give me great pleasure to see the Harbour & Clifts 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 forts in the Union which it would be inexpedient and improper to neglect. Col^o 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 130000 Dollars. Col^o Burr has not called upon me; but as he is in Town I hope 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 [M^r Marsilan Walsen] War department 14^th May 1798 Sir, I have received your Letter of the 9^th and will refer it to the Secretary of the Treasury, with whom the purchase of vessels intended for the Naval Service rests, under the old and existing arrangements between the two departments. The War department determines on the Size & qualities of the vessels wanted, which has been done and a reference made to the Key of your former letters. I am &c