[Gen & Hamilton / rec'd [undecipherable] [undecipherable] 1799 / Ans [undecipherable] [undecipherable] 1799 / fortifications] His [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Jay Albany [undecipherable] [seal] New York July 29. 1799 My Dear Sir The completion of the works in the vicinity of our City, proceeds heavily. Some embarrassment is understood to arise in the War Department from the Question of Appropriations. I beg to be informed, whether the sum appropriated by the legislature of this State will come in aid of the Operation. limited as that Sum is, nothing upon a large scale can be undertaken in reference to it. Its Agency in fortifications on the Islands, at Cowles Hook, and on the projection from long Island opposite Governors Island (I forget at this moment its name) is the only one which can be useful. With great respect [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the honor to be Yr Obed Ser A Hamilton His Excellency Governor Jay