War Department 5 July 1798 Gentlemen, I have received your letter of the [3?] July instant requiring my immediate attention, to putting the Fort at Whetstone Point in a proper state of defence. Be assured, the Defences for so important a city as Baltimore, have been a subject of anxious solicitude, and reflection. The enclosure will shew what active measures are now taking for completing such as have been determined upon, in which the aid of the Citizens of Baltimore, is confidently expected. I am Gentlemen, with sincere respect, your obedient Servant James M^cHenry. [The committee for building Vessels to be loaned to Government, by the City of Baltimore.]