Certification that $2252.82 is due the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers at West Point, being for the pay, subsistence, and forage of the commissioned officers and the retained bounties of the non-commissioned officers and privates for January through March 1798.
Certification that $798.99 is due the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers at West Point, being for the pay and forage of the commissioned officers, and the pay of the non-commissioned officers and privates, for April 1798 and the pay of Capt. William Littlefield for November 1797 through April 1798 and his subsistence for October 1797 through March 1798.
Certification that $16 is due Private Jonathan Shattuck, late of the 4th Regiment, being his pay from January 1 to May 1, 1798, the day he was transferred to the frigate "United States."
Directs issue of drums & drumsticks to Mud Island; two other notations by Major Tousard, as well as the document's envelope, suggest that they were actually meant for Fort Mifflin, and seem to have ended up there.
Will send officers from Corps of Artillerists and Engineers to prove guns. Requests a number of ball in order to test naval gunnery for purpose of experiment, calculating windage. Technical discussion on the the manufacture of weapons, calibers, bores, issue of attaining higher level of accuracy.
Littlejohn calls attention to Henry Wells who wishes an appointment as a Surgeon's Mate on one of the armed vessels of the United States now fitting for sea. Wells formerly lived with Coale & Buchanan and is qualified to act in that capacity. He is the same young man recommended by Colonel Howard and, based on the general goodness of his character, will fill this station with honor to himself and the service.
Reports French privateers invading coasts and trade requiring them to defend themselves at sea. Hopes for a speedy departure, and requests that if articles are needed, to seek for them at various ports along the route. Requests Lieut. Triplett to be on board and Lieut. Dyson to furnish recruits. Lists cruising orders along the US coast. Lists hospital stores, utensils, stationary, cabin furniture, weaponry.
Harris is directed to deliver to Samuel Hodgdon the following items intended for the frigate "Constellation": boxes of candles, 24 pound canister shot, 12 pound canister shot, and canister shot for small howitzers.
Hodgdon is directed to order barrels of cannon and barrels of musket powder to be transported from Springfield to the frigate "Constitution" anchored at Boston. Mr. Harris has been directed to deliver to Hodgdon for transportation to the frigate "Constellation," anchored in the Chesapeake, boxes of candles, 24 pound canister shot, 12 pound canister shot, and canister shot for small howitzers.
There will not be time to procure 12 pound guns for the frigate, so McHenry has written the Governor of Massachusetts to obtain a loan of as many of the cannon from Castle Island as Nicholson requires for the upper battery. Nicholson is encouraged to select and install the guns as soon as the loan is approved.
If Captain Truxtun requests recruits from Dyson, he should find volunteers for the cruise, making sure that they understand that they will return to the infantry at the end of the voyage and that while acting as marines they will be entitled to a marine's pay.
McHenry asks Hodgdon to order 160 barrels of cannon and 8 barrels of musket powder transported from Springfield to Boston for the frigate Constitution. Mr. Harris should deliver candles and other goods to be sent to the Constellation which is in the Chesapeake.
With preparations for war with France underway, Captain Nicholson, commander of USS Constitution has examined cannons and desires they be used for ship use. They are improper cannons for fortification and harbor defense anyway. By direction of President of United States John Adams, in order to arm the frigate Constitution, the War Office requests a loan of 14 or 16 cannon [eighteen pounders] from Castle Island, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. Offers to return or replace the cannon. Offers to obtain cannon from Providence Rhode Island to provide for interim defense of Boston Harbor. Assumes that state of Massachusetts has also had cannon balls cast for these cannon and asks that they also be provided. Timely response requested.
Request to Messrs. Nicklin and Griffith to provide US Marines on Ship of War Delaware with pistols, stand of arms with bayonets, and cutlasses in preparation for war with France.
Harris asked to deliver the following to Samuel Hodgdon for the use of the Frigate "Constellation": boxes of candles, 24 pound cannister shot, 12 pound cannister shot, and cannister shot for small howtizers.
