In this letter, the Secretary of the Navy, Stoddert, writes to Josiah Parker, the Chairman of Committee of the House of Representatives on why the Naval forces must be augmented. Through eighteen separate points, Stoddert explains the need for a strengthened Navy and the means to obtain this goal. Stoddert argues that by having a larger fleet, with twelve 74-gun ships, twelve frigates, and twenty to thirty smaller vessels, would allow the United States to not only defend its coasts but to also ensure mutual safety, which is a goal that acts as the cement of our nation. By having more ships, other countries, such as France will realize that the cost of invasion will outweigh their potential gain, thereby allowing us to remain at peace. Stoddert