Enclosed are the receipts and la ist of names of men enlisted by Lt. Dransy at West Point together with his account which he asks Simmons to discharge.
Refers to rules and regulations for all quartermasters. Outlines proper expenditure and reporting process for stores and public supplies. All supplies should be for public use. Outlines which records should be kept, including pay, recruitment, bounties, substance, clothing, hospital, ordnance, fortifications, etc. Outlines military called to act against insurrection in western Pennsylvania.
Caleb Swan reports to McHenry that he has drawn up duplicate set of bills of exchange in favor of Abijah & [illegible] for $500 at Cincinnati for pay of Army 1798
Uriah Tracy informs James McHenry that Governor Jonathan Trumbull and Colonel Wadsworth from Connecticut are preparing names for officers in an additional regiment for the Provisional Army. Tracy expresses frustration with many Americans' opposition to the Provisional Army, including a reluctant John Adams. Tracy insists that the officers for the twelve regiments of the Provisional Army need to be appointed as soon as possible, because delay could harm the project.
Certification of payments; $82 for pay to Frederick Sprig, Military Storekeeper at West Point to be transmitted to Nicholas Fish, Supervisor of New York.
Informs Ensign Boote that the Accountant's Office has received his letter enclosing muster and pay rolls of his recruits. Also discusses the marriage certificate of Thomas Hill.
Inquires upon why he has not yet received a response to his request for stationary and tools to be forwarded to Harper's Ferry. Also mentions finances and accounts.
Concerns about local elections; mentions Smith's interests and opposition. Refers to election of Craik and Dart. Expresses concern about elections in Maryland but has high hopes for elections in Virginia. Discusses campaign funds and concerns about Smith and Winchester. Speaks of Buchanan's intention for the Legislature. Mentions tension with Hearth.
Salmon discusses the Maryland Congressional elections of 1798 with James McHenry. Smith's interest among mechanics and militia will surmount all opposition. All merchants and people of fortune made every exertion much to their credit. Salmon notes that all that was required of him was his vote and private support. He notes astonishment at the numbers who would not interest themselves, even though they make their living from the government. Craik and Dent elected without opposition; Sprig has turned out; Christie has got his election; not certain whether Hindman will be continued, but generally imagined he will succeed. If so, State of Maryland won't appear worse than formerly. Elections in Virginia will show wonderful change for better. Enclosed was written by Bourne of Amsterdam; Salmon had extract inserted in papers. Smith's election must have cost $4000; a trifle for a man who is anxious to make money; he had a dreadful mob that made every thinking person apprehend mischief. Buchanan has given information; he means to apply to legislature for relief from creditors. He would have been helped here with health; but we are ready to tear one another's eyes out. This is a poor world and Salmon is tired of its follies;
As usual, Sargent has much to say but his untelligible scrawl renders his letter meaningless except for the following: the death of Dr. Hodge; looking glasses.
Amidst a discussion of sundry supply matters, McLane says that he is pleased to hear that Hodgdon has been seen passing in apparent health through the streets of Philadelphia where so much disease and death have prevailed. Despite a few cases and some mortality, he thankfully reports that for the most part Germantown has escaped the ravages of disease.
