War Office, 1^st August 1797 Sir, ) I have a order from the President of the United States to lay before your Excellency the act herein enclosed intitled "An Act authorizing a detachment from the Militia of the United States," passed the 24^th of June 1797. The object of this law being to provide and have in readiness a select and completely equipped and organized body of Militia for action, in all respects, the President in pursuance thereof requests that you will be pleased to take immediate and effectual measures to organize, arm, equip, and hold in readiness to march, at a moments warning, the detachment required to be so organized, armed and equipped by the State of Rhode Island agreeably to the said law and the act intitled "An Act most effectually to provide for the national defence, by establishing an uniform Militia throughout the United States," passed the 8^th May 1792. With a view to expedite the completion of the said detachment the President has judged it expedient to authorize you to accept any independent Corps of Cavalry, Artillery or Infantry as part thereof, provided they shall voluntarily engage as Corps in the service. As it will be desirable to know the measures which Your Excellency may be pleased to adopt on this occasion, and from time to time the actual State of the detachment, it is earnestly requested that the Adjutant General may be instructed to make such returns and communications to this department as may notify this object. With great respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency's obedient servant. James McHenry Secy. of War His Excellency The Governor of Rhode Island.