Sir Commonwealth of Massachusetts Boston, April 4^th 1794 His Honor the Commander in chief of this Commonwealth directs me to acknowledge his receipt of your Letter of the 24 Ult^o enclosing an act of Congress for erecting Fortifications in several parts of the United States, and expressing the wish of the President that his Honor would take upon him the general direction of that Business in this State, and also requesting information whether the State is in possession of any good Cannon, of and above the Calibre of eight iron Pounders. The Commander in chief directs me to inform you, that he regrets that so near a prospect of War with Great Britain has made it necessary for the United States to provide for their defence; but since the proud temper of Monarchy will not permit a Republick to remain in peaceful tranquillity, he will be ready on his part to make every exertion on 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 the Commonwealth. It is, and long has been appropriated by an Act of the Legislature, as a place, for the President of the United States, and he certainly intends to have it so. The enclosed Report drawn from the Quarter Master General, will shew you the number of Cannon in 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 come, every assistance requested, shall be given. Previous to