[Vol. II No. 15] 85. The Secretary of the United States for the department of War, having been ordered by Congress to a Report on the expediency of further retaining West point as a military post, accordingly Reports ^a [That in case of an invasion of any of the middle or eastern states by a marine power the possession of Hudsons River would be an object of the highest importance, as well to the invader as to the United States. That the reciprocal communication of the resources of the eastern and middle States So essential to a well combined resistance, depends entirely on the possession of the said River by the United States. That West point is of the most decisive importance to the defence of the said River for the following reasons. 1^st The distance across the River at that place is only about fourteen hundred feet, a less distance by far than at any other part. 2^d The peculiar bend or turn of the River forming almost a reentering angle. 3^d The high banks on both Sides of the River favorable for the construction of formidable batteries. 4^th The demonstrated practicability of fixing across the River a chain or chains at a Spot where Vessels in turning the point, invariably lose their rapidity and of course their force, by which a chain at any other part of the River would be liable to be broken. These circumstances combined render the passage of hostile Vessels by West point impracticable. That the Fortifications of West point and its dependencies, are extremely difficult to be invested and besieged. This circumstance which greatly enhances the value of the place, arises from the broken & mountainous grounds, and narrow passes which Surround the Fortifications. A regular Siege of West point, properly garrisoned and furnished would require a large army, vast warlike apparatus, and much time. The States therefore in its vicinity would have Sufficient time to draw forth their utmost force for its relief. That however west point may be regarded by Some persons, as an interior place, yet the reverse is a fact, as may be proved by a slight consideration of the facility with which it can be approached by Water. It is quite practicable for Vessels, coming in from Sea, and arriving at Sandy hook at the close of the day, to reach West point before the next morning. The Navigation of the River is known to be so bold, that the passage could be easily performed during the night. ]" If the Statement here made be just West point may with propriety be denominated a vital part of the United States; and as Such ought to be guarded at the common expence of the Union, with at least one Company of Troops according to the existing establishment. This expence will be further justified by a consideration of the ease with which the Said post might if in a defenceless State be possessed by Such a power as great Britain & the humiliating and distressing consequences of Such an event to the United States. The commercial jealousies discovered by that Nation Since the peace and the detention of the Western posts, under the Idea of obliging the United States to comply with certain terms, and the vicinity of the British force in Canada, which is to be headed by a man of intelligence and subtle policy ought to put us on our guard. The conduct of the court of great Britain in taking the Ships of France previous to the declaration of War in 1755. may also be considered as a just ground of caution to the United States. But independent of any apprehensions from great Britain, the jealousy manifested by the marine powers of Europe of the increasing greatness of the United States ought to excite a reasonable portion of attention to our own Security. It is the opinion of Your Secretary that the Same reasons, which render West point a proper Military post, render it an improper place, for one of the Magazines and arsenals of the United States, as he Shall attempt to evince more fully in a report on the arsenals and Magazines necessary to be established throughout the United States. But it being impracticable in the present State of the public finances to remove the surplus ordinance and Stores from Said post it will be necessary that the present guard Should be continued for their protection. Your Secretary being convinced of the importance of retaining West point as a military post until the United States Shall possess a Navy, and the Tent being held at the high rate of 137 Dollars p^r annum, he submits to Congress the propriety of purchasing from the proprietor on a fair appraisment the fee of the Same, together with So much of the Land contiguous thereto as Shall be necessary to be included within the limits and for the use of the Garrison. On this principle he Submits the following resolve. Resolved That the Board of Trea[sury] endeavours to negociate with the legal proprietors of West point on Hudsons River the purchase of the Same for the United St[ates] on an equitable appraisment, to gether with So much Land contiguous thereto as Shall be deemed necessary by the Secretary at War to be included within the limits of the garrison, and that the Board agree for the terms of payment in the manner most consistent with the State of the finances of the United States. All which is humbly submitted to Congress. War office July 31^st 1786. Signed H. Knox. A true Copy R. J. van den Broeck Sec^y