Pickering acknowledges receipt of letter by Messrs. Smith and Gurney informing of intention to resign as naval agents at Philadelphia. Purveyor Tench Francis will assume duty as naval agent in their place. Asks that Smith and Gurney transfer papers to Francis.
Mr Smith and Mr. Gurney intend to resign as naval agents at Philadelphia at the end of June 1795. Pickering's answer on this matter depends on whether Francis can take over without employing another agent. Copy of answer enclosed. Francis to assume agency on 1 July. Expects that predecessors will turn over all papers and other matters.
Notified Wayne that officers and artillerists would be gathered at West Point to receive instruction prior to marching to frontier as reinforcements to Wayne. Pickering also mentioned recruits to march as reinforcements. Treaty with Great Britain is not yet public, awaiting approval of one article related to commerce.
Requested enclosed letter from D. Campbell be presented to the President. Mentioned the contents as eulogy on Gov. Blount. The writer, "aims at the poetic stile; and perhaps very properly; as poets deal in fiction." Mentioned governor's dealing with the Indians and his lack of explanation.
Copperthwaite believed it would be over one year before enough timber is cut for the six frigates. Advised retaining workmen instead of discharging them after all work on one frigate is complete, believed it would aid in productivity. Also believed dividing business of cutting timber b/w different companies would abate jealousy.
Simmons certifies that $88.20 is due Nathaniel Gorham, Supervisor Maine, being the amount paid by him for the passage of thirty seven officers and privates from Portland Maine to Boston Massachusetts.
Simmons certifies that $70.13 is due Reading Howell being the amount of his account for maps furnished for the use of the War Department delivered in September and October 1794.
Notification of money owed Martinan to be paid him via Thomas Overton, Inspector of the Revenue but would not be paid without an order. Therefore Polk instructed Martinan to come to his office in Charlotte to receive his money .
Pacific disposition of Creeks led Washington to accede to the request of the State of Georgia to hold treaty on land rights. Treaty will be guided by the agreements made in the Treaty of New York, and half of the costs associated with the Treaty in Georgia will be assumed by the state. Nominations for commissioners included.
Bryant sent return for the month of June along with his vouchers and receipts to the War Office, and provides another report on the work being done by the carriage works. Discussed method and quality of painting.
Simmons certifies that the sum of $131.72 is due John Steele [Steel] and the men stationed at Mud Island for their services from April 23rd to June 1st, 1795.
