Collection

Transcription Project

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Wolcott to Howell, 04/19/1794 and 04/25/1794.
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  Petitions of Chartier, Labrientoy, Page, Gingrass, and Deton

  Knox addresses the United States Senate regarding the claims of five petitioners, none of whom have produced sufficent evidence to support their claims of service during the American Revolution.
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  Regarding the Affairs of the U.S. Government & of Europe, with Expectation of War with England or France

  Reports on the status and health of friends and family in the East, and on the status of Burbeck's ticket in the Washington Lottery. Mentions a meeting with an officer who gave Stagg an account of Burbeck's unit's march to "the battleground" [site of St. Clair's Defeat] of November 1791 [in which Burbeck buried bodies, recovered cannon, and established Fort Recovery]. Comments on numerous army vacancies; mentions the resignation of General Posey, and the dismissal of "Morgan" from the service. Notes that the House of Representatives passed a bill increasing the pay of non-commissioned officers and privates, but the Senate has "damn'd it;" muses on the need for such a measure. Reports that Europe is embroiled in war, and that the English have incited the Algerians to prey on American shipping; notes that the Senate is considering a bill to build six frigates for naval protection. Notes the French capture of Toulon. Notes also that the English have been stopping American commerce with the French West Indies and seizing American sailors. Notes that a man has been recalled as emissary to France; surmises that the U.S. will be involved in a European war soon with England or France, though Stagg prefers it be with England. Reports on changes in the presidential Cabinet, and on whether he will continue to work in the "drudge" of the War Department.
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  Assignment and Power of Attorney

  Power of attorney for Matthew Allhouse, late a soldier in the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, to Daniel Steven.

• Cabinet meeting on various questions

  The Secretary of State requests the attendance of the Attorney General, War Secretary, and Treasury Secretary for a meeting. The following subjects will be discussed: (1) Is it expedient to send an agent to England under the direction of Thomas Pinckney? (2) What steps can be taken to assist the return of American sailors now detained in the British West Indies? (3) Is the President to give his opinion on a constitutional amendment proposed by the House and Senate?
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  Paying Employees & Buying Corn

  For the purpose of paying artificers and pack horsemen, and buying corn, Belli has drawn on Hodgdon $5000 in favor of O. Ormsbey, which amount will be charged to Belli's account.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Howell to Lyman 03/20/1794
• 

  Explanation of Omissions from Accounts

  THe $226 received from Lieut. Wright who was in charge of the effects of Capt. Read (deceased) was by order of Lieut. Col. Hamtramck, commanding officer at Fort Wayne. Money believed to be for recruiting services. Col. Hamtramck requested it be returned to the Treasury but Wades letters were never answered by the Treasurer therefore he used the money to settle accounts. More details on the trail of the money.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Hunt to Hodgdon, 03/17/1794.
• 

  Depreciation Due Warner's Regiment

  It appears that the State of Vermont has settled with the officers of Colonel Warner's regiment on principles exceedingly injurious to their interests. Howell does not approve of the measure.
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  Petition of Robert Connelly

  Knox addresses the Unitedhis service during the American Revolutionary War in which he claims that a cold which he contracted in 1775 resulted in blindness and poverty twelve years later.

• Payments of the French debt

  Letter from the Secretary of State to the Attorney General, Secretary at War, and Secretary of Treasury. Randolph had a discussion with French agent Mr. Fauchet concerning French requests for a million dollars instalment payment of the debt. Randolph attempted to convince him the impracticability of the request, but Fauchet urged that the French government was in a desperate fiscal situation and needed the money - stating that the million dollar sum actually fell short of what was needed. Randolph wants to submit the question to Congress.
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  Estimate of One Month's Pay and Forage

  Enclosed is an estimate of one month's pay and forage of the troops taken from the late returns on file in Knox's office.
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  Return of clothing and equipment wanted by Captain Kersey's Company at Spring Garden Pennsylvania

  Receipt for return of clothing and equipment used by Captain Kersey's company of 1st U.S. Sub Legion.
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  Petition of Thomas Holton

  Knox addresses the United States Senate regarding the petitions of Lieutenant Jonathan Holton, wounded at Barrington in 1777 and placed on the New Hampshire pension list. Knox concludes that, though the wound may not be extremely injurioius, to withdraw the pension assigned Holton by the State of New Hampshire would signal a parsimony unfavorable to the national reputation.
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  Petitions of Asa Day and William Perkins

  Knox addresses the United States Senate regarding the petitions of Asa Day and William Perkins in which they claim arrears due them for pay and clothing.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Howell to Swan, 10/14/1794.
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  Circular Letters to Recruiting Officers

  Since Captain Sedam has not furnished copies of Howell's recruiting instructions, Howell encloses them along with a form of recruiting account and Voorhis' muster rolls, which should be qualified agreeably to the instructions.
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  Account of Caleb Trowbridge

  Certification of service and settlement of pay for Caleb Trowbridge, late Captain in the Connecticut line.

• French request for payment of debt

  Cabinet meeting discussing the French request for payment of installments on the debt. The cabinet unanimously advises that Mr. Fauchet be informed that he shall be supplied with the instalments. The United States will not be able to pay beyond the instalments due next September and November.
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  Inferior Quality of Hats & Shoes

  Wayne discusses the inferior quality of the hats and shoes of the soldiery. A large proportion of the hats are not much better than stiffened blankets and the shoes are not equal to the common shoes issued during the previous year.
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  Indians' Intentions; Inadequacy of Troops' Clothing; Plans to Advance

  Major General Anthony Wayne mentions the capture of two Delaware Indians, who reported recent council among the hostile Indians to consider Wayne's proposals, and seemed inclined to return the white prisoners and send another envoy to Wayne. Wayne believes this all to be a fictitious ruse, as no direct communication has occurred. Mentions complete inadequacy of soldiers' hats and shoes. Requests new uniforms and uniform articles for all troops. Indicates plan to advance again if weather remains good.
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  Account of Henry Nick

  Certification of service and settlement of pay for Henry Nick, late private in the German Regiment.

• Expenses on Indian treaties and presents

  The Secretary at War reports to the Speaker of the House of Representatives a statement of the gross sum of money which was expended in the year 1790, in making the Creek treaty of New York. Includes the amount of presents made to the Creek and Cherokee nations since the said treaty. All in all the sum adds up to just over $60,000.

• Kentucky expedition against Spanish territory

  Cabinet meeting concerning expeditions being prepared in Kentucky to invade Spanish territory to the West. A proclamation will be issued to Governor Isaac Shelby against the expedition. Secretary of State Edmund Randolph dissented.