According to request, forwards information about cannons ordered, with notes on each contract. Announces that each party has agreed to the contract. Notes acknowledgment of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Outlines order to procure live oak for frigate floor timbers. Requests dimensions and measurements, and information for the public accounts. Requests that wood be tested for strength and potential decay.
James Seagrove is charged with funds to complete the pay, subsistence, and forage of the troops in Georgia under the command of Lt. Col. Henry Gaither as well as Capt. James Armstrong and the men under his command. .
Hodgdon is to have packed up and transported to New York and addressed to Captain Alexander Thompson the following: forty suits of Sergeant's clothing for the Artillerists and Engineers and a drum and fife.
Wolcott inquires about the claim for pay of an officer who is the colonel of a regiment of militia in Washington County and was directed by the Secretary of War to command a detachment of one hundred men. The propriety of the claim cannot be established until the facts are proven.
Wolcott discusses a letter from the bankers in Holland which describes the unfavorable prospects of obtaining significant quantities of saltpeter in Europe. Information from Hamburg demonstrates that the prices of saltpeter has increased dramatically as a result of the war.
Letter from Governor Arthur St. Clair of Northwest Territory, regarding the post which has been established at Le Boeuf by the state of Pennsylvania, which St. Clair believes is of critical importance. The present commanding officer there is a "prudent Man, and a good officer." St. Clair is worried that the command will soon go to Captain William Miller, who is "strongly in the Interest of the Insurgents" (Whiskey rebels). There are a considerable quantity of military stores there, and pieces of artillery.
"The post has brought me the three receipts enclosed with the money to Colonel Butler. I send you one of them to substantiate the charge against him in your affair."
Knox informs Joshua Humphreys that a vessel sailing to Georgia and asks that moulds for the floor and rising timbers be embarked addressed to John Morgan. James Seagrove will take charge of them.
Captain Lyman and his detachment to remain in Pittsburgh and not descend Ohio river this season. Hutchins detachment to march from Pittsburgh and will be joined by recruits. Gov. Lee to make provisions for troops and protection in Western counties.
Among many concerns, Ames complains that he has had no response to his letters from Hodgdon. Captain Bryant has turned over the armory at Springfield to him and he has made the necessary repairs so the men can work. This required considerable effort since the armory was rotten and not big enough to accomodate the men within. Money is required to purchase the tools and materials that are still needed. The privilege of using the water works should be purchased.
Holt transmits the returns of the arms repaired and work performed at the armory at New London for October. Included are the stores, tools, and materials on hand at the armory. The payrolls and estimates for the month are also enclosed. Five hands have been discharged and two added who have skills in the smithing business.He is making provisions for the supply of the men and the necessaries which may be wanting.
Letter to the Governor of Virginia, regarding articles for troops, including arms, ammunition, tents, knapsacks, camp kettles, canteens, axes, tools, and clothing. Discusses other supplies.
Describes a vicious attack by a group of 12 or 15 hostile Indians, on the house of Colonel John Sevier. Sevier attempted to defend his house, but the Indians "cruelly slaughtered all around him," killing three of Sevier's children. Charles Snyder, along with two other "small children" were killed. "Some scalped and barbarously cut to pieces; some tomahawked very inhumanly, and the poor helpless infants committed to the torturing flames." Writer calls this a "barbarous massacre."
Anthony Crutcher informs his brother William: "Yesterday I was a spectator to the most tragical scene that ever I saw in my life. The Indians made an attack on Colonel [John] Sevier's station, killed Snyder, his wife, and child, one of Colonel Sevier's children, and another wounded and scalped, which must die." Colonel Sevier himself was defending his house and wife. "It is impossible to describe this scene to you... The crying of women and children in town, the bustle and consternation of the people, being all women and children."
Represents the general requisition for the naval armament with assignment of fire engine for each ship. Includes dimensions and descriptions of fire engines. Requests demonstrations and drawings. Encloses circular letter to agents.
The Secretary of War has asked Hodgdon to transport the baggage of Lieutenant Hutchins' detachment which is ready to march to Pittsburgh. There will be sixty men including several convalescents.
