Hagner certifies that $240 is due John Bryant, being his compensation as Deputy Commissioner of the Ordnance and Military Stores Department at Springfield, Massachusetts from May through October 1796.
While Stodder's progress as naval constructor is flattering enough, the other frigates are progressing at a greater rate. McHenry thus asks that Stodder push on the work with more expedition.
Letter, discusses Frigate building at Portsmouth New Hampshire Navy yard; discusses timber & other materials for Frigate; discusses temporary inspector of Frigate & materials.
John Lee, late of New Jersey, has the character of an honest man. He has endured many losses recently and makes a living by his industry and labor. He has good handwriting and is familiar with business. Boudinot believes he would be useful in any department for which Hodgdon feels he is qualified. He has good recommendations from many of the first gentlemen of New Jersey.
Enclosed is an account of stores sent by George H. Carter who should be paid. Enclosed also is a receipt for the sum paid a hand for aiding in transmitting same.
Guimpe confirms that he has received by stagecoach--William Lindsey, Master--a [shipment] marked "US" with public stores that conform to the invoice. Two of the sergeant's coats are much coarser than the other two and it would still be good to get feathers for the helmets and cockades. Since the Sergeant has never received a sword, a few swords should also be sent.
Enclosed muster and pay rolls for recruits at Middletown, delay was due to poor health. Also enclosed letter from Lieut. Bissell who requested it be forwarded to Capt. R.Bissell.
Freeman stated he returned from New York with money owed the Corps. After paying several troops who demanded bounty, Freeman was unable to pay absentees because he had no funds to discharge.
Notification to Chester that he will receive funds that he is to transfer to Captain Miller at Middletown for the pay of Miller, Lt. Daniel Bissell, and Miller's men
Discusses Captain Morris' recruiting account. Informs Morris that the money for his recruiting account was forwarded to Nicholas Fish, federal supervisor at New York.
Informs Fish that he receive funds for the payment of the "bounty and premium for three recruits" to Captain Staats Morris of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers.
Morris encloses papers for the enlistment of a recruit, which combined with two previous recruits brings him a bounty of $48. He would like to have the money remitted via Colonel Fish.
Discussed his muster roll and shifts of detachments at Fort Niagara. Mentioned returned deserters and musicians. Enlistments due to expire soon. Discussed problem of soldiers deserting to Canada and enlisting in the British Army. Bruff was mortified that his men deserted, but noted that desertion is not from lax discipline; rather it was because of a desire for change, and incentives such as 200 acres of land, enlistment bounty, and high wages across the water. Bruff wishes the pay were enough to induce the soldiers to remain in service for the full term. News of British Army in Canada: military in upper Canada has orders to hold themselves in readiness to march to Quebec at a short notice. If they invade Canada, perhaps the rage to get on that side of the water may not be so great as present. Muster and pay rolls sent to the War Office. Discusses the difficulty of getting ships for transport on the Great Lakes. Bruss asked for a newspaper or two with next dispatch, since they are seldom received.
