### *Henry Lee to James Madison, Oct. 19^th^, 1786*

My dear sir. New York 19th. Oct. \[17\]86

In our letter of this date to the Assembly(1) you will know our
sentiments on the interesting subject of finance. I am persuaded if the
suggestions meet the approbation of the Legislature and any plans
calculated on the principles of our letter, should be properly executed
much good will accrue to the state.

We omitted one subject which involves the respectability of our country
viz that of a well disciplined & well appointed militia. This matter
having been under consideration very often & meeting with different
issues, we have declined renewing it now, presuming that the difficultys
which did obstruct the formation of a proper system are still alive, &
will continue to operate with similar effect. But really when we look
around us here, & observe the exertions in these countrys to acquire
this national defence, we lament the indifference which pervades our
country on this important subject. I transmit for the perusal of those
who wish information on military arrangements the report of the
secretary of war relative to the organization of Militia.(2) This
performance does honor to the genius of the secretary, but its utility
depends entirely on the execution, which in the situation of American
affairs we apprehend will be subject to much difficulty. The eastern
commotions are becoming very serious, Massachusetts contains 75,000 men
from 16 to 60, the five seditious countys possess 40,000 of this number,
upon a fair calculation I beleive we may reckon that state divided for &
against Government

The legislature is now in session but have taken no measures yet to
reconcile or to subdue.

Indeed their difficultys are so numerous and pressing and their ways &
means so disproportionate that I imagine they know not what to do, &
will be obliged to trust too much to the chapter of accidents, for the
U.S. who ought to be able to aid the governments of particular states in
distresses like these are scar\[c\]ely able to maintain themselves. The
insurgents are taking all the necessary arrangements to prepare for the
last appeal, their ostensible object is the revision of the
constitution, but they certainly mean the abolition of debts public &
private, a division of property & a new government founded on principles
of fraud & inequity, or re-connexion with G.B. Congress have received
authentic information touching these points and are now in consultation
how to ward off the blow. The enclosed papers will inform of many
particulars relative to this unhappy affair. You continued a long time
in Philada. we hear, this unexpected movement gives lye to various
suggestions all tending to prove that you are in full gallop to the
blessed yoke. In all your intentions you possess the best wishes of your
friend for their accomplishmts.

H. Lee Jnr\
\
RC (DLC: Madison Papers).\
1 Not found.\
2 That is, Gen. Henry Knox\'s plan for the organization of the militia,
for which see David Ramsay to Knox, March 12, note. Although Lee failed
to enclose the plan with this letter, he included it in his letter of
October 25.\
3 In contrast to Lee\'s estimates of disaffection, General Knox reported
to Congress between October 1 and 18 (see Charles Pettit to Benjamin
Franklin, October 18, note) that only 1,200 insurgents first gathered at
Springfield, although he thought they could reassemble at any time \"in
larger numbers than before.\"

**Letters of Delegates to Congress:Volume 23 November 7, 1785-November
5, 1786\
**