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Matters for the Attention of Congress

Dexter, 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.

1800

11

13

War Department

John Adams

Samuel Dexter

President of the United States

Secretary of War

War Department

speech

session of Congress

military stores

cannon

small arms

manufacture

arts

ports

harbors

science of fortification

appropriations

1800111300301

1

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