151From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In one of your letters you desire me to think of the Distribution of the States into recruiting districts. I have accordingly turned my attention to the subject. But the result is that it will be best to assign to each Regiment its district and to charge its commanding Officer with the arrangement into subdivisions. If you approve this idea you had better write me an official letter, briefly...
152From 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...
153From 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...
154From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 11, 1799. “I have this moment received your letter of the 4th instant to the contents of which I shall pay particular attention.” Copy, in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
155From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you open for your perusal a letter for General Wilkinson dated yesterday. If there be nothing in it which you disapprove, you will oblige me by causing it to be forwarded without delay. I am as fast as possible putting other objects in train. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. very Obed Ser ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
156From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is very material to me to have without delay the distribution of the additional twelve Regiments and troops of horse among the respective States according to the organization or arrangement which is contained in the report made to you in December by the Commander in Chief. This is requested with reference to the appointment of recruiting rendesvouzes. With great respect I have the honor to...
157From 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...
158From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the strength of the Representation, in the letter of which the inclosed is a copy I have taken the Liberty to request Coll. Stevens to procure and furnish the Article stated to be wanted; and to advise the Accountant of the department of War of the cost, that measures may be taken for deducting out of the pay of the Soldiers such part if any as may be extra —Not knowing at present where...
159From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have maturely considered the questions raised by your letter of the 21 of January with the aid of such lights, as memory or inquiry could furnish with regard to usage. The truth is that the articles are so obscurely worded as to preclude a very clear construction. The second article of the 18th section of the original code seems to me to be repealed by the first resolution of the 31 of May...
160From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 12th ultimo—and am much obliged by your kind attention to the business which I desired McAlpin to execute for me. Enclosed is a letter from Mr Alexr A. Peters requesting to be appointed Surgeon or Lieutt in the Army—also one addressed to yourself which came to my hands by the last Mail. I am dear Sir, with due respect & esteem, Your mo. ob. st...
161From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 5, 1799 . “I recur to your letters of the 31st of January 4th 15 21. 22 23 & 27 of February, for the purpose of doing whatever may remain to be done in relation to their contents. “… the complete formation of the several corps and their subdivisions which includes the appointment of the full complement of Officers is so essential to order that delay in this respect is very...
162From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As the original of the inclosed duplicate must have miscarried, I take the liberty to ask the favour of you to cause the Duplicate to the addressed to the proper Officer by name & to be forwarded to him in a mode that will be render the conveyance certain. It is necessary that the Letter for Col. Moore should immediately get to hand. He has requested me to transmit all letters for him under...
163From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Ought it not to be a rule to forward from your department to the Major Generals, as they are passed, copies of all laws respecting the military establishment? At any rate you will oblige me by sending those of the session just finished. I observe in the 5 § of the Recruiting Instructions, filled up in Manuscript, the term of inlistment is five years. The law for augmenting the army § 2 directs...
164From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a construction of the law warranted by usage that the President shall appoint the requisite number of Lieutenants & leave three of them to be designated for Quarter Master & Pay Master in the manner practiced in the late army. But if this is supposed not to be a good construction the end may be produced by making it a rule that recommendations shall come through the described Channels to...
165From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have digested some alterations in and additions to the Recruiting Instructions which I now send for consideration and decision. The nature of each will announce its motive so as to render little comment necessary. A few remarks will be seen in the margin of some of the clauses. I shall be glad of a determination as soon as may be in order to the transmission of the instructions that they may...
166Enclosure: Additions to the Recruiting Instructions, [15 March 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
To Section III No foreigner by birth shall be enlisted unless he shall have become a citizen of the UStates and shall have resided at least one year in the County where he shall be enlisted. To Section VI These attestations must always be taken in the presence of and certified by a Commissioned officer and must be forwarded to the Inspector General (through the Commanding Officer of the...
167From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 16, 1799. “Though I have not as yet complete materials for arranging all the States into Districts and subdistricts—I now submit to you an arrangement as to some of them, in order that the recruiting service may begin in these, when you deem other things sufficiently mature to commence it. There occurs no important reason why it should not be successively undertaken. On the...
168From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Beware, my Dear Sir, of magnifying a riot into an insurrection, by employing in the first instance an inadequate force. Tis better far to err on the other side. Whenever the Government appears in arms it ought to appear like a Hercules , and inspire respect by the display of strength. The consideration of expence is of no moment compared with the advantages of energy. Tis true this is always a...
169From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In compliance with the object of your letter of the 15. instant, I have put in motion two companies of Artillerists from Fort Jay (Henrys and Cochrans) who are to embark at ten this morning for Amboy and to proceed from thence by way of Brunswick to New Town in Bucks County. There (at Brunswick) Lt: Boote with his party is instructed to join them. The two companies as they march will exceed...
