War Department. February 7^th 1799 Sir In consequence of the recommendation of M^r [undecipherable] [you] are hereby appointed Agent of fortifications for Marblehead; [undecipherable] —— Your duties generally will be to mak all [undecipherable] and to procure such materials as may be required to complete the works, agreeably to the plan which will be furnished by Major Tousard, and to disburse such monies, as may be placed in your hands, with a strict attention to economy. It has been stated that bricks will be wanted for the repairs or additions necessary to be made on the works for the defence of the town and harbour, I shall direct Major Tousard, who is at Rhode Island, to give you information of the number which it may be proper to provide, and request that you will, as soon as the same shall be known to you, proceed to purchase the specified quantity deliverable at the Spot where they are to be used. In this and all other purchases of materials which you may be directed to make by this department, I shall expect the same attention to price and quality, as if you were to purchase them for [your] own use, and if [labour] — [undecipherable] — [undecipherable] [undecipherable] vouchers & the forms of keeping and [your] accounts you will receive instructions from the [Accountant] of this department. Your compensation will be three per cent on the sums which you may pay in the execution of your trust as agent of fortifications; provided the amount of the disbursements does not exceed five thousand dollars — if under three thousand, four per cent. [and if under — undecipherable] I am Sir with respect Your obedient Servant James McHenry [undecipherable table or list] [Address: A. Orne / [Mar]blehead] [Docket: War Dept. Feb 7. [1799] / The Secretary of War / to / [undecipherable] Orne, informing / him of his appointment / as A[gent] of fortifications / at Marblehead, [Mass?]]