Renders suggestions to the president, answering questions posed in a letter from Adams to McHenry on April 14, 1797. Subjects addressed include: when affronts from one state to another become intolerable (the possibility of war with France being particularly addressed in detail); asking France if it wishes for any special consideration which Britain currently receives from the U.S. that France does not, so that they may be satisfied; advice against canceling any of the provisions of treaties now existing with France, to avoid the appearance of favoring Britain; the inadvisability of proposing new treaty articles [may be specific ones proposed by Adams in his letter; unclear from context]; advice that protestations against France should be mild and calm; the advisability of proposing a new treaty, etc.
Swan has drawn a set of bills on McHenry in favor of Jesse and Jeremiah Hume for four thousand dollars on account of the pay of the Army for November and December 1796, being in full Alijah Hunt's draft on them for four thousand dollars in Swan's favor.
Jackson encloses receipts from Captain Richard Greaton and Mr. George Claghorn. In a post script he notes that Captain James Sever has not requested the money prepared for him in December.
Regrets over not relaying information of discussion between Captain Chisholm and the British Minister. Brief synopsis of plan related. Politics of Indian relations addressed. Discusses limiting the power of Benjamin Hawkins, Creek Indian Agent. Mentions guidance on Indian affairs from President Washington and John Adams new administration. Mentions that if Hawkins stays in position as Indian Agent, he will incur the good will of the Creeks and undermine Blount's plan. Asks that letter be burned after the third reading.
Wilkins enclosed power of attorney with instructions for Hodgdon to act as his agent to purchase articles required by the Quartermasters Department. Secretary of War sent list of articles required for the United States Sloop Detroit by Wilkins, Hodgdon to receive materials.
Mentioned blankets on hand and their possible use in supplements the allotment of goods supplied to the Chickasaws. Noted moth infestation as probable if the blankets were not moved quickly. Noted Gen. Wilkinson's displeasure with the site of the garrison and buildings at Presque Isle and his suggestions to move all to a more healthy location.
Estimate of expenses, including cost of moving troops ordered to Knoxville, those sent to permanent stations on the North Western frontiers and the cost for opening the Line of Demarkation [demarcation] established at Treaty of Greenville.
Hodgdon appointed agent for Wilkins by Power of Attorney to receive money to pay bills due. Bills for the purchase of cavalry horses enclosed. Wilkins expects expenses to lessen in the coming months as reductions with take place in Quartermasters Department.
Certification that $160.58 is due Pvt. Michael Whaling of Capt. Ford's Company, being the balance of pay due him up to Nov. 4, 1794, the day he was reported to have been killed, and his pay from Nov. 5, 1791 to Sept. 6, 1795, the day he was delivered out of captivity from among the Indians at the Treaty of Greenville.
