Certification that that $290.29 is due a detachment of recruits enlisted by Captain John Henry of the 2nd Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers and stationed at New York under his command, being the pay of the recruits from their dates of enlistment through August 1798.
Notifies Adams that he will follow the president's prescriptions for assignments of relative rank for Generals Knox, Pinckney and Hamilton, dating their commissions in that order. Expresses shock at a potential implication that he has been involved in any "intrigue" surrounding the relative rank issue, and states that he will resign if Adams persists in believing this.
McHenry requested expediency from Hamilton in his approval on subject contained in enclosed documents. Requested papers be returned immediately since he did not make extracts or copies of the documents.
Forwards a letter and table submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury [Oliver Wolcott, Jr.] concerning army expenditures for the next six months. Says he shall inform Adams of Wolcott's response once he has it; also informs Adams of General Hand's acceptance of an appointment to the provisional army.
Swan informs McHenry that he has drawn a duplicate set of bills of exchange, number 282, at Cincinnati on 5 September 1798 in favor of John Willson for $600 for pay of army.
Hodgdon is surpised at Henry's comment on the condition of the clothing which was packed carefully and sent on board the Sloop "Patience," whose captain guaranteed safe delivery.
Among other matters, Hodgdon discusses the shortage of tents, the availability of field pieces, and the need to construct a shed to shelter the pieces.
Hodgdon advises McHenry of the advisability of producing cavalry equipment in Philadelphia. This equipment can be made as cheaply there as elsewhere and will provide employment for mechanics during the winter.
