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Enclosure: A Statement of the Troops in the Service of the United States, 8 August 1789

Enclosure

A Statement of the Troops in the Service of the United States

War Office August 8th 1789

The establishment as directed to be raised and organized by the acts of Congress of the 3rd of October 1787. To wit.

One Regiment of Infantry.

Consisting of 1 Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.
2 Majors
 
7 Captains
7 Lieutenants
8 Ensigns
1 Surgeon
4 Mates.
eight companies, each of which to consist of four Serjeants—
four Corporals—two musicians and Sixty privates 560
One Battalion of Artillery
1 Major
4 Captains
8 Lieutenants
1 Surgeons mate
four companies, each of which to Consist of four Serjeants—
four Corporals—two musicians and Sixty privates 280
nonCommissioned & privates 840

That the pay of the Troops was fixed by the act of Congress of the 12th of April 1785 and confirmed by the acts of the 20th of October 1786 & the 3rd of October 1787. To wit.

Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.
at 50 Dollars ⅌ month.
Major 45 ditto
Captain 35 ditto
Lieutenant 26 ditto
Ensign 20 ditto
Surgeon 45 ditto
Mate 30 ditto
Serjeants 6 ditto
Corporals 5 ditto
Musicians 5 ditto
Privates 4 ditto

That the subsistence to the officers in lieu of Rations are the same as during the late war. To wit

Lieut. Colonel Commandant.

Lieut. Colonel Commandant.
Major  29 dollars ⅌ month
Captain 12 ditto
Lieutenant 8 ditto
Ensign 8 ditto
Surgeon 16 ditto
Mate 8 ditto

That Lieutenants acting as adjutant Quarter master, and Paymaster, are allowed by the act of Congress of the 12th of April 1785 for their extra duty. ten dollars ⅌ month

That the allowance of forage is as follows

3 Majors each 12 dollars ⅌ month
1 Surgeon 6 ditto
3 Regimental Staff ea. 6 ditto

That by the act of Congress of the 31. July 1787 Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Harmar was promoted to the rank of Brigadier general by brevet, with an allowance, of the emoluments but not the pay of said rank. That the emoluments are as follows. To wit.

Subsistence 64 dollars ⅌ month.
Forage 18 ditto

That each non commissioned officer & soldier are allowed annually one Suit of Uniform cloths, as follows

  • 1 Coat
  • 1 Vest
  • 2 pairs woolen overalls
  • 2 pairs linnen overalls
  • 1 hat
  • 4 Shirts
  • 4 pairs Shoes
  • 4 pairs Socks
  • 1 Stock
  • 1 Stock-Clasp
  • 1 Pair Shoe-buckles
  • 1 Blanket

That each non commissioned officer and soldier are also allowed one ration ⅌ day to consist of the following articles.

1 pound Bread or flour
1 pound of Beef or ¾ pd of pork
1 gill of common rum
1 quart Salt } to every 100 Rations
2 quarts Vinegar
2 pounds soap
1 pound candles

That the troops in actual service are as follows.

Two companies of artillery, raised by virtue of the acts of Congress of the 20th of October 1786 and continued by the act of Congress of the 9th of April 1787 One of which is Stationed at the arsenal at West Point on Hudsons river and the other at the arsenal at Springfield on Connecticut river 76
Troops stationed on the frontiers as follows.
At the various posts North west of the Ohio 596
672
Wanting to Complete the establishment 168
Non Commissioned and privates 840

That all the troops were enlisted for three years.

That the engagements of the two companies of artillery at West Point and Springfield will expire the begining of the year 1790.

That of the Troops on the frontiers enlisted by virtue of the acts of Congress of the 3rd of October 1787–528 noncommissioned officers and soldiers will have to serve generally to the middle of the year 1791—and two companies, consisting of 68 non-commissioned and privates, untill towards the month of may 1792.

That the change in the government of the United States, will require that the articles of war be revised and adapted to the Constitution. That the oaths necessary to be taken by the Troops be prescribed, and also the form of the Commissions which are to be issued to the officers.

All which is humbly submitted to the President of the United States.

H. Knox

DS, DNA: RG 46, First Congress, President’s Messages—Transmitting Reports from the Secretary of War.

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