1. Because of concerns about the health of a child and of his wife, Hamilton was absent from Philadelphia from around 11 July to 30 July (see Hamilton to GW, 11 and 23 July, above, and Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, 31 July, Hamilton Papers description begins Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961–87. description ends , 16:627-28). Upon his return, consideration of the western insurrection occupied the cabinet, and after Henry Knox’s departure on 8 Aug., Hamilton acted as head of the War Department in addition to his regular duties.

Tench Coxe’s letter to Hamilton (Hamilton Papers description begins Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961–87. description ends , 16:603-4) enclosed "An Act of the President of the United States, erecting the Revenue Districts of Ohio & Tennassee," which he had prepared. The act, under authority of the congressional act of 5 June 1794 "making further provision for securing and collecting the Duties on foreign and domestic distilled Spirits, Stills, Wines and Teas" (Stat description begins Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67. description ends . 1:378-81), created a new revenue district to include Kentucky and the Northwest Territory and divided that district into two surveys with two inspectors. The remaining territory south of the river Ohio was made into a second new district with only one survey. The act also stated that each new district "shall be divided from time to time into such & so many divisions, as by the Supervisor thereof shall be found expedient & necessary" (DLC:GW). GW signed the act on 20 August.