Hodgdon happily observes that public officers, including General Washiington and Colonel Hamilton, are returning to Philadelphia and the city has come alive as a result.
Stevens tested solidity of Batteries and found the Works are much stronger by the embrasures, proud of fortifications. Requests just payment for serving as Superintendent Agent for City of New York. Mentioned large quantity of high quality gun powder in New York City and advised the gov't to purchase a large quantity if funding allows.
Along with a discussion of Craig's claims, Hodgdon notes that the Commander in Chief and officers of the higher grade, including Colonel Hamilton and General Washington, are assenbling in Philadelphia.
Hodgdon admonishes Muhlenberg that he must forward a new and accurate return stating the number and kinds of ordnance and every species of stores including those articles that fall in the Quartermaster's department.
Hodgdon's examination of the cask containing the oil intended for Mississippi leads him to believe that it will not hold up during the journey as it is already leaking. It would be better to transport the oil in several smaller casks.
Hogdon expresses his dismay that the arms intended for Ensign Boote somehow were sent to the wrong address despite the fact that the address for which they were intended was clearly marked.
Payment for conveyance of boxes and trunks from Trenton to Philadelphia. Amos Morton conveyed the boxes for $9.00. Samuel Lewis, War Office clerk, certifies that bearer has been engaged to do so. Stephen Merrill certifies goods delivered to War Office.
Pickering discusses the yellow fever in Philadelphia and New York which seems to have abated due to the cold weather. It appears that the northern boundary between the United States and Britain have been settled by the Commissioners and there has been progress in establishing the southern boundary between the U.S. and Spain. Mr. Gerry's return to the U.S. will confirm the opinion of those who believe that the recent negotiations with France were part of an effort by the French to delay the resolution of disputes with the U.S.
Wilkinson comments on the discontent in the southern territory evidenced by the withdrawal of several notables to the adjoining Spanish Territory. He lists three essentials to the preservation of order: the presence of Judges, the settlement of the right of soil and jurisdiction, and the establishment of a principle by which to ascertain and fix individual rights to land.
Hodgdon assures General Washington that his stationery is being forwarded along with the return of the articles on hand in the ordnance and military stores department.
Relative to the plan for fortifying the port of New York, Jay has provided $500 for the perfecting of a survey of the shores and waters. After the survey is completed, General Clarkson, Colonel Burr, and Colonel Stevens should be consulted as to the specifics of the plan.
Frederick Frye's letter from Governor's Island described clothing and accoutrements furnished to his men. Letter from Doctor Dwight related information on troops stationed at Bedloes Islands with a hypothesis on why the soldiers suffer from dysentery.
Lieutenant Horatio R. Dayton account against the United States for attending the court martial at Trenton upon Captain Lewis. After a deduction for subsistence, amount owed is $61.18.
