Encloses a letter from the War Office (likely Josiah Fox) to David Stodder. Letter is dated 6 October 1797. The subject matter is the unsatisfactory pace of Stodder's work in completing the frigate Constellation.
Request that David Stodder naval constructor exert utmost diligence to put frigate Constellation in situation to leave Baltimore. Employ full and undivided attention to task. Should this not be accomplished, will be Stodder's fault.
Swan encloses to Simmons two warrants with musters, pay rolls, and receipts annexed for the sum of $34,304.10 with abstracts of payments and monies received for August and September 1797.
Request for expedited launch of Constellation to naval constructor and warns that any delay or lack of effort related to its launch will be blamed on Stodder[t].
Discusses the exchange of cannon and directs military stores to Michilimackinac and Pittsburgh. McHenry also wishes to know if clothing for troops stationed in Tennessee has been forwarded.
Certification of payments due; $500 due George Claghorn, constructor of the frigate building at Boston, being his compensation for July through September 1797.
Certification of payments due; $90 due Frederick Sprig, Assistant Military Storekeeper at West Point, being his compensation for July through September 1797.
Treasurer of United States will remit sum of $92.00. Simmons requests Chester use the sum to pay Captain Edward Miller upon acquisition of duplicate receipts. Pay is for Miller and his recruits under his command in September.
Certification of payments due; $1175 due Samuel Hodgdon, Superintendent of Military Stores, being his salary, and that of a storekeeper and clerks, for July through September 1797.
Certification of payments due; $92 due Captain Edward Miller and the detachment of recruits stationed at the rendezvous at Middletown Connecticut being his and their pay for September 1797.
Certification of payments due; $19.20 to Sergeant John Ledlic, late of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, being his pay as a sergeant and private from May 1, 1797 to July 24, 1797.
Enclosed is an order on Mr. Harris for suits of infantry clothing and stands of arms and accoutrements. These articles should be forwarded to Lieutenant Shoemaker at Baltimore since he writes that he is much in want of them.
Lewis wants to be furnished with the amount of rent for the various locations occupied by the Ordnance Department. He wants to know if there any alterations in rent since the last account, particularly relative to rents at New London for 1798. It is understood that expenses for laborers will cease with September 1797.
Respecting the charge for casks mentioned in Mr. Arden's letter, Wolcott observes that his proposal seems reasonable depending of course on what the market indicates. He inquires about the safety of the frigate in Boston.
