Forwards letters from Generals Wilkinson and Pinckney. He notes that "sketches of the coast and country" and a report on the death of a captain have not been received. Because of the death of this officer, the oldest lieutenant in the unit (the 2d Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers) has the seniority to succeed to the captaincy. McHenry asks for Adams' approval to advance the lieutenant in question.
Discusses general court martial held at West Point for Joseph Ricksin. Has communicated with General Hamilton about the death sentence and questions the different realms of authority..
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers and routine instructions and correspondence concerning the organization of individual regiments.
McHenry affirms that the enlistment of apprentices is to be avoided as such an action would cause an undue hardship to their masters. He reaffirms that only Generals or their representatives have the authority to appoint a General Court Martial.
Receipt of William Simmons to Samuel Lewis to be transmitted to paymaster of 15th Regiment of Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hunnewell on account of pay and forage of the officers.
Receipt of William Simmons $520 to Samuel Lewis to be transmitted to paymaster of 15th Regiment of Infantry under command of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hunnewell on account of recruiting service.
Refers to indisposition of Mr. Faesch. Regrets misunderstanding of parts of his letter about his shot reports in New York and Elizabeth Town. Clarifies that he made no report and will not until he has heard from them. Clarifies shot receipt from Col. Stevens and explains mistake.
Mentioned to Mr. Wilson his intention to open and close several store accounts in the Quartermaster General's department, but has since decided of a more easily understood statement about present transactions.
