Requests a return (and the receipts) for every species of public stores under Bryant's care from the first of January. Says once the information is received Bryant's books will be closed. From that point on Bryant will only need to note alterations in his quarterly reports. Notes these orders are in compliance with Congress's and the Secretary of War's (Henry Knox) wishes.

Notifies Bryant he has not received any returns for the stores under Bryant's control. Informs Bryant a standing order from the Secretary at War (Benjamin Lincoln) requires all persons in charge of any stores to send monthly returns. Orders Bryant to punctually to comply with this order. Fragile.

Encloses (not included) a minute of the inaccuracies on Bryant's return that must be accounted for. Reminds Bryant again to provide more details on his returns and to remember to list all alterations. Says that full returns are unnecessary, Bryant needs only to list the adjustments since the last return sent.

Reminds Bryant that all the returns need to list is what have been received and delivered since the last return. This will save Bryant trouble in the future. Informs Bryant he cannot receive a credit for the ducks until Hodgdon receives a voucher for them.

Updates Bryant on Augusts' return he received from Bryant. Informs Bryant that he did not receive any receipts for the stores noted as expended, therefore Bryant will not be credited for those. Notes that Mr. Ames should have given Bryant a receipt for the supplies he received.

Asks for a payroll of the men under Bryant who have not been paid and to note their pay masters and which corps they belonged to. Notes that Bryant's pay needs to be stated in an account and the sums received credited. Says the iron and stores can be sold as Bryant sees fit but he is to leave the substance and wood demand alone until Hodgdon arrives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Discusses steel missing from a shipment, believes it was likely stolen and inquiry needs to be conducted. Informs Bryant that Mr. [Henry] Knox will not be returning to Springfield, Massachusetts and he needs Bryant to forward [him?] the securities he has on hand.

Noted as a copy. Forwards (not included) a statement of Bryant's accounts with the public that were deficient. Asks Bryant to examine the accounts, attest to their accuracy, and annex the vouchers.