Certification that $359.52 is due a detachment of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers stationed at Fort Whetstone Point under the command of Captain Staats Morris, being the pay of himself, Lieutenants Samuel Dyson and Philip Landais, and the non-commissioned officers and privates, for April 1798
Certification that $301.97 is due Maj. Thomas H. Cushing of the 1st Regiment, being for his pay and forage and balance of subsistence for January through April 1798.
Harris is directed to deliver to Captain Richard Dale of the military ship "Ganges" the following military stores: powder for cannon and muskets in barrels and half-barrels, round shot of nine pounders, double-headed round shot, boxes of grapeshot for nine pounders in cannisters, musket cartridges, pistol cartridges, muskets with accoutrements, cutlasses with scabbards, boarding pikes, scabbards for the cutlasses already on board.
Directs Barry to order a lieutenant of the frigate United States to New York City, to recruit seamen there. Orders Barry to provide the lieutenant with instructions, and for that officer to keep close accounts of his expenditures, that they may be reimbursed.
Simmons informs Dayton that his receipts for bounties paid are in hand. Simmons also informs Dayton that, contrary to newspaper reporting, Congress has not passed military appropriations.
In order to facilitate the recruiting process for the frigates the pay of able seamen has been increased to $17 per month. This incentive should help Rodgers to hire crew for the Constellation as soon as possible. Currently serving able seamen will receive a raise from their current $15 per month to the new sum; the raise is only for Able Seamen and not any other group.
Cannons and foundry inspected by Capt. Barry and found to be favorable. Cannons approved for Governors Island. Defense of the City of New York required estimate of funding, McHenry promised to ascertain some money for the necessary repairs and building.
The War Office relays President John Adams' intent to replace any cannon provided by the State of New York for naval service. Captain John Barry, commander frigate United States, has been sent to examine cannon. Cannon will be sent down Hudson River to Governor's Island at New York Harbor and on to Philadelphia. Goes on to discuss the prospects of defense for New York Harbor and city of New York and laments that such is unlikely without aid from the State of New York. Discusses matter of appropriations and costs for construction of fortifications. Expects that Colonel Aaron Burr will call upon him soon.
