Walker K. Armistead Letter 16 June 1808

(Copy)
Fort Nelson
June 16, 1808

Sir,
I have been here for some days and I am preparing to commence the works at Fort Norfolk. I expect I shall be able to have the Workmen on the Ground by the 20th. Capt Sanders has promised to forward the business all in his power, But observes that he is out of funds. I request Sir that you would suffer me to make the completed work at Fort Norfolk mor extensive as I think Fort Nelson very deficient as to the defense of the channel to give you an idea of the insufficiency of the present defence. I took the Boat with Lt Wood in company to examine the defence and in going the ship channel from this to Fort Norfolk there were not less than two situations quite undefended and where a ship of war might have layed and not more than one gun from the Fort brought to bear on her owing in great measure to the guns not being mounted on Barbetta - you will suffer me to make this alteration and to give to the present work a reventment of Brick on the exterior, as the Morlons are of sand it would take but a few shot to destroy them in their present state. I like wise wish to be informed whether you contemplate any additional Barracks at this Post, and if there are to be any on the Fort Norfolk side. If sir, you would allow me to erect an adjoining circular Work or Battery to Fort Nelson it would add much to its strength, and protection of the harbor and supersede the necessity of a work on Hospital Point. I shall leave this in a few days for a Hoods and give Lt Wood his instructions on the ground.

I am Sir Respectfully
your obt. servt
W. K. Armistead
Capt Engineers

Honorable H Dearborn

The National Archives - 1960
the original document is in
R. G. 107, Letters Received, A-55-(4).