it is some time since the foundation of the Magazine has been diged, but the masonery has not been begun by want of Masons & others articles which have not been furnished by the quarter master General.

Colonel pickering has given me to understand that he would send me twelve masons in a few days. the season is however so far advanced, that if all the materials were now on the spot, it would be impossible to finish it this fall; and I think raising the sides will be the utmost that Can be done, which if i am enabled to accomplish, will prove of the greatest advantage, as the walls will be properly settled and Consolidated, in order to have the arch turnd the next spring. i am sir with the greatest respect your most humble and most obedient servant.