[From the Secretary of War, 2^d April 1794] War Department April 2, 1794 Sir Your letter of the 3^d of February was duly received, and I beg you to receive this my apology for not replying particularly thereto before this time. It was understood that some of our old officers who were proper for the purpose and who would be desirous of employment, should have the preference. On this ground and by the recommendation of Col. Smith I wrote to Captain Stricker of Baltimore to have the cannon at whetstone point put in order, but his present situation will not admit of his performing this service. In the instructions given to Major Rivardi who has been appointed for the purpose of directing the fortifications at Baltimore [strikethrough: and] [strikethrough: in] Alexandria as he was an experienced artillery officer, it was mentioned that he should give the necessary directions or advice to Captain Stricker relatively to the cannon at Baltimore. But as his directions I take the liberty to request the favor that you would please to appoint M^r Barbier or some other officer of the french artillery, whose character should not only be without reproach, but decided for abilities. This person will make a survey of the cannon at Whetstone point and report to the Governor and me which are worthy of being put in order and mounted, and he will also make the necessary plans if Major Rivardi should not already have done, of the carriages which shall be proper for the situation. There is a new carriage invented for batteries on the war coast of France, which render embrasures unnecessary, provided the nature of the ground will admit of firing on barbette. I am desirous that this carriage should be used on all proper occasions although the expence is much greater than the common carriages. I presume M^r Barbier may be acquainted with this carriage. If not either of the following french officers of artillery who are understood to be at Baltimore will be perfectly competent to the measure. M^r Boutillier, M^r DePrade, M^r Vanir. It is to be understood that the Agent you shall appoint, will in pursuance of my letter of the 29 ultimo, make all the contracts and arrangements for the execution of carriages, or other business where the expenditure of money is involved. The artillery officer will give the proportions of every thing, and inspect the execution, and perhaps also the erection of the works if no other person shall have been appointed for that effect. If the person you shall appoint shall superintend the erection of the works and mounting of the artillery, he may be allowed at the rate of five dollars p day while actually employed. I am Sir with great esteem Your obt^l Serv^t Knox Sec^y of War General Williams