Shoemaker has received every article in good order in accordance with the invoice but it seems that Mr. Harris has made a mistake because there are no socks included on the invoice.
Request to Naval Agents, Samuel & Joseph Sterrett for estimate of expenses to complete frigate in response to request from Chairman of House of Representatives on subject of protection of commerce.
Certification that $494.82 is due Samuel Hodgdon, Superintendent of Military Stores, being for expenditures made by him in the Military Stores Department between July 6 and September 30, 1797.
Certification that $438.59 is due Lt. Robert Purdy of the 4th Regiment, being the balance of his account for recruiting, contingent expenses, and his pay from April 1, and subsistence from January 1, through November 1797.
Certification that $110.77 is due Lieutenant David Hale and the recruits under his command at Ellis's Island, being his and their pay for November 1797.
Certification that $344.97 is due a detachment of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers stationed at Governors Island, being for the pay and subsistence of Captain Frederick Frye, commanding, and Surgeon's Mate Samuel Osborne, and the pay of the non-commissioned officers and privates, for November 1797.
Chairman of Committee of the House of Rep. requested estimate of cost and information for completion and manning of frigates for the protection of commerce in U.S. waters. McHenry referred to letter written to Messrs S & J Sterretts on the 6th Ultimo.
Discusses proving of cannon for frigate at Philadelphia. Will send Captain John Barry and Mr. DaCosta to assist in proving of cannon and to judge them fit for service in accordance with terms of contract. Hopes that nothing will interrupt completion of 32 pounders, which are needed.
Letter, Citation only. FULL GIST DOCUMENT CITING LETTER AS FOLLOWS:
[McHenry encloses the opinions of the Attorney General relative to the claims of Lt. Campbell Smith, Lt. [Bernard] Webb, and Major [Thomas] Cushing. He validates the claims of Lts. Smith and Webb although he does not believe General Wilkinson had the authority to appoint Judge Advocates. Gen. Wilkinson should not have appointed Major Cushing Brigadier Major and Inspector since these are not offices available to field officers.]
Encloses a return of persons entitled to land received from the Executive of the State of Virginia, requesting that the return be examined by the Accountant.
McHenry congratulates Smith - U.S. ambassador to Portugal - for beginning to master the Portuguese language, stressing that fluency is integral to diplomatic relations. With respect to Spain, McHenry argues that Spain has more to dread from war with the United States than the U.S. does, and suggests that Smith keep that in mind in diplomacy.
CITATION IN FULL TEXT DOCUMENT, GIST OF F.T. AS FOLLOWS:
[William Simmons discusses the settlement of accounts that reflect retained rations with Colonel William Heth. Simmons also mentions compiling abstracts of delinquent accounts.]
Enclosed receipts, requested credit to account. Notification that quarters were crowded, Frye commissioned the use of an out building for barracks and hospital. Hired a soldiers wife to serve as a nurse, authorized her payment. Requested blank muster and pay rolls.
