The Enquirer

Fortification of New-York.

Extract of a letter from Washington City.

"I have from the Secretary of war, the most solid assurance that the capital of your state and the commercial emporium of the nation shall be put in a respectable state of defence. Difficult as the defence of it naturally is, there is a determination to proceed with defensive works, until all reasonable demands shall be satisfied.

"It is meditated to finish Fort Jay with solid architecture that will endure as long as the base on which it stands. A battery will be necessary on the South Point, to command Butter Milk channel. A strong work is meditated by making ground at the extremity of Manhattan, near the Flag Staff. The Narrows will then be defended by a battery at Signal hill, and a castle or tower according to Montalembert's plan, upon the middle shoal. Between these two the chain or boom of Mr. Archibald Rogers may be extended, and gun boats and block ships may be employed to defend the whole.

"The attention of government is turned to New-York: and by moderate but steady steps, the city & harbor will be put into a respectable state of defence, without any tax upon the city, or the state. The funds will be furnished out of the national treasury. But our citizens must be moderate, and not expect well designed and durable structures to spring up in a hurry.

"P. S. In a few days, report will be made to congress in favor of as large an appropriation of money for works of defence as the Secretary of war asks."

Com. Adv.