[His Excellency John Jay] War Department 7^th May 1798 Sir I had the honour to receive your excellency's letter 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 Barry commander of the United States Frigate, was some time since directed to examine and prove the cannon in question. He has reported favourably of a part, being all he had 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 forward orders to Capt [undecipherable: Frey?] to deliver them to such person as may be ordered to receive them for transportation to this Port. — To these orders I pray you to add, the necessary upon your part — I wish you to believe that it would give me great pleasure to see the Harbour & City of New York put in a respectable State of defence — I am Sorry however to inform you that from the best Judgment I am able to form, this cannot be accomplished without aid from the State, or by the means at present in the power of the Executive; without an abandonment of other Posts in the Union which it would be inexpedient and improper to neglect. Col Stevens has favored me with some very judicious observations on the Subject of the necessary fortifications, and an estimate of their probable cost amounting to about 150,000 Dollars.— Col Burd has not called upon me, but as he is in Town I expect he will.— I shall not fail to avail myself of whatever information he may be pleased to impart, and to determine as soon as possible upon the Sum that may be applied of the appropriations to the defence of the Harbour, as well as the points upon which to expend it.— With great respect &c &