The first image file appears to be corrupted (empty bytes). I'll transcribe the two readable pages in order. --- War Department 12 July 1799. Sir. I have had the honour to receive, this morning, your letter of the 7^th of July inst. It is very certain Sir, that nothing was more remote from my thoughts, than to bring into comparison, the relative importance of the navy and army; and I believe, I shall never take the liberty to call upon you to decide, what I flatter myself, it is impossible can ever happen, any dispute between Mr. Stoddert and myself, or any other person, on the subject. It is strongly impressed upon my mind, that both army and navy establishments, are essential to the present and future interests and greatness of the United States, and that we must run the risk of their commanders proving blessings or curses, from their genius, as all other nations have done before us. According to the lights in which I have viewed the plan for supplying the army, it does not appear to me to require the sanction of any act of Congress. It is only a system to execute powers actually given or incidental to given powers. If it is otherwise this department and the navy department ever since their existence have been offending against law. I shall however consider the question, and as closely as possible ^formally the plan, and submit it to the Secy. of the Treasury & Secy of State for their mature opinions. & With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be John Adams President U S [paraph]