War Department Nov^r 15^th 1798 Sir, [Rhode Island Historical Society — Not to be published without permission] I received your letter of the 3^d of November. In a letter which I wrote yesterday to Major Tousard I directed him to take Providence in his way to Marble-head and select such guns, out of those belonging to the United States at that place, as he might deem necessary for the fortifications of Rhode Island, and to take measures for having them transported, and mounted as soon as circumstances will admit. a compliance with these directions will, it is hoped, remove all cause of solicitude, or apprehension on the part of the people of Rhode Island, for the present. I am Sir, with great respect Your most Ob^dt Sev^t James McHenry Christopher G. Champlin Esq^r