Discusses the legality of the President hiring a printer. He says that if a permanent, paid position serving all the government departments is contemplated, the position must be signed into law. Quotes the Constitution on presidential appointment powers; notes that if the documents printed by the man in question are supposed to carry the authority of the president and other government officials, he must be approved by the Senate. Notes that while the president and departments may use a common printer, he must be paid for work as a private citizen. Agrees on the necessity of having a printer to publish public documents produced by both the president and Congress, and notes that while the government will shortly move to Washington, no printer resides in that city. Recommends the passage of a law authorizing the president to appoint as necessary a Printer of the United States, to publish all public government documents, and to be paid either by salary or by the job (McHenry prefers the latter, as the former might encourage sloth).
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
Hamilton informs McHenry that Gen. Wilkinson has requested a convoy to accompany his family on the gulf to ensure their safety. The Secretary of the Navy should be so notified.
Discussed question of appointing an official printer for national gazette. Stated Constitution authorized the President to nominate a printer. Chase supported the proposal to authorize a public printer.
Certification of payment; $400.22 to Doctor Sterling Wheaton for medicines administered and attendance on sundry soldiers of the 6th Regiment of Infantry at Averysborough North Carolina.
Certification of payment; $133.40 to Messrs. A. Buel and D. Greenleaf for manufacture of cavalry swords, scabbards, and belts at Hartford Connecticut, agreeably to contract with Department of War.
Certification of payment; $718.97 to John and Amos Woodward, contractors for rations, quartermaster and hospital stores supplied the garrison at Fort Trumbull, to Captain Woodward at New London.
Simmons notified Hodgdon that Daniel Wheaton, Contractor was paid for articles delivered to the garrison of Fort Johnson, North Carolina as ordered by Lieutenant Patrick Harris. Simmons requested Hodgdon update the Books of the Superintendent of Military Stores.
Simmons notified Harris his illegal draw of fuel was admitted by the Office in order to expedite the settlement of Contractors accounts from Fort Johnson. Simmons allowed this with the expectation that Harris would not drawn fuel for the month of March.
Informed Harris that the purveyor of military stores was ill, and that the interim purveyor should be respected accordingly. Directed issue of cloth to the interim purveyor, Jonathan Williams, who will make up uniforms, and the necessary accounting of the materials.
