I have received your Letter of the 9th instant in behalf of a Committee of Congress—requestg my Sentiments upon the military Department of a Peace Establishment.

As this Discussion will involve a variety of Considerations, & those of very great Importance—The Committee will indulge me in a little Time to collect & [concenter] my Ideas on this Subject & they may depend on my communicating them in the best manner I am able—& at the earliest period in my power. I am &c.