Forwards request of the officers of a company of [militia] artillerymen from Northampton, Massachusetts for the loan of two brass cannon from the armory at Springfield, Massachusetts.
"...I hesitate whether the invitation ought to extend to the contractors for Massachusetts. Their price is as low as it can well be. The position heretofore intended for three regiments is in Massachusetts and it seems just that the moderation of the contractors there should be rewarded by the enjoyment of the advantage. The competition of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey may be excited with a view to the three regiments, which were intended to placed in the vicinity of Brunswick."
Harper discusses his current situation as a lawyer in Baltimore but assures McHenry that he stands ready to return to military service if the need should arise. He would require at least a colonel's commission although he would expect to be a brigadier. He fears an attack by the French.
Hamilton reports that the President has granted amnesty to Sergeant Hunt, an act of forgiveness that will save him from being put to death. Hamilton argues that Hunt's execution would have been counter to the sentiments of the public and perhaps even have damaged the reputation of the military establishment.
"The principle you suggest for my consideration, though if it could be introduced it would work well, cannot in my opinion be put into practice. It would contravene too much pretension rooted as well in the human heart as in unconquerable prejudices of the military state by which expression I include the naval department. Carrying in the very fact an avowed preference humiliating to the pride of the superior officer and reversing the order of antecedent relations, a cheerful submission could never be obtained. The alternative you mention is the proper expedient and a very necessary one it is. It will be happy if Congress can be induced to adopt it."
Hamilton encloses a plan for the uniforms of the army and asks that models of clothing be made according to the plan, beginning with the uniform for privates.
Reports that the balance of McKinley's account has long been paid to Alexander Turner as reimbursement for monies advanced to support McKinley's deserted wife and children.
The Secretary of War is thinking about removing powder from Albany to West Point. Questions if there is suitable room and place to store about 28-30 tons in addition to what is already there, or if the magazine is exposed to dampness. Requests information soon.
Certification of payment; $118.68 to Lieutenant William Steele, 2d Regiment Artillerists and Engineers for extra pay as Surgeons Mate, West Point, and for passage from West Point New York to Portland Maine.
Certification of payment; $9.53 to Private William Wellman, 2d Regiment of Infantry, for pay and forage and travel expenses from Presque Isle to Killingsworth Connecticut.
Hagner informs Ingersoll that applications for recruiting funds are made to Major General Hamilton. Hagner authorizes Ingersoll to pay bounties from monies on hand.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers
