Harper recommends Memereau Walker for a commission in the permanent army. Walker is qualifed to be an infantry officer but would like the artillery for which he is not yet qualifed. Harper himself would like to fill the vacancy left by Colonel Watts on the same terms offered to Dayton.
Is not able to look up and forward the requested papers. Sends plans and original notes, which may be helpful, and will forward papers as they become available. Has spoken with agent Mr. Physick, whom he judges to be an able public servant. Acknowledges Parker's desire to be employed and will communicate as soon as possible.
Thanks Craig for information on McClintock. Asks him in the future to send returns to him immediately rather than to the Secretary of War. The Quartermaster General is in New York, but when he returns, Hodgdon will follow up with the clerk's business. Reports no more sickness in the city.
All articles of clothing except coats and vests will be immediately delivered to Reading. Requests a return for every supply listed. Acknowledges that all of these supplies are necessary for the troops.
Account information discussed, Craig has $3,000 to his debit which included the amount drafted in favor of C. Swan. Notification that Swan will examine all accounts in the future and all communications on accounts should go through him.
Notifies Harris that Robert McCormick has requested to purchase gun-making materials from the military stores, due to a lack of water [power?] at his own production facility. Directs Harris to sell McCormick the supplies he asks for, and deliver the money to the Treasury via a War Department clerk.
Asks the Treasury Secretary to withhold from further communication with Congressman Robert Harper on the subject of establishing a trading house among the Creek Nation, until he has additional time to speak with him about it. States that small traders are more likely to be dependent upon the Indians than traders with large amounts of capital. Concludes by stressing the point that he does not want to risk the Indians becoming less dependent on the United States.
McHenry sends to Washington a copy of a work by Governor Davie of North Carolina entitled "Instructions to be observed for the formation and movements of cavalry." Governor Davie is also a member of the commission appointed to meet with the Directory and the President has directed them to proceed with their mission. Whatever opinions that may have existed regarding its original propriety, the dignity of the government now demands that it should be pursued in a spirit of fairness and good faith.
James McHenry has informed Brock that he ordered clothing and arms to his rendezvous and Brock impatiently awaits their arrival. If Hodgdon is still the Superintendent of Miltiary Stores, he should know that Brock's military stores are entirely exhausted even as new recruits are arriving daily.
Corrects a mistake he made in a previous letter concerning clothing - his clerk had believed that Reading was a town in Massachusetts, when in fact it was Pennsylvania.
