Henry Dearborn Letter 16 August 1802

(Extract from Miscellaneous letters 1, War Office, page 351.)

War Department
16th August 1802

Decius Wadsworth

Sir,
Having personally surveyed and critically examine the position and state of the military works at Fort Nelson in the state of Virginia, it may be useful to suggest to you my views as to the construction and completion of the works contemplated, and placed under your immediate superintendence: to these views you will conform in all practicable cases.

To Barracks are to be erected of the following dimensions and description: fifty seven by nineteen and a half feet, including the walls. One story high of nine feet in the clear. The walls to be continued two and a half feet above the story. The thickness of the walls will be that of the length of a brick.

In relation to the military works I am of opinion that the brick facings of the parapet should be at least twenty two and a half inches in thickness or the length of two and a half bricks, and within twelve inches of the top of the parapet, which should be covered with a thick coat of lime-mortar and when dry to be covered with sods, uniting with the other part of the sod-work.

A Gate way should be arched with brick of dimensions sufficient to admit a gate of 8 feet square. The crown of the arch should have strips of planks or boards inlaid with the brick to which laths may be nailed; to be shingled and painted.

The officers building at Fort Norfolk you will cause to be removed to Fort Nelson, and converted into an Hospital in the rear of the public lands.

I am &c.
H. D.