Inform the Superintendent of the Springfield Armory that the services of Mr. Orr are needed by the Treasury Secretary, asking him if Orr's absence would damage the daily functions of the armory.
Forwards correspondence detailing the recommended appointment of one man to a post which may soon be declined by another. Reports "ruinous" desertion; recommends 4 methods to combat it: greater discipline, greater care and speed for the delivery of supplies to the troops, the screening of foreigners seeking to join the ranks, and "energy in punishing offenders." Notes that the first is the province of Major Generals Hamilton and Pinckney, and that he (McHenry) will attend to the second -- this now being within his power, as Congress has recently empowered the Secretary of War to provide funds to purchase supplies for the army for the ensuing year. He has already ordered much cloth for the clothing of the troops. Regarding the 3rd method, he has instructed General Hamilton and the recruiting officers to limit the enlistment of foreigners to those who are naturalized, and to prefer natives in every case. In the fourth case, he simply reiterates that deserters must be dealt with swiftly and harshly.
Would like to maintain a regular company in the country. Speaks of commanding officer at Reading who should order Captain Cochran to march company to Fort Mifflin.
Explains consideration of all troops stationed in the islands of the harbor of New York as belonging to one post. The senior officer will be given double rations.
Directs Harris to accept receipts for items which would otherwise have passed through military stores, to expedite their delivery from the purveyor to Captain Elliott. The items are "for the laboratory."
Hamilton reaffirms his commitment to enlisting none but native citizens or naturalized foreigners in to the Army. The criterion should be residence prior to the Revolution or the ability to present a certificate of naturalization.
Hamilton lists his four remedies to solve the problem of rampant desertions. He is particularly insistent that the President should support the courts as they sentence deserters to the most extreme forms of punishment.
