Washington.
In the light gray President's Mansion, Jefferson gestured for his assistant to distribute the army report to the Cabinet officials, his expression serious: "Still the same Bonaparte. General Wilkinson says he is likely to launch a surprise attack on the East again."
Secretary of State James Madison quickly browsed the documents and continued: "Fortunately, the situation in Florida is very smooth, which allows us to focus on dealing with the French."
Presidential military adviser Meriwether Lewis nodded: "In fact, General Hampton has already led 3,000 soldiers to the West for reinforcements."
Jefferson still frowned: "Although the French Army only has over 10,000 men, their speed is very fast. We must ensure that they are blocked on the West side of the Appalachian Mountains."
This long, narrow mountain range in the central United States can be considered the nation's "wealth divide," with most of the fine states on the East side.
