1From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a plan of the Formation of a Regiment for Exercise or Battle, of which I request your mature consideration, and that you will favour me as early as may be with the result of your reflections. The more careful and particular your criticism, the more will it oblige me. ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In the margin of this letter H wrote: “Two copies as in the original...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Altho’ I have not been officially advised of it, yet I have received information sufficient to satisfy me that an act of Congress has passed for disbanding the twelve additional regiments on or before the fifteenth of June next, granting an allowance to the officers and soldiers of three months pay from the time of their discharge. I mention this to you that it may be understood unofficially...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 29 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
An order was issued, some time since, as you will recollect, directing enlistments to be “for and during the existing differences with France,” or for the term of five years at the pleasure of the government. It appearing probable that the number of men enlisted under these conditions is very inconsiderable, and an expectation having been entertained among them that they would not be separated...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The proper measure of the pace is a matter of primary importance in the Tactics of the Infantry. The establishments of different Nations differ in this particular. For example—Our pace is two feet English measure. That of the French is two feet French or about 26 Inches English. That of the English is 30 of their Inches, measuring in each case from heel to heel. This is rather capricious. The...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 6 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of Decr. 17th. It was not my intention that the relative rank of your officers should have been finally determined on, and made known to them unless you had arranged it according to the list I forwarded, but as your motives have no doubt been just in so doing, I shall sanction the arrangement. The Gentlemen of your regiment who have received subsequent appointments,...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 1 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of March 23rd and have forwarded to the Secretary of War Capt: Babbits resignation the acceptance of which I shall no doubt be shortly enabled to inform you of. The Post[s]cript of your letter has been communicated to the Deputy Paymaster General; he informed me that the delay in sending on the money was occasioned by some perplexity as to the mode of remittance,...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 22 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The resignation of Lieut Spring is accepted, and will be considered as taking effect on the 31st of this month. The following is from a letter of the S of War—“Doctor Barron is to be considered as temporary Surgeon’s mate from the time he commenced to render service in the fourteenth regiment. Col. Rice’s letter does not give the date of the commencement of his doing duty. When informed...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 10 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The President has accepted the resignation of Captain Thomas Chandler, expressing, at the same time, his regret that circumstances should render it necessary for him to retire from the army. You will inform Captain Chandler accordingly. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See Rice to H, March 16, 1800 ; H to James McHenry, May 5, 1800 (listed in the...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 24 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the sixteenth instant with it’s enclosure. The letter and commission of Lieutenant Flagg have been sent with the necessary observations to the S of war. An officer is certainly not out of service untill his resignation is accepted by the President. The Secretary of war is the organ thro which the acceptance is made known. Certificates given to contractors should...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 8 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Deputy Pay Master General, in a conversation which I have just had with him, stated to me that altho near three thousand dollars were due to the fourteenth regiment on the thirty first of October, yet pay and muster rolls were not received by him untill the close of January when no time was lost in taking the necessary measures for a settlement. He further states to me that pay and muster...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 3 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
If the troops should continue at their encampment beyond the fifteenth of the Month they will draw provisions as usual. I shall set out for Oxford on Friday next, when there I shall give direction relative to the Hutts. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For H’s trip to New England, see the to H to Benjamin Stoddert, June 6, 1800 .
12From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have received from Captain McKay of your regiment. You will perceive in it a request of absence for the space of six months. The time is very long, and, as a precedent, might involve inconvenience; but the reasons on which the request is founded appear to be peculiar, and dispose me to go as far as the service of the regiment will, in your opinion,...
13Enclosure: Robert Duncan, Jr., to Nathan Rice, 1 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
To remove the imputation cast upon the Pay Master of your Regiment, by Genl Hamiltons letter of the 23d Ulto. I beg leave to offer the following reasons for the supposed neglect. When the troops were ordered to this place, it was not thought adviseable to transport all the Clothing of the Regiment, especially that part which was out of season, as sufficient supply has always been Kept on hand,...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 20th and 25th of November. A Judge Advocate General it is expected will be appointed, but permanent appointments of an inferior kind are not provided for by law. Of course only occasional appointments can be made on special occasions, and to these no compensation can be annexed. I am satisfied with what you have done on the subject of the Court Martial; But...
