Forwards the proceedings of a court martial convened on the Natchez in July 1798. Ensign David Fero has been sentenced to dismissal from the service, which Adams must approve. Apparently Fero objected to some of the members of the court, but his request that other officers serve could not be granted (due to the shortage of officers on the frontier). He refused to plead to any of the charges, and the trial proceeded. McHenry informs Adams of the old English statutes which govern military persons who refuse to plead at their trials. Advises Adams on what to do, concluding by recommending the execution of the sentence of dismissal.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
States that it is expedient to empower the Commanding General of an army to decide and execute upon all sentences of the court martial, including any recommendations of clemency, for the crime of desertion. Discusses penalties for desertion and insists that no pardon ought to be extended to deserters or traitors to the enemy.
Henley's account has been closed on the books of Treasury, agreeable to the certificate of the Register. Remarks enclosed point out a deficiency in vouchers.
Notification that the Quartermaster has no control or superintendence over Hospital or Ordnance Departments therefore he will not admit charges from these departments to the Quartermaster's Department. Account of armourer suspended until Craig attends to it. Flat bottomed boat will all Chickasaw annuities sent forward. Doctors transported on same boat. Lyman and Turner's companies have been paid.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers; routine instructions and correspondence concerning Army recruiting; and routine instructions and correspondence concerning Army supplies, quarters, and pay.
Refers to General Hamilton's concern about the War Department's store as a deposit for supplies in New York. He desires that all requests be made through Stevens, and that they are promptly furnished. The Quartermaster General is responsible for the transportation of all stores. Requests careful accounts and debits. Refers to present system of accountability for Quartermaster General and regimental paymaster. Until a Commissary of Military Stores is established, such accounts will go through Hodgdon. Reports that requested packages were finally made, articles purchased, and credited to proper accounts. Predicts that the Secretary of War will approve. Requests particular details.
