Notification to Simmons that per Simmons' directions he has paid Capt. Michael Kalteisen the money for his pay and the pay of Lieut. Robeson, Surgeon's Mate Dalcho, and the noncommissioned officers and privates of Kalteisen's detachment.
Hodgdon wants to know what has become of the pattern muskets sent to Smith to be forwarded to Providence. When Smith finds them, he is to ensure that the muskets are in perfect order since they are to be used as patterns.
Colonel Sargent has asked Cutler to forward information with legal documents respecting a suit pending between him and General St. Clair of the Northwestern Territory. Even though Cutler is unable to provide information, he thought it important to Sargent that Hodgdon be informed of the situation.
Chapin received $800 to defray expenses for building grist mill and church for the Oneida Nation of Indians agreeable to treaty made by Colonel Pickering.
Knox refuses his commission, based on his being ranked below both Alexander Hamilton and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, his "juniors." States that since this is his decision, he will not travel to Philadelphia; he will also forward to the War Office all requests for military commissions which have been sent to him.
Responds to Pinckney's request for the appointment of his former secretary Rutledge for a position in the Provisional Army, stating that he will not be overlooked. McHenry writes that the second regiment of artillerists and engineers is in need of a Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.
Provides explanations about his pay roll. Pay of a hospital orderly. Discusses his reasons for a charge for enlisting a soldier. Mentions that he has not received new recruiting instructions promised by the Secretary of War
Adams addresses the relative rank of the major generals, saying that when he chose to sign them all on the same date, he decided to abide by either an amicable decision among the group or the judgment of General Washington. Says he would have invited Washington to Philadelphia long ago if he did not need to remain at the bedside of his deathly-ill wife; waxes on the gloominess of this year. Asks McHenry to appoint officers as he sees fit, and send Adams more blank commission papers to sign as needed. Leaves appointments in the hands of McHenry, the generals, and the other members of the Cabinet. Expresses dismal feelings about the state of the army and martial preparations, disapproving of the low wage of private soldiers and believing that "there is no more prospect of seeing a French army here, than in Heaven."
In a six-page letter, Hodgdon energetically defends himself with regard to Wolcott's complaints and threats related to the availability of muskets for patterns and related supply concerns.
McHenry notes that Colonel Stevens should contract for additional barracks on Governors Island and should have the buildings on Ellis's Island prepared for the accommodation of a company. The works should be placed in a state of defense as soon as possible.
Objection of charges by Ephraim Fuller caused Littlefield to submit documents to support charges made to military stores to provide advanced pay to freight captain.
