holding you bound, that the land shall be purchased, and the fortifications completed in a proper manner, according to the plans furnished by Major Tousard. In order to facilitate the undertaking, I shall instruct the temporary Engineer, who will be paid by the United States, to observe your directions, and the Commandant at Fort M^cHenry, upon your requisition, to furnish fatigue parties to labour on the Works. I am Gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your most obed^t Servant. James M^cHenry. Jeremiah Yellott Robert Gilma David Stewart Robert Oliver Mark Pringle, and William Patterson. Baltimore 21^st September 1798. Sir We had the honor duly to receive your letter of the 31^st ulti— Conforming to its contents, we pledge ourselves for the purchase of the land, and for the erection of the fortifications at Whetstone Point, agreeably to the plan and estimate made by Major Tousard. Having already purchased the land, and commenced the works, we have taken the liberty to draw upon you for four thousand dollars in favour of George Sears (one of our Committee) payable in Philadelphia, which we request you to honor. We have further to solicit, that a Credit may be lodged for us for the balance of the twenty thousand dollars (which you have subjected to our order) and it would be a great convenience to us, to have it in Baltimore. Having appointed M^r Robert Gilma, our Chairman, we request that in future, his Signature you will consider as the Act of the Naval Committee. We are Sir, with great respect, your mo. obed^t Hbl^e Servants. Rob Gilmore      Robert Oliver W^m Patterson      Jer^h Yellott Mark Pringle      George Sears D. Stewart The Hon^ble James M^cHenry Esq^r     Secretary at War. Baltimore 6 October 1798. Sir I had the honor duly to receive your letter of 2^d inst. and have to confirm the request Contained in the letter of the