Enclosed certificate of Ensign Allison, Commander of Fort Pickering for money due the Ensign. Pope also requested information on money due Sgt. Slaughter. Money should be forwarded to Col. Carrington.
Upon arriving in Charleston, the Commanding Officer of the Troops is to give the captain of the vessel the number of men and women for whom the United States is to pay the passage and the freight of their articles.
What quantity of wood is allowed to the following officers: a Major Commandant, a Captain, a Lieutenant, a Regimental Commandant? How much straw is allowed a Regimental Commandant? What is the price of a marquee, a horseman's tent, a soldier's tent? In Detroit a Major is allowed 35 cords but that is a colder climate. How much stationery is allowed?
There appears to be a contradiction between the account stated for Levy Beard and the certificate. The first expresses that there is due him some articles of clothing and the other shows no balance. There is also information regarding Beard and a mare belonging to the United States so Simmons needs to know what became of the mare.
Stresses the importance of the Floridas for the United States, arguing that whichever European nation holds Florida also possess the key to the Mississippi River, directly impacting inhabitants in the west. Fears that French control of Florida would require a constant military establishment in the west due to their dangerous influence over the inhabitants. Suggests that in the case of France possessing the Floridas, the United States should enter into an alliance with Great Britain to secure the Floridas for the U.S. Goes into detail about the military force required, along with Spain's role.
With the permission of the Secretary of War, Wilkins plans to travel to Philadelphia where he hopes to meet with Hodgdon and thank him for the many favors he has provided. He also will purchase the Quartermaster's stores he requires for the ensuing season. He wants to subscribe to the "Country Porcupine" and have it sent to Captain Pasteur at Cincinnati.
Enclosed letter delivered by Wyandot Indian yesterday with letter from Isaac Williams of Sandusky directing payment of Indian. Quartermaster General will not admit the charge, so Craig requests instructions on how to handle payment. Requests final destination of Miller's detachment that marches for Pittsburgh in order to provide appropriate accommodations. Water level of Allegheny river is still too low to launch galley.
Hamilton, Commander-and-Chief, and General Pinckney agreed officers should receive an additional allowance while traveling. It was further specified that there should be rates outlined so officers do not abuse the extra allowances. Further discussion on the subject.
Certification of payments: $626.91 company of 1st Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, Fort Johnston, South Carolina under command of Captain Michael Kalteisen; for pay of himself, Lieutenant Jonathan Robeson, Surgeon's Mate Frederick Dalcho, including forage, and pay of non commissioned officers and privates.
Swan reports that Wilkinson has put him in charge while away from the post at Cincinnati [presumably Fort Washington]. Discusses some of his instructions and some of the difficulties that have occurred in the execution of the system for the payment of the troops.
Generals Washington, Pinckney, and Hamilton are in Philadelphia to form a good selection of officers for the new army and assist in the arrangements connected with it. McHenry refuses to disguise Washington's opinion of the Directory's conduct. The people appear to be losing their dread of war and have opened their eyes to the policies of the French Directory. The elections in South Carolina appear favorable to the Federal cause. Several counties in Virginia and Kentucky have been thrown into violent convulsions. There are some who believe that an army on paper may be enough to influence France to negotiate an honorable treaty.
None of the contractors, merchants, or engineers have been paid for their work on the fortifications in New York City. Stevens requested money to settle bills or some arrangement for Mr. Furman or Stevens to discharge bills. Those employed are wanting of money immediately due to the yellow fever outbreak that occurred during summer/fall of 1798.
Discusses debt, rents, and the store owned by James Caldwell. Encloses a request to William Simmons - accountant at the Treasury - to pay to Hodgdon a balance of $82.06.
