Bauman, in charge of the artillery at West Point, complains of a most cingular circumstance that is agitated against the honor of my command and disparagement of the corps of Artillery. Gives numerous reasons for his disagreement with Lieutenant Colonel William Hull (commandant of West Point). Hull's orders placed artillery on regular garrison duty under direction of the adjutant. Bauman refused to comply and was suspended at his own request. Bauman complains that he can not carry out his artillery duties when ordered on garrison duty, declaring ...I cannot in justice to the trust reposed to me obey the order as it now stands, let the consequences to me be what they will.

Writes to Bauman to reassure him of his regard for him. States that [m]y idea is that in garrison the artillery officers in common occasions should do their full proportion of the Duty of the place, provided always that the immediate duties of the artillery and stores do not at the same line require their particular attention. Continues to try and settle the dispute between officers and their duties. Watermarked.

Writes to remind him of a letter he wrote to Knox previously, asking Knox to help him financially (perhaps by finding him a job). Argues that he was left impoverished because he spent so much time in pursuit for the honor of my Country. Adds that he does not have family or friends in a position to help him, so he hopes that Knox will speak with the President and Vice President on his behalf. Docketed 21 May 1789.

Reports that they have enough planks, but there has been an objection by Major Bauman and Mr. Thorp to the plans of General Mordecai Gist and the French generals to cut the planks and transport them with the troops. The planks were part of the supplies needed for the siege of Yorktown.

Written from camp at Kings Ferry, New York. Tells Major Bauman that the party stores under his command are to halt at Potts Mill. Indicates that Colonel Olney's regiment will guard Bauman's charge, possibly a misidentification of Captain Stephen Olney. Bauman must obtain provisions from their nearest place of public availability. Provisions were needed for the campaign against Yorktown. Bauman commanded an artillery corps that was a part of Colonel John Lamb's Second Regiment of Continental Artillery. Lamb's regiment was part of Knox's Artillery Brigade. Knox had recently appointed Bauman to his post. Bauman served during the Battle of Yorktown the following month.