Hamtramck seeks answer to question posed last July regarding the payment of officers for recruiting services. Recounts conditions under which he paid officers and he assumed his account would be credited.
Howell informs Poe that he has learned that Surgeon's Mate Richard Griffith received the money allowed by law in lieu of the forage to which he was entitled from Poe. Since this was not an authorized disbursement Poe is warned that it will not be admitted to his credit in the settlement of his account.
Howell informs Griffith that he will receive the balance of his pay from Lieutenant Geddes. He admonishes Griffith that he should not have taken money in lieu of forage from the Contractor. All such transactions should be settled by Howell's office so Griffith must refund the money to the Contractor.
Among other matters, O'Hara notes that the Indians have by their deputies applied for a treaty of peace with the United States. Preliminary articles are being drawn up to meet for that purpose at Greenville on June 15th of the present year.
Tracy asks for any information Howell can provide on the pay of Mr. Lee. Does Lee want pay or depreciation? If he has pay, Tracy wants to know about it and, if not, the reasons why he has not.
Tracy has several questions for Howell: Has Oakley, mentioned in John Moore's account, received his pay? Has Walter Cruise received his pay for the time he was in captivity and the time he was a Captain? Why was Cruise deranged and when? How much pay has Cruise received as a captain?
Howell submits to Pickering, the new Secretary of War, the enclosed letter to the Committee of the House of Representatives appointed to inquire into the establishment of clerks of the several departments. The letter asks that Congress allow Howell a principal clerk for his office who would prove indispensable if he should be absent due to sickness or any other reason.
Vincent directs Howell attention to the state of the sum owed to the engineers fortifying the harbor at New York and hopes for his consideration in paying that sum.
Putnam to superintend matters related to mail system in Ohio. Crews of mail boats paid off through the end of the year. Discussed arrangements for annual pay of crew. Requested opinion on payment for repairs at Merietta and supply of rations.
Refers to agreement over Boston sail cloth made before he left the treasury business in the War Department. Mr. Francis has been advised to make purchases as soon as possible. Declares that the large importation of goods and great want of cash promise advantageous purchases at this time.
