Certification that $961 is due the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers stationed at West Point, being the pay and forage of the officers, and the pay of the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Corps, for August 1797.
Certification that $65.60 is due Private Oliver Watson of Captain John F. Webb's Troop of Dragoons, being his pay from May 1, 1796 to September 12, 1797, the day of his discharge.
Pickering assesses the qualifications of John Caldwell for the office of Tresurer of the Mint. His application is complicated by the fact that he is McHenry's brother-in-law and Pickering wonders if it would not be prudent to select another qualified candidate.
Received duplicate receipts for bounty paid Claiborne's recruits filed to Claiborne's credit. $200.00 sent from recruiting office can be obtained through Edward Carrington. Advises Claiborne on method for filing expenses.
Simmons annexed duplicate of letter sent to Dayton regarding settlement of account which was unresolved. Simmons requests immediate attention to the matter by Dayton.
Notification of enlistment of Henry Hannah and Solomon Haws accompanied by receipts that totaled $7.00 part bounty paid to Hannah. $0.25 repaid to Littlefield for attesting to the enlistment of Haws. Payment made by Nehemiah Freeman, Temporary Paymaster of West Point out of unappropriated monies. If expenses occur during the apprehension of of Hannah and Haws Littlefield should record the cost and deduct it from the aforementioned deserters pay.
Simmons received letter from Boote dated September 9th which contained sundry duplicate receipts accompanied by a list. Receipts will be examined in the future.
Chisholm announces that he sails for England the next day on the Ship Favorite. He wishes McKee well but damns others, such as CDH, [Colonel David Henley], and L.D.B.H. He esteems McKee for his conduct in Philadelphia where honesty and virtue are no recommendation. He is determined to die or he will write once he is in England. He gives his love to Davidson, "Lovely" and old Mr Miller. Original letter dated 03/17/1797.
Chisholm announces that he is going to England but wants Rogers to give his love to the Indians [Cherokees]. Everything must be kept secret and he must help them keep up their spirits. Chisholm asks that Hugins and Greeson know what they may expect and that they see Chisholm immediately upon his return. He urges Rogers "to keep your secret and mine."
Marschalk apologizes for the trouble caused by the inaccuracy of his last payroll. Enclosed are the receipts paid for bounties paid since his last submission. Duplicates are forwarded in the amount of $522.
Hale suggested two errors that could have occurred in accounts current. Hale was only credited with 10 recruits, not 11. This error created a miscalculation in the sum remit to Hale.
Since McHenry's messenger Lewis has been killed by the yellow fever (or ague), Wolcott recommends, as a replacement for Lewis, William Markwert who has been highly recommended by Mr. Borrows [?].
Certification that $22.21 is due a detachment of the 1st Regiment stationed at West Point for the service of the Ordnance Department, being their pay for August 1797.
Recommends the treatment of sick ashore as more conducive to recovery. Refers to delivery of guns for Algerine frigate under contract to Mr. Hughes. If he fails in contract, Samuel Hodgdon ordered to procure guns from public magazine and deliver to Portsmouth New Hampshire.
Discusses the timing of the launching and the tides of October. They may not be reliable enough. High tides of present month are better. However, consider that work could be done most cheaply on the stocks and venture a delay until October if it will save expenses.
Agreed to Claghorn's request to launch the frigate Constitution in September rather than in October due to the unpredictable tides during that month. However, Secretary mentioned his desired to keep the launch in October due to increased costs associated with an early launch.
Cornplanter speaks of Mr. [Robert?] Morris' continual attempts to continue negotiations with the Indians; opines on U.S.-Indian relations since the war. Calls upon the good relationship between George Washington and the Indians to inspire continued fair dealings.
