[undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] better [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] what may [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] 3 subdue it, [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] that it may become necessary to re[undecipherable] It is always right when a Government is [undecipherable: disposed?] to appear in arms, that it should appear [like?] [undecipherable], and inspire [respect?] by the [undecipherable: display?] of strength. In a case too like the present the consideration of expence, with me, is of no moment compared with the advantages of energy. Having granted all this, why then have I not ordered out in the first instance a greater force In the first place, it is presumed that the Volunteer & Militia troo[ps] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] orders, and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] admits is [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] adequate to the suppression of the Insurgents. 2^dly It cannot be known to the Insurgents ([undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable: unfaithful?] to ourselves) but that the [undecipherable: above?] force [undecipherable] under Marching orders in Pennsyl-vania and Jersey as actually to march, every measure taken by me admits of no other conclusion. 3. It is well known [to?] [undecipherable] Insurgents are in no condition to meet in arms, the [undecipherable: regular?] force that has marched (some of which is now at Newton and [undecipherable: Reading?]) and that [undecipherable] to march. 4 It would be something to be regretted, if a body of 200 or 250 horse could not alone [undecipherable: Under] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] leader, by [undecipherable] [undecipherable] movement [undecipherable] [undecipherable], were the [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] my dear Sir, I cannot without the concurrence of [undecipherable: certain?] [undecipherable: gentlemen?] increase the [undecipherable: grant?] force to be employed on this occasion Lastly I must only rely on the energy and good conduct [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] of those who now have the direction of the war for the [undecipherable: success?] of the [undecipherable: measures?]. yours affectionately James M[undecipherable] 26 March 1799 [undecipherable: Robt?] G. [undecipherable: Harper?] Esq^r