James McHenry gives an account of the XYZ Affair to William Loughton Smith, explaining how private agents of Talleyrand demanded a bribe in the form of 50,000 pounds sterling and an enormous loan from the United States as a condition for continuing peace negotiations. McHenry notes that the action seriously compromised the neutrality of the United States.
Wood certifies that John Van Bibber will receive an additional allowance of two and a half cents of ration for the services furnished by him to the volunteer militia. Enclosed is a copy of Van Bibber's Power of Attorney.
The load of public goods are at Witmers in the wagon that brought them up. Since the wagoner Isaac Philips was unable to pay the balance for the team he bought from a neighbor, the man retrieved his horses and took them home. Having no horses, Philips was unable to go on so the goods are now safely stored at Witmers until horses can be obtained to continue the journey to Tennessee.
Cited in Simmons to Bissell, 04/27/1798.Simmons confirms that the receipt of Lt. Rosecrantz has arrived and he discourages Bissell from making similar advances in the future.
Cited in Simmons to Saunders, 04/12/1798; Cited in Simmons to Blackburn, 05/22/1798.Simmons informs Saunders that his pay and muster rolls arrived but payment will be delayed until appropriations are passed by Congress.
Cited in Simmons to Landais, 04/06/1798.Simmons informs Lt. Landais that his pay and muster rolls have been received and that payment will be delayed until appropriations are passed by Congress.
Nicholson requests his last quarter's pay and rations due on 31 March 1798. In a separate note, he requests the subsistence due him as a captain in the Navy.
Smarthan acknowledges that he has voluntarily enlisted to serve one year in the Marine Service, unless sooner discharged, according to the Act passed July 1st 1797 which provides a Naval Armament. The rules and articles of the Navy against mutiny and desertion have been read to him and he will be paid six dollars per month.
Since there is no law authorizing money in lieu of rations for privates and non-commissioned officers, what method is there for Michael LaFlache to receive his just due following his discharge?
Vischer inquires as to laws relative to penalties for citizens who purchase uniform clothing from soldiers. Folks at Fort Oswego are handy at this practice and Vischer wants to make an example of them.
