War Department 7.^th May 1798 His Excellency John Jay } Sir I had the honour to receive your Excellencys letters dated the 7.^th of April ult^o and am now authorized to communicate to you the assurance of the President of the United States, that he will cause an equal number of Cannon of the like dimensions, and cast at the same Foundery to be delivered to the State of New york, in return for such Cannon as may be received from the said State for the use of the United States, under a resolution of the legislature of the said State dated the 27^th of April ult^o — Capt^t Barry commander of the United States Frigate, was [strikethrough: some time since] directed to examine and prove the cannon in question. He has reported favourably of a part, being all he has an opportunity of determining the suitableness of, and left instructions, respecting the remainder necessary to complete the number, which I have no doubt will be obtained when they are sent down the River. Those approved of are at Governors Island and as the exigency requires no time should be lost in forwarding them to the vessel, they are destined for. I have taken the liberty to find orders to Cap^t Hoyt to deliver them to such person as may be named to receive them for transportation to this Pol — To this end I pray you to add the exertion upon your part. I wish you to believe that it avails [continued]