Knox informs James Hackett that he has been appointed as Naval Constructor for the frigate at Portsmouth New Hampshire. Knox advises Hackett that he must work exclusively on this project. Salary $2000 per year. Instructions enclosed. Requests return reply of acceptance.
Knox informs John Taylor Gilman, Governor of New Hampshire, that, based on Gilman's recommendation, he is appointing Colonel James Hackett to be Naval Constructor of the frigate to be built at the ship yard at Portsmouth New Hampshire.
The Commissioner of the Revenue requests the transmission of a list of all agents appointed in 1793 and 1794 for the land, naval and Indian service. Also requests the favor of inspecting all the contracts relative to the Treasury business for the War Department, for the current year.
If the model for the Sea Coast Gun Carriage has not been sent to Col. Rochefontaine, the engineer in New England, the Secretary of War [Knox] will take it with him.
Expenses related to his mustering militia in the frontier counties yielded many bills. Lack of clerk left Henley to file all receipts himself, a long arduous process. Requested additional pay for work.
The Governor of Virginia reports to Secretary Knox with "real concern" on a "daring attempt" made by some individuals to resist the government. Calls it a "wicked effort." Still, the governor was encouraged by the conduct of the militia in stopping the revolt. These militiamen were, in his view, motivated by "zeal, love of order, and determination to support the civil authority," which in turn "affords the happiest presage of lasting internal tranquility to our Commonwealth.
Informs the Secretary of War that the money appointed for the work of Mr. Merlie is spent. There are only 4 carriages done, and the Secretary wishes for 60. Asks Knox with what money will the rest of the work be done. Also mentions that the works at Georgetown and Savannah are begun.
The Secretary of War has directed a remittance of five hundred dollars through the hands of Edward Carrington, Supervisor of Virginia, for compensation to Rivardi as a temporary Engineer.
The Secretary of War has directed the Treasurer to remit to Carrington five hundred dollars to be transmitted to John Jacob Ulrich Rivardi at Norfolk for his compensation for personal and extra expenses as a temporary Engineer.
Enclosed are copies of Howell's Circular Letters to Recruiting Officers of the 1st and 20th March 1793 and January 23rd 1794. Strict attention must be paid to the Letters to avoid any embarrassment in the settlement of accounts.
Secretary Knox informs the Governor of Georgia, George Mathews, that President Washington is quite upset that a group of Georgians in the upper part of the State have illegally erected an "independent government" on territory belonging to the Creek Indians, and erecting forts from the Oconee River to the Oakmulgee River - contrary to the laws of the United States. Knox insists that "we cannot expect to live in peace with those tribes, if individuals are at liberty to invade their lands." Knox recommends that the Governor send out the militia to help remove the settlers from Indian lands, with help from a federal commander.
Swan informed Hamtramck of his responsibility regarding monetary advances paid to officers. Hamtramck was unaware of his responsibility when he paid officers, and now requests a stoppage to their pay due to his lack of records and assistance in facilitating the settlement of accounts.
Letter to the Secretary of War; encloses copies of General Scott's letter and the return of the Kentucky Mounted Volunteers. Discusses conflict and potential war with Britain.
The Commissioner of the Revenue encloses an extract from a letter of his to Secretary Knox regarding the mass of supplies for the War Department, together with his answer. Also encloses five several lists this day received of articles which are likely to be wanted. Believes it to be expedient that measures be taken for the importation of many of the articles.
