Certification that $22.21 is due a detachment of the 1st Regiment stationed at West Point for the service of the Ordnance Department, being their pay for August 1797.
Recommends the treatment of sick ashore as more conducive to recovery. Refers to delivery of guns for Algerine frigate under contract to Mr. Hughes. If he fails in contract, Samuel Hodgdon ordered to procure guns from public magazine and deliver to Portsmouth New Hampshire.
Discusses the timing of the launching and the tides of October. They may not be reliable enough. High tides of present month are better. However, consider that work could be done most cheaply on the stocks and venture a delay until October if it will save expenses.
Agreed to Claghorn's request to launch the frigate Constitution in September rather than in October due to the unpredictable tides during that month. However, Secretary mentioned his desired to keep the launch in October due to increased costs associated with an early launch.
Cornplanter speaks of Mr. [Robert?] Morris' continual attempts to continue negotiations with the Indians; opines on U.S.-Indian relations since the war. Calls upon the good relationship between George Washington and the Indians to inspire continued fair dealings.
Certification that $25.40 is due Sgt. David Stanton, late of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, being his pay from May 1 to August 20, 1797, the day of his discharge.
Certification that $385.63 [also indicated as $269.63] is due a detachment of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers at Mud Island Fort commanded by Maj. Lewis Tousard, being the pay of Lt. Henry Muhlenberg, the pay and forage of Surgeon's Mate John R. Lynch, and the pay of the non-commissioned officers and privates, for August 1797.
Hoped lack of communication was not due to "fatal malady" that prevails in Philadelphia. Requested money advanced to T. Martin be credited to account of Craig. Suggested the cost of lost supplies from sunken boat in Allegheny be recovered from the captain.
Orders to proceed to Mr. Hughes' furnace to examine and prove the guns intended for Algerine frigate. Press Mr. Hughes to have all the guns intended for Algerine frigate completed. Report number and size of cannon proved to Tench Francis.
Simmons received receipt roll for July and muster and pay rolls from August for the detachment under Dyson. The amount of the receipt roll will be passed to Dyson's credit in the amount of $213.86. Monies for muster and pay rolls will be paid to Dyson by Kilty upon acquisition of receipts (total amount $257.11). Pettis, Donohou, and Copper deserted, Simmons is of opinion that their pay be withheld until expenses related to their pursuit and capture have been incurred.
Simmons notified Kilty that the Treasurer of the United States will remit Kilty $257.02 which he should pay to Lieutenant Samuel Dyson at Fort Whetstonepoint. Simmons requests receipts.
Simmons received letter from Craig dated September 1st which contained Captain Edward Turner's payroll. Total amount:$907.63, monies will be passed to Craig's credit.
Clerk Nathan Jones informs Tench Francis that Secretary of War has requested Mr. DaCosta to proceed to Mr. Hughes' furnace to prove the cannon casting there for the Algerine frigate. DaCosta is to make a report on those cannon that stand proved. Secretary of War wants the cannon transported to Portsmouth New Hampshire so they may be put on board the Algerine frigate.
