Sent letter with receipts from Caleb Swan regarding charges made by Smith. Notification that letter from Isaac Craig sent from Pittsburgh. Smith requested confirmation of their receipt.
Bissell enclosed account vouchers and men's inlistments. Several men were not mustered until Bissell transferred them to Capt. Benjamin Howe at West Point. Enclosed charges for barracking previously disallowed by Comptroller. Bissell submitted them to the accountant and believes as an officer he is justified in the charge.
Letter to the Secretary of War regarding fortifications in Charleston, South Carolina. The places designed to be fortified are Sullivan's Island, Fort Johnston, and one battery on a wharf. Praises the "patriotism and zealous endeavors of the citizens of Charleston."
President Washington informs his cabinet that tomorrow he will commence his journey for Virginia. His absence from the seat of government will be as short as he can make it. In the interim, if an occurrence shall happen, any matter that receives unanimous opinion from the Cabinet shall be carried into effect.
Cabinet decision regarding rules for the departure of ships of belligerent nations from the ports of the United States. The Cabinet asserts that any vessel of war belonging to a belligerent nation in United States waters has violated the "laws of nations" and that the government may seize her cargo. Likely referring to British or French ships.
The Governor of the Southwest Territory (Tennessee) encloses a copy of a letter from the Secretary of War which ordered him to extend a degree of protection to the district of Mero. Discusses the potential for "hostile Indians."
Letter from the Governor of Pennsylvania to the President of the United States, requarding the suspension of the Presqu' Isle establishment on the western frontiers of Pennsylvania. Such an establishment will likely provoke conflict with the native Indians, particularly the Six Nations.
Timber is not available because a number of the principal mills have lost their dams. Seasoned white pine boards are on hand and available at reasonable prices.
Receipts of Capt. Pierce enclosed to Howell due to absence of Mr. Swan. Payment due for the reimbursement of pay given to mounted volunteers and the legion.
From the War Department, the Secretary at War directs an unidentified officer, perhaps John Crawford, to "instantly" repair to Fort Franklin and assume command of the post.
In response to President Washington's suspension thereof, Governor Mifflin makes his case for the establishment of a town at Presque Isle as necessary for the defense of the western frontier of Pennsylvania. Though he will comply with Washington's directive, he implies that the suspension was an abuse of executive authority.
Discusses how a proposed move against "the more Western tribes" might provoke the Six Nations; notes that these factors, in addition to "precarious" relations with the Creeks, could well bring on a general Indian war. Mentions ongoing negotiations with European nations whose colonies border the U.S., saying that urgent reasons should be sought after to "embarrass or embroil" [whom is unclear], thus to press the rights of the U.S.
Governor Mifflin discusses the President's suspension of the establishment of the town at Presque Isle and, in response to the dissatisfaction of frontier inhabitants, assures Irvine that the suspension is only temporary.
