Mr. Francis has notified Jones that some silk sieves and other articles purchased by him for the garrison at West Point are still being stored and waiting for direction. Jones wants directions for these articles and for any other articles that are purchased so that they can be forwarded to sundry places.
Notifies Freeman that the money to pay the Army troops in Georgia has been forwarded to Daniel Stevens, federal supervisor at Charleston, South Carolina. Discusses the accounts of several persons. Discusses premiums given to soldiers for the apprehension of deserters. Discusses the allowance due Ensign McCall for service as paymaster to the troops at Fort Fidius.
Notifies Mrs. Greaton that she will receive the pay from the account of her husband, Captain Greaton, from Mr. Jonathan Jackson, federal supervisor at Boston.
Encloses a draft of a speech to the Cherokeeswhich is designed to encourage their civilization and make its management [by the U.S.?] more economical. Asks Washington's opinion on that document, and opines on the respectability of the proposed emissary to the Cherokee, a Mr. Dinsmore
Parker sends a return of the stores of the militia army and complains that not one deposit was made with him by any corps upon the return of the Army. He only received several tents, kettles, and axes. Colonel Postlethwait, of the Provision Department, returned 110 bags, nine tents, and twelve kettles. The remainder was left with Parker and at other locations.
Notification to Fish that he will receive funds to pay to Captain Staats Morris at West Point for bounty paid to two recruits and the "premium" for enlisting the recruits
Simmons reports that he has received the enlistments of two recruits and a certificate of Captain Miller that has allowed him to complete the examination of Morris's recruiting account. Nicholas Fish will provide the funds for the recruiting account. His comments on Miller's certificate that appears to deal with a soldier's pay for time spent as a prisoner in captivity.
Simmons certifies that $32 is due Captain Staats Morris of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, being the bounty paid two recruits and the premium for enlisting them.
Notes that a treaty has been concluded with the Creek Indians reaffirming desires to live in friendship with the United States; however, asks Gaither to be prepared for contingencies. Says that the president has deemed it wise to have U.S. forces keep both the Georgians and the Creeks from intruding on each others' land and rights. Describes the extent of the land claim in question, and its value for agriculture and as a potential battlefield, that he may advise Gaither of where to position his troops, to cover the most vulnerable and desirable areas. Asks that Gaither both garrison certain named posts and establish others which are easily defended & supplied, are healthy for the garrison, and are situated to strike at the Indians promptly should war begin. Orders that the garrisons of existing forts in Georgia be reduced to cover these proposed posts. Should inform the provisioning contractors of the changes, so provisions continue to flow. Notes that Washington has ordered dragoons from Wayne's army to join the contingent in Georgia, to serve as patrollers. Requests that particular attention be made to secure patrols against surprise or theft of horses, as a matter of extreme import to the president. Encloses a copy [not included] of "An Act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes and to preserve peace on the frontiers."
The agents of the State of Georgia appointed to attend the meetings with the representatives of the Creek Nation have refused to sell any of their lands. The President is surprised that the agents have failed to support measures intended to inspire the Indians in the fairness of the intended negotiations.
While discussing many other matters, Houdin notes that he has furnished Major Peters and Major Kersey with tents and other articles he is sure they will need as they proceed on their journey. He has asked Captain Fleming for a pair of horseman's pistols but Fleming told him that he could not furnish them without an order from Hodgdon.
Cover letter for copies of powers of attorney upon which the land warrants due to William and Robert Quarles were issued for their services as officers in the Virginia Line regiments
