[Docket: Sec. Stoddert Aug 1^st 1799] Navy Department 9. August 1799. D Sir I am unwell & cannot attend the meeting without pain. I will however give you my opinion on the subject of a fourth Arsenal — for I presume it is a fourth — & that neither of the others are to be declined. If the three arsenals, already fixed on, were completed & filled with arms, I should then suppose it might be proper to establish a fourth — a fifth & a sixth — [strikethrough: provided there was money] — but under present circumstances, I really think it will be most wise, to go on with great Spirit, with the three already determined on, and which, in my opinion [strikethrough: are properly placed] — One being to the East — one to the South — & one in the middle of the U States — and to let a fourth alone, while these three are filled with arms. I think your submission contained a query, whether works begun at Harpers Ferry should be finished — or whether add'l works should be made there. Judging as an officer of the United States, with a view to the Interest of the whole — & on this principle only, will I judge while I remain in office — it is most [strikethrough: decidedly] my opinion, that the Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, should there be any difference in point of magnitude in the three, should be the more important — the Mother Arsenal. It is without comparison the most convenient of the three to the Western Country — It is more convenient than either of the other places to all parts of the U States. It is nearly in the centre. Your submission also, if I recollect right, contained a query — whether additional works should be made at Springfield. There is no question with me, that all the works necessary to the object, should be made there, without hesitation or delay. To sum up in few words — my opinion is — that the three Arsenals, in the places designated by the land officers viewing with a military Eye, the best, should be pushed into the best possible vigor — and that when money can be spared after filling these, it will be time enough to think of other Arsenals. Excuse my abruptness — I write in pain. I have the honor to be with much respect Sir Y'r ob't serv't Bn Stoddert