The Secretary of War has asked Ames to prepare a statement of the price of arms manufactured at Springfield including possible improvements in the business. Ames suggests sending a small chest of sample arms so that Hodgdon can see what improvements have been made and how they compare with other arms made for government service. It might be useful also for membersof Congress at their next session to see a specimen of what the public is buying.
"...I hope Captain Thompson will by the time this letter comes to hand, have the honor of seeing you and, as I requested him, to lay the differnt wants of this garrison &a before you."
Certification of payment; $281.46 balance of account to Thomas Underwood, 1st Regiment Artillerists and Engineers, for payment of troops at Fort Massac, and contingent expenses.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers. Routine instructions and correspondence concerning Army supplies, quarters, and pay
Bass warns that although he can comply with orders for hats, private's shirts, linen overalls, and woolen overalls, and shoes, locks, and blankets, he has no horseman's tents in store because Mr. Harris took them.
Writes that the War Secretary asked him to procure suits for the artillerists in New York. Adds that General Hamilton has been asking him to furnish coats and vests wanted in states other than New York, which Stevens finds difficult. Asks if those supplies are on hand in the public stores.
John Chisolm was found guilty of "the basest conduct in altering his Receipts." Believes Chisolm to be "unworthy of public Confidence." Knows of no way to secure the public debt. Hopes to prosecute Chisolm for perjury. Chisolm now trades with the Indian Nation.
Reports recent meeting with Double Head and another Cherokee chief with himself and Colonel Butler. The Cherokee nation promises to stop plundering and to live in friendly terms with the whites. The Indians complained of the high prices of their supplies, due to the European war, according to Butler. Referred to the law of 26 June 1794 regulating trade. Reports account drawn up for John Chisolm by William Simmons. The Cherokees have requested a U.S. flag, which Henley requests from McHenry. Agricultural endeavors are slow.
