[Copy] War Department April 12^th 1794 Sir The President of the United States has appointed the bearer Mr Purcell to direct the fortification to be erected at Charleston in the State of South Carolina, and he is directed to furnish you with a Copy of his Instructions. It is requested that your Excellency will please to appoint some suitable person to superintend the actual Execution of the Work. This person ought to have a general Mechanical Knowledge, and an aptitude to receive the Directions of the Engineer, and he ought also to be able to direct the labour of the persons to greatest effect — The labour implements and materials of all sorts which will be required for this purpose by the Engineer will be obtained of the person appointed by the Collector of the said port, who will pay the Expences to the Amount contemplated by law — Dependance will be placed upon your Excellency to give the necessary furtherance and facility to this important business, such the nature of the Case may require. I have the honor to be Sir with great Respect, your humble Servt Knox a. Secretary His Excellency The Governor of South Carolina