Cover for Captain Gates' receipt. Informs Simmons that he has not been able to obtain receipts from Lt. David Hale. Cited in Simmons to Jackson, 07/20/1798.
Response to McHenry's questions on the Provisional Army. Argues that - in the event of the bill being passed into law - President Adams should appoint officers for the army without delay, although the appointment of higher offices is not as urgent. Says field officers should be composed of proper and fit men.
The Secretary of Navy has ordered his storekeeper to take charge of all articles purchased for the use of the Navy so Harris is ordered to send such articles to the Navy store.
McHenry lists the candidates for appointments in the augmented army including those he considers the most intelligent and active officers in the American army.
Washington discusses his appointment to the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Provisional Army and how pleased he is with the public's confidence in him. He will accept the commission with the understanding that he will not be called into active duty unless the army absolutely requires his presence in the field.
At Niagara Town Mr. Williams took charge of Edward Day's baggage which contains the small trunk with the due bills. Those issued to James Caldwell will be faitfully transmitted by special messenger if necessary. The termination of this business will not injure the public, wound Hoddgdon, or disgrace Day.
Among other accounting and supply matters, Craig notes that the position of Assistant Quartermaster at the post at Natchez has been given to Mr. Bates who therefore will be leaving Pittsburgh soon. A replacement for him is needed whose compensation will be thirty dollars per month plus subsistence and two rations per day.
Among other matters, Hodgdon discusses a new mode of casting shot which results in an even surface and greater precision in weight. Hodgdon doubts whether this new method actually produces better shot since that produced by the old method was very effective in battering works and killing men.
Hodgdon states that the nine pounder cannon will not be transported until a suitable craft arrives and a party of men is available to receive them and get them on board.
