What would be the expense of 1796, could not be exactly ascertained. It appeared by the statement which they had received that upwards of two hundred and four thousand dollars had been expended. Whether there were any further demands unsettled, he could not tell. It appeared, therefore, that the expense of that Department had increased from eleven thousand to three hundred thousand dollars. This had been owing to two causes--the increase of the Army, and by the Indian war. There had also been a great loss of horses from having forage to fetch great distances. Mr. DEARBORN could see no reason for making the appropriation so large as had been proposed by the gentleman from South Carolina. It must be recollected that the Army was in garrison, where there were barrack-houses convenient for the officers and men, and contracts had been entered into for delivering provisions at the different forts, and there would therefore be a great deduction on account of the transportation, in which seven or eight hundred horses had been used up, and the horses on hand might also be sold. Camp equipage was a heavy article of expense, but which would not be wanted whilst the troops were in garrison. These two articles would of themselves make a very considerable part of the whole item. There would also be a saving in the purchase of horses, as the cavalry made more than half the expense. He did not think more than one hundred thousand dollars could be wanted under this head, except it were wanted for making new forts or fortifications. There would now be no necessity for building officers' houses, and huts for the soldiers for winter quarters. All these circumstances considered, he thought the sum he had mentioned would be sufficient. The question for filling the blank with four hundred and forty-six thousand was put and negatived, there being only thirteen votes in favor of it. The sense of the committee was then taken upon three hundred thousand, and carried--there being 51 votes in favor of it. Mr. W. SMITH then moved to add to the bill, "For the repairs of the fortifications of West Point, twenty thousand dollars." Mr. COIT inquired if there was any estimate of this item. Mr. GALLATIN said there was no estimate respecting West Point. Mr. W. SMITH said there was an estimate for Niagara, Oswego, Detroit, &c., which might include West Point, he proposed therefore to change the motion, and insert "Niagara, Oswego, Detroit, &c.," which would include West Point, if necessary. Mr. GALLATIN wished the gentleman from South Carolina to say whether he had any information with respect to West Point. Mr. W. SMITH said, he had no particular information on the subject, but as it was of importance the works there should be very complete, he thought it prudent to grant something for that object.