Hodgdon acknowledges receipt of Stevens' letter covering his return and Geddes' bill on the Secretary of State. The amount of the bill will be remitted soon.
Responds to questions about cash allowances to officers, hoping to augment the potential service of the US army. Plans to submit names to heads of departments and the attorney general.
Included in a discussion of payroll concerns, Stoddard mentions the case of Richard Bourk who was excepted on the Muster Roll by Lietuenant Hale. The Secretary of War has approved Bourk's discharge so long as he returns his bounty and clothing.
It appears there are three month's pay due Joseph Kelly alias Patrick Cannon, late of Capt. Blackburn's Company and enlisted by Staats Morris on the first of the current month. Having enlisted him by his real name in 1792, Morris therefore reenlisted him under that same name.
Governor Jackson cites Ensign McCall's letter as further evidence of Colonel Gaither's ill will toward the citizens of Georgia. Jackson maintains, therefore, that justice demands the removal of Gaither from the frontier of Georgia.
Enclosed certificate of Ensign Allison, Commander of Fort Pickering for money due the Ensign. Pope also requested information on money due Sgt. Slaughter. Money should be forwarded to Col. Carrington.
What quantity of wood is allowed to the following officers: a Major Commandant, a Captain, a Lieutenant, a Regimental Commandant? How much straw is allowed a Regimental Commandant? What is the price of a marquee, a horseman's tent, a soldier's tent? In Detroit a Major is allowed 35 cords but that is a colder climate. How much stationery is allowed?
There appears to be a contradiction between the account stated for Levy Beard and the certificate. The first expresses that there is due him some articles of clothing and the other shows no balance. There is also information regarding Beard and a mare belonging to the United States so Simmons needs to know what became of the mare.
Stresses the importance of the Floridas for the United States, arguing that whichever European nation holds Florida also possess the key to the Mississippi River, directly impacting inhabitants in the west. Fears that French control of Florida would require a constant military establishment in the west due to their dangerous influence over the inhabitants. Suggests that in the case of France possessing the Floridas, the United States should enter into an alliance with Great Britain to secure the Floridas for the U.S. Goes into detail about the military force required, along with Spain's role.
With the permission of the Secretary of War, Wilkins plans to travel to Philadelphia where he hopes to meet with Hodgdon and thank him for the many favors he has provided. He also will purchase the Quartermaster's stores he requires for the ensuing season. He wants to subscribe to the "Country Porcupine" and have it sent to Captain Pasteur at Cincinnati.
Enclosed letter delivered by Wyandot Indian yesterday with letter from Isaac Williams of Sandusky directing payment of Indian. Quartermaster General will not admit the charge, so Craig requests instructions on how to handle payment. Requests final destination of Miller's detachment that marches for Pittsburgh in order to provide appropriate accommodations. Water level of Allegheny river is still too low to launch galley.