15Enclosure: Samuel Parker to Nathan Rice, 2 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is with the sincerest regret that I am obliged to apologize for any negle[c]t in the discharge of the duty incumbent on me as Pay Master of the 16th but circumstances are such as to render it absolutely necessary. It has not been in my power to comply with the order for makeing out a return of the stores belonging to my department on hand. The clothing for the 16th Regiment was sent to the...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty first of April. I intend to make it a general rule that discharges of soldiers be founded on the certificate of the Inspector and Surgeon approved by the Commanding officer. When the cases you speak of come to me in that form I shall be ready to act upon them. The subject of double rations has been so often matter of communication with the S of War...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War informs me that the resignation of Lieut W. Church of the fifteenth regiment is accepted. You will make this known to Col. Hunnewell that it may be communicated to Lieut. Church. You will inform me of the date of the notification to Mr. Church. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See H to James McHenry, March 11, 1800 ; McHenry...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 25th of February. The employment of the men in cutting and hauling their own wood was certainly proper in itself, as well as consistent with the usage of service. Their conduct therefore was very atrocious and demanded decisive measures. The direction which I some time ago gave you to refer to me for the appointment of a General Court Martial proceeded...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 6 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty fourth of April. At present things will continue as they are, a guard continuing to be furnished from the Artillerists at New Port. It is not improbable that the brigade under your command will be removed to Rhode Island before long. In that case the Artillerists will be releived agreeably to Major Jackson’s request. With great consideration I am Sir...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Oliver Emerson, Cadet in the fifteenth regiment, has applied to me for a discharge from the service. You will deliver the enclosed to him accordingly. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How and H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Emerson to H, March 19, 1800 (listed in the appendix to this volume).
21From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 13 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will be pleased to cause to be furnished to Capt Amos Stoddard out of the articles now in the possession of your Brigade arms and accoutrements for twenty men—also two horsemens tents and sixteen privates tents. You will likewise cause to be furnished to Major Buel the like articles for as many men as he may now have & shall engage out of your Brigade not exceeding four Companies. With...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 11 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the twenty fifth and twenty sixth of October with their enclosure. Mess. Stickney and Wilson have been nominated to the Secret of War as Cadets in your regiment, and have received my support. I enclose to you an arrangement of relative rank formed on the basis of the one which you transmitted to me. The appointments of some of the persons mentioned in your list...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter dated 14th. instant from Major Walker requesting a furlough for five or six weeks. You will, if you deem it expedient and for the good of the service grant him leave of absence for the whole or any part of the time he requires. with true consideration &c Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. John Walker to H, March 14, 1800...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 11 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received two letters one from Major Lynde the other from Lieutt. Lull, both requesting leave of absence for a few weeks. All applications of that kind ought to be made through the Commanding Officer of the post where they may be. I refer to you the propriety of giving them a furlough which you will do should it not upon enquiry appear to you detrimental to the Service. with true...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 30 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the twenty seventh has just been delivered to me. I participate with you, and with the officers generally, in the regrets that naturally flow from the state of things. It would give me pleasure could I direct an indemnification of the expence which you have incurred in procuring musical instruments. I shall not fail, however, to write to the S of War and urge a reimbursement. I...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed the D Q M General to furnish the troops when disbanded with transportation to places from which they can conveniently procure conveyance to their respective homes. The sick such of them as cannot be conveyed with their corps will remain in their quarters under the care of a surgeon. The Contractor will supply them as heretofore. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How,...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the sixth and ninth of this month. You will have perceived from a letter which must have arrived before now, that the arrangement of relative rank did not meet with my approbation. The list which I transmitted you is not to be considered as definitive, but as referred back for revision. Taking the principles which I have heretofore stated for your guide...
