Matters for the Attention of Congress
Document 1800Dexter, responding to Adams' request for War Department issues to address at the annual speech to Congress [State of the Union address], officially states that there is only one noteworthy matter. He reports that the nation's military stores are now well-stocked, saying that more cannon and small arms might be needed in case of war, but that these could now be produced with such speed and quality as to rival Europe. Asks that Congress make it known to European nations that America is materially prepared for war. Also notes that the fortification of ports and harbors remains incomplete, as knowledge of fortification is the weak point of American military knowledge; asks that more money be appropriated for the purpose of fortification.
Mr. Dexter 13 Nov. 1800 13 Nov. 1800 In obedience to the order of the President of the United States the Secretary of War respectfully represents to him. That the only matter relating to his department which appear deserving of notice in the speech of the President at the opening of the next Session of Congress are that the Country is now amply supplied with military stores of every description, except that more Cannon and Small arms than are now on hand might be necessary in case of a War. and that such now is the improved and perfect state of the manufacturers of those articles, and of all things appertaining to the use of them, that a sufficient number could be made in the Country in a short time, and of as good a quality as any manu- factured in Europe. Perhaps some legislative encouragement to the Artists employed in these manufactures ought to be given, permanently to establish these important and necessary arts in our Country. In these respects the United States are well prepared for War, and it might be useful to let the Governments of European Nations know it by mentioning it to the Legislature. The Secretary further represents That the fortifying of Ports and Harbors is yet incomplete and the Science of Fortification less understood than any other part of the military Art. the Appropriations for these purposes are expended, and more indispensi bly necessary. All which is respectfully submitted. [S. Dexter] War Department 13th November 1800
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