Deas tell McHenry that the mathematical instruments he ordered have not yet been completed by the artisan contracted for that purpose probably because he has accepted too many orders. (partially illegible)
General Wilkinson writes Capt. Zebulon Pike on the various issues affecting the western part of the Northwest territory. Lt. Thomas Underwood has received the pay for Pike's garrison as well as the summer clothing. Refers to the charges against Benjamin Sebastian being a paid agent of Spain, and Aaron Gregg's mission to the Spanish.
Simmons certifies that $64 is due Captain Jonathan Taylor for his expenses bringing public dispatches from the Headquarters of the Army to the Secretary of War.
Simmons certifies that $210.66 is due Capt. Edward Miller and the men under his command at Middletown, Connecticut, being his and their pay for April 1796.
Simmons certifies that $8.51 is due John Baptist Gloster, late private of Captain MacRea's Company 3rd Sub Legion, being his pay from March 1 to May 4, 1796, the day of his discharge.
Discusses ship construction, and draught of a bolt-driving machine made use of byJoshua Humphreys for driving bolts through the deadwood and keel of the frigate. Machine will drive bolts of different diameters with great facility and certainty. Copy to be sent to each naval constructor.
McHenry states that he has sent to Governor Jay of New York a copy of Wadsworth's formal authority to act as Indian commissioner in the ongoing Cohnawaga-New York land dispute. Also says that he cannot form an opinion about Livingston's proposal until "seeing samples of the cotton and know[ing] the prices."
Official certificate granting Wadsworth continuing position as Indian commissioner for the Iroquois-New York land dispute. States that the sole object of the treaty is to allow the Indian claim to the land to be extinguished by purchase, and to conclude such a treaty with such candor that there can never be further complaint or confusion on the part of the Indians. Says that all expenses and compensation to Wadsworth are to be paid by the state of New York. Reiterates that any treaty is to follow the stipulations of "An Act to Regulate Trade & Intercourse with the Indian Tribes" of March 1, 1793, especially section 8 thereof.
Simmons certifies that $47.50 is due Nicholas De Finiels, temporary engineer, being the balance of his pay for March and April 1796 and his passage from Philadelphia to West Point.
Acknowledges receipt of Geddes' "receipt roll" and notifies Geddes that the sum will placed to his credit on the books of the War Department Accountant's Office
