Richmond April 19th 1794
Sir,
By virtue of the general supervisorship entrusted to me by the President, respecting the fortifications contemplated in this state, I beg to request your particular assistance to the Engineer in all measures he may adopt for the erections of the Works at Alexandria, and I beg you to be so good as to make known to me from time to time the progress thereof with suggestions of any steps within my power to take tending towards the accomplishment of this object.
I enclose this day a letter to Major Rivardi introducing him to you which he will deliver to you on his arrival.
I have the honor to be Sir with great regard your ob: ser
Henry Lee
Col. Fitzgerald[1]
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 2, M2009.087, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2016 April 6
[1] John Fitzgerald was born in County Wicklow, Ireland. In 1769, he moved from Ireland to Alexandria, Virginia, where he opened a mercantile business. He served as a major in the 3rd Virginia regiment in 1776 and was aide-de-camp to George Washington. He was wounded at Monmouth and resigned shortly after. He returned to Alexandria after the war and was elected mayor. In the 1790s, he became a collector of customs. In 1799 he declared bankruptcy and died soon afterward.
