[28 Sep. 1799 Gen Hamilton New Forts.] (2/2) Trenton 28 Sep^t. 1799. [undecipherable: possibly Latin annotation, second word reads "...imprudentiae"] My dear Sir I have understood this morning that the monies expended on the works which have been directed to be erected by Brig. Gen. Wilkinson at Loftus' Heights have already occasioned an expenditure of above 80,000 Dollars. I can hardly believe the information; and yet it is sufficiently circumstantial to create no little uneasiness. The works at this place were undertaken without orders, and when I was informed by the [undecipherable] of the measure, I only remarked that perhaps no [strikethrough: undecipherable] I might have —— I shall send you copies of his instructions and of two letters to him of the 2^d Aug. 1798 & 31 Jany 1799. That he has done may be right however notwithstanding the light in which it strikes me. The appropriation for the defensive protection of the frontiers, [undecipherable] by which is meant militia services & fortifications as [undecipherable] 60,000. The passion for building forts, I mean permanent ones, must be restrained. [strikethrough: undecipherable] has also been a new one I understand [strikethrough: undecipherable] commenced on the Tombigbee.. yours aff^y. Gen Hamilton