The Secretary at War mentions the following to Rufus King: Indians are asking for medals that have been promised to them; discusses the design of the medals; and McHenry asks King to procure a book in England entitled "Rules and Regulations for the Fortification, Field Exercise, and Movements of His Majesty's Forces;"
Encloses a return of persons entitled to land received from the Executive of the State of Virginia, requesting that the return be examined by the Accountant.
McHenry congratulates Smith - U.S. ambassador to Portugal - for beginning to master the Portuguese language, stressing that fluency is integral to diplomatic relations. With respect to Spain, McHenry argues that Spain has more to dread from war with the United States than the U.S. does, and suggests that Smith keep that in mind in diplomacy.
CITATION IN FULL TEXT DOCUMENT, GIST OF F.T. AS FOLLOWS:
[William Simmons discusses the settlement of accounts that reflect retained rations with Colonel William Heth. Simmons also mentions compiling abstracts of delinquent accounts.]
Enclosed receipts, requested credit to account. Notification that quarters were crowded, Frye commissioned the use of an out building for barracks and hospital. Hired a soldiers wife to serve as a nurse, authorized her payment. Requested blank muster and pay rolls.
Wolcott questions the legality of the informal Power of Attorney Samuell Hodgdon received from Mr. Wilkins. The Comptroller of the Treasury recommends that Hodgdon procure a power that will authorize future advances
Memorandum of Indian information from William Claiborne. Discusses Cherokee settlement and an Indian delegation to the Spanish. The Spanish allegedly sought to place the southern tribes under Spanish protection, in violation of Pinckney's Treaty.
Thanked Hodgdon for supervising Col. Forrest during land purchase. Requested result of application to Congress for resurvey of land on the Ohio river. Some canons have arrived.
CITATION IN FULL TEXT DOCUMENT, GIST OF F.T. AS FOLLOWS:
[William Simmons discusses the general field and staff roll of the Virginia Militia under General Morgan with James Stephenson.]
Senator Langhorn of New Hampshire delivered money owed the Treasury by Capt. Daniel Tilton Pryor as a favor for Wentworth who now enclosed receipts from Treasurer that were returned by Mr. Langhorn.
Sends his "account current" with explanation of certain items, including the entertainment of visitors to the fort. Mentions visits of British officers. Entertainment of visitors has been worthwhile in establishing good relations. But now that the Fort is no longer a novelty, double rations is probably a liberal allowance.
Mentions duty as paymaster, expenses of marching a detachment from Mud Island to West Point, difficulties of recruiting at the fort, the drinking of his sergeant and its effect on the accuracy of the payrolls, and money spent for the recruiting service. Cited in Simmons to Bruff, 12/20/1797.
