I am strongly inclined to give the preference to M^r Francis's plan, as more effective for defence, if it is to be executed, it will by the [undecipherable] presented, carry the whole expence of water understood to be properly designed to the amount of thirty nine thousand nine hundreds and thirty eight Dollars and thirty four Cents. Will the Committee undertake to send me their engagement to complete the Works at Whetstone point agreeably to M^r Francis's plan [strikethrough: Go the] for the sum, on the condition of the further sum of Ten Thousand Dollars in addition to the twenty thousand already advanced them, being now paid to them by the United States. and in case themselves or the Citizens of Baltimore, think alteration in the plan necessary or a different one indispensable to their full security to complete the same also in a substantial workmanlike (and permanent manner. I am Sir with respect Robert Gilmor Esq^re C.M. Your obedient Servant Baltimore sign^d James McHenry [46.] Baltimore 18^th May 1799 We are honored with your letter of 10^th instant We agree with you in sentiment that the protection of our City is so important an object of consideration both with the Government and Citizens to be hazarded by imperfect works or those erroneously designed. Our trade is extensive and the duties we pay into the public Treasury approach in the amount, the sum collected from any of the larger Cities, and generally we contribute to all the exigencies and demands of Government with a satisfaction resulting from a perfect confidence in the wisdom of their measures. Taking this view of our conduct, and admitting to A. [undecipherable: probable reading 'defenceless'] situation of our part, we must consider our claim to the protecting care of Government inferior to that of no other place. Happily our natural position admits of an easy [and] cheap defence, and we shall [undecipherable: probable reading 'notwithstanding'] if any error in plans, inacuracy in Estimates or misconception of private engagements should tend to retard the execution of the necessary works — We stated in a former letter the manner of our being interested in the present bearings, and some of the Engagements we made with Major [undecipherable] — We [undecipherable] to our obligations to raise and pay towards erecting efficient works, the sum of [undecipherable] and if the voluntary contribution of our Citizens yields a greater amount, the whole will be [soundly?] applied to this object. but as to giving you an engagement to complete the works at Whetstone point, agreeably to M^r Francis's plan for the sum, on condition of the further sum of Ten Thousand Dollars in addition to the twenty Thousand Dollars, already advanced, being paid by the United States, you must permit us to decline it — Such an engagement is totally incompatible with our private pursuits, which employ the greater part of our time and industry, and we are [by] our professions so ignorant of military science, that we are equally incapable of judging of the efficacy of plans, and the correctness of estimates, nor is there any counsel or advice we can command, that will inspire us with sufficient confidence to assume so arduous an undertaking. The attempt too is forbidden by a regard for our private fortunes, which might be implicated in an inordinate proportion. The whole sum required to complete an effective Fort, is small when assessed on the wealth and commerce of our City but the very deficiency of the estimates might prove onerous and unjustly oppressive to eight individuals who are avowedly ignorant of the nature of the work to be accomplished. The plan of the works, we conceive, must proceed from the Government, and the execution submitted to skillful Officers of their appointment. Our superintendence you may continue to command, and you may calculate with certainty on the sum originally promised, as we will supply it from our private fortunes, rather than occasion a disappointment. But we hope you will concur with us in opinion, that it is improper that we should make ourselves responsible in any higher degree our safety especially with the general Government and we are confident it will be obtained by the most effectual and proper measures. With much respect Sir Your most ob't Serv't The Hon^ble sign^d Robert Gilmor &c &c James McHenry ) Sec^y of War ) War Department 31^st May 1799 Sir I have received your letter of the 18^th Inst. and inclose a copy of a letter to M^r Francis, written in consequence of the statement you have made. Rob^t Gilmor Esq^re Chⁿ &c I have the honor to be, with much respect Your ob't Serv't sign^d James McHenry