Stevens requests Hamilton's assistance in deciding whether to be compensated with a salary or by commission. He is not sure that the Secretary of War is aware of the nature of his service attending to public matters nor of the considerable amount of time they require.
Smith recommends that officers who need servants should engage them with the pay and rations of soldiers but no soldiers should be taken from the line to fill such menial stations.
"I received your letter of the 18th instant yesterday. You refer me to enclosed letters for information on the subject therein mentioned. One letter only came, and that under a seal to General Lee which I shall forward, unopened, tomorrow by my nephew, Mr. Bushrod Washington, who is a neighbor of his.
Seagrove worries that unless the Governor of Georgia does something to prevent Georgians' incursions into Creek towns, a general Indian war will be inevitable. This possibility is even more likely since the Choctaws and Chickasaws have agreed to aid the Creeks in a war against the United States
"At this time, McHenry 'suggested to Hamilton the establishment of a permanent navy yard, and enclosed a draft of his departmental report in which he tried not to censure his predecessors.'"
Encloses deposit warrant for meny received from Messrs. Jesse and Robert Waln on account of military stores. The Springfield Armory dispute shall be attended to.
James McKnight is appointed Lieutenant of Marines on board the ship of war Delaware. He is to recruit a sergeant, corporal, drum, fife and twenty one privates. He is to pay particular attention to rules and regulations.
Lieutenant James Triplett calls for money to discharge demands incurred at Alexandria Virginia for enlisting seamen and marines for the frigate Constellation.
Provides instructions for operations. Is not to delay at station, but is to proceed under former instructions. Mentions a twenty gun ship of war directly from France on the coast.
Discusses contract prices for crew rations. Pursers will act as paymasters. Military and other stores will be placed in keeping of certain officers. Officer of Marines will be in charge of accoutrements and clothing. The Captain will designate officer cabins. Stationary will be furnished by purser.
Secretary of War has written to Governor of Massachusetts to obtain on loans as many 12 or 18 pound cannon with suitable quantity of balls from Castle Island, for the upper battery.
