West Point, 7 June 1783. Sir, Our present magazines, in which the powder for this post is lodged, are, from experience, found insufficient - as they will not contain a proper quantity, nor secure that from injury which is deposited in them. I have therefore to request, That you would take the direction of building one powder magazine, on Constitution Island, where one is now began, sufficient to contain fifteen hundred barrels of powder, one hundred weight each. That the walls be built of stone, three feet high and arched with bricks, and the roof [text loss] That you would [text loss], in all respects, [text loss], a little to the [text loss] shops, where we [text loss] it should be erected. [text loss], that you [text loss] a brick arsenal, [text loss] in which the [text loss] now lodged, of [text loss] feet in length and about thirty feet in breadth. You will cause the buildings to be erected on stone pillars, and arches turned with bricks from pillar to pillar. You will cause it to be so constructed, that in the lower story we may find a cover for the cannon carriages and ammunition waggons - over those the sponges, ladles, rammers &c &c &c may be lodged. The next story will be so contrived, as that fifteen thousand stands of [am.] may be lodged and kept in the best order. I [2] I need not be particular to you, Sir. It is enough that you are acquainted with my designs. I wish you would, as soon as possible, make out an estimate of the expence, supposing that the labor be performed by the three years men, and forward it to me at Philadelphia. No time should be lost in providing the bricks, stones, and lime. I therefore beg that you would inform the Commander in Chief of what has been agreed on, and request the necessary fatigue men from the three years men now in the hutts. Hon. Gen Knox [docket] From Gen Lincoln, Secy of War 7 June 1783