amounting to 100,000 under the act of March, 1808, might not improperly
be relieved from the state in which they were held for immediate
service. A discharge of them has been accordingly directed.

The progress made in raising and organizing the additional military
force, for which provision was made by the act of April, 1808, together
with the disposition of the troops, will appear by a report which the
Secretary of War is preparing, and which will be laid before you.

Of the additional frigates required by an act of the last session to be
fitted for actual service, two are in readiness, one nearly so, and the
fourth is expected to be ready in the month of July. A report which the
Secretary of the Navy is preparing on the subject, to be laid before
Congress, will shew at the same time the progress made in officering and
manning these ships. It will shew also the degree in which the
provisions of the act relating to the other public armed ships have been
carried into execution.

It will rest with the judgment of Congress to decide how far the change
in our external prospects may authorize any modifications of the laws
relating to the army and navy establishments.

The works of defense for our seaport towns and harbors have proceeded
with as much activity as the season of the year and other circumstances
would admit. It is necessary, however, to state that, the appropriations
hitherto made being found to be deficient, a further provision will
claim the early consideration of Congress.

The whole of the 8 per cent stock remaining due by the United States,
amounting to $5,300,000, had been reimbursed on the last day of the year