Gilbert is forwarding an order for 1500 gun stocks that will be directed to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., the Secretary of the Treasury. The Secretary has informed Gilbert of the person to whom the order should be directed.
Discussed fire at War Department and the retirement of the Secretary of the Treasury. "Federal men and measures are the order of the day, the Demo[crats] gnash their teeth and melt away." Cannons transported to Western posts, troops to follow shortly.
Directs 100 musket barrels to Robert McCormick, crediting McCormick's account for muskets he has already delivered toward the original order made by the Secretary of the Treasury. Israel Whelen confirms that these instructions concur with that order in an appended note.
Directs issue of various military supplies to Fort Johnson, North Carolina, including including cannon ammunition, barrels, cannon implements, tools, camp equipment, cloth, sieves, hand bellows, hides, raw minerals & metals, rope, etc.
Simmons is replying to a letter of Claiborne's dated the same day, informing Claiborne that David Henley will be directed to forward to Simmons' office all the papers he possesses which substantiate the claim of Johnson's expedition. When the papers have been received an examination of them will be made and the amount found due will be forwarded as usual.
Simmons received Waldo's letter of November 8th and informs him that he could not procure a copy of the instructions of the War Office regarding the fortifications at Fort Pickering because the fire destroyed the papers. Thus, to settle Waldo's accounts, Waldo needs to provide Simmons the instructions under which Waldo acted. Regarding compensation, Simmons can make no decision, and it is up to the Secretary of War to determine the amount. Reference to War Department fire
Hopes current negotiations with France are fortuitous for the United States. Agreed with Congress maritime defense should not be relaxed in the current climate of foreign hostilities. Believed that profit of commerce is directly related to defense and that the U.S. would soon rival foreign economies.
Previous letter requesting information unanswered, second letter sent requesting inventory, debts, contracts of factory under command of Wright. Request for Mr. Price's private account, information on Negro woman.
Directs issue of various military stores to Fort Johnson and its subsidiaries in South Carolina, including cannon ammunition, barrels, cannon implements, tools, camp equipment, cloth, sieves, hand bellows, hides, raw minerals & metals, rope, etc.
