Certification of payments; $125.60 to Major Thomas Cushing, 1st Regiment of Infantry and Inspector for pay, subsistence, and forage for month of January 1799.
Informs Ensign Boote that the Accountant's Office has received his letter enclosing muster and pay rolls. Mentions Nicholas Fish, Supervisor of New York.
Refers to appointment by General Washington to lead US army and the unusual and urgent circumstances. Outlines certain garrisons and forts. Discusses activity along the Western frontier. Requests immediate response to instructions. Announces General Hamilton's responsibility overseeing all troops. Mentions issue of raising troops and detachment of officers and non-commissioned officers. Encloses copies of letters.
Lists eleven questions the Secretary of War must answer relative to the business at Harpers Ferry, including what buildings should be erected, the number of mechanics needed, the location of the sites of the buildings, the route for transporting the iron, burning bricks, etc.
In an enclosure [not included], Pinckney sends the assignments of most of the officers from North Carolina being given positions in the provisional army, having been selected by the governor from the list prepared by the War Department. Also includes several officers from Tennessee, who are in the same regiment as these North Carolinians, so that relative rank within the regiment might be fixed.
Responding to Hodgdon's concern that the muskets would not arrive in time, Kilty applied one of the muskets already on hand to the purpose for which the others had been directed so no inconvenience should arise.
Enclose an account of expenditures and trouble with shipping of goods from Philadelphia. Request payment to John Barnes. Have sent goods to destinations except for box of stationary.
Writes from Detroit that he has received the clothing requested, including vests and woolen overalls. Adds that he hopes the troops will receive such supplies in a more timely manner in the future.
Major Craig forwards a return of clothing, quartermaster, hospital, and ordinance stores to the Secretary at War. Craig also mentions that he will be traveling to Philadelphia.
Refers to interactions with the President regarding Hamilton's requests, but Adams will not be hurried on any decision. Mentions need for recruiting service. Expresses concern for costs and nomination process.
McHenry comments on the lack of urgency on the part of the President in forwarding instructions to Hamilton. He also has presented a list of nominations to the President which, it is hoped, does not exclude meritorious young men.
Notes that Israel Chapin - Deputy Agent of the Six Nations - has received a credit of $1650, the amount of goods received in part of the annuity granted to the Indians.
