Due to the military reductions that were occasioned by a new "democratic influence" in government, Major Craig offers sympathies to Samuel Hodgdon for being removed from office. Craig also expresses regret that Colonel Pickering was among those fired. Craig is referring to the ascension of Thomas Jefferson into the White House, along with the Democratic-Republicans in Congress - the opposition to the Federalist agenda. Jefferson was known for his opposition to a standing army.
Claude Pourcheresse has been employed by the public but has been dismissed. Byers believes he has conducted himself with fidelity. He and his family are returning to Philadelphia in hopes of finding employment in some form of public or private business. Byers views him as an object of compassion and hopes that he succeeds in procuring a livelihood.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
By existing law the troops are entitled to rations, or an equivalent in money, until they reach their homes at the rate of twenty miles per day so Swan is ordered to make an estimate of the funds needed to meet this expenditure and forward it.
Major Bewell has been directed to Rice's brigade for the purpose of enlisting four companies of infantry. Rice is ordered to make every effort to accomplish this object including engaging recruits prior to Bewell's arrival.
Bounty money has been provided by the Paymaster General for four complete companies of infantry. Available officers will be employed to recruit the men.
"The letter with the enclosed [1800/05/20 McHenry to AH] came to hand the day preceding my leaving the City for this place [Camp Scotch Plains]. The hurry of the first moments here prevented my sending it sooner. Oh mad! mad! mad!"
The Paymaster General has been directed to deliver bounty money for eight companies of infantry and four companies of artillerists which should be sufficient for completing the two regiments of artillerists as well as four old regiments of infantry.
General Orders: Officers and soldiers who are discharged from the service are entitled to their pay and rations, or an equivalent in money, for such time as shall be sufficient to travel from their place of discharge at the rate of 20 miles to the day.
Discussed Col. Pickering's ailing health, the resignation of the Sec. of War, and the appointment of Dexter (from the Senate) to the post of Secretary of War.
Certification of payment; $59.60 balance due for retained rations to Lieutenant Colonel Richard McFarlaine, Regiment of Cumberland County Militia, ordered into service to suppress an insurrection in the Western Counties of Pennsylvania, 1794.
Certification of payment; $53.20 balance due for retained rations to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Gurney, 1st Regiment Philadelphia Militia called out to suppress an insurrection in the Western Counties of Pennsylvania, 1794.
Treasurer of United States to remit payment to Kilty. Sum to be paid by Kilty to Yundt and Brown Printers for printing advertisements of deserters by order of sundry officers.
Goodhue received a warrant for the payment of men at Salem for their work on fortifications. Simmons never received any account information regarding the payment and requested Goodhue transmit an account of the money disbursed supported by vouchers.
Simmons received copy of waste book. Letter with enclosed arrived to Simmons hand last post, but since he heard nothing on the subject, suspended the sending of Mr. Hill's letter.
