Along with his returns for the second quarter of 1799 Fleming notes that he delivered the apparatus for the brass french four-pounder to Captain McClallen on General Hamilton's order in the belief that the general would not have given such an order without authorization from the Secretary of War.
"Mr. Thomas Y. Howe in answer to my inquiry whether a second lieutenancy in the 11th Regiment, in addition to his appointment as secretary to the Inspector General [Hamilton] would suit his ideas, says 'As the measure has been proposed by General Hamilton, [I] will accept with pleasure.'"
States that the army and navy are equally necessary for the safety and prosperity of the U.S., and that "we must own the risks" as other nations do. Discusses the application of Hamilton's plan of military supply, which was feared to require the approval of Congress, but apparently does not.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers
Adams notes that he has weighed the case of Joseph Perkins, a recently court-martialled private, and signed a warrant for his execution. In the manner of the discussion of Sgt. Richard Hunt's court martial, Adams signifies his willingness to have the department heads [Cabinet] review this case as well.
Approves Stevens's salary request. Expresses support for Stevens and his work at the assigned post. Reports the building of bell tents and wonders if Stevens knows anything about their construction.
Certification of payment; $164 pay to a company, 2d Regiment Artillerists and Engineers stationed at Fort Jay, New York under command of Captain James Read
Simmons responds to Stille's objections regarding the settlement of his subsistence account. Simmons informs Stille to expect payment from Nicholas Fish.
Circular to the field Officers of the twelve additional regiments. In this circular, McHenry asked for the details of each officer's military service, which be used in settling their relative rank;
Responds to Adams' request for McHenry's opinion on the matter of Ensign David Fero, who was sentenced to dismissal from the army some time before, and had appealed to Adams. Considers the question of whether Fero's refusal to plead innocent or guilty (instead "standing mute") should affect his status, reviewing military and civil precedents, and concludes that such persons were still punished if found guilty. Importunes Adams to not yield to Fero's obstinacy, as it would do injury to the service and the president's reputation. Mentions that a letter informing Fero of his discharge has already been sent.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers
States that this letter will be handed to him by John Coates (?), former resident of Antigua, and resident of New York for the last seven years. He served in a Navy Yard in London and now desired to be employed as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marines. Also requests that Hodgdon introduce this individual to the Navy Secretary.
Encloses duplicates of the Quarterly Returns of the Clothing and Indian Commissary Departments. Cannot, as of yet, send copies of the vouchers. Indians are gathering, there has been an altercation between some Potawatamies and Miami. There is no news of the lost trunk.
