1From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Will you do me the favour to inquire & inform me how soon we may depend on our carriage. I propose shortly to make a journey to Albany & to take Mrs. H with me, which is the cause of my now troubling you. Pray what are you going to do in New Jersey. We are all-apprehension about you. Yrs. truly ALS , George N. Meissner Collection, Rare Book Department, Washington University, St. Louis,...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 14 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will oblige me by ordering for me to be ready as soon as possible a Coachee to cost 80 pounds and to be as complete and decent as can be had for that sum. Yrs. truly If you could without too much trouble find a stout cart horse I should be glad to have him—the rate not too dear. ALS , George N. Meissner Collection, Rare Book Department, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Ogden, a...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 7 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed that the Accountant of the War Department has instructed you to settle with those officers who have drawn forage, by crediting them with the sums specified by law to be received in lieu of the Article when the Article itself is not furnished, and charging them with the quantity of forage supplied at it’s market value. This direction is in violation both of law and justice. And as...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 7 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In the arrangement for the transportation of the sick and of baggage of the troops composing the Union Brigade 11th, 12th, & 13th regiments, the following rule appears to me to be the most eligible. Let the sick and baggage of the 13th regiment be transported to New Haven—those of the 12th. to three points, according to New York, New Burgh and Albany—those of the 11th who belong to Delaware...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The sick of the Brigade stationed here will remain after the disbandment under the care of a Surgeon. In case I do not inform you by Tuesday that one will come from New York I would thank you to engage Doctor Chetwood for the purpose. You will engage him under the idea that he will receive a compensation from the public for his services— With great considn I am Sir yr. ob. st ( LS , Lloyd W....
6From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 26 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Taylor presents a charge for transportation of Cloathing, arms &c. from the regimental rendezvous, at New Haven, to the different subdistricts—This expence was incurred before you entered upon your Office, but as it is important that such accounts should be settled before the troops are disbanded—You will discharge this, as soon as possible— With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob....
7From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 19 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this is Mr. Genti , my Cook, a very respectable man in his station. He has charge of my baggage. Be so good as to cause it to be transported to camp without delay and let him have a horse to convey himself unless he declines it. Yrs. truly ALS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey. For background to this letter, see H to Ogden,...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall send my baggage with a Servant to Elisabeth town on Monday next, and you will be pleased to take measures for sending them, immediately, to the Camp, in order that there may be time for such preparations there as may be necessary against my arrival. I shall leave this place on Wednesday morning, and would thank you to have the horse, which you were so obliging as to offer me, at Powles...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Major Cass. I have to request that you will take measures, without delay, for obviating the difficulty which he speaks of James Miller Esqr will readily undertake what is necessary. Major The necessary articles of Quarter Master supply will be furnished by the Superintendant of Military Stores— ( Df , in the handwriting of H and Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 14 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered attended to the estimate of Quarter Master’s stores enclosed to me in your letter of the second instant— You will consider it as the rule to be acted upon untill further orders— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
11From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 12 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I expect to set out for the camp at Scotch Plains on Monday next. You will provide bricks and materials for erecting at my Quarters a fourneau a machine for culinary purposes, which may be considered as a cube of brick about eight feet long, four feet thick, and four and a half feet high. I have a waggon which will serve for carrying my baggage, but you will provide two horses for the purpose....
12From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 10 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 10, 1800. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Care of the sick after disbanding of the army.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at American Art Association-Anderson Galleries, March 4, 1932, Lot 63.
13From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 10 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from James Miller Esqr. the Assistant Quarter Master General, and request that you will communicate to me, as soon as possible, your ideas on the subject of it With great consideration I am Sir yr. obt Servt. ( LS , Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey: Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
14From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will provide without delay three pendulums to vibrate seventy five, one hundred, and one hundred and twenty times in a minute—Col. Smith wrote to me some time since that he was making a provision of this kind—You will ascertain what he has whether he has done this, and if he has, measure provide make such provision only as will supply the deficiency ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y....
