Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers
Adams is pleased to learn from Colonel Hawkins that peace with the Creek Indians is still assured. Inquires about the state of fortifications in Baltimore and Boston harbors, as well as the sums allotted for those places.
Smith is listed as replying to the Circular of 7/13/1799 in which McHenry asked for the details of each officer's military service which would be used in settling their relative rank.
Hamilton admits that if there was anything in his recent general order that imputes to the Secretary of War ignorance or inattention, it ought not to have been there. The letter to Captain Frye was, in Hamilton's view, irregular and should have been addressed to Major Hoops. It seems that McHenry has overlooked the inconsistency of what was done with his instructions and overlooking a fault is very different from not attending to it. And it is understood that the civil staff can often conduct the business of supplies without it passing through the medium of the Chief Military Officer.
Suggests that Williams procure 20 buckets and leather hose there to complete the engine rather than pay for and wait for transportation from Philadelphia. Hodgdon will forward immediately some gunstocks for winter. Pine boards will be provided when racks are full. Describes appropriate gun chests.
Gun manufactory in Springfield requires additional supply of gunstocks to carry business through winter. Suggests an immediate order to take into account transportation and to give the Quartermaster adequate time. Has ordered Col. Williams to have a leather hose and 20 buckets made for the engine immediately.
Simmons certifies the sum due the contractor for the rations, quartermaster's stores, and hospital stores furnished to the recruits of the 2nd Regiment of Artillerists and Engineeers, under the command of Captain Eddins at Richmond, Virginia.
Certification of payment;$185.22 to Thompson Neale, for rations, quartermaster, hospital stores furnished for recruits of 11th Regiment of Infantry at Burlington, under command of Captain Marll.
McHenry warns that a great change has taken place in the affairs of Europe since the U.S. mission was undertaken. A treaty with France cannot, with regard to trade and commerce, place the U.S. in as good a situation as it is currently in. Such a treaty will expose U.S. trade to the most serious inconveniences. McHenry finds the dilemma extremely distressing.
