[marginalia, left side of page, written vertically, largely undecipherable] 18. May 1799 Major Lewis Tousard [additional text, bottom center, undecipherable] War Dep^t 18^th. May 1799 Sir, I received yesterday, from the [undecipherable] of Thomas Wilson, your letter relat[ing] [undecipherable] together with plans and estimati- ons, for the defence of the Harbour [and] town of New port, on Rhode Island. In the business of planning defences, for particular harbours, I must necessarily rely much if not entirely upon the judgments, skill and intel- ligence, of the Engineer employed for the special purpose; and whatever degree of consideration, I might give to the subject, by viewing a system of defence on paper, I must ultimately prefer, to rest the whole upon the responsibility of the officer, who planned it upon the spot. Under this impression, I therefore sanction the estimates you have made, for works on Goat Island, Conanicut's Point, Rose Island, the Dumplings, and the Town of Newport, [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] gene- ral estimates, [undecipherable] near the 6^th. of May instant; and request, that the works projected for these points of defence, be completed, as soon as possible, conformably to the accompanying draughts; the most essential to be first, under- taken and completed. You will inform yourself, and commun- icate to me, the cost of making such cannon carri- ages, at Rhode Island, & Providence, as will be wanted; and it is my desire, that M^r [undecipherable] for- thwith provide, those most immediately required. I shall feel pleasure, in aiding your intentions, in favour of the promotion of M^r Wilson and Lanslais. These young gentlemen will be considered in due time, but at this moment, I ought not to excite in them expec- tations of immediate preferment. There are mu- lt[iple?] [undecipherable] in service since it will be a rule, that examinations, and certificates of the sev- eral requirements of officers, shall precede their promotion. I have written M^r Wilson's reasonable expenses, to be allowed to him. In future it will not be required, that your letters and plans [undecipherable] be brought by a special messenger, as it is, what I consider an unnecessary ex- pense to the public, and may occasion censure, particularly as the Post Office provides a convey- ance sufficiently safe. Should the assistance of M^r Willson, in your opinion necessary at the places [undecipherable] have been instructed to visit, you may take him with you, he cannot however be allow- ed more for his expenses, than the regulations lately accepted by this Department, provides for an Officer, in like cases. I am Sir with respect, your obedient servant James McHenry [left margin marginalia, written vertically, undecipherable] [Major Louis Tousard New[undecipherable] [undecipherable]]