Rice explains that he awaits Colonel Brooks' assistance in arranging Massachusetts into districts and still has not nominated the rest of his regimental staff due to reasons already enumerated.
Hamilton affirms that when death is inflicted as punishment by a General Court Martial, two-thirds of the members should concur and that should be clearly shown in the proceedings.
Hamilton observes that the Articles of War require that two thirds of the members of the Court must vote to convict in cases where the death penalty is inflicted. He presumes that was true in the trial of Sergeant Hunt and directs Morton to insert a clause in the trial proceedings stating that fact.
The Secretary of War has authorized the hiring of temporary drummers and fifers for the recruiting service until others can be enlisted. New recruits should not remain long at their company rendezvous but should immediately march to their District or Regimental rendezvous.
Wants to know about the marks and number of hogsheads used for conveyance of clothing from Albany to northern posts of Oswego and Niagara. Wants to know if each hogshead contained a list of its contents.
Addresses the issue of a Captain Gates, who was instructed to recruit but not to promise any officer positions to individuals. Gates apparently did so, promising a man an appointment as a cadet (referred to as a rank between that of sergeant and lieutenant). States that such practices must be stopped, and later proposes an added clause to recruiting instructions which clarifies the point. Informs Adams that a man he recommended is being appointed a cadet in the 2d Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers.
Hamilton questions whether he has the authority to approve or disapprove sentences of Court Martials that have been instituted by officials other than himself.
States that 500 muskets and 63,500 flints have been delivered from Hamburg to Ebenezer Stevens, the New York Agent of the War Department. Also mentions New York merchants James and Ebenezer Watson, whose accounts were adjusted for freight charges upon the importation of cannon and small arms.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
Refers to previous accounts of muskets, cases, gunworms, and proving wires received from James & Ebenezer Watson. Expresses concern that one record does not match up the other; anxious to rectify accounts. Seeks advice on a reputable boarding house in York run by Mrs. Montgomery.
Reports delivery of Charlottesville muskets and cartouche boxes for volunteer corps. Arms and equipment is now with a company of militia in Bristol. They must follow the law for disbursement of arms.
