[lu Mat War 22 Oct 1798] War department James McHenry [undecipherable] Major Gen^t. Alexander Hamilton New York. War Department 22 October 1798. [undecipherable: #137] Sir I have been favored with your letter of the 19^th instant You will see by the enclosed copy of a letter to Col Stevens dated 25^th of august, the instructions which respect the fortifications on Governors, Bedlous and Ellis's Islands. In conformity with your opinion I have directed Col Stevens to contract for the necessary additional barracks on Governors Island, and to have such buildings as already exist on Ellis Island filled up for the immediate accommodation of a company and the works put in a state of defence as speedily as possible, agreeably to my instructions, contained in the letter enclosed with the respect and esteem I have the honor to be Sr. your most ob'd Serv't James McHenry [Major Gen^l A Hamilton]