[Copy] War Department 10^th May 1800. Sir [undecipherable] The Secretary of State communicated to me on the [undecipherable] and your letter to him, dated the 16^th [undecipherable] transmitting exemplified copies of two acts of the Legislature of the State of New York. The one entitled "An act to cede to the United States the Jurisdiction of certain Islands, situate in and about the Harbour of New York." The other "An act complying with the act of Congress respecting balances, reported against certain States &c." It would give me real pleasure, to contribute whatever lay in my power, towards placing the Harbour and City of New York, in as impregnable a condition, as money, and the Talents of the best Engineers would effect; being perfectly convinced of the importance of this Port to the United States and that its fortifications should be constructed on a plan, maturely and skilfully formed, having in view, not temporary or political expediency, but permanent and ample security. Having, however resigned the office of Secretary of War, and being to leave the Department on the 1^st of June, or perhaps some days earlier, it would not be in my power to give the requisite attention, to a subject of such great importance; It will therefore lay over for the consideration of my Successor. I take the liberty to mention, that a Mr. Pusy, has appeared to me most pre-eminently talented for, and some experience in fortification, and to be the best professional or practical Engineer, now to be found in the Country. Whether his being a Frenchman, or any other circumstance, should oppose his being employed to devise, plan, or execute the Defense for the Port of New York, will no doubt be duly weighed. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir Your Excellency's most ob^t [undecipherable] [signature] His Excency John Jay.