Turner requested information on the cost of equipment and vessels built prior to the Navy Department. Simmons replied that the only record his Office hold was of payment of pay and subsistence of the Navy, incidental, and contingent expenses, none of which Simmons felt pertained to Turner's request.
Respecting the petition of Robinson Heartshorn asking for permission to export gun powder, the Secretary of the Navy has directed the powder to be examined and it is found to be unsuitable for the military service.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
Discussion on legal issues and punishment of Captain Davis regarding unspecified offenses. States that President Adams will not be inattentive to the maxim of Seneca. By the "maxim of Seneca," the author invokes the Latin phrase "let justice be done though the heavens fall."
Glad to hear he was included on the Report to the President regarding Great Britain's military system. Believed the improvements suggested by McHenry would foster improvement within the system. Compliments on good explanation, requested McHenry write him in friendship when time allows correspondence.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
Certification of payment; $20.20 balance retained rations to Captain Jacob Darling, 1st Regiment of Philadelphia County Militia commanded by Colonel Joseph Cowperthwaith ordered to suppress an insurrection in the Western Counties of Pennsylvania.
Certification of payment; $834.58 to detachments of militia under Lieutenant Joseph Bartholomew, and Lieutenant Joseph Hunter, and a detachment of spies called into service by the Governor of Kentucky for the protection of the frontier of Jefferson County.
"Evils" discovered in Quarter Master General's accounts by Simmons. Extravagant charges were too numerous too recount. Simmons selected one charge pertaining to officer transportation and their private effects. Simmons explained how and why officers should charge cost-accruing events.
Simmons noted that Mackey's letter with enclosures arrived and that Mackey would shortly follow to settle his accounts. Simmons requested Mackey bring the letter sent by Simmons to Mackey.
Vouchers submitted by contractor (Mr. Colfax) with charge to the United States for hickory wood to be used by Major General Hamilton sent to Brown for his verification on the charges and specifics of vouchers so that Simmons could pay contractor.
Vouchers submitted by contractor (Mr. Colfax) with charge to the United States for hickory wood sent to Ellery for his verification on the charges and specifics of vouchers so that Simmons could pay contractor.
