Lewis notifies Hodgdon of impending settlement of bill of exchange. Lewis also requests information regarding the deaths of Fenno, Bache, and Thompson (also known as Indian Queen). Affirmed good health of everyone at the War Department;
Encloses rules and regulations regarding the recruiting service. Informs Boote that Major Adam Hoops has been appointed to superintend the district at New Brunswick, but will presently reside at a garrison in New York harbor.
Apologizes for not responding earlier, due to the evacuation of the public offices from fever-stricken Philadelphia. Congratulates the recipient on Georgia's adoption of a new constitution, and hopes for a new period in which the federal government will not have headaches caused by "the western lands" [presumably of Georgia]. Also approves of Georgia and South Carolina's barring entrance to people from Port au Prince, and says the U.S. would do well to prevent such people of color from gaining entrance. Recommends a well-prepared militia for response to sudden emergencies in Georgia's defense; notes that the new Navy is preparing galleys to defend Georgia's coastline. Refers to some incident involving Indians at Coleraine as outside the U.S. boundary and thus his jurisdiction. Mentions that negotiations between "Mr. Seagrove" and a Spanish government agent concerning Negroes have created a need to place the issue before the president and Congress; asks that Georgia abide by the current laws until such time as they might be changed.
Congratulations on adoption of state constitution. Admiration of Georgia and South Carolina for their vigilance in preventing three refugees from Port-au-Prince from entering their respective states.
Contract between Wolcott and Matthias Shroyer, Taney Town Maryland for manufacture of 1000 muskets complete with bayonets and ramrods, fit for service to be delivered at Frederick Town Maryland.
Articles of agreement between Wolcott and Elie Williams of Hagerstown Maryland for manufacture of 2000 arms complete with bayonets and ramrods, fit for service and to be delivered at Hagerstown Maryland.
Campbell informs Hodgdon that Alexander Hamilton needs his assistance in settling the affairs of his deceased son James Hamilton until his son Matthew Hamilton can provide that assistance.
Harris is directed to forward to John Kilty, Supervisor of Revenue at Baltimore, the best six muskets of the Charleville model in the public stores to serve as patterns for small arms which residents of the State of Maryland have contracted to fabricate for the use of the United States. The muskets must be packed so as to shield them from injury and, if there is no vessel sailing soon from Baltimore, they should be sent by land and water stage.
In order to discharge fifteen acceptances on the Quartermaster General's drafts, Hodgdon requests the issue of a draft in his favor, to be charged to the Quartermaster General.
Certification that $324.12 is due a company of Artillerists and Engineers under the command of Captain William Littlefield, being the pay of the commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates through August 1798.
Certification that $92 is due Lieutenant William Steele of the 2nd Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, and late Surgeon's Mate in the 1st Regiment, being for his pay and forage as Surgeon's Mate from 10 June 1798 and his pay as lieutenant from 11 June, the date of his acceptance, to 31 August 1798.
Certification that $195.90 is due Lieutenant Thomas Underwood of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, being for his pay and subsistence for April through August 1798.
Appoints Jackson as commandant of recruiting parties in Massachusetts; orders him to inspect Castle Island and report on its readiness to receive recruits, once the convicts detained there have been removed. Notifies Jackson of the commanders now recruiting in his district; specifies certain recruiting regulations as suspended during the current mobilization. These stipulations are meant to confirm that extra allowances of ration or money are not currently applicable.
