Certification of payments; $48 to Hugh Barclay for apprehending deserter from Captain S. Coreghs company, for money paid to Hector McNeal, gaoler [jailer], Bedford County.
Refers to earlier communications and information requested by the President and the Senate concerning matters of the provisional army. Requests that Hamilton refer to the existing laws.
McHenry has ordered that the month of October be added to Washington's expenses. Letters advising gentlemen of their appointments by the Senate will go to them soon. The nominations of the infantry officers of Virginia have been postponed while awaiting ther arrival of the Senators of that State. The represenatives and Senators of Massachusetts objected to the nomination of Gibbs so it was not sent in. All the cavalry officers except Hite, whose nomination would incite great disgust, have been nominated.
McHenry wants Hamilton to examine existing laws related to the Regular Army to determine what should be retained in two new bills relating to the Regular Army and the Provisional Army.
A letter from Lt. General George Washington indicates that his expenses exceed the pay and emoluments provided for his recent journey from Mt. Vernon to Philadelphia and returning. It will therefore be necessary to reimburse those expenses and transmit them to the General in in the next day's post.
Encloses a plan for the mutual commercial interests and safety of English Caribbean possessions and the southern American states in relation to Saint-Domingue [now Haiti, currently in slave revolt]. Requests a meeting, that the matter may be discussed and a recommendation be sent to America.
Frothingham wants information relating to the account of his brother Peter Frothingham and whether there has been any account of his effects transmitted to Simmons since Peter's death. Frothingham is the administrator of his brother's estate and has been unable to get any information from any officer of the Army.
Sends 4 letterbooks as directed by the Commander-in-Chief. Hopes the size, dimensions, paper, and binding are of the best quality. Assures that the box will protect the shipment, and asks for a receipt upon arrival.
Certification of payments; $57.08 Major Lewis Tousard, 1st Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers for settlement of account, recruiting account, and compensation for viewing fortifications at Newport Rhode Island.
Describes the uniforms of officers in order of descending rank: the Commander in Chief; other General officers; Major Generals; Aides of the Commander in Chief; the Inspector General; Infantry; Artillery; Colonels; Majors; Captains; Lieutenants; Cadets; Sergeant-Majors; Quartermaster Sergeants; Sergeants; Corporals; Chief Musicians; Musicians; Etc.
Hawkins is pleased with the Creeks for accepting the plan for their civilization. The Creeks have adapted well to raising livestock and are becoming better at manufacturing. Hawkins comments on the fact that the Chiefs and their wives come to his house.
McHenry assures Hamilton that his pay and emoluments will commence immediately. Therefore, he is to proceed with his duties including the development of a system of tactics and discipline and determining the best positions for the recruiting parties and general rendezvouses.
Gives regulations for uniforms of different ranks and branches, etc. Describes the uniform of the commander in chief, of other general officers, of major generals, aides to the commander in chief, inspector general, of the infantry, artillery and cavalry. Describes rank insignia of Colonel, Major, field officers, regimental staff, officers of companies, Captains, Lieutenants, Cadets, Serjeant [Sergeant] Majors, Quarter Master Sergeants, Serjeants [Sergeants], musicians, Chief Musician, Civil Staff of Army. Commissioned officers to wear swords. All are to wear a black cockade with small white eagle in center. Describes cockade of non-commissioned officers. Regiments to be distinguished from each other numerically. Number of each Regiment to be expressed on the button. By command of the President of United States.
Articles of agreement between Stephen Jenkins and Hosea Humphrey [Humphreys] for manufacture of 1500 muskets complete with bayonets and ramrods fit for service to be delivered at Providence Rhode Island.
Cited in McHenry to Wadsworth, 01/15/1799. Advises McHenry that contractors have completed manufacture of one thousand swords and desire that they be inspected before they are delivered. The contractors want a contract for another one thousand swords.
