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 and concerning courts-martial and infractions of military discipline
Wilkins presents his plan for providing and issuing military supplies. He asserts that the Quartermaster Genral and Commissary of Military Stores are qualifed to be the best judges of the quality of the articles needed for their departments. He worries that the allotment of wood will not be sufficient for garrisons like Detroit.
"Permit me to inform you that Captain Jonathan Taylor of my regiment has been recruiting in the town of Lexington (in the state of Kentucky) for some time past, his last return dated the 26th July ultimo reported forty-six recruits all destitute of clothing. Captain Taylor observes that if had a supply of clothing he could soon complete his company...I have thought it my duty to state to you Captain Taylor's wants not doubting but that you will give such orders as may be necessary to enable Captain Taylor to complete his company."
Wilkins acknowledges his temporary appointment as Quartermaster General but stresses that appointments and changes he might initiate may not be to the liking of the permanant occupant of this important position. He warns that this temporary appointment will hinder his ability to function as the Quartermaster General of the Western Army which is his normal post. He describes the means by which stores are transported westward and cash is disbursed which might serve as a model for the entire army.
Acknowledges receipt by the Salem Board of Selectmen of federal money for the strengthening of fortifications at Salem, Massachusetts; discusses details of the construction of the works. Also discusses how accounting shall be undertaken for the project. Asks for permission to name the works Fort Pickering, and requests that McHenry ask President Adams to stop in Salem and perform a naming ceremony on the fort while he is in the region for the launching of "the frigate."
Requests payment for James and William Park as money appropriated to pay the commissioner of running the Cherokee boundary line based on the Treaty of Tellico.
Routine correspondence recommending individuals for Army and Navy appointments and routine instructions and correspondence concerning the organization of individual regiments.
Reports endorsement of accountant for Glen's transportation of troops to Oswego. Vouchers must be submitted to the proper officers. Requests information to prevent an embarrassing procrastination of payment.
Secretary of Treasury informs that vouchers for stores received and delivered by James Seagrove were delivered to McHenry's office. Requests delivery to Hodgdon's office. Requests information about which detachments and regiments owns which stores.
Sends duplicates of accounts and vouchers lost with forwarded money. Hopes it will arrive safely, because there is no other evidence of payment. The bank never refunded the money. Seeks to bring this business to a conclusion.
Received invoice for clothing at Portsmouth. The accompanying statement will provide details of shipment and disbursement, presumably by Lieut. Hale to his recruits. Remaining stores should be placed in the hands of the recruiting officer of the corps to which the clothing belongs.
Certification of payment; $74.33 to Lieutenant William Steele, 2d Regiment Artillerists and Engineers, pay as Surgeons Mate at West Point, New York, for pay and travel from West Point to Portland Maine, to be remitted by Nathaniel Fosdick, collector.
