Forwards to Adams a letter from General Pinckney, concerning Pinckney's attendance at the planned War Department meeting to discuss officer appointments & other military necessities.
Stoddert felt the authorization by President for the expenditure of money for the fortification of New York City should be authorized by the Secretary of War.
Refers to a legislative act directing money for fortifications to defend New York City, and to correspondence between the President, Governor Jay, and General Hamilton. Discusses delineation between state, federal, and congressional jurisdiction for fortifications. Requests instructions from the President, Secretary of War, and Governor of New York.
Hodgdon recommends that Mr. Small be employed to best advantage on the Potomac project under the supervision of Mr. Mackey. Collecting materials for the project will be part of his duties and such materials should be available in the vicinity.
In settling the accounts for retained rations at the garrisons on the seaboard and at the several recruiting rendezvous, McHenry proposes that an advance of one-third of the contract price, previous to its augmentation, may be allowed.
Mr. Stevens, the Supervisor at Charleston, will pay Craft $3,433.45 in order for him to make payment to Mr. Thomas Bennett in accordance with a contract between Bennett and the United States.
Hodgdon informs Capt. Fenbrock that certain articles were left out of the current shipment because they are not available in the store. They will be forwarded in a few days.
Hodgdon is concerned about the detention of the box of pattern muskets because one hundred people will remain idle until they arrive. He will do his best to find them.
