Sir Baltimore 11^th February 1799 The Committee beg leave to remind the Secretary that the Season is approaching when the works at Fort M'Henry ought to recommence. Nothing can be done untill an Engineer is appointed to superintend the same, and they beg leave to request one may be sent down as soon as possible, for fear the Workmen who have undertaken it should engage themselves otherwise.— The Committee think it would be unsafe to permit any thing to be done untill the Engineer is present, lest they might deviate from the plan adopted. I have the honor to be Sir, Your Mo ob't Serv't James M'Henry Esq^re Signed Rob^t Gilmor Chairman &c Sir Baltimore 19^th March 1799 Preceding is copy of my respects of the 11^th ult. which I presume has miscarried. They beg leave to call your attention thereto, I remain very respectfully Your mo ob't Serv't James M'Henry Esq^re Signed Rob^t Gilmor Ch. M. Sir War Department 22^nd March 1799 I this morning received your letter of the 19^th Instant, containing a copy of a letter of the 11^th February, the original of which was duly received, and it would have been answered, had it not been for the difficulty I have found in procuring a proper person to act as Engineer at Fort M'Henry. An Engineer is however, now engaged, and will probably proceed to Baltimore in the course of the ensuing week. I am Sir, with respect Your obedient Servant Robert Gilmor Esq^re C.M. Signed James McHenry Baltimore [Page 18 IDI08]