Certification of payments; $77 due to James McHenry for expenses incurred on a journey to New York for the purpose of viewing the harbor of New York and the plan for its defense, June 1798.
Certification of payments; $95.90 due to Secretary of War James McHenry for expenses incurred for the month of July 1798 in a journey to Mount Vernon Virginia to the present commander in chief on business related to his commission.
Certification of payments; $277.39 pay to detachment of Artillerists and Engineers stationed at Fort Johnston, North Carolina under command of Sergeant James Williams, for pay of non-commissioned officers and privates.
Adams acknowledged House desire to strengthen defenses and adopting policy that would allow for a quick rally of troops. Adams assured Congress he would remain vigilant to nations ideal of independence.
Boundary disputes with Great Britain and Spain settled, poor relations with France continue. Tone of House defensive and gave full approval of Presidential authority to exercise rights to defend U.S. freedom.
Williams disputes the assertion that the Charleville muskets he delivered as patterns are inferior by two dollars to Mr. Ames' pattern. In fact, they are better by two dollars due to the superior workmanship of the lock and being better finished in other respects.
Report from Captain Truxton, of the frigate Constellation, that John Saunders acted as Lieutenant to the marines on board from 1 September. Saunders requests settlement.
Major Craig informs the Secretary at War that Captain Miller's troops are preparing to embark for Fort Washington and that water levels on the Ohio remain too low to ship stores.
Washington requested the nomination of Mr. Austis be withheld until he could consult with several family members. Discussed appointment of other officers in detail.
In addition to a discussion of the disposition of troops and problems supplying them, Hodgdon discusses a number of matters involving Colonel Sargent, Mr. Brooks, and General Washington.
Writes the Accountant of the Navy that, according to his books, Lieutenant Saunders has indeed not yet received his pay. However, Simmons advises that before paying Saunders, they pay the Army officers at the office first.
Letter of recommendation for Morris Delaney, whose service will be used to built a canal on the Potomac for Harper's Ferry. Recommends Delaney for his "fidelity, sobriety, and attention to his business."
Improvements to armed forces explained in detail. Washington suggested reducing the number of officers in the infantry and cavalry for multiple reasons. Washington also addressed the difficulty of obtaining materials and supplies for troops at a decent rate. It was advised that the President should be given the highest military rank due to his duties to the country and its citizens.
An alternative to William Smith has been presented for the post of Lieutenant Colonel Commandant. Apparently Smith has been charged in the opinion of his fellow citizens with serious misconduct.
