201From John Adams to James McHenry, 22 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Mr. Wingate recommending the Rev. Seth Noble to be a chaplain in the army. I pray you to record & file this application with all others of a similar nature & to inform me what you propose to do respecting the appointment of chaplains. I am well disposed to give credit to Mr. Wingates recommendations & to give the appointment to Mr. Noble, if there is room & occasion....
202From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon a careful inspection of the Articles of War I entertain doubts, whether I can act upon, by approving or disapproving sentences of Courts Martial referred to me from the Department of War, in cases in which the Courts have been instituted by that Department through organs other than myself. As there is peculiar delicacy in inflicting punishment upon questionable authority, I shall be glad...
203From George Washington to James McHenry, 23 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 23d April 1799 Six days do I labour, or, in other words, take exercise and devote my time to various occupations in Husbandry, and about my Mansion. On the seventh, now called the first day, for want of a place of Worship (within less than nine miles) such letters as do not require immediate acknowledgment I give answers to (Mr Lear being sick & absent). But...
204From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [24] April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I request that a competent supply of Tents Knapsacks Camp Kettles and Canteens may be forwarded with the Cloathing may speedily follow it. The Regimental or Circle rendezvouses wh ich have been appointed, liable however to revision, are for Connecticut New Haven , for New York the town — We st Chester , for New Jersey, Elizabeth Town for Pennsy lvania Bristol , for Maryland Havre De Grace .
205From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Capt Bruff of the first Regiment of Artillery will arrive here in a day or two on his way to Maryland, where as you are informed, he will be employed in Recruiting a Company. I request that for this purpose he may be furnished with money Cloathing Knapsacks Camp Kettles & Canteens— ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
206From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It being urgent that the Two Regiments of Artillery should be organised into companies and disposed of to the several destinations which you have contemplated it results that a very inconvenient delay would attend the making of that arrangement in concert with General Pinckney as suggested in your late letter. As, likewise, this arrangement is mere matter of organisation, the distribution of...
207From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have reflected, as you have desired, on the most proper principles for regulating the relative rank of the field Officers of the twelve additional Regiments. It is always prudent, when no special reasons dictate a deviation, to adopt for cases of this kind a rule which steers clear of comparison of personal merit and avoids the danger of wounding the pride of any of the parties concerned....
208From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have a second time maturely reflected on the proper rule for promotions in the army, and I continue to adhere to that which was adopted by the General Officers last Winter, & which is recapitulated in your letter. I am persuaded that in the general course of things it will work well and satisfactorily. A moment’s hesitation as to its universal application arose from the situation of the four...
209From John Adams to James McHenry, 27 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 22d with their inclosures. In addition to the approbation expressed in your letter to Gen Macpherson of the 20th, you may if you please, present the thanks of the president to the Gen. & to the gentlemen composing the volunteer & militia detachments, for their patriotism and good conduct during the whole expedition. I have also received your favor of the 19th...
210From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 27, 1799. “I have reflected on the idea of furnishing the Regimental Quarter Masters with money to procure Quarters Transportation &c for the Recruits. It is a service which in an extensive State (New York for example) he cannot execute personally. If he employs substitutes at the different Stations, as the Contractor must do so likewise for his objects, it will either, by...
211From John Adams to James McHenry, 29 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Mr Thatcher, member of congress recommending Major Joseph Savage to be a lieutenant Col commandant of the second regiment of Artillerists & engineers. You will please to consider this when you consider other applications for the same vacancy I am Sir your servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
212From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Hamilton respectfully transmits the Secy of War the copy of a letter to Col Hamtramck on the subject of the Galley. It will shew what has been deemed by him the most eligible step— ( AL , The Indiana Historical Society Library, Indianapolis).
213From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I hear of no Cloathing arrived. The recruiting service is now actually begun here and elsewhere. I trust that the cloathing and other articles will certainly reach the Regimental rendezvousses before any of the men are there. It will be a discouraging omen if it proves otherwise. I beg you to appreciate the importance of having the articles forwarded as soon as they can be, even to those...
214From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the enclosed letter from Mr Stevens respecting the provisions at Fort Jay that it may be for the instruction of to serve as information for the Accountants. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
215From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 2, 1799. “I have received yours of the 30 April. and your directions will be immediately complied with.…” Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
216From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Very much attached to the idea of leaving the commanding officer of a distinct & distant army to regulate himself his particular dispositions—I have referred the employment of the Galley to Col Hamtramck on the supposition that by the departure of General Wilkinson the command has devolved upon him; with the intimation only of my opinion that probably the lower posts on the Mississippi offer...
217From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have duly received the letter you transmitted me mentioning from Capt Gates of the 13th. of February mentioning among other things the want of Cloathing and Blankets which I had have taken for granted were forwarded. Inclosed is the form of the oath to be taken by officers entering the army of the United States with great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your obed Servt. ( Df , in the...
