Commonwealth of Massachusetts Boston, April [undecipherable] 179[undecipherable] Sir His Honor the Commander in chief of this Commonwealth directs me to acknowledge his receipt of your Letter of the 24 [undecipherable] enclosing an act of Congress for erecting Fortifications in several parts of the United States, and requesting the aid of His [undecipherable: probable reading "President"] sident that his Honor would take upon him the general [undecipherable] direction of that Business in this State, and also requires any good Cannon, if and above the Caliber of eight ten pounds. The Commander in chief directs me to inform you, that he regrets that [undecipherable] a prospect of War with Great Britain for their defence; but since the [undecipherable] temper of [undecipherable] will not permit a Republic to remain in peacful tranquiliter he will be ready on his heart to make every exertion in behalf of the United States particularly of this Commonwealth, with which he is so intimately connected. The ancient Fortification in Boston on Castle Island, is much out of Repair; and he doubts not when the General Court shall be convened, it will be put in a state of defence at the expence of this Commonwealth. It is and long has been appropriated by [undecipherable] of the Legislature, as a place for the Residence of Convicts sentenced to hard labor. The enclosed [undecipherable] is a return from the Quarter Master General, will shew you the number of Cannon within the control of this State. Wherever they can be used to best effect, they ought to be placed, but the Commander in chief has no authority to dispose of them, without the Order of the General Court. As soon as the Engineer appointed shall arrive, very Assistance requested shall be given. Previous to throwing up any works, he will take the Advice of the Council of this Commonwealth, & avail himself of the opinion of the most experienced Officers, & that of the Engineer, who may be appointed on the Business. — I have the honor to be Sir, with great esteem & respect, Your humble Servant Honbl Henry Knox Secretary at War