[Private] [Endorsement: Rec'd 27 June 1799 & have ascertained principally on naval force Private—] [Address: James McHenry Esq] [Endorsement: Hamilton very desirous / I have not [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable] / and hereby [undecipherable]] New York June 27. 1799 (19) It is a pity, My Dear Sir, and a reproach, that our administration have no genuine plan. Certainly there ought to be one formed without delay. If the Chief is too desultory, his Ministers ought to be the more united and Steady — and well settled on some reasonable System of measures — Among other things, It should be agreed what precise force should be created [underline: naval] and [underline: land], and this proportioned to the State of our finances. It will be ridiculous to raise troops and immediately after to disband them. [underline: Ships of the line &] twenty frigates and sloops of war are desireable — "more would not now be compatible of prudence —" It is desireable to complete and prepare the land force which has been provided for by Law — Besides eventual security against invasion, we ought certainly to look to the possession of the Floridas & Louisiana — and we ought to [undecipherable] at South America. Is it possible that the accomplishment of these objects can be attended with financial difficulty — I deny the possibility. Our Revenue can be considerably reinforced. The progress of the Country will quickly supply small deficiencies, and these can be temporarily satisfyed by loans — provided our loans are made on the principles that we require the alliment of European Capital & that lenders are to gain and these gains to be facilitated not [undecipherable: obstructed?]. If all this is not true, our situation is much worse than I fear any idea of — But I have no doubt that it is easy to devise the means of execution. And if there were ever a [undecipherable] most propitious where a [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] to concert a national plan I would cheerfully come to Philadelphia and assist in it — No one doubts that [undecipherable] may be informed. Break thro' [undecipherable] — Sincerely to our friend Pickering — His views are sound and energetick, and try together to bring the other Gentlemen to a Consultation. If there is any where a proper temper & it is [undecipherable] find for me & Chiefly come [undecipherable] Most truly A.H.