Instructions to Engineer Overseeing Fort McHenry's Construction at Baltimore
Document 1799Orders Mr. Fencin, engineer, to Fort McHenry to oversee construction there, and to place himself at the disposal of the Baltimore Marine Committee. Discusses Fencin's pay, and suggests that he spend his leisure time instructing the officers of the garrison in "Gunnery, drawing and Fortification."
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Sir
War Department [undecipherable] 1799
Mr Foncin, is appointed to superintend the work now carrying on under your orders, will have the honor to deliver you this letter, and to carry into effect such instructions from time to time as he may receive from the Committee.
He is a Gentleman, a modest man and well acquainted with the business he has undertaken. — Permit me to recommend him to your attention.
I am Sir
with respect
Your obedient Servant
Sigd James McHenry
Albert Gilmor Esqr C. H.
Baltimore
War Department 28th March 1799
Sir
You will be pleased to repair to Fort McHenry at Baltimore and present yourself to Mr Albert Gilmor Chairman of the Marine Committee of Baltimore and receive such orders relative to the works which those gentlemen have undertaken to erect and which is you may give him time to time receive from the Committee & then again.
You will in addition to your compensation of two dollars, diem be allowed the stage hire in going to and returning from Baltimore and reasonable expenses on the road and also two dollars per diem a duty at Baltimore.
In case your whole time should not be occupied in superintending the works you are required to employ any hours of leisure you may have if it can be done without inconvenience in giving lessons to the officers of the Garrison in Gunnery drawing, and Fortification
Mr Foncin
I am &c
Sigd James McHenry
Type
Letterbook Copy
Description
Orders Mr. Fencin, engineer, to Fort McHenry to oversee construction there, and to place himself at the disposal of the Baltimore Marine Committee. Discusses Fencin's pay, and suggests that he spend his leisure time instructing the officers of the garrison in "Gunnery, drawing and Fortification."
Date
03/28/1799
Author
Recipient
Sent from
War Department
Repository
Collection
Document number
1799032800201
Page start
19
Note
Enclosed in McHenry to Adams, 08/19/1799.
Notable persons
Mr. Fencin
James McHenry
Fencin
Baltimore Marine Committee
Notable locations
War Department
Baltimore
Fort McHenry
Marlyand
Castle Island
Boston
Massachusetts
Notable items
Fortifications
Fort
Gunnery
construction
gunnery
pay
instruction
teaching
teach
officer
garrison
drawing
engineer
oversee
oversight

