Howell is pleased with Fleming's accounts but would suggest that in stating his account of disbursements the purpose of each payment of the voucher be listed.
The Treasurer will remit four thousand dollars to Fish to be transmitted to George Fleming at West Point [Westpoint] for the incidental expenses of the ordnance department.
Offer of position clerk of shipyard and duties at either Boston or Baltimore. Pay about $750 per year. Duties specified, and will require incessant attention.
Reassures Mifflin that the suspension of establishing a settlement at Presqu'ile is temporary, and was not meant (by the President) to supersede the power of Pennsylvania, but sooth relations with the Six Nations, and the President does not seek to interfere in the rights of the individual states. Hypothesizes when, and under what circumstances, the settlement project can be again undertaken. Knox expects word from the treaty commissioner soon.
Letter from Engineer John Jacob Rivardi to the Secretary of War regarding the fortifications at Norfolk, the process of which has stressed the aforementioned engineer. Rivardi also notes that, "There is a large number of dissatisfied men who object altogether to fortification, from the same principle for which they object to every measure of Government" - attesting to the prevalent view at the time that government should be as small and inexpensive as possible.
The Commissioner of the Revenue requests from Secretary Hamilton that the sum of $5000 be placed in the hands of Edward Carrington, Supervisor of Virginia, for the purpose of paying for 5000 cartridge boxes, agreeable to the contract made with John Tinsley of Columbia.
The contractor for Army supplies at Reading, Pennsylvania informs Secretary Hamilton that he visited his office three times while he was in Philadelphia, but failed to have the pleasure of meeting him. The contractor states that prices for provisions and liquor are so very high that it is out of his power to furnish at the previous rate. He must therefore demand 12.5 cents per ration, and if Hamilton cannot meet this price then the contractor cannot do business with him.
Cover for Fleming's "account current" and his account of contingent expenses at West Point. Notifies Howell that he has requested four thousand dollars from the Secretary of War for contingent expenses of the garrison; has none of "the public's money" in hand
In addition to the estimate for two month's pay, subsistence, and forage for General Wayne's troops, additional funds will be required for Captain Heth and his detachment and for the pay, subsistence, and forage for the troops in Georgia.
Medicine and hospital stores to be transported to Pittsburgh immediately. Previous shipment must not have reached Pittsburgh due to insufficient markings. Advice on making out accounts and submitting them to Howell.
Secretary Knox encloses instructions to William Pennock, naval agent at Norfolk, Virginia. Informs Pennock that Secretary Hamilton will furnish him with money and instructions for the purchase of certain articles. Mentions Mr. Morgan, a master builder of "considerable abilities" who will likely be appointed to construct the frigate Chesapeake. Morgan is currently employed in superintending the cutting of timber for the ships in South Carolina and Georgia, after which he will be directed to repair to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
