Brigadier General Otto Williams candidly offers apology for non-acceptance of commission, providing details for why he declined the offer. Williams perceives no temptation to his ambition in the consideration which Knox enforces of being second in command.
Reassured Knox that Williams did not fabricate excuse for not accepting appointment. Noted that he held no personal ambitions to be second in command, a factor that Knox used to try and sell appointment.
Money intended for Capt. Biggs enclosed, but due to his refusal to accept appointment, money will be given to another officer pending their acceptance.
Secretary Knox discusses the report of St. Clair's expedition with the Quartermaster, Samuel Hodgdon. Discusses reports of the bad quality of powder, claiming they are founded in prejudice.
Letter, encloses Adjutant General commission; discusses rank and commission. Appointment the rank of Lieutenant Colonel originally intended is left out; error shall be rectified at next meeting of Congress.
In this deposition, John Ormsby expresses his alarm at the hostility of the Creek nation toward the United States. It appears that the English, French, and Spanish are making efforts to ally themselves with the southern Indians, against the United States. Creek chief General McGillivray is still favorable to the
U. S. but William Bowles is part of the conspiracy against the Americans.
Estimates necessary transportation, tools, and articles for the Quartermaster Department for the West. Seeks information about camp equipment for horse and infantry, and salaries for clerks and assistants.
Knox is directed to immediately engage two or three mechanics who understand how to make lamp kettles and direct them to Pittsburgh to receive orders from Major [Isaac] Craig.
Timothy Barnard informs James Seagrove that with William Bowles captured by the Spanish, the subversive activities that had stirred up the lower Creeks should cease and improve the chances for peace.
Melcher asks Knox to send by his sergeant the shoes and socks necessary to complete his recent order. Likewise the woolen overalls should be sent to complete the previous day's order.
