War Department 6^th July 1798 Sir, I have had the Honor to receive your Excellency's letter dated the 25^th June ult. enclosing a copy of a resolution of the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. I enclose a copy of the orders, which have been given, relative to the defense of Rhode Island; You will perceive that altho, the arms have not been directed, to be placed in the hands of the Militia, yet they are in a situation, to be applied promptly and efficaciously, in case of necessity. As soon as it is possible to ascertain the artillery, and number of small arms, that will be wanted for the regular Army, that may be authorised, and probably raised, it will be possible to form an estimate, predicated upon the surplus of our present Stock, and what may fairly be expected, to be produced by our Contracts, and [undecipherable] of what [undecipherable] may be spared, and loaned to the Militia agreeably to law. In the mean time, I have ordered, two brass six pounders from Springfield to New Port and a suitable quantity of ammunition. I am Sir with the greatest respect your most obedient servant James McHenry His Excellency, Arthur Fenner Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.