James McHenry writes to his nephew, John McHenry. The Secretary at War discusses the situation in France, the gubernitorial elections in Pennsylvania, and the overall formation of national political parties in the United States.
Reports the general state of the country, described as "tranquil" with the Indians. Recruiting for the military is successful and the overall commerce of the country is prosperous. Discusses the politics of the day, reporting a split in the Federalist Party over Adams' decision to make peace with France.
The pattern is shown for an eight-inch howitzer cartridge. The length of the cartridge should be cut the way the flannel stretches least. Elliot recommends that a paper pattern should be cut from the flannel version since repeated cuttings will result in a smaller pattern as was the case with the six-pound one given before. .
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
Hamilton emphasizes that the requirement for winter quarters is huts and not barracks so as to save additional expense. The huts should be situated so as to ease the collection of timber for hutting and wood for fuel.
Simmons answers to the President regarding a complaint made by a private citizen. The citizen complained to the President that he was denied the reward for apprehending a deserter. Simmons states his grounds for rejecting the claim.
