United States, Washington.
Inside the pale-gray Presidential Mansion, Jefferson gestured for his assistant to distribute the Army's report among the Cabinet officials. His expression grave, he said, "It's that Bonaparte again. General Wilkinson says he is very likely to launch another surprise attack on the east."
Secretary of State James Madison quickly skimmed the document and said, "Fortunately, the situation in Florida is going very smoothly. That allows us to focus our efforts on dealing with the French."
Presidential military adviser Meriwether Lewis nodded. "In fact, General Hampton has already led three thousand soldiers west to provide reinforcements." Jefferson's brow remained furrowed. "Although the French Army has only a little over ten thousand men, they are advancing very quickly. We must make sure to stop them west of the Appalachian Mountains."
This long, narrow mountain range stretching across the heart of the United States could be considered America's "line between wealth and poverty"—most of the country's finest states lay east of the mountains. Lewis looked at him. "Mr. President, I suggest mobilizing some of the state militia from Georgia and South Carolina to defend Cumberland Pass alongside General Hampton."
The state militia was mainly responsible for coastal patrols and suppressing riots, much like senior Police officers—at this time, the United States had very few Police, and even somewhat major cases required the state militia to handle them.
The two states mentioned by the military adviser had relatively large populations and both bordered the Appalachian Mountains, making them convenient sources of nearby reinforcements.
Jefferson nodded. "How many troops can we mobilize?"
"I calculated that twelve hundred men should not affect local security."
"Please draft a mobilization order as soon as possible and submit it to Congress." Jefferson then turned to Madison. "Prepare yourself. You will leave for New Orleans soon.
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