Biggs is presently making up an order for London and needs a set of gunner's calipers that are better adapted for his use than those previously received. Since Hodgdon may already have them on hand, Biggs asks for a description so that he can assess whether they will meet his needs. He offers to order any other military instruments, such as shot gauges, that are not available locally.
Certification that twenty dollars is due Pvt. Anthony Strokes of Captain Prior's Company, and waiter to Caleb Swan, Paymaster General, being his pay through December 1797.
Certification that $396.76 is due a detachment of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers stationed at Fort Norfolk under Captain Richard Blackburn, being the pay of himself, Lieutenant John Saunders, Lieutenant James Tripplett, Cadets Peter Lambkin and Thomas Blackburn, Surgeon's Mate William Barnwell (including forage) and the non-commissioned officers and privates, through January 1798
Certification that $52.99 is due the estate of Thomas Smith, clerk of the Navy Yard at Philadelphia being his salary from August 15, 1797, the date of his appointment, to September 22, 1797, following the day of his death.
Contains McHenry's observations concerning a potential war with France. He says that the people of the U.S. are quite averse to war; if present negotiations fail, he recommends an informal war, which will arouse less ire among the people and still leave "a door open for negotiation." Includes specific recommendations to Congress for such a state of informal war, such as commissioning new sloops of war, quickly finishing the frigates now under construction, expansion of the army, and suspension of treaties with France. Advises Adams on how to bring the matter to Congress gently. Also opines on an embargo, which he finds unfeasible, and relations with Spain, Holland, Portugal, & England, as to how to avoid offending them while attempting to resolve the issues with France.
Murder of Indian Commissioner and wounding of 2 Creeks met with swift punishment for offender. Money to pay Georgia militia lodged at Branch Bank of Charleston.
