Letter, informs re motives to occupy post; discusses foreign encroachment on national boundary; discusses foreign affairs; mentions robbery in territory; alludes to Indian hostility & aggression; mentions White encroachment; describes frontier and pioneer life; mentions Baton Rouge. Likely, though not confirmed recipient is Hamilton.
In this Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, Hamilton tells the commanders that it is their decision in selecting the most economical means of distrubuting clothing to their regiments but the rendezvous of each district seems the best venue for equipping the recruting service.
Reports store and order of knapsacks and canteens. Does not want to order more than is needed because they become damaged and useless if they lie in store too long. Believes that good quality canteens can be purchased for a fair price in Boston.
Has examined plans for army duty reconfiguration. Requests information about how the parts apply to the whole, particularly pay, provisions, clothing, and stores. The Purveyor is to procure all supplies not immediately contracted for by department heads, and will require assistants. Outlines chain of command among deputies, the superintendent, and storekeepers. Requires precision at all times. The Quartermaster and Inspector General should maintain power over the Purveyor. Outlines chain of command to guard use and prevent abuse of stores. Proposes that as a superintendent he will have a real, not nominal, responsibility.
Certification of payments; $434.63 pay to detachment of Artillerists and Engineers stationed at Fort Wolcot, Rhode Island under command of Major Lewis Tousard.
Certification of payments; Peter Morgert, $10 reward for apprehending William Leabrook, deserter under Ensign George R. Chase, 1st Regiment, payable to Hugh Barclay.
Appears to state that Mr. Foncin, the superintendent engineer for Fort McHenry, will be paid out of government funds; says that no additional federal money can be allocated directly for the defense of Baltimore, but that the Baltimore Committee can and should submit vouchers for reimbursement of monies not adequately anticipated in Major Tousard's initial estimate.
Hawkins outlines the negotiations between Hawkins and the Creeks. Hawkins proposes that the chiefs elect two representative chiefs and ten hunters and guides for each to accompany Hawkins to Pensacola. The Indians are unsure of the plan, but agree to cooperate if a certain chief agrees with the plan.
Believes that at this point they are sufficiently informed of the state of things, and that they must bring their complaints to the national council, in order to get justice.
McHenry discusses the most economical way of sending the recruiting money to regimental paymasters and transporting clothing intended for the recruiting service.
Apparently Mr. Downing has agreed to relinquish his share of the wharfage agreeable to his promise. That being the case, Ashbridge's account should be adjusted accordingly and forwarded to him.
St. Clair encloses some of his observations relative to a letter from George Nicholas to his friend in Virginia and apoligizes for transmitting them so late that they will do no good beyond Kentucky.
Enclosed is an open letter to Mr. Harris. If Harris is not in Philadelphia, Hodgdon should arrange for the listed articles to be shipped to Eaton. Otherwise, the letter should be sealed and forwarded to the proper address.
Stevens has received the bill of lading of quartermaster's stores and forwarded it to Albany, He hopes Hodgdon has received the draft on the Secretary of State. Benjamin will proceed to Newport but has been delayed by the wind not being fair enough for the packets to sail. Stevens will soon move from his present situation to Beekman Street.
Routine correspondence concerning the appointment, transfer, promotion, discharge, desertion, leave, and assignment of individual officers and soldiers.
