George Salmon surveys the impending Congressional elections of 1798 in Maryland for James McHenry. Salmon notes that "party spirit rages every where and with great violence." He also says that "parties [presumably party politics] are beyond anything ever before known." According to Salmon, "the election begins next Monday and disagreeable consequences may be expected" in Maryland. Salmon calls Joshua Seney "Galatin the Second." Salmon is presumably an ardent Federalist and believes that the State of Maryland will not be represented in so proper manner as formerly.
Washington confides to Hamilton that he cannot comment on the relative rank of the three major generals until he receives an official account of the President's determination.
Enclosed are the Muster Rolls and Payrolls for the party of Artillerists and Engineers at Fort Johnstone, North Carolina for July and August 1798. The receipt rolls for April, May,and June lack the name of James Williams since he is on duty at Fayetteville, ninety miles distant.
Perkins informs Hodgdon that he and Mr. Small arrived in Harpers Ferry on Friday. Mr. Mackey met them and provided them with the letter from Hodgdon. Perkins replies that the gunsmithing tools from New London have not arrived yet, unfortunate because their shop is almost ready to begin business. Perkins suggests that he will come to Philadelphia soon to pick up other vital tools as well. Mentioned yellow fever.
Jones wrote Hodgdon the Saturday before last asking for information on the date of arrival of the cannon, arms and military stores that were to be sent there in May. Additionally, Jones was informed that the same Saturday Timothy Banger had gone to visit his wife and was to return on Tuesday. As of that Friday he has not been heard from, and Jones expresses worry that something may have befallen him. Jones asks to be informed as soon as there is word from Banger, and also conveys words of encouragement to Hodgdon.
Caldwell has a certificate from Abraham Kirkpatrick, late Commissary General in Wayne's army, for a sum due him for services rendered as Assistant Commissary. Apparently the fever is so mortal in Philadelphia that most of the inhabitants have moved out to the country. Caldwell wants to know the best means for acquiring his money.
