Two years later, of one hundred and seventy-six gunboats constructed, only twenty-four were in actual service.

In his letter of criticism, Mr.Gallatin gave as his opinion, that "it would be an economical measure for every naval nation to burn their navy at the end of a war and to build a new one when again at war, if it was not that time was necessary to build ships of war." The principle was the same as to gunboats, and the objection of time necessary for building did not exist.
This year he also laid before the President a memorandum of preparatory measures for defense against Great Britain, from whom an attack was expected by land and sea, and a second plan for offensive operations on the northern frontier, which is complete in its geographical and topographical information, and its estimate of resources in men, material, and money.

At the same time he urged upon Mr.Jefferson to moderate the tone of his message, so as not to widen the breach by hurting the pride of Great Britain.
In connection with the land system, Mr.Jefferson favored, and Mr.
Gallatin devised, an extensive plan of internal improvements.

The route of the Cumberland road from the Potomac to the Ohio was reported to Congress in 1807; a coast survey was ordered in the same year.

The first superintendent was Hassler, a Swiss, whom Mr.Gallatin brought to the notice of Mr.Jefferson.In 1808 a general plan of improvement was submitted to the Senate.