The Secretary of State communicated to me on the 7th instant,1 your letter to him, dated the 16th ulto,2 transmitting exempli^fi^ed 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”3 the other “An Act, complying with the Act of Congress, respecting balances, reported against certain States &c.”4

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, could effect; being perfectly convinced of the importance of this Port to the United States; and that its fortification should be constructed on a plan, maturely and skillfully formed, having in view, not temporary or partial expediency, but permanent and ample security. Having however resigned the office of Secretary of War, and being to leave the Department on the 1st of June, or perhaps some days earlier,5 it would not be in my power to give the requisite attention, to a subject of which great importance; It will therefore lay over for the consideration of my Successor.

I take the liberty to mention, that a Mr. Pusy,6 has appeared to me ^to^ possess eminent talents for, and some ^great^ 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 Defence, for the Port of New York, will not doubt be duly wieghed.7 I have the honor to be with the greatest respects &c. Your Excellency’s most ob st