Swan transmits to McHenry the receipt of Robert Innes for the sum of three thousand dollars on account of the pay of the Army up to the 30th of September 1797.
Money advanced to Dallas by warrant for pay of Pennsylvania militia called up to suppress an insurrection in the Western counties of Pennsylvania must be refunded to War Office since no vouchers were transmitted to Treasurer to exonerate Dallas. Col. Neville was furnished with corrections to attend to final settlement of said expedition.Neville will visit Office on the 15th by which time Simmons hoped vouchers will be furnished by Dallas. Simmons requested details of Dallas' current account.
Certification that $48.98 is due a detachment of recruits under the command of Ensign William R. Boote, being their pay from their dates of enlistment to October 1, 1797.
Certification that $429.33 is due Lt. John Steele and the recruits under his command, being his pay for March through October 1797 and their pay from their dates of enlistment through October 1797.
Certification that $15.77 is due Private David Patterson, late of Captain John Smith's Company of Levies, being the balance of his pay for April 2, 1791, the date of his enlistment, to November 14, 1791, the day he re-enlisted.
The Secretary at War mentions a letter sent by his nephew John McHenry, written during James McHenry's indisposition. Hopes that the letter had the intended effect.
Instructions for artillery and infantry at Pittsburgh and promotions for soldiers. Details how to communicate with French and Spanish. Refers to US treaty with Spain. Encourages friendly relationship with the Indians and Spanish.
Instructions for detachment of troops at Chickasaw Bluff and how to deal with the Spaniards. Refers to US treaty with Spain and Baron de Carondelet, Spanish Governor. Details instructions for artillerists and troops. Asks him to watch Natchez and Chickasaw Bluff and supplies, including rifles, saddles, armaments for the Choctaws. Mentions Indian runners from Tellico to Knoxville.
Reports progress with troops along the Mississippi. Provides instructions to proceed to Pittsburgh and report to James O'Hara and Isaac Craig for supplies and transportation. Refers to salary.
Discusses distribution of U.S. forces in territory east of the Mississippi. Requests that information be forwarded to post commanders wherever Guion is not, be they Walnut Hills, Chickasaw Bluffs, or Natchez. Directs Guion to carefully husband Indian gifts, and ascertain the character of the Indian in question before giving anything away, lest the gifts be wasted on an Indian who might lose them. Advises Guion that he may draw upon both McHenry and the payment for the Walnut Hills garrison to pay his men and cover expenses.
Wilkinson responds to Leith, Shepherd and Duffs petition to be able to continue trade in the Ottawa towns. Wilkinson notes that recent military regulations were designed to bring the misdeeds of James McDonald to light. Wilkinson feels he is authorized to regulate within the military reservations, however he is not empowered to authorize Leith, Shepherd and Duff to trade. However, the agent for Indian affairs at Detroit accepted the petitioners attempt at redress, and thus permission was obtained that way.
Leith, Shepherd and Duff are petitioning Wilkinson to allow a trading house to remain in the Ottawa towns. The current clerk at the town, James McDonald, has been charged with dishonorable conduct, and the petitioners offer that Leith shall oversee the trading house until a suitable replacement is found. The three men realize they do not possess the necessary license from the government, and so they enclose a receipt from the clerk of the court for said license. McDonald is charged with having bought horses from the Indians, and if true the petitioners promise they will return them.
Informs McHenry that the Adams family will be at either East Chester or New York until the next meeting of Congress; tells McHenry how to address letters so they will reach him. Asks McHenry to inform him of any issues he thinks should be brought up at the next meeting of Congress, especially of the state of the current sickness in Philadelphia, as Adams is anxious to safeguard the health of the members.
