James McHenry April 11^th 1799 D^r Sir When I visited Marblehead I found a gratuitous assistance from Col. Orne; and from his Qualifications thought he would be still more usefull this Season, by giving a proper attention during my absence to the Works which I have to Order at that place. I do not amagine that your having appointed him an Agent for the fortifications will be an obstacle to my employing him as a deputy to direct the Works, in my absence; Knowing no other person, better qualified for the Duty — The consideration for that responsibility, which requires the whole time and exertions of the person employed, was fixed by General Knox and Col. Pickering at 2 dollars pr. Day. I will authorize him to receive the said Consideration, having already sent to him the plan of the Works, which he has to begin; in case you should think it improper I respectfully request you would let me know — M^r. Sewal having very much at heart the completion of those Works, and having pointed out Col. Orne to me as the most able person to direct them; he will not refuse the request I make to him, to certify the Abstracts of the Days of Work, and in my absence to order the payment of them; the same Abstracts I will also Certify, if necessary as Engineer, when M^r. Orne as Agent will give in his Accounts — Your last letter found me at Providence, where I have in conformity with your Orders of last November 10^th ordered 33 Guns of 32 pounders and 1 only of twenty four to be transported to Newport and landed on the several Forts when they are to be fixed: 10 others 24°. I would not take, as they are only Ship Guns, which through mistake have been left and the Battering guns taken except that one N^o 10 which I have ordered to Newport — As these Guns are the property of the U.S. I caliber them, only to ascertain that they are all in the same case, as those which Cap^t. Barry refused to take on board the U.S. Frigate. It is my opinion that it would be a disadvantage to the Service to send any of them, either to New York or Fort Mifflin. Being all confined to the same place, a sufficient number of shot may be cast on purpose, their being in different Forts, a very dangerous mistake might happen of true shot of 32° presented to some of those guns which have their boring 7/10 of an Inch less. In consequence I have given a proper diameter to the Owners of Hope Furnace; and having calculated at the rate of 114 Shot to each gun, which I hope will remain in store as long as the Constitution lasts. I have requested them to cast two [undecipherable] for Newport's compliment of thirty two's; they are to send me the conditions which I will immediately transmit to you. it [undecipherable] you would please send a speedy answer [undecipherable] to cast them at a cheaper [undecipherable]