An inventory of items entitled "product of the establishment." Categories include powder; iron; fire arms; cutlery; leather manufactory; brass foundry; laboratory for the artillery;
Letter directs Joshua Humphreys and Captain Thomas Thompson to proceed to Baltimore. In Baltimore, Humphreys and Thomas are to identify private ships suitable for military use and negotiate the purchase of such vessels. Must be able to carry between 16 and 22 guns with six, nine and twelve pound cannon. Guidance provided on criteria; examine age;, state of hull; timbers; masts; rigging; sails and any alterations and articles to fit her for sea. Obtain lowest price and keep account of expenses.
The Consul General of his Britannic Majesty has recommended Isaac Todd for an introduction. The recipient is asked to show him such welcome as is in his power.
Among a number of supply matters, McHenry notes that no one can be appointed Deputy Quartermaster General until the Quartermaster General is appointed and the gentleman contemplated for that post has made his acceptance dependant upon the event that General Washington takes the field.
Circular letter from the Secretary of War to Naval Constructors. Particular directions will be provided regarding the proportion of the ships. As public employees, they are to observe strict economy in labor, materials, and all other matters under their supervision. There must be a roll call for laborers and workmen at the beginning and end of the day as well as when they return from dinner; the constructor must be present at roll call. His fellow staff will include: an agent for procuring materials; a captain or superintendent of the workmen; a clerk of the year. All purchases, whether of labor or materials, must be countersigned by the captain or superintendent. Only materials of the best quality should be used. The whole effort of building six ships in different places is an experiment to consider how any future workmight be carried out.
Instructions to the persons appointed to build frigates, specifically to the Agents. Agent will be appointed to procure upon the best terms all the materials which shall not otherwise be provided by the Treasury of the United States;
Extract of letter from the Secretary of War to the Commander in Chief of the Legion. Enclosed are accounts of the establishments of a British post at the Rapids in the time since General Scott's departure. Although the reports are imprecise, it is expected that Wayne will determine the nature of the buildings and the number of troops. Wayne is authorized to dislodge the British at the Rapids, should it become necessary in the course of his operations against the Indians.
One side begins to tell the recipient about something received from Philadelphia. The other quotes Doctor Johnson "It was a most mortifying reflection for any man to consider what he had done, compared with what he might have done." Follows this with a reflection on a historical figure who expected people to keep appointments to the minute.
In this report, McHenry asseses the petition for pay owed Poirey, Secretary to Lafayette. Poirey has requested pay for his time as secretary and aide de camp to Lafayette. McHenry discusses Acts of Congress related to the pay of Officer's aides and recommends settling the claim in favor of the petitioner.
Letter relates to a reward for Iserloan, a power of attorney, John Winers, and the location of a notarial seal. The author apparently knows where the seal and Iserloan are and will inform the recipient if there is in fact a reward for the information. The author can be reached at the White Swan Tavern in Race Street.
An order to send to the Navy Yard all the cannon balls of the following sizes: 18 pound, 9 pound, 6 pound. Receipts should be taken from Captain Moseley or Captain Smith.
