Questions officers' pay. Lists his highest priorities, including preservation of internal peace balanced by a strong military force. Speaks of diplomatic relations in terms of domestic military efforts.
Routine instructions and correspondence concerning Army recruiting and concerning the organization of individual regiments and concerning Army supplies, quarters, and pay.
"I think the information contained in the enclosed letter from Mr. Patterson [is] entitled to attention. The writer stands high in the opinion of Mr. Sitgreaves and I have always heard him spoken of as a man of honor and veracity. He was a candidate for one of the regiments. Be pleased to return me the letter."
Steele informs Simmons of three accounts that have been closed on the books of the Treasury. Simmons is required to hold the parties accountable on his own books as may be appropriate. The accounts belong to the following agents responsible for erecting fortifications near Charleston: William Crafts, Daniel DeSaussure, and Henry William DeSaussure.
Acknowledges receipt of a copy of McHenry's letter to Mr. Foncin, superintendent engineer of Fort McHenry. Informs McHenry that two members of the Baltimore Naval Committee are traveling to Philadelphia to meet and negotiate with him on the Fort McHenry project, with the full authority of the whole committee.
Recommends Captain James Taylor to the President to be appointed as Surveyor for a port to be built near Ocracoke Inlet. Requests that Taylor not be given orders on any service in competition with this appointment. Because the location is mostly uninhabited, the commander of the military post should come under the Officer of the Revenue.
Reports receipt of Mr. Morrow's account for advances; has credited the account and placed it in Langham's debit. If there are any other claims, please make them now.
Certification of payment; $16.36 to Lieutenant Robert W. Osborne, 1st Regiment Artillerists and Engineers, for incidental and contingent expenses during attendance on General Court Martial and while pursuing deserters.
Certification of payment; $191.03 to detachment of 1st Regiment Artillerists and Engineers stationed at Fort Mifflin under command of Ebenezer Massey, for pay and forage.
