[Partly illegible] Perkins has tried to reach Mr. Carrington relative to information about his people but has not heard a word about them. He is much in fear for their safety as there were seven very windy days and their vessel is so badly provided with sails. But there is this circumstance in their favor, being as they could not come within fifty miles of Richmond.
On November 6th Hannah received Hodgdon's letter from Capt. Elwood informing him that specific articles of clothing were on board his vessel all of which were in good order.
Cited in St. Clair to Knox, 99/99/1793. Copy of letter from Knox to governor of Northwestern Territory enclosed, President requested St. Clair follow instructions to governor of Kentucky as if it was written to himself. Advises military force against French.
Letter from Secretary Knox to the Governor of Northwest Territory. Mentions letter from Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson regarding designs of Frenchmen attempting to excite some military enterprise against possessions of Spain. President Washington asks that a letter to Governor Isaac Shelby of Kentucky be considered as written to Governor St. Clair, and should take measures to prevent the design.
Among other topics, Pickering discusses Capt. Ford's displeasure regarding the publication of information about the treaty which might cause him trouble when he returns to Canada. That situation was avoided, however, because Ford died when he choked on a piece of meat at dinner.
Major Craig informs Secretary Knox that his returns will be sent by next post and that shipments of lead and clothing have arrived. Craig also informs Knox that Doctor Wallace's supply of medicine is exhausted.
Has not heard from Major General Wayne. Mentions dispatches borne by Ensign Morgan. It would afford satisfaction to be able to legally direct that officers' families be furnished with quarters, but there is no law authorizing. If there are unoccupied public barracks or rooms at Pittsburg, the families may occupy.
From near Philadelphia, discusses the timing of sending correspondence. Reports the disorder in Philadelphia [Yellow Fever epidemic] in a few days more will be like a summer's dream gone and hopes forever. Has not returned to the city yet. Mentions his brother [presumably clerk William Knox] and General Wayne's march. Mentions Duke of York being flogged before Dunkirk; Toulon given up with the French fleet in England. Mentions Genet's fleet as having again mutinied at Santo Domingo.
By order of James O'Hara, Belli has drawn on Hodgdon the sum of $1050 for William Norton which, after payment, he will charge to the Quartermaster General.
John Legg notes that when Joseph Perkins came through Fredericksburg, Virginia on the way to New London, Virginia, he published in the Virginia Herald and advertisement, paying $30 bank notes. Thus far, two have gone to work at New London. Asks for payment to carry advertisement into effect. Notes that the two men who went to work are Edward Wells and Thomas Mallory who once worked at the Rappahannock forge.
Letter from Secretary Jefferson to Secretary Knox. It is possible that the measures complained of by the representatives of Spain as exhibited for attempting hostilities from Kentucky against Spanish settlements may require employment of military force by Governor Isaac Shelby of Kentucky. Encloses letter to the Governor stating facts Jefferson received from Spanish gentleman.
Kean is asked to pay five hundred dollars to Arthur St. Clair, being St. Clair's salary as Governor of the Western Territory for the period from July through September 1793. This sum should be charged to a separate account with the Treasury of the United States.
Cass was ordered from New Hampshire to Philadelphia to settle his recruiting accounts and join the army of Major General Wayne. Because of the [smallpox] contagion in Philadelphia which made the city unsafe, he travelled on to Pittsburgh. He asks Hodgdon if the public would defray some of the expenses of transporting three trunks, a barrel and four bails which contain his baggage to Pittsburgh.
Freeman worries that unless the Governor of Georgia does something to prevent the constant white incursions into Indian country, Seagrove's mission to seek a peaceful settlement with the Creeks may be in vain.
Simmons is pleased to report that a large quantity of good feathers--scarcely to be had at any price--are available at a reasonable price from Benjamin Strang.
By order of the Quartermaster General, Bellie has drawn sums for individuals who have rendered services to the public which sums, after payment, will be charged to the Quartermaster General.
