The quantum and kind of defensive force necessary at this juncture, and which [strikethrough: in the opinion of] [strikethrough: the Secretary of] the laws of war, Congress ought to make immediate provision for, may be calculated 1st. with reference simply to France and 2dly with reference to France and Spain united. This force, calculated with reference to France only, and upon a [underline: defensive scale], will have for objects; the protection of our commerce; the securing our cities from [strikethrough: requisitional] [strikethrough: of privateers] invasions, and the [strikethrough: 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 [underline: active and contingent force]. [underline: actual force], which ought to be raised as soon as possible. viz. One Regiment or corps of Artillerists & Engineers; four companies of Dragoons; three frigates of 32 guns & six sloops of war of 16 guns. [underline: Contingent force] viz 12,000 regulars to be raised only as wanted, at the discretion of the President. With respect to [strikethrough: the additional] marine force. The laws should enable the President [strikethrough: often] to direct vessels to be built and equipped, or merchantmen to be purchased and fitted for sea, as the one or the other may appear to him most suitable to the occasion. [strikethrough: With respect to the contingent] force. The law should enable the President to appoint and commission the officers, who should be intitled to pay when called into service; and to make the necessary arrangements for enlisting the troops, and calling them into service [strikethrough: if wanted]. The Sec^y. has presumed in forming this estimate, that the crippled state [strikethrough: situation] of the marine of France, joined to our distance from Europe, will prevent any formidable invasion by our sea-board; that Spain will evacuate the posts which she [strikethrough: has] occupied within our territory, and remain neutral and friendly along the Mississippi; and that a [strikethrough: tranquile state of the Western frontier,] as its [strikethrough: occupation] both settlers and Indians may [strikethrough: peaceably] admit of our drawing thence to other Garrison posts [strikethrough: half of the army, or at least] in that quarter. It [strikethrough: is proper] however to observe, and it ought to be firmly understood, that little or no dependence can be placed on the [strikethrough: Eastern] resources. Besides the above force it will be indispensable to the safety of the sea board, that not less than 100,000 dollars be appropriated for the improvement of [strikethrough: their] ^its defences. The [underline: defensive force] calculated with reference to France and Spain united, must be greater than in the preceding estimate, inasmuch as the points requiring protection will be more multiplied. Besides the objects that have been enumerated, these two powers [strikethrough: with] supply both force and machinations against the Western Country, and as neither policy, nor the interests and safety of the parts of the union contiguous [strikethrough: thereto] would justify our [underline: abandoning] that quarter, to its own means of defence, or delivering it up to intriguers and [strikethrough: indigenous] [strikethrough: means], it will be proper therefore that it should not be overlooked in any scheme of [strikethrough: defence] general defence.