Reports two difficulties on statement for the ship Ganges: the difficulty of pleasing the government and merchants, and who should provide the public stores. Requests agreement and instructions.
Wolcott discusses the contract with Lane & Salter to erect and maintain works capable of producing cannon in a quantity suitable for public service. It was expected that Lane & Salter would produce cannon of smaller sizes while the works of Salisbury are being prepared to produce cannon of a larger caliber.
Osborne explains the circumstances which caused him to be placed under arrest for disobeying a senior officer. He wants to be tried by senior officers and not by his peers.
Reports delivery from Hamburgh of muskets, put in charge of James Watson by Joseph Pitcairn. While the paper work hit a snag between the Office of the Treasurer and the War Department, requests a full report of contents upon delivery.
Encloses bank notes. Requests records of progress of armory, including expenditures and number of arms manufactured and/or repaired. Requires estimates to be able to provide necessary funds and items, including postage and work performed. Must make an annual report of national armories to Congress.
Having examined the records of David Ames and Robert Orr, discovers that they do not request an increase of rations, as intimated by the journal, but for an allowance of rations never before received. Discusses rations, barracks, and fuel provided for heads or overseers of mechanical branches or public assistants.
Encloses an abstract of nine gun carriages purchased by Lemuel Weeks - Agent of Fortifications at Portland, Maine - for the amount of which he will receive credit on the books of the office.
Until Hamilton has defined the extent of his command, he will be required to submit the proper reports given him by the garrisons at New York and West Point and provide appropriate supervision to same.
An engineer left two hogsheads of military stores and a chest of arms with a letter to Captain James Read of Easton, Pennsylvania. Captain Read and his men were posted to West Point, about 100 miles from Easton. The stores can be forwarded any time since an agreement has been negotiated with a wagoner to provide transportation for a fee of $52.
The account of George Fleming as agent for procuring wood for the troops at West Point having been closed showing the sum of $1,500, Simmons is requested to make the appropriate entries in his books for the purpose of holding Fleming accountable for same.
Wolcott maintains that the power of the President ought to be given to the Treasurer in his capacity as treasurer for the War Department, subject to the warrant of the Secretary of War.
