I am instructed by the Committee, appointed to consider the establishment of the army, and to confer thereon with your Excellency, the Secretary of War, and the Superintendant of Finance, to request your aid on this Subject, at 11 oClock on Saturday morning in the Committee room of Congress.

It is impossible to specify all the particulars of this enquiry; I shall therefore suggest to your Excellency the most obvious points in it only.

1st What number of infantry, cavalry, & artillery will be equall to offensive operations?

2d What number of commission’d, and staff officers are there above the Complement of 25,000 rank & file?

3d How many commissiond, and staff officers will be necessary for 10,000 rank & file?

4th What will be the amount of their pay, subsistence, and emoluments &ca?

5th Of what number does the present army consist?

6th What is the number of men in the different lines?

7th Cou’d a reduction of the Officers be made with propriety?

8th Upon what revenue can the United States count with a reasonable prospect of success?

9th Is it proper, that Congress shou’d engage any bounty?

10th By what day shou’d the men be requir’d to be in the Field?

11th If a reduction of officers shou’d be ordered, by what time cou’d it be accomplished, & upon what principles?

12th What wou’d be the amount of the 1/2 pay of the officers for 10,000 Rank & file?

The preceeding points, tho’ not in the whole relative to Yyr Excellencys functions, are not withstanding submitted to yr consideration, that you may have a general view of the matter on which the Committee propose to confer. I have the honor to be with great esteem Yr Excellencys Most obt & hble Serv