51From George Washington to James McHenry, 16 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Major Lawrence Lewis requires explanation, and it is the purpose of this letter to give it. He had, it seems, been making Overtures of Marriage to Miss Custis some time previous to the formation of the Augmented Corps in November last, at Philadelphia; without any apparent impression, until she found he was arranged as a Captain in the Regiment of Light Dragoons, and...
52To George Washington from James McHenry, 12 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
McAlpin called upon me this morning to inform me finally, that after the most diligent inquiry for gold thread, both here and at New York, he has not been able to procure a sufficient quantity to complete the embroidery of the coat; and that of course it will be necessary to suspend making it up until after the arrival of the Spring ships in which the article is expected. As yet the...
53From George Washington to James McHenry, 10 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 1st instant is received. Whatever appearance, or shape, the Uniform intended for me, may take, by your direction, will be entirely agreeable to my taste. It being the commencement of a distinguishing dress for the Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States (whomsoever he maybe) and probably will be a permanent one—my wish (although as it respects myself personally...
54From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are sundry letters which have come to my hands, requesting Appointments in the Army of the United States. You will observe that all these letters, excepting one, are from foreigners; and as I presume it is a principle pretty well established, that it would be improper to admit persons of this description into our Army, unless it is a few Characters well skilled as Engineers or...
55From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Presly Thornton, who is appointed a Captain in one of the Virginia Regiments, and in the list of Officers handed to you, is placed the first Captain in Colo. Bentley’s Regiment, and designated of Northumberland, informs me there has been a mistake in your office with respect to him; as a Relation of his, bearing the same names, & living in Caroline County, is understood by you to be the person...
56To George Washington from James McHenry, 1 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
I received last night your letter of the 27th of Jany and this morning sent for Mr McAlpin and gave him your orders. It appears to me, that the round cuff and the usual pockets will be neater and handsomer than if slashed and also more dignified. I prefer for the same reason a plain waistcoat. I shall however take the advice of General McPhierson on the different points and endeavour to have...
57From George Washington to James McHenry, 28 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letters of the 5th 10th & 21st & 22d of this month, with their several enclosures. It is well known to you that in selecting from the documents laid before us, suitable Characters to fill the respective grades in the twelve additional Regimts the Major Generals and myself spared no pains to find such as appeared, on every account, most likely to render efficient...
58From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter for Mr McAlpin (my Tayler in Philadelphia) left open for your perusal, may be delivered, or not, as you shall judge best. and if the former takes place, to be accompanied with your sentiments on the doubtful parts of it. It is predicated first, on the supposition that the Uniform for the different grades of Officers, is conclusively fixed, & to be established as a standing...
59To George Washington from James McHenry, 21 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
I send you inclosed some minute information respecting the nominations which you may wish to see. I have at the request of a committee of the Senate furnished them with a bill embracing the new organization for the army, and am preparing another for the provisional army, and a third for the Hospital department. I have required from Genl Hamilton assistance and have received it. Yours ever and...
60To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
I received this morning your letter of the 6th Inst. I was very certain you had made a short estimate of your expenses when you thought two months pay would cover them. I have therefore directed the month of October to be added and the amount Dolls. 523 20/100 to be remitted you in the usual manner which I hope you will receive. This I presume will about face your expences. The letters...