voice calls for a change. What I have given you is what I have just got from a pretty good source -- however it is in great measure conjectural. This has been a very unfortunate campaign with our Military - Harr- isons movements are very tardy & complained of -- Nothing yet done to the North & a part of our troops gone into Winter quarters - Genl. Alexr. Smith has issued several proclamations -- which have been very generally execrated & ridiculed -- If he goes into Canada & makes a Successful sta[torn] he may raise his fame -- but otherwise he [torn] fall, in con- sequence of his gasconading [torn]

Official News has arrived here of the cap[torn] of the British fri- gate Macedonia, Capt [torn] mounting 50 Guns by Commadore Decatur - after an Action of only 17 Minutes, in which we lost 10 killed & wounded and the Enemy 106, -- Both Frigates have arrived at New London. In consequence of this Intelligence our city is illuminated & a grand Ball given. The war in future will be prosecuted with more energy -- & the increase of pay will fill the ranks. - Congress is engaged on the Subject of the Merchants Bonds -- the result of their deliberations is doubtfull. -- I shall always be happy to hear from you & believe me to be with much Esteem -- very truely yr. friend -

James H.,Blake

Lewis Summers Esqr.