[undecipherable] War department March 2^d. 1794 Sir, I am instructed to transmit to your Excellency the enclosed copy of a law [undecipherable] to the fortifications of the ports and harbours therein mentioned. And as a judicious choice of the places to be fortified and vigorous prosecution of the works may be of great importance to the State of Rhode Island, the President of the United States requests that your Excellency as the Commander in chief of its Militia would please to take upon you the general direction of the business. The Engineer will as soon as possible be appointed. He will be directed to prepare and submit plans of the works to your consideration and upon your approving thereof to have them put into a train of immediate execution — some suitable provision will also be soon made to obtain the necessary materials and workmen — The number of Men and cannon designed for Newport and also the amount of the expences to be incurred at that place will hereafter be transmitted. If the State of Rhode Island is in possession of any guns cannon of and above the calibre of eighteen pounds and which could be appropriated to the fortifications within the said State, a return of them is requested, together with the condition of their carriages and apparatus in order that the necessary repairs be prevented without delay. — I have the honor to be, with great respect Your obedient Servant H Knox [undecipherable] His Excellency the Governor of the State of Rhode Island