Discusses issue of instructions to armed vessels being deployed to protect the U.S. coast. Considers the president's war powers in the Constitution, noting that the president cannot issue instructions to vessels either as naval ships or privateers prior to a declaration of war or hostilities short of war (in the latter case) by Congress. Notes that the president is empowered to reinforce the existing revenue cutter service for coastal defense without Congress' approval, though not to more than 30 men per vessel. Under these provisions, U.S. vessels have only the right to defend themselves while under attack. McHenry concludes that any instructions to coastal defense vessels must be governed by these laws, and hopes that the president can proceed with a clear idea of the limit of his powers.
Includes extracts of letters to the Secretary of War regarding cooperation of factory officers. Reports opposition of officers to troops purchasing out of the US factory.
Differing totals in pay and muster rolls exist due to mistake on Asa Hall's account, extract from Hall's claim. Frye hopes that appropriation law will pass soon so Simmons is able to pay troops.
Robert Davis, Isaac Pride, William Armstrong, John McKey; James Burtsby, Jerome Hart, George Kinsinger, Charles Queen. William Terkaste, John Thompson, Alexander Caston, Benjamin Campbell, Josiah Miller, Jonathan LeKim, Willaim Cunningham, Richard King Ramsay, Thomas Perry, Isaac Lewis, James Fisher. Richard Proctor and Thomas Smith reinlisted. List of bounty paid enclosed.
Certification that $14.90 is due Sergeant Edward Blake, late of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, being his pay from March 1, 1798, the day he was last paid by Major Lewis Tousard, to May 4, 1798, the day his terms of service expired.
Certification that $167.39 is due a detachment of recruits stationed at New Brunswick, New Jersey under the command of Ensign William R. Boote, being the pay of himself and the non-commissioned officers and privates for April 1798.
Certification that $178.49 is due Lieutenant John M. McClallen, Quartermaster of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, being for his pay and subsistence as a lieutenant for January through April 1798 and his pay and forage as Quartermaster for January and February 1798.
