Letter, Secretary at War directs Chapin to collect information regarding the disposition of Captain Brant. Letter marked "secret and confidential." McHenry desires to know to what extent Brant's alienation in Philadelphia, at the hands of the U.S. government, will cause him to abandon previous diplomatic positions.
McHenry wants Hawkins and Pickens to examine the enclosed paper from William Blount relative to the boundary line between the Cherokees and the U.S. If the principles contained therein would more pefectly settle the line established by the Treaty of Holston and not violate the wishes of the Indians, then Blount's recommendations should be followed.
Enclosed is Capt. Miller's recruiting account for 8 July 1796 to 28 March 1797 on which are shown the sums paid and the balance due each recruiter. Also shown is the bounty of five dollars paid to Joseph Blossom who has now had a discharge signed by Major Buell.
This is a cryptic message between St. Hilaire and McHenry that likely pertains to a covert shipment of arms and ammunition. St. Hilaire informs McHenry that legal prohibitions on the exportation of arms and ammunition are not troubling their business. St. Hilaire also asks McHenry not to put his name on the check sent for payment. St. Hilaire states that he has received information of dire consequences for the United States. Subsequently, St. Hilaire mentions commissions from "the Directory" being disposed of by General C. and the Duke of L.
Writing from Pensacola, John McKee informs James McHenry that the trading house of Panton, Leslie and Company have monopolized the Choctaw and Chickasaw trade but lost the Cherokee business. McKee discusses the role of trade in maintaining peace on the frontier and the role of the Spanish Court in granting Panton, Leslie and Company privileged access to Indian markets. McKee speculates that Panton, Leslie and Company might be inclined to continue its business under the authority of the United States. McKee proposes a plan for the U.S. to secure the markets and infrastructure of Panton, Leslie by assuming and disbursing their debts among the various U.S. agents and factors in the region. McKee opines that the likelihood of war with France makes his proposal necessary for the U.S. to secure native alliances via trade. But McKee also suggests an alternative plan. Following on a model used by the British, McKee suggests offering the Indians liquidation of their arrears to Panton, Leslie in return for a tract of land. This alternative proposal would disburse the debts of both Panton, Leslie and the Indians under more economical terms for the U.S. Government. McKee closes his letter by requesting that McHenry grant him powers to put these proposals into effect.
Secretary of War requests valuation of live oak timber at Mud Island Fort and what remains at Georgia. Likely he wishes to lay figures before congress.
Acknowledges receipt of muster and pay rolls for Miller and his recruits. Money for the pay will be forwarded by John Chester, federal supervisor at Weathersfield. Mentions an apprehended deserter, "Stephen Russ alias Dorsey"
Advises Chester that he will receive money from the Treasurer of the U. S. that he is to transfer to Captain Edward Miller at Middletown for his pay and the pay of the recruits under Miller's command.
Certification that $277 is due Captain Staats Morris, Lieutenant Samuel Dyson, and the detachment of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers under Captain Morris's command at Fort Whetstone Point, Baltimore Maryland being his and their pay for May 1797.
Certification that $61.80 is due Captain Edward Miller of the 2nd Regiment and the recruits under his command at Middletown, Connecticut being his and their pay May 1797.
Certification that, agreeably to an account admitted by the Secretary of War, $204.63 is due John Jeffers, late a Captain in the 1st Regiment, being his sundry expenses in the Indian Department between September 8, 1789 and March 31, 1797.
Certification that $60.43 is due to Lieutenant Andrew Marschalk, being the balance of his pay from November 1, 1796, the time he was transferred from the Infantry to the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, through May 1797 and the balance of his subsistence from November 1796 through February 1797.
Acknowledges receipt of muster and pay rolls. Pay roll adjusted to add pay of three privates, John Sullivan, James Hutchinson, and William Kirsley. Money for the pay will be forwarded by John Kilty, federal supervisor. Cited in Morris to Simmons, 06/13/1797.
Advises Kilty that he will receive money from the Treasurer of the U. S. that he is to transfer to Captain Staats Morris for his pay and the pay of his detachment. Cited in Kilty to Simmons, 06/14/1797.
Josiah Fox, navy constructor, asks Francis, navy purser for estimate of expenses for completing frigate United States. Include costs of employing tradesmen. Intent is to estimate costs so that no calls made to congress hereafter for that purpose. Leave out military stores; Samuel Hodgdon has provided.
Captain Thomas Thompson sent draught of stern for Algerine frigate for the carver. When flannel arrives, fix the copper, which must be done at the stocks before ship is launched.