28Enclosure: Isaac Terboss to Nathan Rice, 23 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
By the request of our friends take the Liberty of writing to you in favor of young Harry Collins, that belongs to Capt. Phelps Company, and has for Sum time ben in your family—he will hand this to you with other papers Relative to his age & Inability of preforming the Duties of a Solger. he will request you to give him his Discharge which we most Sertainly Expect you will. I presume you are...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 13 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the second instant explaining the causes of the delay in forwarding pay and muster rolls, and rely on your exertions to produce greater regularity in future. When the articles happen not to be in the possession of the officers who are to make the returns it is proper that they should procure the necessary information without delay by applying to those in whose...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 8 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Flaggs resignation has been accepted of which you will please to notify him, informing me of the time he receives your notice. with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Sevt. Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. James McHenry to H, April 7, 1800 (listed in the appendix to this volume). See also H to Rice, March 24, 1800 .
31Enclosure: Jesse Lull to Nathan Rice, [2 May 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
As a very considerable part of the Stores belonging to my department have been consigned to, and (I conclude) receipted for, by the Commandant of the 16th Regt—he not being present, & I not having the Necessary information of what had been recd. by him, has rendered it impossible for me to comply with the order for making out a return of the Stores of my department on hand. I am sir with high...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 14 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fourth instant. I have sent the commission and letter of Lt Spring to the Secretary of War. The result, as soon as known, shall be communicated to you. With respect to the filling of vacancies, I have no intimations on the subject from the Secretary of War and therefore conclude that they will be filled at least in the way of promotions. The ultimate...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 23 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed Major Bewell to repair to the Brigade under your command for the purpose of enlisting four complete companies of Infantry. You will give every facility in your power to the accomplishment of this object. It would be well if, previously to the arrival of Major Bewell, recruits could be provisionily engaged. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 3rd. instant with the inclosures respecting Henry Collins. It has been my rule to grant those Soldiers a discharge who may have been inlisted under the age of eighteen, and who at the time of the application for their discharge have not attained that Age. Should you on further examination find Collins to be thus situated, you will cause him to be discharged...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 12 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Hutts and any other articles of public property that may remain here together with such of the sick as are too ill to be removed will, when your command expires, be under the charge of the senior officer of the U States who may be on the ground. This Officer is at present Captain Stoddard who will continue to be so untill the arrival of Major Bewell. You will endeavor to engage some one of...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the enclosed letter of Captain Tillinghast, and you will act in the case as the good of the service may require. It is proper that Officers should apply to me thro their commandant. Having then his remarks I shall be better able to judge of what is proper to be done. You will take care that this be made known. It is very desirable that the Officers should be with their regiments...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 18 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Captain Ashmun requesting permission of absence. Applications of the kind should always come thro’ the commanding officer accompanied with his opinion. You are at libery to grant Captain Ashmun a furlough till some time in May. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Phineas Ashmun’s letter has not been found. See “Circular to...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 18, 1800. “I send you the enclosed papers, and you will do with them what shall appear proper.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
39From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice and William S. Smith, [23 April 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
It appears by a Report of the Dy P M G that no return has come from the 12 Regiment of the Cloathing on hand as required by the general order of the 11th of March. Considering the time which has elapsed since the issuing of that order if there are any articles of Cloathing in the possession of the Pay Master of that Regiment he has been guilty of very great neglect for which he ought to be...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 21 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The resignation of Captain Babbit is accepted, and his pay and emoluments will cease on the fifteenth of May next. You will inform him accordingly. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See Rice to H, March 23, 1800 ; H to Rice, April 1, 1800 ; H to James McHenry, April 16, 1800 (listed in the appendix to this volume); McHenry to H, April 19, 1800...