Enclosed is the account of Col. Mentges for his expenses inspecting and superintending the arming of the New Jersey militia. Mentges' compensation should be approved.
Notification that packet containing money for the pay of troops in the lower part of the Ohio has been forwarded in the charge of Daniel Bissel on board a keel boat. Submission for reimbursement by R. Sparks for his work traveling express. Craig requested instructions on the disagreeable task of handling reimbursement of this type and militia reimbursements.
John Habersham, Collector of the Customs for Savannah, has discounted out of the monies arising from duties on imports and tonnage $9.00 for which he is to be held accountable.
Transmit to Capt. Richard Blackburn, of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers at Norfolk, the sum of $237.30 heretofore intended for the late Capt. Nicholas Hannah.
Enclosed is the sum of $14.47 pay for the recruits. In the future, when a soldier makes his mark on the receipt roll, it should be witnessed by a person of responsibility.
Secretary Knox submits to the House of Representatives copies of the instructions to the engineers for erecting the fortifications for the defense of sea ports in the United States. Mentions that North Carolina, Maryland and Rhode Island have given permission for the erection of fortifications.
The boarding business has fallen entirely into the hands of the workmen who are in need of money to buy provision for the ensuing season.Holt recommends that the wages of the men should be adjusted upward according to their value.
Howell transmits the accounts and vouchers of Ebenezer Stevens for the expenses of the artillery at New York. The Secretary of War believes that those expenses are incidental and contingent to the Ordnance Department and should be settled accordingly. Therefore, Hodgdon should examine and certify the validity of the expenditures relative to their object so as to resolve the question.
Since the muster rolls transmitted by Capt. Frye do not comply with the instructions of the Secretary of War, they are being returned so that they can be corrected and resubmitted.
It is the opinion of the Secretary of War that the expenses for mounting the artillery at New York should be considered as incidental to the Ordnance department ,so he has requested that the accounts be examined as to their reasonableness.
Since the pay rolls submitted by Capt. Hannah for January, February, and March were wrong, the correct rolls must be transmitted before a settlement of his account can be made.
Regrets that Craig declined appointment to Principal Commissary. Noted Craig's suggestion of Major Kirkpatrick but the Sec. of the Treasury had previously suggested another candidate.
Knox informs Captain Truxton [Truxtun] that he will direct the drafts of 44 gun ships, with masts and yards drawn by Josiah Fox, to be engraved at public expense. He will also loan plates for Truxton's nautical book. Knox estimates that Truxton's work will be a valuable acquisition to the United States.
Ames observes that the workmen are opposed to living in barracks since they believe they deserve better lodging than that which is fit only for soldiers. Suitable lodging should be provided for them including beds with covering. When they draw their rations at different facilties, the men are scattered which makes for a loss of time. They should also be clothed differently from soldiers.
Bryant stresses that another well is needed since currently there is only one that is too far from the shops and barracks to be convenient. Another well is needed also in case of fire.
The Secretary of War wants a man ready to go express to Winchester. He should call at the War Office where he will informed of the hour he will begin his journey.
