Acknowledges receipt of a pay roll for the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers at West Point. Money for the pay will be forwarded by Nicholas Fish, federal supervisor at New York.
Sargent pays his respects to Hodgdon's family. He has only just arrived in Cincinnati. He mentions a book or other publication by a McKerrie who has traveled very far north.
Entitled "Speech from Captain Jos. Brant to Captain Claus Agent of Indian Affairs for and behalf of the Five nations inhabiting the Grand River, 22 October 1796." Discusses grievances relating to Indian land along the Grand River; apparently after the Revolution the Indians were promised legal protection of their lands there by the British government, which was not given. Accuses the British of inconsistency and indecisiveness, and refers to many past negotiations on the subject. Reaffirms the Five Nations' attachment to Great Britain, reminding the Indian agent of those Indians' support during the American Revolution, and pleads again for settlement of the issue.
The Commandant has directed Hale to forward an estimate of clothing needed for the winter consumption of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers. Hale emphasizes the plight of the men who need clothing and urges that it be sent without delay. The number of woolen overalls on hand is hardly sufficient to furnish each man with one pair. Also there is a deficiency of muscians clothing. The approach of cold weather increases the urgency of forwarding these supplies
Lovell accounts for expenses incurred while at New Port, he is upset Simmons denied claims for reimbursement related to his duties, pursuing deserters, etc.
Simmons discusses Fleming's "account current," contingent account, and vouchers; advises Fleming that Fleming is not authorized to settle large sums with officers for their accounts for pursuit of deserters, only advances for pursuit of deserters
Notifies Rochefontaine that he has sent the list of claims to be paid by Lt. Freeman to soldiers of the Corps; claim of William Hill, "who was taken prisoner by the Indians," returned without pay.
Acknowledges receipt of pay roll for the Fleming's detachment of the 1st Sub Legion for the service of the Ordnance Department. Money for the pay will be forwarded by Nicholas Fish, federal supervisor at New York.
McHenry expresses his belief that things will continue to go well since the people have acknowledged the necessity of placing a man in the presidency who will follow the policies and be grounded by the pacific principles of his [predecessor].
A number of people have passed through Pittsburgh on the way to Philadelphia, including Captain Heth with a number of Indian Chiefs. Mentions a number of receipts. Directs Hodgdon regarding purchasing lots in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Payment for Jesse Lukens for his travel to Philadelphia enclosed. Notification that draft made in favor of James Ross will leave a considerable amount in Craig's hand after his payment of troops at upper posts of the Ohio which he presumes can be applied to the following months pay.
Notification to Simmons that he has paid Captain Kalteisen and his troops for July and August and that he has paid Augusta DeGrasse as engineer, all per Simmons' direction. Cited in Hagner to Stevens 11/11/1796
Letter from Staats Morris enclosed. Lieut. Hale arrived from New York and paid Freeman agreeable to the account transmitted by Simmons to Nicholas Fish.
Post notes received and will be transmitted to troops in upper posts of the Ohio for pay, forage, and subsistence. Travel plans of several officers and Indian tribes noted.
Simmons certifies that $190.80 is due a Detachment of the 1st Sub Legion for the service of the Ordnance Department, West Point, New York, being their pay from January through September 1796.
The Secretary of War requests that Hodgdon cease transporting clothing to West Point and write Colonel Rochefontaine for an account of the distribution of clothing forwarded in September 1795 and May 1796. To insure complicance, Jones wants Houdin's letter in which he mentions General Knox's order for powder intended for Mr. Chapin.
