The Commissioner of the Revenue informs Secretary Hamilton that he has authorized the agents of Georgia and South Carolina to hire for John Morgan any wood cutters he might want, and to provide them with axes and other implements and necessaries.
Received Howell's circular which Hale promised minute attention. Hale also received money from John Wentworth which was advanced pay. Hale unsure of who and what number of men composed his regiment.
Enclosed receipt of John Habersham which acknowledged receipt of money as delivered by Samuel Meredith for incidental and contingent expenses. Warrant is to be issued in favor of Habersham.
Receipt of Lieut. Daniel Bissell enclosed. Duplicate of receipt remains at office of Chester agreeable to the instructions of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Report of battle at Fort Recovery, on the site of St. Clair's Defeat, with the Indians driven off after 2 days. Reports loss of officers; believes Indians to be low on provisions, but a force of between 1500 and 2000 men. Lists reasons suggesting British militia assisted the Indians in the assault. Notes that the Indians expected to retrieve plunder hidden on the site of St. Clair's defeat, but were unable to (as it had already been recovered by the garrison at Fort Recovery). Cannon were among the loot; believes the cannon had been expected to help reduce the fort. Credits possibility of having to fight British, Indians, and perhaps even Spanish together in the near future. Expects Kentucky volunteers soon, and will advance when they arrive.
Letter to the Secretary of War regarding fortifications at Fort Darrell, Fort Johnston, and Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. De Saussure discusses the materials and expenditures needed, along with the labor, which includes "a great number of negroes."
Reports that a considerable quantity of iron ballasts were delivered to a War Department agent from the ship Alliance. Hopes to use them most economically. Requests a note of their condition.
Letter from Secretary Hamilton to Secretary Knox, regarding an act of Congress a month prior appropriating a further some of $30,000, in addition to the $76,000 already granted for the purpose of fortifying certain ports and harbors in the United States, making together $106,000. Hamilton requests that Knox furnishes him with a memorandum of the manner in which the sum is to be apportioned.
Statement on the account of Peter Curwell, M.D., private in the 6th Regiment of South Carolina; from Joseph Howell of the War Department Accountant's Office to the Auditor of the Treasury.
The Treasurer has remitted to Edward Carrington $1500 to be transmitted to Bedinger to meet the expense of mounting and equipping the Artillery at Norfolk.
The Treasurer will remit to Carrington, Supervisor at Richmond, $1,500 to be transmitted to Daniel Bedinger, Agent for the fortifications at Norfolk, for the expense of mounting and equipping the artillery.
Henry Knox informs Tench Coxe that he has no information of any iron ballast on the USS Alliance. Informs Coxe that it is likely that John Hackett of Newbury, builder of the Alliance during the Revolutionary War, will be the constructor at Boston. However, he has not provided an answer as of yet.
Knox asks Pinckney to ensure a confidential delivery of letters pertaining to military (artillery) enhancements. Knox does not want to raise British suspicions of a US military build up.
Request for verdict on whether Tillinghast will be allowed Captain's pay from the date he was promoted to the present. Hopes his accounts will be closed as quickly as possible, can provide any missing documents that are required to settle the account.
Bruff sends to the War Office his muster roll of the Army recruits he has enlisted, explaining that two are confined for debt and two absent without leave, but still suspected of being in the area. Mentions his need for clothing.
Letter from Major Rivardi to Secretary Knox. Supplies the War Department with a map of the different rivers, roads, and other features of the Virginia landscape, relevant to the construction of fortifications. Requests that Knox forward him the advance of the sum allowed for his compensation. Also encloses a return of the laborers employed at the fortifications; refers to a "scarcity of hands."
