Secretary Hamilton writes Governor Henry Lee of Virginia on dealing with the Whiskey Rebellion. Conveys instructions for command of the militia army, to suppress the insurgents in western Pennsylvania, through military force and the judiciary process. When arrived within an insurgent county and armed opposition appears, Hamilton recommends that he publish a proclamation inviting all citizens to join with the United States. If no armed opposition exist, a proclamation is still suitable. Of those insurgents in arms, they are to be made prisoners. Hamilton then delves into the judiciary process.
Davis announces that he has reached Shipingsburgh that morning along with Robert Young's load. The two-horse stages loaded on the 14th and 15th are on their way. Weaver is still twenty miles away. Davis wrote the previous day observing that fresh teams of horses would result in a more rapid push.
The Commissioner of the Revenue encloses a letter from George Gale, Supervisor of Maryland, on account of the pay of General Samuel Smith's detachment.
The stages loaded on the 14th and the 15th have now arrived with Robert Young on board. The stages were unloaded with the assistance of Mr. Blane and Mr. Parker. Davis has not heard from Lesher who loaded on the 13th but he is probably ahead. Weaver has yet to come. Etc.
Slough discusses the pay of an employee who may be afflicted with an attachment to intoxicating spirits. He knows of some gentlemen from Philadelphia who encountered him while he appeared to be much intoxicated with liquor. As a result, Slough gave him a reprimand and hurried him on his way.
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Mr. Coxe, the Commissioner of the Revenue, He refers to a line he wrote to Hodgdon in the absense of the Secretary of War.
Among sundry Treasury matters, Wolcott discusses Mr. Cope's requests for funds to be advanced to the contractors for rations and clothing and the rate of exchange governing the sales of bills of exchange in Amsterdam which may in turn be affected by the exchange rate between Britain and the United States.
Craig reports that the government has taken control over the Whiskey Rebellion. Insurrection leaders are retreating to Kentucky. They need clothing and rifles.
David Ames, Superintendent of the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, explains in detail the tools and materials needed for the armory and the costs thereof.
Lewis asks for the name of the person taking the express the next day and whether he is going to Carlisle. Money is being sent to a recruiting officer at that place and this inquiry is made at the request of Major Stagg.
Knox reports that he has read the reports on the merits of oak and pine for the frigates. While he respects the opinion of Joshua Humphreys, he believes that the experience in the use of pine beams is not so mature and conclusive as to warrant their use in frigate construction. Decides to adhere to use of oak beams. Cites the sanction of experience and the best maritime nations. Spar may be of pitch pine.
Knox brings up the issue of whether oak or pine should be used for the frigates. Asks if Coxe is in possession of any opinions on the subject. Asks to transmit papers, Captain Truxton's included.
Incloses returns of the legion, an invoice of stores and medicine needed, and an estimate of . The medical stores are almost empty due to the large number of sick and wounded. Details the current state of the troops and garrisons under his command; he does not think it is feasible to retain the corps. Also describes an attempted exchange of prisoners involving a Canadian trader and some of the Indian tribes.
Informs the Governor of Pennsylvania that the Quartermaster and Commissary General will leave Fort Cumberland for Bedford to remedy various defects in supplies.
Secretary Knox encloses copies of two letters received from Governor William Blount of the Southwest Territory, along with letters from Major Isaac Craig and Alexander Macomb of New York.
Since Mentges will be taking a number of papers with him, he asks for a good portmanteau, two blankets, a horseman's sword and belt, and some small blank books. These articles will be returned when he gets back from his journey.
Encloses letter from Matthias Slough and requests opinion. Reports having no information about the Secretary of Treasury's employment of Williams and Clement Biddle, and is unacquainted with their work.
