Wayne will forward returns of stores used, and transmit supply needs for coming months; encloses list of men whose enlistments will expire before June, and lists new promotions. Notes conclusion of court-martial of Ensign Morgan. Encloses correspondence with contractors. Reports seizing and fortifying the site of St. Clair's defeat in 1791. Notes a small skirmish between U.S. scouts and Indians.
The President of the United States addresses Congress, advising that it would be useful to have an officer charged with the duties of receiving, safe keeping, and distributing the public supplies. Such an office would secure a regular and punctual accountability for the issues of public supplies.
The Secretary of War wants to be informed whether there is any person in Philadelphia who can be confided with the immediate inspecting and proving of 25 tons of gunpowder now deposted at Frankfort ,and which Tench Francis is purchasing for public service. Perhaps Hodgdon could undertake this business himself. It is proposed that Capt. Kinsley assist.
Estimate of cost of 800-1200 ton Frigate. Hodgdon describes the estimate as accurate for a ship built in Philadelphia. This size ship is equivalent to a British 36 gun ship. When outfitted with armament, estimated at 19,000 pounds. Crew estimated at 240 men, 53 of which are warrant and commissioned officers.
Simmons encloses three estimates for building and equipping Frigates. The first one was made in 1790 [presumably Philadelphia] and is the most perfect, although the estimate of wages is too low. The second was made in Boston and is considered pretty accurate, but doesn't include the equipment. Third is described as tolerably accurate.
