[The Secretary at War] Navy Department, 2^d August 1799 D[ea]r Sir I am unwell and cannot attend the meeting [strikethrough: with] without pain — I will however give you my opinion on the Subject of a fourth Arsenal, for I presume it is a fourth and that neither of the others are to be declined — If the three Arsenals already fixed on were completed and filled with Army I should then Suppose it might be proper to establish a fourth a fifth and a Sixth, 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 are properly placed, One being to the East, one to the South and one in the middle of the U S, and to let a fourth alone until the three already determined on are filled with Army I think your Submission contained a Quere, whether works begun at Harpers Ferry Should be finished or whether additional works Should be made there — Judging as an officer of the United States with a view to the [strikethrough: whole] fortunes of the whole, and on this principle only will I judge while I remain in office, it is most clearly my opinion that the Arsenal at Harpers Ferry Should than be any difference in points of magnitude, the three Should be the most important — The Mother Arsenal is without comparison the most convenient to the Western Country. It is more convenient than either of the other places to all party of the United States — It is nearly in the centre — Your Submission also, if I recollect right Contains a Quere whether additional works Should be made at Spring field — There is no question with me that all the works necessary to the objects should be made there, without hesitation or Delay — To Sum in few words — my opinion is that the three arsenals designated by the General Officers viewing with a Military Eye [undecipherable] Should be pushed with all possible vigor & that when money can be Spared after filling those it will be time enough to thinks of other Arsenals — Excuse my abruptness — I write in pain I have the Honor to be Sir