218From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Colonel Ogden requesting that Wilmington may be appointed as a Company Rendezvous in the place of New Castle, I will therefore thank you to instruct the Agent of the War Department to have the contract made for the former place. with great respect I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( Df [two], in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
219From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter having informed me, that you some time since encouraged Capt Willing to expect a furlough, and having learnt from him that in consequence of this encouragement he had made arrangements and entered into engagements for the voyage, I thought it would compromit you to refuse the furlough request. I have therefore very much against my own judgment complied. The precedent in my opinion...
220From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
After mature reflection on the subject of your letter of the 26th. of last month; I am clearly of opinion that the President has no power to make alone the appointment of Officers to the Batalion, which is to be added to the second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. In my opinion Vacancy is a relative term, and presupposes that the Office has been once filled. If so, the power to fill the...
221From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith is a letter with for Capt Bruff with recruiting Instructions, which I beg you to have forwarded to him. You will observe, that the term of Inlistment, which is inserted, is three years. If this is not right you will oblige me by having it altered and me informed of the authority for the alteration—I mention this because in the model you sent me five years are inserted and in looking...
222From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Person nominated as Pay Master to the Regiment commanded by Col Nathan Rice of Massachusettes is Robert Duncan . Inclosed is the distribution which he has made of his officers to Districts and subdistricts. Thus you see the Recruiting service for this Regiment only waits the requisite supply of money Cloathing &c for from your Department. The Town of Somerset has been in the first instance...
223From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclosed you Lieutenant Moseley’s bond who is is the bond of Lieutenant Mosely appointed Pay Master to the Regiment commanded by Col: Taylor, his the Colonels recommendation of him is strong, and I have no doubt am confident well founded. with true consideration &c— ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
224From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col Ogden has written to m requested me to have appoint ed bridgetown as a Company Rendezvous in the place of Woodbury to which I have consented. I will thank you to instruct Colonel Rhea to make the a contract for the former place, if so requested by Col Ogden with consideration I am Sir Your obed servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
225From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Majr Lillie Major Lillie who on his return — the Eastward through this City, asked — to represent him in a favourable light — the President, which I did particularly as to his conduct during our Revolutionary War. with great respect I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
226From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 5th May 1799 Your private letter of the 29th Ulto was received yesterday, and requires but a short reply. From an observation of yours, in answer to my letter of the 23d Ulto, I perceive my meaning with respect to the settlement of relative Rank, has been misunderstood; or, if taken properly, I must adhere to the opinion I gave of the injustice which would be...
227From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
It is a point from which I have not deviated, to forward all recommendations, & applications, which have been made to me for Military appointments, to the Department of War. In confirmation of what is said in the enclosed letters from General Morgan, and the Colonels Meade and Parker, I may add that, the same good report of the merits of Major Lawe Butler has, verbally, been made to me by...
228From John Adams to James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 29th of April and have considered the subject of it with as much attention as will be necessary to agree in general to your principles. Merit however I consider as the only true scale of graduation in the army. Services & rank in the last war or any other war are only to be taken into consideration as presumptive evidence of merit & may at any time be set...
229From John Adams to James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return you all the recommendations in your letter of 29 of April & as I am perfectly satisfied with them I concur in your opinion that they may be appointed as soon as you think fit I am Sir your servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
230From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 7, 1799. “… Col Smith … recommends as his Major … Theodosius Fowler Esqr.… I do not find among the p⟨apers before⟩ me any list of the Officers of the Additional Troops of C⟨avalry⟩. Will you be pleased to have it transmitted? I promised Mr. Jones your C⟨lerk⟩ a memorandum of the number of printed copies of oat⟨hs⟩ and weekly returns which it would be expedient to ⟨send⟩ to the...
231From John Adams to James McHenry, 8 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Miles Carey inclosing a certificate from Capt Samuel Eddens. Mr. Cary I suppose wishes to be promoted from a cadet to a lietenant. yours MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
232From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is desireable as fast as possible to execute the arrangement which you have adopted for the Distribution of the Artillery. The great distance of General Pinckney from the position of a large proportion of the companies allotted to his command seems to render the intervention of some other authority necessary in the first instance to cause them to be transported within the sphere of their...
233From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the assignment of his Officers by Col Hall to the several Districts and subdistricts. He informs me that Lt. Ninian Pinckney has been nominated as Pay Master & Lieutenant Daniel Hughes as Adjutant of the Regiment. I recommend a confirmation. The others of his Regimental Staff The Quarter Master had not yet been nominated. Col Nathan Rice informs me that Lt Robert Duncan has been...
234From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am advised that the recruit — has actually begun in Maryland. I recommend that arms and accoutrements be without delay forwarded for the use of the recruits in the several Circles. It is important that they be provided as soon as they reach their Regimental rendezvouses, as well to excite and keep up the military spirit as for the purpose of early instruction. With great respect I have the...
