Williams considered it his duty to exhibit the complaints against Mr. Ames and hoped that a fair and candid investigation would have taken place on the spot. A few days after Ames left for Philadelphia, Williams was surprised to find he had obtained partial depositions and certificates calculated to exonerate him from charges without a fair inquiry. Williams lays out the evidence which shows that Ames abused the system of U.S. apprenticeships and committed other fraud.
Sargent requests a cask of madeira and a cask of sherry which should be selected by Henry Scheaff who is a accomplished judge of wines. He also wants a case of twelve bottles, half filled with olives and half filled with capers. A case arrived that should have contained these articles but instead was filled with cucumbers, already common in the Mississippi Territory so the freight was not justified. He also wants almonds, raisins, tea, loaf sugar, and currants.
In a mostly illegible letter the following can be ascertained: William McIntosh, a brother to Mrs. Sargent and a respectable planter; purchase; infant child; plantation; Virginia land; Allen Crocker of Boston; Congress; wisdom; Mr. Burroughs.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
At present things will continue with a guard being furnished from the Artillerists at New Port [Newport] although it is not improbable that Rice's brigade will be removed to Rhode Island in which case the Artillerists will be relieved.
Certification of payment; $50 to Captain John Henry, 2d Regiment Artillerists and Engineers, for rent of two rooms, to be transmitted to John Dexter, supervisor Providence Rhode Island.
Treasurer of United States to remit sum to Kilty. Simmons requested Kilty use sum to pay Capt. Staats Morris at Fort McHenry. Payment then to be issued by Morris to Philip Swartzouer who rented a room to Lieut. James House, Paymaster.
Simmons requested Ruggles conform to instructions and forms laid out in previous letter. Simmons also expected particular numbers and dates for rations drawn by men.
Simmons received letter with objections on account which caused the rejection of claims to monies. Simmons asked McCall to notify parties involved of decision.
Copy of account enclosed. Balance due by Pasteur to United States. Simmons requested payment to the Treasurer and/or additional documents that might reduce sum owed to the government.
Describes an interview with a representative of Israel Whelen, considering Whelen for the position of purveyor at Philadelphia. Also discusses salary and moving arrangements. McHenry expects Whelen's response soon.
Doctor Joseph Phillips of 4th Regiment of Infantry has been directed to go to Headquarters of Regiment of Tennessee. Request for transportation of one trunk and valise.
McHenry asks for permission to resign his position as Secretary of War, effective June 1. He promises to answer any inquiries about the activities and workings of the War Department. McHenry notes his own meritorious conduct in office, stating that he leaves behind record of this in the papers of the War Department.
