Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
Smith assures Hamilton that Captain Church, Hamilton's new Aide de Camp, will not be required to recruit his company unless Hamilton permits him to do so. According to the 6th section of the Act for the better organizing of the Troops, Church's replacement in the regiment should be supplied by promotion or by a new appointment.
Refers to the commission of officers for Captain Hays company of volunteer riflemen. Mentions government's impropriety of federalist practices. Recommends volunteer riflemen of Ablemarl. Refers to requests of the President and assures that all laws have been kept. Speaks of elections and the future selection of a vice president.
Expresses opinion that the President has no power to appoint officers to battalions. Distinguishes between filling a vacancy and appointment of a new office.
Hamilton forwards a letter from Justus Barnum who is applying for a majority in the Army. Colonel Taylor has apprised Hamilton that he views Barnum and his application favorably.
Hamilton reports to General Washington on the state of recruiting and supplying what he refers to as the Provisional Army. He observes that If McHenry's actions were the equal of his good intentions, the public service would benefit immensely.
Neither the President nor the Secretary of the Treasury seem entirely convinced of the utility of such an army.
Received letter about medicine and hospital stores marked Fort Massac and West Florida. The Secretary of War suggests the whole supply be sent to Fort Massac. The commanding officer there should wait for more direction from General Wilkins about what to keep there and what to send out to the various posts. Requests that he write to the commanding officer of Mississippi to inform him of the supplies at Fort Massac and to wait for orders from Wilkinson. A trunk has been forwarded to Jonathon Schieffelin in Detroit which should be sent by the first conveyance. Hodgdon has gone to New York but will return in a few days.
Certification of payment; $176.96 Captain James Stettel, 2d Regiment Artillerists and Engineers, for bounties and enlistment premiums and expenses pursuing deserters.