235From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the arrest of Doctor osborne, which suspended his functions, it became necessary to employ a substitute to take care of the Garrison. Doctor Davis was engaged for this purpose by Major Hoops; —— upon what terms will appear from by the — inclosed copy of a letter from that officer. Doctor Davis claims strenuously —— a compensation equivalent to that which is allowed to a...
236From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to you a letter to me of the 2d, from Mr Ashley Colton, with three certificates, inclosed in it from Gentlemen, whom I know to be of the very best character for probity. I pray you to consider these papers, and do as justice and prudence shall dictate. I have the honor to be Sir your very humble &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
237From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 2d Instt, covering your dispatches of the 10th Ultimo, was brought to me by the Messenger who carried my letters to you (of the 5 & 6th) to the Post Office in Alexandria. That no time might be lost in carrying the Presidents Plan, and the request contained in your letter of the 10th Ult., into effect, I have solicited the aid of Generals Morgan, Lee, & Marshall; & the...
238From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return your List of Appointments for the 16th Regiment and that of Major Theodosius Fowler for the 12th. approved. I inclose also the Recommendations of those officers, recd in yours of May 9th. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
239From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be handed to you by Cornet Alexander Macombe, of the Cavalry of the U states, who when in Philadelphia will desire to pay his respects to you—He is a genteel clever young man & I trust the embryo of a good Officer. With respect & — Yr Obed Sr ( ALS [photostat], James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress).
240From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 7th May and since there appears a difference of opinion concerning the Construction of the Constitution and the Law, and as I see no necessity for an immediate appointment, I am content to suspend it for the present, perhaps till the meeting of the Senate— I think well of Mr. Williams as a gentleman of Science & Literature, as a good Citizen & brave man But...
241From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return the List of Appointments for the Eleventh Regiment Commanded by Colo. Ogden, inclosed in your favr. of the 9th: Approved— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
242From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor received your favour of the 10th. and have read the Letter of Brigadier General Macpherson to you of the 3d. and the letters of Mr. Chapman and Mr. Eyerly to him, with great pleasure— I pray you to present to General Macpherson and the Officers & troops under his Command in the late expedition my thanks for the prudence, Caution, Fortitude & perseverance with which they have...
243From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Letters from Colo. Rice, Lt. Soper, and from General Knox and Mr. HG Otis—which I pray you to file with all other applications of Similar natures. Mr. Henry Sargent appears a very respectable Man— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
244From John Adams to James McHenry, 18 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
As we have taken Capt. Chandler & Lieut. Flagg from the volunteer company of cadet Infantry of Worcester in Massachusetts into the regular army, other officers must be appointed: Thomas Denny Capt. Nathan Felton Lieut. Enoch Flagg second lieutenant are recommended to me by the company and others as suitable characters for the officers & I pray you to send their commissions accordingly as soon...
245From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is urgent that arms for the troops to be raised be at the respective Regimental rendezvouses as speedily as possible. Military pride is to be excited and kept up by military parade. No time ought to be lost in teaching the Recruits the use of arms. Guards are necessary as soon as there are soldiers and these require arms. When I came to see the hats furnished for the Twelveth Regiment, I...
246From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 21, 1799. “… It is … necessary that ⟨t⟩he officers generally should be possessed of ‘The Rgulations for the Order and Discipline of ⟨t⟩he Troops of the UStates.’ I mean those which were instituted in our Revolution War. This system will of course obtain ’till there shall be a substitute. I pray that a competent number may be prepared & transmitted ⟨wi⟩thout delay.” ADf , Hamilton...
247From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The instructions in your letter of yesterday shall be without delay executed. As Winchester is the Regimental Rendezvous of Col Parker, it seems to me that the stationing of Major Bradley there would too much and too exclusively interfere with the recruiting for this Regiment. Staunton as being more central to the entire state will bear pretty equally upon both Circles and seems appears in...
248From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Col Smith of which the inclosed is an extract. As the mention of Capt Fowler to you was in conformity with his opinion, after a particular consultation, I was rather surprized at the turn of his letter. I however sent his recommendation, though I imagine it is likely to come too late. And in justice to Capt Fonda , I ought to add that he was Adjutant of a batalion...
249From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the information conveyed by your letter of the 21 instant, I have authorised Col Strong, if from appearances he shall conceive there is well founded cause of alarm, to withdraw from Michilimacnac the whole or part of the Garrison for the reinforcement of his post. I did this for two reasons 1 because I did not perceive any other point from which he could be reinforced and...
250From John Adams to James McHenry, 24 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The recommendations of Laurance Butler to be Major in case Mr. Morgan should ultimately refuse his appointment received in your favor of the 16th which I received last night from Gen. Washington. Gen Morgan and Mr. Mede are quite sufficient to authorize me to consent to Mr Butlers appointment. I return the recommendations & inclose a letter of the 20th from John Lillie which I recommend to...