Encloses a letter from John Hampden Palmer, the grandson of Revolutionary War General Joseph Palmer, who is seeking an appointment to the army. Adams commends him as a man of "sprightly abilities."
Gates has complied with Simmons' request for a list of names and sums to accompany receipts for bounties. He notes that Benjamin Millken always puts a cross to his name as his own private mark.
Certification that $620.36 is due Joseph Philips, Surgeon in the 3rd Regiment of Infantry, being for his pay and forage for January through August 1798 and his subsistence for June and July 1798.
McHenry notified Simmons that "it would be proper" for him or for the Chief Clerk to examine letters from Col. Stevens and determine which letters or parts of letters were necessary for settlement of Stevens accounts.
Comments that it seems hard to please the governor of Georgia. Notes that substantial shipments of cannon, arms & ammunition have been sent to Savannah. McHenry has had them stockpiled there to be used by the militia if sudden danger should strike; the governor apparently wants them distributed now. Refers to the affair of libel by Major Brooks by saying that he has no more real knowledge of the man than Adams does. Mentions that he has sent Major Tousard to survey defenses for Newport, Rhode Island -- regrets "the recourse to other than natives" [referring to Tousard's French birth and former service], and laments a quandary of having to choose between spending money on men who are less than fully competent and foreigners who have greater experience. Does refer, with hope, to Congress' approval of teachers for the corps of artillerists & engineers, saying the prospects for producing great native engineers are improving. Concludes by expressing hope that Mrs. Adams will soon recover from her illness.
Recognizes difficulty to please governor of Georgia; lists items sent to troops there. Has no relationship with Brooks. Encloses correspondence from several different people about different movements in different locations.
Along with a discussion of a number of other matters, Craig expresses his pleasure that the Hodgdon family is safe though still in the midst of imminent danger. He has received four Freneau papers though publication may be discontinued should the editor fall victim to the traveling malady.
Sick sailors left at Newport, RI and Norfolk, VA. Stoddert noted that in the future sailors will be left at New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. Doctors employed at considerable expense to tend to the sick, Stoddert requested arrangements be made for treatment by surgeons stationed at noted locations for future sick sailors.
Reports leaving sick sailors at various ports. Doctors have been employed at great expense. Seeks assistance with arrangements for troops and surgeons to be stationed.
