Give instructions about issuing indents and receiving indents and teamsters' certificates in compliance with a Congressional requisition and also about certifying accounts; inform him about the manner in which Ellery's salary will be paid.
Clarifies statements made in Hamilton's letter of 27 Sept. regarding the collection by Rhode Island of a duty of tonnage called "light money" without the consent of Congress.; See also no. 464
Mentions recommending a man to the President [George Washington] for a regular appointment as a lighthouse keeper; instructs him to take measures to discontinue collection of a duty on vessels by Rhode Island because it conflicts with Congress's power of regulating trade and remarks: "I should not wish to see any formal question made on the subject if it can be avoided"; suggests the desirability of Rhode Island ceding its right and title to a lighthouse; gives instructions for granting new certificates of registry for vessels, points out that Hamilton inserted additional checks in the plan of a new bill for regulating coasting vessels, and comments on the difficulty of making regulations that will "secure the Revenue, & at the same time not embarrass the Trade."; See also no. 465
