Will accept the command of the Artillery if this is Jay's wish. Hopes the Legislature will "do something handsome, towards completing our fortifications." Suitable persons have been employed to survey the land and take soundings between the Narrows and the Island; a report will be transmitted when completed. His reason for declining the command of the corps lately under Colonel Baumann was that he was overlooked in an earlier opening by Governor Clinton, which "wounded my military pride."
Subjects
United States--History--Constitutional period, 1789-1809; Jay, John, 1745-1829