Mr. Smith delivered to me this morning your Letter of the 21st. Inst, and I assure you he shall recieve from me whatever facilities circumstances may indicate in the Course of the Business you allude to—1

When the Adj[utan]t. Gen[enera]2. first arrived I understood from him, that you would accept the Command of the artillery Regt. at New York. I have since recd. a few Lines from him informing me that you decline it.3 This latter Information gives me as much Regret, as the former did pleasure, especially as the Importance of our artillery Corps is enhanced by the State of our public affairs, and demands that more attention should be paid to them than in Times less critical. I did flatter myself to have concerted with you a Plan for putting them on a better Footing as to organization and numbers, than they now are; & to have seen that plan executed under your Direction—

Had there been a serious Disposition in the Legislature last Winter to fortify our Port, competent Provision would have been made for it— They left the Business of the arsenal in a singular State— without adopting any Plan, they appropriated 3000 Dollrs. to that Object.4 The Sum in my opinion is inadequate — what is your opinion? To attempt it under the Expectation of subsequent and further Grants, is to invite the like Censure which the Commissioners for Building public offices here experienced. Untill we become more united in our Councils, and less influenced by Considerations in which the public has little Interest, our affairs will not be wisely managed. I have the Honor to be Sir your most obt Servt