[War Department — heading partially illegible] It appearing by a letter lately received from the Naval Committee of Baltimore, that they are disinclined to the plan you proposed, on account of the expence in which there is a possibility of its personally involving them, and also that it would be by no means disagreeable to them to be [undecipherable] from the agreement they are bounds by, as it respects Major [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and it not being my wish to require a fulfillment of the latter, if equal protection can be afforded to the harbor by a less expensive [undecipherable] you will therefore without delay report to me, whether by one or two Towers, or Block Houses, the Batteries could not be sufficiently secured against any attack from the rear, and an estimate of the expence of erecting the same. I am Sir With respect Your obedient Serv^t Sigd James McHenry [left: Mr Fincin] Baltimore 3^d June 1799 I received your [undecipherable] of the 31^st Ulto enclosing a copy of your letter of the 25^th to Mr Fincin, both of which were this day laid before the Committee. Mr Oliver and Mr George Sears having business in Philadelphia, will immediately on their arrival have the honor of waiting on you and will communicate to you fully the sentiments of the Committee of which they are members, on the subject of the works erecting at [undecipherable]. I have the honor to be, &c. Your obt: Sigd Rob Gilmer Ch. M James McHenry Esq^re War Department 15^th July 1799 In consequence of your communication through Mr Robert Gilmer [undecipherable] for a conference with Robert Oliver a member of the Naval Committee of Baltimore to whom I was referred of a representation of Mr Fincin the Engineer and a due consideration of the circumstances which have attended the business of the fortification at Whetstone Point near Baltimore I am induced to authorize your Committee to proceed in erecting the works agreeably to Mr Fincin's new plan, and conformably to such instructions as he may from time to time give on the subject. It will be explicitly understood that the offer of the Committee to pay on account of themselves and the Citizens of Baltimore towards the erection of the works the sum of ten thousand, nine hundred and sixty three Dollars, and forty four Cents in money, is accepted, and that they are to be recommenced on the express assurance of this sum being duly paid. The Accountant for the Department of War will be instructed to furnish the necessary information respecting the manner of keeping your accounts, and the vouchers requisite to a settlement. To him you will be pleased to forward all vouchers for past and future expenditures. I have to request the utmost attention to economy will be observed in the purchase and employment of materials. I am Sir With respect Your obedient Servant Sigd James McHenry Robert Gilmore Esq^re Chairman of the Naval Committee Baltimore War Department 16^th July 1799 Sir, There enclose you a Copy of a letter to the Naval Committee of Baltimore, by which you will perceive they are to proceed in erecting the works agreeably to your new plan, and conformably to such instructions, as you may from time to time give on the subject. I am Sir With respect Your obedient servant Sigd James McHenry Mr Fincin Baltimore