[undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [173] Quincy July 7, 1799 [undecipherable] [undecipherable] As it is an excellent Principle for every Man in public life to magnify his office and make it honourable, I admire the Dexterity with which you dignify yours by representing an Army, and means adequate to its Support as the first thing necessary to make the nation respected. Genius in a general is oftener, an instrument of divine Vengeance, than a Guardian Angel. Stoddert I warrant you, instead of representing the Navy as the fourth and last Article necessary for national Respectability, would have felt the Importance of his office enough to have Stated a Navy as the first and most indispensable. It would not be necessary for me to decide the Controversy between you: If it should be, I Should be at no Loss. My answer would be ready. I have read the Claim for providing and issuing of military Supplies inclosed in your favour of the 29. of June. — I Suppose I may keep it in order to recur to it upon Occasion. I wish to be informed whether this is proposed to be adopted by Congress into a Law? I presume the President's Authority alone is not adequate to the Establishment of it. — I wish it to be considered by the Secretary of the Treasury and by myself, as closely, as possible before it is recommended. The Discipline of the Army and the National Oeconomy are deeply interested in it. — The Secretary of State has had Experience, which ought to be consulted Upon this Occasion. J Adams [Secretary of War]