[Copy] Newport 9 July 1798 Sir This will be handed you by Capt Elliott, to whom I beg leave to refer you for our opinion respecting the fortifications necessary to be erected for defending the town and harbour of Newport and also for estimates of the same according to the best information we have been able to obtain. There are mounted on Sea coast carriages at Fort Wolcott three eighteen and three twenty four pounders and we are in want of four twenty four pounders more which will be the complement for that fort, and I estimate the expense to complete the fort exclusive of the purchase of Cannon at One thousand dollars. I think that orders might be given to employ thirty men immediately on Fort Wolcott and I will give all the aid the weak state of the Garrison will admit of. Two forts in addition to Fort Wolcott we conceive to be indispensibly necessary at this place — One to be erected at Brenton's point and the other on Tommorary hill but before we break ground I give it as my opinion that some more able Engineer should be sent to give the plan. We further propose that four light eighteen or twenty four pounders be mounted on travelling Carriages for the use of the Citizens and to be used as Circumstances may require — I have the honor to be & signed W^m Littlefield Cap. Commandg James McHenry Esq^r Sec^y for the department of War