Washington advocates the mouth of the Shenandoah River as the ideal location for the proposed arsenals and cannon foundries. He observes that the Democrats were thunderstruck by the dispatches from American envoys but have been revived by the misconduct of the [Adams] administration although their harmless chit-chat is less criticism than might have been expected.
Certification that $333.27 is due two detachments of troops at Fort Niagara, one of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers and one of Infantry, under the command of Major John Jacob Ulrich Rivardi, being for the pay of Captain James Bruff, Surgeon's Mate John G. Coffin (including forage), and the non-commissioned officers and privates, for March 1798.
Lt. Carmick receives commission to serve as a lieutenant of Marines aboard the USS Ganges. Requests recruitment of allotted Marines, including sergeant, corporal, drum and fife, and privates. Requests attention to rules and regulations.
Orders Barry to immediately return to the frigate United States, of which he is commander, and make her ready for sea. The lieutenant of Marines is to enlist men for his contingent, and specifies the wages at which the ship's officers are to enlist good candidates for able seamen, midshipmen, and seamen. Those being enlisted to be examined by medical staff and recorded under various book-keeping regulations. Addresses payment of the Marines and the sailors, and the need for having those enlisted as boatswain, gunner, carpenter, and sail maker to be approved by the president. Asks that these preparations be made, that the ship may sail "at the shortest notice."
Lemuel Clerk is appointed a lieutenant on board the Constitution and ordered to begin recruiting the complement of Marines for the ship. He needs three sergeants, three corporals, one drum, one fife, and fifty privates. Enclosed with the orders are a copy of rules and regulations for recruiting, similar to those given the Lieutenant on the Constellation.
Lieutenant LemuelClerk receives commission to serve as an Lieutenant of Marines aboard the USS Constitution. Appointed by the President. Requests attention to rules and regulations.
Orders to read ship to sail, enlist officers. Terms and Rates of employment specified per recently passed Act of Congress. Is to lose no time in completing, equipping and manning frigate for sea.
Claiborne encloses a payroll intended to correspond with the muster roll forwarded to the Secretary's office for April. He declares that his men are anxious to receive their pay since many of them have not been paid for five months. He warns that the money should be forwarded promptly since the lack of pay is injurious, particularly in a place where the recruiting service is carried on.
