Since Butler is the new Superintendent of the recruiting service at Pittsburgh, instructions are provided regarding the correct procedures for settling accounts including the requirement that each recruit should be duly enlisted and mustered in order to receive his pay.
Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury to the U.S. Senator from New York, Rufus King, Federalist. States that "it is of great consequence" that a law be passed in Congress raising 500 infantry and 100 horses to be stationed in western Pennsylvania, in response to the Whiskey Rebellion. Concludes by insisting that, "without vigour every where our tranquility is likely to be of very short duration & the next storm will be infinitely worse than the present one."
Secretary Knox requests that Mr. Dandridge submit to President Washington the enclosed letter from Governor William Blount of Southwest Territory, regarding the destruction of two lower Cherokee towns, Running Water and Nickajack.
Gave reasoning for pursuing the present Indian War. Discussed the preservation of society. Details on how society has united to provide cohesive, supportive environment and western settlers are protecting their land and themselves. Open force is the only method to oppose the "barbarous savages".
William Blount, Governor of Southwest Territory, responds to Double-Head, Chief of the Cherokee, about various questions. Double-Head has asked if his people go hunting, if they may be safe from hostile whites on the frontier. Blount assures him that the whites will not hurt his people. But warns him that it is difficult for frontiersmen to distinguish between Creeks and Cherokees, and since the Creeks are hostile toward the United States and have been known to murder whites, Cherokees may be retaliated against as well. Advices that his hunters not cross the ridge that divides the waters of the Duck and Cumberland rivers. Insists that he desires peace.
Slough proclaims that he had purchased two horses for the purpose of carrying out the business mentioned in a previous letter from Hodgdon. The horses have been taken on the public account since they have been used for public business.
Freeman concerned over the safety of money transmitted to him. Freeman contacted the Supervisor in Savannah who was supposed to possess the sum, but learned nothing. Blamed irregular mail. Other accounting issues discussed.
Eighty dollars has been remitted to Aaron Dunham, Supervisor at Trenton, being two month's pay for Capt. Zebulon Pike, that will be transmitted to his wife, Isabel Pike.
Informs Aaron Dunham, Supervisor in Trenton, that the Treasurer will remit him the sum of 80 dollars for pay due to Capt. Zebulon Pike for February and March 1794.
Letter to Governor William Blount of Southwest Territory on a talk with James Davidson, a "distinguished chief from the valleys," with about 450 of his people. Davidson gave him a string of beads, mixed black and white - the white beads representing his people's friendship and alliance with the United States; the black beads representing animosity to the Creek Indians.
The sum of $120 has been remitted to Nicholas Fish for six month's salary of Houdin. The unspent balance of $200 for his expenses should be refunded by Houdin to the United States.
Expresses the sorrow of Three Nations Indian Chiefs at the departure of "Col. Brandt," expressing friendship and solidarity with him, and pledging to follow his guidance. Chiefs sign the document by writing the name of their tribe and drawing animal symbols.
Since Samuel Hodgdon has been designated the Intendant of Military Stores, Wolcott describes in detail his duties in relation to the Department of War and the Department of the Treasury and the principles which govern the accounts of his office. The forms approved for the transactions of his office are included. Describes duties of Indian Department, Ordnance Department, Cloathing Department, Quarter Master Department, Hospital Department, Naval Department, Commissary Department.
Stagg wrote on behalf of the Sec. of War requesting a return of all the non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates specifically for the month their service will expire. Also requested Howell specify the corp to which they belong (cavalry, infantry, or artillery) and if they are under the leadership of Gen. Wayne.
Received letter with enclosed pay bill. Also received pay from Nicholas Fish, and pay for recruits. Thompson created triplicate receipts and disbursed them as necessary.
