Requests that a warrant be issued by the Revenue Office at the Treasury Department for John Mease, agent for John & Charles Wilkins & Co. of Pittsburgh. The company will receive $1200 in payment for whiskey for the army.
Hodgdon is directed to furnish Lieutenant Campbell Smith with two horses, saddles, and bridles to be delivered to [Isaac] Craig at Pittsburgh and also one portmanteau [large traveling bag].
Hunt will follow Hodgdon's directions to the letter but reminds him that this is a considerable charge which Hodgdon should keep in mind when deciding on Hunt's compensation.
The Secretary of War encloses to the President a letter from Doctor White of the Southwestern Territory (Tennessee) soliciting permanent troops for protection of the citizenry.
Powers encloses to Howell a list of soldiers he has settled with and some receipts for Mr. Biddle and Mr. Moylan that should be filed with those of Mr. Mifflin. He will close his account upon his return Presque Isle.
[Joseph] Cranch, the armorer at West Point, has complained to the Secretary of War about the conduct of Mr. [Thomas] Annely, the gunsmith, who has tried to entice away from Cranch several people employed by him. Hodgdon is to investigate this business and communicate the result.
Crary expresses relief that Congress is taking action on account of the British depredations upon American shipping. Crary does not believe the British courts will be friendly or sympathetic, and British merchants are also acting selfishly. Crary illustrates an incident involving a Bermudan privateer and the impossibility of obtaining compensation in the case of a captured vessel. He feels war is almost inevitable, and a conspiracy on the part of the "combined powers."
Reports Mr. Carpenter's departure with dispatches and money for Mr. Belli via Pittsburgh. Refers news from Mr. Simons with list of articles needed in Lancaster, forwarded to Fort Washington. Anxious to receive iron and stationary, and requests flour.
The Secretary of State encloses papers regarding the British ship "William," a prize to a French vessel of war. Randolph is of the opinion that it is not proved that the ship was taken within the protection of American coasts, and therefore the ship ought to be delivered up to the captors.
Captain Sedam laments the lack of timely pay as a great detriment to the recruiting service. On the reverse side is a memo by Howell disputing Sedam's claims. He notes that it is notorious in the Army that no officer has more attention paid him.
