[Propositions of Defence. given to W^m Smith 24 May 1797] The quantum and kind of defensive force necessary at this juncture, and which in the opinion of the Secy of war, Congress ought to make immediate provision for, may be calculated, 1st with reference simply to France; and 2^dly with reference to France and Spain united. This force, calculated, with reference to France only, and upon a defensive scale, will have for its objects: the protection of our commerce; the securing our cities from inquisitorial invasions, and the Southern part of the United States from domestic insurrections. There will be required for these purposes, in addition to our existing land and naval establishments, the following actual and contingent force. 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 and six sloops of war of 16 guns. Contingent force viz. 13,000 or 10,000 Infantry, 2,000 artillery & 1,000 cavalry regulars to be raised any when wanted, at the discretion of the President; [strikethrough: except, 3,000 artillery and 1,000 cavalry] With respect to the additional marine force. The law should enable the President either 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. With respect to the Contingent force. The law should enable the President to appoint and commission his officers; they should be entitled to pay when called into service, and [strikethrough: authorize him to] make the necessary arrangements for enlisting the troops wanted and should declare his officers to be [strikethrough: [undecipherable] when once being called into service [undecipherable]] The Secy. has presumed in forming this estimate, that the crippled state 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 has occupied within our Territory, and remain neuter and friendly along the Mississippi; and that a tranquil state of the western frontier, as it regards both settlers and Indians, may possibly admit of his drawing thence to our maritime posts some part of the army employed on [strikethrough: no] that [line] quarter. It is proper however to reserve; and it ought to be fully understood, that little or no dependence can be placed on the latter resource. But besides the above force, it will be indispensable to the safety of the sea board property, that not less than a sum of 200,000 dollars be appropriated for the improvement of its defences. The 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. These two powers may apply both force and machinations against the western [strikethrough: part of the] country [strikethrough: of human]; and as neither policy nor the [strikethrough: interests] and safety of the parts of the union contiguous thereto, would justify our abandoning that quarter to its own means of defence, or [strikethrough: also] delivering it up to intriguers and [strikethrough: certain] secession it will be proper therefore that it should not be overlooked in any scheme of general defence. There will be required, [then] for this situation of things in addition to existing [& to be] military establishments, and the proposed three frigates and six sloops of war the following force. For [underline: immediate service] viz. Two regiments or corps of Artillerists & Engineers. [strikethrough: Two regiments of Infantry,] and six companies of dragoons. For [underline: contingent service] viz. An army of 20,000 regulars to be raised as aforesaid. Expense of the defensive force upon the first calculation, exclusive of equipping & manning the frigates Constitution, U. States and constellation and contingent army viz. Maritime fortifications . . 100,000 3 Frigates of 32 guns, manned &c for 12 months - - - 481,806 6 Sloops of war 16 guns &c - 445,020 1 Regt. Artillery, bounty &c 12 m. 216,041 4 Companies dragoons do - 116,708 Quarter Master dept. 200,000 1,559,575 Expenses of the defensive force upon the second calculation, excluding as before. Maritime fortifications — 150,000 3 frigates & six Sloops of war — 926,826 2 Regts. Artillery — 422,032 2 Do Infantry — 202,000 6 Companies Dragoons — 175,062 Quarter Master, dept. — 300,000 2,175,914 There will result from this view of the subject the following propositions for the consideration of Congress. Upon a view of all circumstances, [strikethrough: in the view of the subject of defence it appears expedient that Congress should decide in some form, the force to be decided on [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] not that can this [undecipherable] of Congress make provision accordingly [undecipherable] to carry out [undecipherable]] 1. To provide for equipping & manning the [strikethrough: frigates] Constitution, U. States and constellation. 2. To provide for procuring a further naval force [consisting of] 3 frigates and [manning] three additional frigates and six sloops of war. 3^d. To provide [undecipherable] for an additional Regt. or corps of artillerists and Engineers, and four companies of dragoons. 4. To enable the President to make [arrangements for raising,] [strikethrough: whenever it may be necessary, an addition to] a provisional army consisting of infantry, artillery and cavalry. 5. To provide for the more effective defence of the sea board by adequate fortifications. 6. To authorize merchant vessels to arm for their own defence. and [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] To authorize the Executive to grant convoys to merchant vessels sailing without arms. 8. To provide a system of taxation commensurate to the expenses of putting the country in a state of defence.