The President thanks the Senate for their approval of his re-electiion and for their approbation of his proclamation. He promises to continue his vigilent attention to the welfare of the United States.
Adams expresses the satisfaction of the Senate on the President's unanimous re-election as well as his emphasis on the importance of maintaining American neutrality as regards the war between the European powers. He promises that the Senate will give due consideration to the President's initiatives and hopes that he will render similar attention to those of the Senate.
Hamilton describes a plan to pay commissioned officers who wish to paid in Philadelphia. They should execute an instrument to be lodged with the Paymaster of the Army who will grant a certificate to be lodged with the accountant of the War Department, with a Power of Attorney from the officer. The accountant wil then discharge the aproriate sums.
Inventory of ordnance and stores at Philadelphia, to include cannon, shells, cannon ball, arms, powder, lead, uniforms and equipment. Also included is a list of damaged equipment.
The last return of ordnance made to the President [Washington] was October 7th, 1789. Hodgdon is directed to make out a statement of all muskets, ordnance, and other capital articles which have been issued from Hodgdon's department from the above date until the present.
The President responds to the approval of the House of Representatives of his policies respecting foreign and internal affairs and expresses his hopes that those matters requiring legislative attention will be dealt with in a timely manner.
The Speaker and the House of Representatives congratulate the President on his unanimous re-election and comment on important matters including the need for the respect of European belligerents for the neutrality of American shipping, the need for offensive measures against hostile tribes, and the regular discharge of public debts.
Howell admits that he has not had the leisure to examine the following accounts: the box of accounts forwarded by Colonel Sargent, Mr. Britt's accounts, and the accounts of the several officers that have also been received. He is extremely anxious to receive the subordinate Paymasters' accounts so that measures can be taken to settle them.
Hodgdon is asked to send a memorandum with the prices of a list of articles: knapsacks; cartridge boxes; tents; horsemen's tents; horsemen's marquees; travelling carriages for brass cannon and howitzers
General Knox wants to know how Hodgdon is coming with the returns of ordnance. "Will it be ready by Monday next?" The president [Washington] is repeating his calls for these returns.
Directs Craig to forward dispatches for Major General Wayne. Requests report on state of Ohio River. Detachment ordered from Carlisle has not commence march.
In order to avoid future delays in settling the accounts of officers, Knox directs Wayne to order all subordinate paymasters to settle their accounts in a timely manner, a requirement which applies also to all other persons having public money to account for.
The members of the Cabinet and the Attorney General provide their opinion on a number of matters including Genet's letter questioning the right of requiring the address of Consular commissions, the capture of an American schooner by a British privateer, and the applications of Mr. Genet on behalf of some refugees from St. Domingo who are taking refuge in American ports.
Major Craig requests of Samuel Hodgdon an account of monies remitted to the Quartermaster department. Craig thanks Hodgdon for sending wine via a careful waggoner.
Received money of Colonel Mentges and sent packet to Head Quarters, Captain Crawford in charge. Expresses thanks for the wine; further supply of nails wanted. Asks for account of monies remitted on account of present Quarter Master General.
Major Craig informs Secretary Knox of matters pertaining to the handling of General Wayne's correspondance and also acknowledges the receipt of funds from Joseph Howell for the payment of troops.
