IN pursuance of your resolution of the 19th instant,1 I have taken measures to be informed of the present intentions of the government of the United States, relative to putting the city and port of New-York in a respectable state of defence—, on receiving that information, it shall be immediately communicated to you.

As the constitution of the United States has committed to our national government the power, and the means, & the duty of providing for the national defence, it is to be expected, as well as hoped, that due attention will be paid to the security of a city and port so obviously and essentially important, not only to this State, but to the United States.

But at this juncture, when prudence forbids delay, it, in my opinion, deserves to be considered, whether it would be advisable for the Legislature to adjourn, until they see this great object provided for; and whether existing circumstances do not justify a confidence that the United States will cheerfully assume the expense of such judicious measures as this State may take for that purpose.2

Urgent considerations also recommend that our supply of arms and stores be seasonably augmented, and made ample, and that no time be lost in perfecting those military arrangements and establishments to which menacing circumstances admonish us to attend— on these subjects, the Legislature already possess much information, and I expect soon to furnish you with additional details; at present, it may be proper to observe, that, according to an estimate made the last year, about sixty thousand dollars will be necessary to finish the fortifications on the three Islands in the harbour of New-York.