I recd yours of the 19th inclosing the weekly Return of the Garrison.1 If you cannot spare workmen to assist Capt. Stephens in the construction of his Machine it must be laid aside for the present. I will not undertake to say how far the Gentlemen, who have given their opinions of the Machine, may be right, but some others who have seen and considered the plan, view it in a different light from them. If it will be a work of much expence, the probability of its answering the end proposed shall be well considered before it is carried into execution.

Genl Knox informs me that altho’ he has sent but two Companies to relieve Colo. Lambs three, yet they consist of a greater number of Men, consequently you are better off in respect to Artillery Men than you were before. I am &c.