Smith recommends to Hamilton that his troops attend divine services on Sundays and recommends that the local parson be employed for that purpose. This would eliminate the immediate necessity of appointing a chaplain.
Routine correspondence recommending individuals for Army and Navy appointments and routine instructions and correspondence concerning the organization of individual regiments.
Sitgreaves is involved in court during the week but will reflect on the theory of the Constitution and laws in favor of the claim once the court obligation is met. There was perhaps a precedent in the last Congress which seemed unjustifiable but it was probably yielded because of a desire to keep the Southern States in a good humor with the General Government. Still, Sitgreaves considers the concession more weak than politic.
Reports disagreements in the Cabinet with the President with regard to the mission to France. Mentions political party against government and policy with England. Seeks Washington's opinion for the President.
Request for assistance offered to refugees of Canada and Nova Scotia. Cited patriotism and support for American cause against Great Britain in Revolution.
Mr. McDaniel is opening the storebooks for the Accountant's Office of the Navy Department. An acquaintance with the principles and an inspection of the form in which the War Department accounts are kept should enable him to improve his system. Hodgdon is asked to provide whatever information McDaniel may need for that purpose.
"I have offered Captain Williamson the appointment of Deputy Pay Master for that part of the army under your command and he has accepted. The bond required by law goes to him by this day's mail to be executed; and he will immediately enter on the duties assigned to him. Had he not better come to this place on Monday or Tuesday next and receive his instructions and money for the troops?..."
Rice informs Hamilton of the status of the construction of huts for the 14th Regiment and also the dissatisfaction among the men due to their not receiving their wages. A group was planning to desert but were prevented from doing so. The leaders now await trial by court martial.
Hamilton expresses his gratitude to Hamtramck for the information he has provided concerning the several posts he has visited including the fact that the provisions for women have exceeded the allowed proportions. He comments on a number of matters related to the town of Detroit and strained relations between the troops and its citizens.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
Certification of payment; $636.62 to Robert Howe, Contractor, for rations, quarter master, and hospital stores furnished troops at Fort Johnston, North Carolina.