170From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If my memoranda be right I sent Wilkinsons letter, by duplicates through you. If so I presume it is not necessary for the certainty of conveyance to send a triplicate. If I am mistaken in the first idea, or if any thing more is requisite, be good enough to say—If otherwise no reply It is very extraordinary that I receive no acknowlegement of my letters from the commandant at Fort Mifflin (...
171From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I understand, that the Officers for Connecticut have been appointed & their names published, but I have seen no paper containing them. If so, be so good as to send me the list, and if there have been other appointments since the lists transmitted me, pray let them be added. Pursuant to your very proper idea of having at the seat of Government of the Chiefs of Different Departments —it seems to...
172From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday about two oClock, the detachment proceeded on its destination. It consisted of one Captain (Henry) Two Leutenants, Two Musicians, Ninety two Non Commissioned Officers & Privates. They had seventeen Tents with them. I send you a plan for dividing Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania and Delaware into Districts and subdistricts. It appears to me desireable that the recruiting...
173From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have ——— Major Ford to give the detachment directed Major Ford to take the command as you suggested, The Detachment did not proceed yesterday as I intend and to open a correspondence with you and General McPherson. Your letters of the 16 and 18th. of March are just received. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your Obed Ser ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
174From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 21st instant came to hand by the post of to day. There are some points in it respecting the recruiting service which demand immediate attention. “1. The Stations of the recruiting rendezvouses or the stations in each state where it will be proper to provide rations and send the Cloathing.” My letter of the 19th designated these stations in the five States, in which it is...
175From George Washington to James McHenry, 25 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
You will not only consider this letter as a private one, but as a friendly one, from G: W. to J: M. And if the sentiments which you will find in it, are delivered with more freedom and candour than are agreeable, say so; not by implication only, but in explicit language; and I will promise to offend no more by such conduct; but confine myself (if occasion should require it) to an Official...
176From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of a letter to Captn. Leonard. You best know from the previous situation, what to direct in regard to supplies. Albany is a point from which his subsequent motions can be conveniently regulated as circumstances may require. Inclosed is also the Copy of a General Order in relation to the sentence of the Court Martial which tried Captain Vance— You will likewise find herewith...
177From John Adams to James McHenry, 29 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received, in your favour of the 16th. Major General Pinckneys List, arranged in concert with Governor Davie. This List has my Approbation and you may announce as soon as possible, to the Persons their Appointments. I expect that all the vacancies in the Army be first communicated to me and the Candidates with their recommendations be transmitted to me, before Commissions are sent them...
178From John Adams to James McHenry, 29 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a recommendation from Gen. Thayer one of our Massachusetts Senators of Mr. Augustus Hunt, to be an officer. By his personal appearance he will make a very handsome & a well made stout lieutenant, you may put him on the list accordingly, if you please. &c I am &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
179From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 19th instant with the copies of letters from General Wilkinson mentioned therein. This communication reminds me that it will be necessary for me to peruse at large all that part of the correspondence of General Wilkinson, which relates to permanent or unfinished objects, in order that I may know how to direct in regard to the...
180From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored with your several letters of the 21. 22. 26. 27 and 28 instant. All necessary directions have been given towards the commencement of the business of Recruiting in the states of Connecticut New York New Jersey Pensylvania & Delaware the moment the necessary supplies of bounty money and cloathing shall have been furnished, and towards the preparation for it in the other...
181From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 2, 1799. On April 4, 1799, McHenry wrote to Hamilton : “I have been honored with your letter of the 2d. Inst.” Letter not found. ]
182From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 3, 1799. “… More recruiting Instructions are necessary, there cannot be less than thirteen copies to each Regiment (one for each Company one for each field officer): you only sent ninety in the whole.” Copy, in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See McHenry to H, March 21, 1799, note 10 .
183From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 7th April 1799 When your letters of the 30th & 31st Ulto were brought here, I was on a Survey of some land I hold in the vicinity of Alexandria; on which, as I was informed, & as the fact proved, considerable trespass had been committed. To complete this business I was employed near three days; and now, company will allow me to do but little more than to...
184From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are two letters of application for Appointments in the Army of the United States—One from Genl Morgan covering a letter from Capt. A. C. Randolph applying for an office in the Cavalry instead of the Infantry where you will find him among the newly appointed Captains. I have little or no personal knowledge of Capt. Randolph; but from the manner in which Genl Morgan speaks of him, and...
