War Department July 7^th 1798 Sir You are required to repair to Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, and in conjunction with Alexis De-Leyrits, temporary Engineer, view the existing works at Whetstone Point, and lay down a plan, and furnish an Estimate, as correct as possibly, of the expence of such additions thereto, as may be considered absolutely indispensable to the protection of the City and Harbour, against any sudden attack from enemys Ships of War, or a Coup de main, from a small land force, such as could be spared in Marines &c from a few Ships of War. It is proper you should keep in contemplation, that the means which may be applied to this object cannot exceed twenty thousand dollars and that the land necessary to the new and existing Fortifications must be paid for, out of this sum. How far the Citizens may be disposed to aid the undertaking, should this sum be inadequate, I cannot pretend to anticipate. I must however repeat that the works must be accommodated to the means. I have mentioned the object of your mission to the Committee appointed to superintend the building of Vessels to be loaned to Government. I am Sir with respect your obed. Servant James McHenry. Major Lewis Tousard.