" Most Illustrious Lord , having now sufficiently seen and considered  the proofs of all those who count themselves masters and inventors of instruments of war, and finding that their invention  and use of the said instruments does not differ in any respect from those in common practice, I am emboldened without prejudice to anyone else to put myself in communication with your Excellency, in order to acquaint you with my  secrets , thereafter offering myself at your pleasure effectually to demonstrate at any convenient time al those matters which are in part briefly recorded below:

   1.I have plans for bridges, very light and strong and suitable for carrying very easily, with which to pursue and at times defeat the enemy; and others solid and indestructible by fire or assault, easy and convenient to carry and place in position. And plans for burning and destroying those of the enemy.

     2. When a place is besieged I know how to cut off water from trenches, and how to construct an infinite numbers of bridges, battering rams, scalling ladders, and other instruments which have to do with the same enterprise.

        ( ... )

    10.In time of peace I believe that I can give you as complete satisfaction as anyone else in architecture in the construction of buildings both public and private, and in conducting water from one place to another.
        ( ... )

      And if any of the aforesaid things should seem impossible or impracticable to anyone, I offer myself as ready to make trial of them in your park or in whatever place shall please your Excellency, to whom I commend myself with
 all possible humility."