Account of a conversation with the Chevalier Yruho, who visited the Adamses in Quincy, Massachusetts. Mentions that Yruho engaged in a non-personal diplomatic dispute with Secretary Pickering respecting what he thought were American plans to invade Louisiana. Stresses that Spain should act reasonably and that the United States is the best neighbor that Spanish colonies could have, as long as they pursue a sensible line of conduct. Argues that if France were to get Louisiana, they would likely extend their power. Chevalier Yruho insists that Spain has no intentions to hand Louisiana over to the French.
Hale paid off men mustered in January and February, planned to pay off remaining troops to "make his accounts more regular" prior to his absence and turning over men in his command to Capt. Frye. Request for money to settle bounty due troops.
Simmons informs Miller that his pay and muster rolls have arrived and that payment will be delayed until Congress passes the necessary appropriations. This letter reflects the troops displeasure over not being paid.
Certification that $263.11 is due a detachment of recruits at Middletown under the command of Captain Edward Miller, being the pay of himself and Ensign Samuel Parmele and the non-commissioned officers and privates for March 1798.
Certification that $23.61 is due Private Timothy Haley of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, being his pay from October 1, 1797 to March 28, 1798, the day of his discharge.
Request to hire new clerk of the navy yard in Baltimore following assignment of previous ship yard clerk Isaac Garretson as purser of frigate Constellation. Pay for clerk at ship yard $400 per year.
Enclosed are the vouchers respecting Powers' claims. He knows that Hodgdon is best acquainted with his business and for his attention and introduction to friends and members of Congress at New York, Powers promises to give Hodgdon a present of five hundred dollars specie if his business is resolved favorably.
Major Craig informs Samuel Hodgdon of a credit that has been applied to his account. Craig also forwards to Hodgdon a waggoner's receipts for the shipment of Doctor Balfour's chest.
