Hamilton insists on regularity and precision in Rolls of Muster, inspections, monthly returns, and pay abstracts. In the absense of regular Inspectors, Commanding Officers of garrisons, camps, and detachments are to perform their duties in the prescribed manner.
Capt. Merchant is facing charges of piracy though Condy doubts his guilt. If the charges are upheld, it is doubtful that the vessel and its cargo will be released. If the charges are proven false, Merchant will regain possession of the vessel and its cargo. Samuel Hodgdon's son is involved.
Williams will contact Major Buel to request a return of all articles wanted for recruits. A return of the articles from Oxford will soon be furnished if Williams' health allows it. Samuel Lyman is dangerously sick. The palpitations of his heart cause the doctors to suspect his case may be incurable.
In discussing his solicitation for the surgeoncy of New York, Dr. Bunchanan argues that for medical officers the place of seniority should never apply and would indeed be a despicable scale for the assessment of abilities. He notes that he is a son of New York and has an unequivical affection for his country.
Simmons updated Hodgdon on the account of Archibald Crary. Crary received a credit to the account of fortifications at New Port, RI. Specifically, the purchase of articles for the fortifications delivered to Lieutenant Peter Dransy. Saddles and harnesses for horse carts and a smith's anvil.
Accounts for the fortifications at New Port,RI examined and credit to account given. Remaining balance due the United States which differs from the sum stated by Crary.
Directs issue of powder & lead for the proving of musket barrels to John Nicholson, two quarter casks of musket powder to prove musket barrels, and fifty pounds of lead.
Accounts received and forwarded. Accounts should be sent to Paymaster General. Hagner sent accounts and letter to James Miller, agent to Quartermaster General at Philadelphia whose duty it is to deal with settlement of accounts.
Hagner asks for a loan of $150 in post notes which he will repay at the end of the month. Hissituation requires a constant supply of casks. His office is to be moved from the building he currently occupies to one further up in the city opposite Pollock's buildings. He believes his current situation is inconvenient and rather unhealthy but is happy to hear of the continuance of health in Philadelphia.
Directs Whelen to investigate the authenticity of a claimed verbal contract with the previous purveyor, the late Tench Francis, for buttons, and to complete the contract if so verified.
Condy discusses a number of matters including the illness of his mother-in-law and the escape of Capt. Merchant who had been charged with acts of piracy.
Amidst a discussion of other matters, Craig notes that the Quartermaster General is setting off to Washington City to meet with the Commander in Chief and Secretary of War and will also see Mr. Simmons. He is sorry that Colonel O'Hara has not arrived and has sent off the diamonds that are much wanted.
Sargent sent a letter to Colonel Pickering as Secretary of State before he knew he was out of office. Fortunately he marked it private before committing it to the postmaster in Philadelphia. The Justice in charge of the Grand Jury has denied the principal allegation against Sargent which was that he assumed to aggress the people. The Justices formally attested to same but the judgement is omitted in the enclosures for want of room. The papers should be forwarded to Sargent's sister and to Colonel Pickering.
Acknowledges receipt of Lt. Col. Hamtramck's letter suggesting that the condemned soldier Samuel Ewing might have been insane at the time of his infraction; Adams wishes to hear further reports on this topic, and cancels Ewing's death warrant for the time being. States that Ewing should neither be pardoned immediately, as this might "injure the service."
Accounts and vouchers for late purveyor Tench Francis received. Vouchers bear signature of Harrison as agent, but was unaccompanied by letter from Harrison. Accounts to be placed under examination.
