I am honoured with your favour of the 26th. instant,1 and sincerely thank you, for the attention paid to Mr. Smith—

I agree with you that we ought to be united in our Councils, and uninfluenced by Considerations in which the public has little interest: be assured, it is my sincere wish, that the greatest unanimity take place, for it is absolutely necessary; and no Steps should be neglected, that can contribute toward so desirable an object. I am ready to do all in my power, either in a private or public capacity, for the good of my Country—

With respect to my declining to accept the Command of the Artillery Regiment,—2 I found the Gentlemen who were Officers under Col: Bauman,3 did not like the Idea of being superseded, and unwilling to hurt their feelings, I took what I considered a proper step— I wish all their resignations had been accepted of, and a new regiment of Twelve Companies formed— however, I now think it will be best, to let that Corps remain for Battallion Service. The Secretary at War,4 writes me, that he has ordered Eight twelve pounders from Albany, to be placed under my directions for the defence of this City— A number of the Citizens are willing to enroll themselves under my command, who may be depended on in case of danger— this Body may be patronized by the Legislature at their next Session, I would recommend their Choosing their own Officers, and when they are known as a Body, their Commissions may be given them. If we are ever Visited by an Enemy, it will be for the sake of plunder: and heavy artillery or Field Carriages, will be the best means of defending the City. Captain Fry’s5 orders ought to be altered, for by his present orders, he has no right to fire a Gun on an Enemy, without they fire on him. I sincerely wish your Excellency would Visit us, we are without a leader, or head, to step forward and propose vigorous exertions, though our situation is so very critical. Our Citizens I verily believe, are ready to a man, with their Lives and Fortunes for their Country’s defence—but some one of Influence to arrouse them, is highly necessary. It appears to me very needful, that some person should be invested with power to use the means of defence, in your Excellency’s absence, if necessity requires it— But this can be done, when you come here, which I hope will be soon, as it will give me an opportunity of conversing with you on many subjects that would be serviceable to our defenceless City— I think that if a subscription was set on foot, plenty of money might be raised to place our heavy artillery in a capacity of being useful, which I am sorry to say are without Carriages or Shot; and of course, of no service whatever— I imagine, if you were to write the president, what our wants are, it would have a good effect; he told me he would be happy to receive your Letter, when I was in Philadelphia.6 Is not part of the Sum appropriated by Congress for the Defence of the Sea ports, intended for us? perhaps on your application, it might be advanced immediately?— I am now in Correspondence with the Heads of the Departments on military matters, and have strongly recommended immediate measures for our defence; but your writing would have the most effect, and would be most likely to accomplish the end— I have done a number of nothing Jobs, and been a Servant to the Public on various occasions and yet, when a Commission is to be given by Government; it is given to those kind of Men, who never would show their heads in case of actual danger— I have a large Family, and it is natural for me to employ my services, where I may expect some return of profit the United States ought to have an Agent here, I believe I could fill it with as much advantage to them as any person, and I candidly confess to you, that it would be pleasing to me to fill that Office, but I have never been thought of, except on cases of emergency, and secondary matters, which took up much of my time, was troublesome, and no way profitable— I am ready to serve Government, and it is in my power to be very useful to them in the artillery department— But I have digressed from the subject of your Enquiry, and must beg your Excellency will excuse me— Our Corporation have voted me One thousand Dollars to procure Timber &c to mount some Eighteen pounders on Field Carriages for the Defence of this City,7 I expect to receive an order from the Secretary at War, for 5 Iron Eighteen pounders to be delivered me, that are now on Bedlows Island; which will be mounted on Travelling Carriages, for this Island. And with respect to the Three thousand Dollars appropriated by our State Legislature for building an Arsenal, the Sum is too small;8 and so incompetent for the object, that it would be wrong to attempt it— nothing but the censure you so justly observe could be expected.

I think we ought to have no more military stores here, than are actually wanted, and I suggest the Idea, whether the artillery here, or a part of it, had not better be at Albany in some Storehouse, to prevent them from being injured, for in their present State, without ammunition, or being in the Care of the Companies of Militia for whom they are intended, and of cause cannot be delivered till those Companies are formed, they might as well be there as here, and would be safer in my opinion. perhaps the very attempt to remove them, may excite our Citizens to a consideration of our defenceless State, and strike them with the necessity of providing the means of self protection. Col: Baumans late Regiment have their Complement of Artillery, & as those I am to take the Command of, will want a Gun-house— Suppose you appropriate the Three thousand Dollars or a part of it to that Object, and the remainder in Shot and powder. I would recommend this object to take place, and hope when our Legislature meet again, they will do more for us, than they did the last session— I lament my being absent, when I was wanted at Albany— I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedt. & faithful Servt