Simmons expresses concern about the settlement of the accounts of officers who have left the service or have settled their accounts and obtained full credit for their subsistence and forage without deducting the public provisions and forage received by them. Simmons wants McHenry to direct these officers to furnish a return so that he can hold them accountable and save the public from loss.
Philips owns a ship called the America, which is capable of carrying 16 nine or six pound guns. McHenry asks if Philips is interested in selling the ship, and if so at what price and could he also provide a description of the ship and stores.
Offer made by the War Office to buy the merchant vessel "America." The "America" is owned by Henry Phillips and is capable of being moulded with 6 or 9 pounders. Asks for the lowest price and a description of the vessel stores.
Advice from U.S. on peace between tribes to save land was good. Noted killing of Creek hunters by Chickasaws, Creeks will transport prisoners and property of guilty Indians to U.S. Fear that some Indians will ally with Cumberland settlers and militia against Chickasaws. Creek request that the U.S. remains peaceful, Creeks promise to remain peaceful with Cherokee Nation. Hopes to establish trade and peace.
Referring to the probability that he might be appointed as one of the commissioners to hold a treaty with the Cherokees, Butler argues that the representatives of his country would oppose such an appointment. This is evdident from the steps they have taken in laying before the President certain communications which they believe would defeat such an intention.
Hodgdon recommends that the United States not pursue the six pounder cannon located at Newport, Delaware because he doubts the quality of their construction. However, the twelve pounders at Baltimore are a fine set of guns and should be purchased.
Hodgdon is seeking Wolcott's advice regarding lost post notes sent to Thomas Holt, the public agent at New London, Virginia. The bank refuses to supply duplicates so how is the lost money to be recovered?
Simmons confirms that McCall's estimates of pay for the troops in Georgia has arrived. Simmons continues by stating the estimates cannot be acted on until Congress passes appropriations.
Certification that $9.78 is due Daniel Stevens, Supervisor for the District of Charleston, South Carolina, for his commissions on receiving and paying monies from the Department of War for the quarter ending March 31, 1798.