185From John Adams to James McHenry, 8 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters from Mr. Otis and Mr. Parkman, recommending Mr. William Williams to be a Capt. which I pray you to file and record for consideration. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
186From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 8, 1799. “… It has been suggested … that an advance of money to the officers on account of their pay is necessary. All of them have to incur considerable expence for their equipment and many of them cannot afford it out of their own funds. I agree in the necessity of the measure. The advance ought not to be less than four Months pay and ought to extend to all the additional...
187From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Nothing can be more desireable than a well digested plan for connecting the different parts of our Military System, in regard to the procuring and issuing of supplies. I send you the outline of a scheme for that purpose. It is important that this, or a substitute more eligible, should be without delay established. It is particularly essential that the channels through which supplies are to...
188From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 8, 1799. “The Commander in Chief having approved the idea of calling the Pay Master to the Seat of Government, I send you inclosed by his direction an order for him to repair to the seat of Government.…” ADfS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. George Washington to H, March 25, 1799 . H to Caleb Swan, April 3, 1799 .
189From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 4th. instant, informs me of the contracts, which have been already made, and of the measures, which are in train for forming others in the states where none at present exist. There is an omission of New Jersey. I request information concerning this State also. You understand me rightly as to the issuing of Cloathing through the Regimental Pay Master. The execution will no...
190From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As it will require time to form contracts where there are none already existing, I submit that it will be expedient, in such cases, to advance money to some person, to procure them by purchases on account of the Government; Where there is no Agent preferred by you the Regimental Quarter Master Naturally presents himself, as the person to whom the service may be Committed. New Jersey and...
191From George Washington to James McHenry, 10 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter and sundry Certificates which have been handed to me by a Monsr Demoumonier, a French Gentln who is desirious of entering into the service of the United States in the military line. I forward this letter & these documents to you as I have done all of a similar nature which have come to my hand; but how far it may comport with the line of policy marked out by the Govt of...
192From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Last night I recd your favour of the 5th. The Proceedings detailed in it, appear to have been well considered and prudently pursued: But the Sordid Spirit, which produced this as well as the former Insurrection in Pennsylvania, and which have given So much trouble to the Government, Anxiety to the Nation and burden on the Treasury, ought to excite more general Indignation than they have done....
193From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been yesterday & this morning honored with your several favours, three of the 11th and two of the 12th instant. The injunctions respecting the Indian boundary line will be carefully & promptly attended to. Speedy attention will also be paid to the affair of proclaiming Martial law at Detroit. At present I am not aware how the authority for it is found. But this as well as its expediency...
194From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from Major Jackson, which I pray you to consider, and to send Mr Titcomb s Pay and Rations accordingly, if the Law will allow it. He is a promising and deserving young Man, fit for an Ensign. Inclosed also is a Letter from Major Lillie, which deserves your consideration. Burbeck is a Sewell that We must not loose and Lillie I think must be made a Major. I have seen him and...
195From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 15, 1799. “… A letter from General Washington of the 10th. instant has this passage ‘Not an officer in this state has yet received his Commission to the great dissatisfaction of all and relinquishment of many, who would no longer remain in a state of suspense and idleness.’ There is a strong impatience in the officers every where to have their commissions. It seems to me that...
196From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By a letter just received from Lt Leonard of Vermont he mentions that he has made the necessary preparatory arrangements for proceeding to Albany but cannot do it for want of money. He does not specify the sum be wants nor the object. I have no previous knowlege to guide me. You can judge and will forward the requisite supply. All I know is that the Public Agent at the Place wil l furnish...
197From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I recd yesterday your favour of the 8th. If there is no room for Mr Hastings as a Major, which I believe there is not, you may consider whether there is Place for him as a Captain. If there are not candidates of Superiour Claims he may be offered a Captaincy, and if he declines that, another may be appointed. It is not upon the Act of the 3d of March Ult. that I ground the Claim of an...
198From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 17, 1799. “Your letters of the 15th. and 16th. are duly come to hand.… Tomorrow I shall leave this place for Philadelphia. Several things will best be settled by personal conference which in future will be mutually convenient & will promote the service.” Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
199From John Adams to James McHenry, 19 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I recd last night your favour of the 11 and thank you for the Copy of General Macphersons Letter and the List of his Prisoners. The Generals Conduct has been prudent and Successfull, and will terminate in the permanent tranquility of the People. I return you Reeders Letter and Jacksons Address. Have these Democrats, a morality of their own? or have they none? Do they really believe that lying...
200From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, April 20, 1799. “… As I do not conceive the United States to be now at War in the legal import of that term (which I construe to be a state not of partial but of general , hostility) I consider it as beyond my power to approve or execute such sentences as by the Articles of War are referred to the President in time of peace. But while I think it my duty on this ground to transmit...