Report from Captain Truxton, of the frigate Constellation, that John Saunders acted as Lieutenant to the marines on board from 1 September. Saunders requests settlement.
Major Craig informs the Secretary at War that Captain Miller's troops are preparing to embark for Fort Washington and that water levels on the Ohio remain too low to ship stores.
Washington requested the nomination of Mr. Austis be withheld until he could consult with several family members. Discussed appointment of other officers in detail.
In addition to a discussion of the disposition of troops and problems supplying them, Hodgdon discusses a number of matters involving Colonel Sargent, Mr. Brooks, and General Washington.
Writes the Accountant of the Navy that, according to his books, Lieutenant Saunders has indeed not yet received his pay. However, Simmons advises that before paying Saunders, they pay the Army officers at the office first.
Improvements to armed forces explained in detail. Washington suggested reducing the number of officers in the infantry and cavalry for multiple reasons. Washington also addressed the difficulty of obtaining materials and supplies for troops at a decent rate. It was advised that the President should be given the highest military rank due to his duties to the country and its citizens.
An alternative to William Smith has been presented for the post of Lieutenant Colonel Commandant. Apparently Smith has been charged in the opinion of his fellow citizens with serious misconduct.
Reorganization of states into military districts deemed unnecessary. Recruiting practices discussed with urgency, Washington advised preparation for war so as to be ready for possible engagements with Europe. Standing army, and allocated finances for military advocated. Advised on locations of magazines, winter quarters for troops, and forts.
Hodgdon requests accounts of stores delivered to Francis and the Navy Board as well as an estimate of accounts made until the beginning of the ensuing year.
Certification of payments; $60 to Jean Foncin for completing sundry drafts of furnaces for the purposes of heating shot for iron battering rams for the harbor Charleston South Carolina.
Certification of payments; $18 pay to Private Isaiah Matthews, 4th Sub Legion, killed by the savages on 3 September 1796 to be paid to attorney Lewis B. Morris for Jesse Matthews, father of Isaiah Matthews.
Major Cushing is extremely desirous that he be reimbursed for the expenses he incurred when ordered by General Wilkinson to proceed from Tennessee to the seat of government. The principle of settlement should be that "reasonable expenses" should be provided based on similar claims in the past.
