[Copy] Copy of a paper delivered to the President this 8^th of April 1797 James McHenry The quantum and kind of defensive force necessary at this juncture, and which it appears to the Secy. of war compels [obliterated] make immediate provision for, may be calculated. 1^st. with reference simply to France. And 2^dly with reference to France and Spain united. This force calculated with reference to France only, will have for its objects; the protection of our commerce, the securing our cities from requisitions by predatory [undecipherable]-isions, and the [undecipherable] Southern part of the union from domestic insurrections. There will be required for these purposes in addition to our existing land and naval military establishments, the following actual and contingent force. Of actual force, to be raised as soon as possible viz. One regiment or corps of Artillerists & Engineers; one regiment of Infantry; two companies of dragoons; three frigates of 32 guns & six sloops of war of 16 guns. Of contingent force viz. 10,000 regulars to be raised only when wanted, at the discretion of the President. The Secy. has presumed in forming this brief estimate, that at the [undecipherable] situation of the marine of France, [obliterated] our [obliterated] distance from Europe, will prevent any formidable invasion by our sea-board; that Spain will evacuate the ports which she now occupies within our territory, and remain neutral and friendly along the Mississippi; and that a tranquil state of the western frontier as it respects both settlers and Indians may possibly admit of our drawing thence to our maritime posts a part of the army employed in that quarter. It is proper however to observe, and [strikethrough: it ought] to be [rather] well understood, that little or no dependence can be [obliterated] upon [undecipherable] resources. The defensive force, calculated with [obliterated] to France and Spain united, must be greater, as the points to be far protected will be more [undecipherable]. Besides the [strikethrough: objects that have been] [strikethrough: there] enumerated, these two powers will no doubt apply both force and machinations against the Western Contry and as neither policy nor [undecipherable] [obliterated] [undecipherable] that [undecipherable] [obliterated] the safety of the [undecipherable] parts of the union, [obliterated] [undecipherable] our [undecipherable] that [undecipherable] to its own means [obliterated]; and [undecipherable] [obliterated] and Independence, it ought to be [undecipherable] [underline: defended] and provisions made accordingly. There will be required for this situation of things in addition to existing military establishment, and the 3 frigates & 6 sloops of war the following force. [underline: For immediate service] a Two Regt. a corps of Art & Ings. Two Regts of Infantry & 6 Comp. of dragoons. [underline: For contingent service.] An army of 15,000 regulars to be raised as aforesaid. A. [signature] Expence of the defensive force upon the first calculation, exclusive of the Contingent army. Maritime fortifications — 50,000 3 frigates of 32 guns - with men &c. 12 m. 481,806 6 Sloops of war 16 guns men &c. Do. 445,020 1 Regt a Corp Art. & Eng. Pay & 12 m. 216,041 1 Do. Infantry Do. Do. 101,000 2 Companies cavalry pay &c. — 58,354 Quarter masters Dep. &c. 200,000 [undecipherable],221 Expence of the defensive force upon the second calculation, exclusive of the Contingent army. Maritime fortifications . . . 50,000 3 frigates & 6 sloops of war &c. 926,820 2 Regts. art. & Eng. 422,032 2 Do. Infantry 202,000 6 Comp. Dragoon — 175,062 Quarter masters Dep. &c. 300,000 2,075,914