"...I shall march tomorrow but it is extremely painful for me to witness the distress and chagrin of the officers and soldiers who have not money to discharge even the claims of their washwomen...a wagon arrived with a supply of coats, vests, and woolen overralls, articles which were much wanted. In consequence of my of my request, Mr. Machee {Mackey], superintendent of the public works at Harper's ferry has procured some materials to aid us in building. But no appropriation has been made for the payment of them..."
"Herewith I send you a return from the Quartermaster and Paymaster of the several articles received in the department for the use of the 15th Regiment with the several articles wanting to complete the number for the use of the regiment together with my observations of their qualities &c--generally they are good and of a much better quality than the troops expected; if the army in general have been futrnished with clothing, tents, and other camp equipage equal to that of my regiment, they have in my opinion no reason to complain and as soldiers they have no right to ."
Simmons informs the Secretary of War that he has no record or recollection of a claim made by Mr. Bullet on behalf of the spies employed in Jefferson County in 1792.
Encloses a letter from General Hamilton requesting funds to pay for a new Assistant Secretary. States that he plans to inform Hamilton to not take the initiative to hire one outside of the law in the future, but that it is acceptable for the War Department to cover the expenses this time.
After reporting that the chest of arms has been forwarded to New York, Ames assesses the operation of the Springfield Armory. He sees improvement in that the work is better executed with more dispatch and less labor than had previously been the case. Of particular importance is the improved mode of boring the barrels, it now being done in less time and with less expense.
Amidst a lengthy discussion of the stores and arms at West Point, Fleming assures Hodgdon that he has done all in his power to minutely examine the military and quartermaster's stores that the various Secretaries of War have indicated were of the first moment. That would include purchasing materials, hiring workmen and teams at the lowest rate, paying the workmen, and generally superintending the whole operation so that full justice is done to the public.
In addition to speculating on the possible election of James Ross, Craig observes that Dan Fisher arrived with the clothing for Fort Wayne. He also delivered a barrel of sugar and was paid for the transportation. The clothing will be sent on to Presqu'isle and should be delivered by winter if the fine weather continues. The clothing for Detroit has not arrived so it probably cannot reach that post until the following Spring.
Hodgdon's letter enclosing James Miller's letter has been received along with the four hogsheads and one bale of clothing to which he alludes and for which a receipt was given to the wagoner.
