Baltimore 11^th February 1799 Sir The Committee beg leave to remind the Secretary that the season is approaching when the works at Fort M^cHenry ought to commence. 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, but they might deviate from the plan adopted. I have the honor to be Sir, Your Most ob^dt James M^cHenry Esq^re Signed Rob^t Gilmer Chairman &c Baltimore 19^th March 1799 Sir Preceding is copy of my respects of 11^th Ult^o which I presume has miscarried. They beg leave to call your attention thereto, I remain very respectfully Your mo ob^dt Signed Rob^t Gilmer Ch M. War Department 22^nd March 1799 Sir 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^cHenry. An Engineer is however, now engaged, and will probably proceed to Baltimore in the course of the ensuing week I am Sir, with respect Robert Gilmer Esq^re C.M. Your obedient Servant Baltimore Signed James M^cHenry