Butler received money from Issac Craig, Deputy Paymaster General, but could not pay Sergent Charles Howe due to his absence on command. Butler requested instructions from Simmons on how to pay the Sergent who Butler believed settled in Pittsburg due to his discharge from service. Requested confirmation of receipt rolls sent many months ago to Accountants office.
Discussed Indian relations, acquiring prisoners from Algiers, dispute with France, and relations with other foreign nations. Lauded Washington for his services to the U.S.
Captain Frye encloses the receipt roll for the detachment at Governors Island; He has three men who have not yet received their pay so they should be put on the next payroll. Should his troops be mustered as a company or a detachment?
General Wayne ill at Presque Isle, his health is of great concern and medicine is being shipped. Capt. Turner prohibited from traveling on the Ohio river due to ice.
Wishes to renew friendship with U.S., and profess that the Choctaw have never broken any faith with the Americans. Discusses the exact parameters of the boundary of Choctaw land, asks that the U.S. honor its promises to keep whites out of Choctaw country, and to respect the integrity of the country by not setting up a garrison at Chickasaw Bluffs. Another chief speaks to remind the Americans of he and other Chickasaws who allied with General Wayne's army in 1794, asks for goods promised to him and his warriors at that time, but which were not received. Other Indians speak at short length asking for passes, etc.
Discusses relationship between the Choctaw Nation and the US. Reports poor health. Expresses hopes for Six Nations and navigation rights on the Mississippi. Instructs on use of beads from Indian agents. Reference to interaction with President.
Informs McHenry that he has written a bill for payment to Charles Selleck for charter of Sloop employed to transport detachment of troops and baggage from Oswego to Niagara.
Discusses the accounts of Captain John Crawford, paymaster of an Army detachment at Pittsburg, who has not settled his accounts as requested. Recommends to Butler that Crawford provide an account of the monies in his charge and forward it to the War Department.
Acknowledges receipt of pay roll of Captain Crawford's company and an account of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Butler for pay and forage. Discusses the pay of "the troops on the upper Posts of the Ohio." Requests a statement of Craig's payments. Cited in Craig to Simmons, 12/30/1796. Cited in Craig to Simmons, 02/10/1797.
Forwarded muster roll of G. Fleming's men. Noted in post script that Rochefontaine received Simmons note to transmit money to N. Fish which would then repay Rochefontaine for an advance he made to Lieut. Robeson.
Chickasaw delegation continues to protest the U.S. plans to install a garrison at Chickasaw Bluffs after the Spanish garrison is evacuated from that place. Submits documentation that proves U.S. promises regarding Chickasaw land, and asks if the Indians are now being trifled with in disregard for these promises. Says they desire the continued goodwill of the U.S. and a reaffirmation from the president that the Americans will respect the Indians' boundaries.
Letter from the War Office to the Secretary of the Treasury regarding articles necessary to complete frigate at Portsmouth New Hampshire for Mediterranean service. There are sufficient staves and hoops for the water casks.
It was known that General Wayne had arrived in Presqu'Isle eleven days ago with the gout but now Balfour announces that he has died. He will receive all the honors due him and he will be interred within the works. Balfour has written to Mr. Scheaff asking him to send a quarter cask of wine to Hodgdon which should be sent on to Balfour with Major Craig.
Commanded Infantry Regiment from State of New York, requested certificate that states such fact. Mentioned passing the certificate along through the post if it was safe, or use a member of the senate that resides in Wilmington and could carry the certificate.
Notification to Fish that he will receive money that he is to pay to Foreman Cheeseman, for his compensation as Superintendent of Stores at the New York Navy Yard.
