War Department 15 June 1799 Sir I have received from [undecipherable] Secretary [undecipherable] a letter dated [undecipherable] containing the following observations, per letter to him as[undecipherable] an instant and requesting that di[undecipherable] may be given [undecipherable] making the necessary repairs and buildin[g a] barrack on [undecipherable]. You observe to the Secretary, "I have exam[undecipherable] the barrack and situation at [undecipherable] and am full[undecipherable] in opinion that as a temporary provision it is to be preferred all circumstances considered to any that I can procure. The barro[undecipherable] have been much neglected in [undecipherable] repair. Besides [undecipherable] additional on[undecipherable] it is probably [undecipherable]ary the expence of all [undecipherable] will be about 500 Dollars. I will only add that whatever [undecipherable] put on the barracks it will be done on property of the Un[undecipherable] [undecipherable]" In conformity with these ideas and the Secret[undecipherable] I have given orders to Jonathan Jackson Esq[undecipherable] to proce[undecipherable] immediately to have the repairs made and barrack built acc[undecipherable] to such directions as you may give. I need not remark to you that as it is [undecipherable] to employ the new barrack as a [undecipherable] hospital [undecipherable] marines, it will be indispensable it should be erect[undecipherable] distance from the barracks which will be occupied by the garrison, and in a situation which will not form any obstruction to the defence of the place. I have the honor to be, with great Respect, Sir, Your Obedient Servant Signed James McHenry