15From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 7th. instant, inclosing one from Major Adlum, offering a resignation of his commission. It is not within my general policy to attempt to detain Officers in the service who have once expressed a desire to quit it—Pursuing this impression, therefore, I Should have sent the Major’s letter to the Secy. of War, for the decision of the President in the case. As,...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 8 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As tents may not arrive in time, I would thank you to take a convenient house within a small distance of the Camp at Scotch Plains for me and my suite. I expect to be there by the twentieth of the month. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob Servt. LS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 7 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are copies of letters to Majors Cass and Bewell—You will take the necessary measures for trans conveying their detachments from Wilmington and to continue to Pittsburg. The detachment of Major Bewell consists of sixty four men, that of Major Cass of thirty— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
18From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 6 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As the Troops at the Scotch Plains, may be encamped during the summer you will look out for a convenient place for the purpose, agreeably to a conversation held between us on the Subject— With great consideration I am Sir yr. ob. Servt. ( LS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 24 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday— Lt. James Gordon is appointed Brigade Quarter Master— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
20From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 15 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In compliance with your request I proceed to draw an outline of the duties which as Deputy Quarter [Master] General of the Troops within my immediate command you will have to perform. The duties of the Department of Quarter Master General as they have been understood in our service are subdivided into two principle branches, one of which has been denominated Military the other Civil—the first...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 10 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your four letters of the eighth and ninth of April. You are authorized to procure wood for the troops Union Brigade, confining yourself within the regulations established by the War department, which appear to me to be quite liberal. In cases to which those regulations do not apply you will have an eye to them as a general guide, and make such allowance as shall consist with...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 2 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will take the necessary measures for supplying the Troops in the district allotted to you with the articles specified in the Regulations of the War Department dated the 1st. March 1800. You are at liberty to employ as your Agents the Contractors or other persons as you may think fit. with true consider— &— ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
23From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 25 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish that you would look among the officers of the thirteenth regiment for some character qualified to fill the office station of Brigade Inspector — Quarter Master. Captain Meigs has been highly spoken of to me by his Colonel. I mention this mainly to draw call your attention to this Gentleman, ———— his merits, confiding however that you will have an equal eye to those of other...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Letter not found. ( LS , sold by the American Art Association-Anderson Galleries, March 4, 1932, Lot 61).
25From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
After learning from the Contractor what has been done. You will cause to be deliver’d, without delay, at Union Camp, such quantity of wood, as shall be sufficient, with what has been already received, to make up their complement to the 15th. of April next, according to the regulations prescribed by the War Department. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob. Servt. ( LS , The Andre deCoppet...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 8 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will immediately adopt the necessary measures for building an hospitals with under floors for each Regiment now at the Union Cantonment according to the plan contained in your letter of the 7th instant. As you have no funds to discharge whatever expence may be incurred, in this instance, you are to apply to make use of the agency of the Contractor, who will must implicitly follow your...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 6 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The following is an extract of a letter which I have just received from the Secretary of War. “The circumstances stated relative to Captain Bowman’s pretensions to rank first Captain in the 11th regiment of Infantry readily induce me to give my sanction to his being so placed in the arrangement.” You will alter the arrangement accordingly. With great consideration I am, Sir, yr. obt Srt. ( LS...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 28 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received letters from Colonel Smith recommending the establishment of a Brigade Hospital. I wish you to consult with him what may be the proper dimensions of one, and report to me the Expenses of erecting it; also to enquire in the Neighbourhood of the Camp for some house which may serve a temporary hospital informing me at what price you may be able to procure one. The latter expedient...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As I had Having forwarded the arrangement of the Relative Rank of your officers to the Secretary of War, I have written to him requesting his sanction to the proposed alteration of Captn. Bowman’s Rank. As it ——— take — , it — , be well to let that officer act as first Captn in your Regiment until you shall receive further communication from me will probably take place it may be well for you...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 8 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon recurring to your letter the arrangement of relative rank which you last transmitted me and which has received my sanction I do not find in it the name of Lieutenant How. He received and accepted a his appointment on the fifth of August last, and will rank among the Second Lieutenants according to the date of that appointment—I know not whether any appointment has taken place since—You...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 7 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this day written to Colonel Smith informing him of my intention to detach you from the Brigade this winter for the purpose of assisting the Adjutant General in framing regulations for the army. with true consideration Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H to William S. Smith, January 7, 1800 (listed in the appendix to this volume). See H to...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 5 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of Decr. 13th. inclosing the relative Rank of your Officers, it meets entirely with my approbation. You will therefore make it known to the Officers as the definitive arrangement with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( LS , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Columbia University Libraries; Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers,...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
An investigation of the charges exhibited against Captain White resulted in a conviction that there had been no criminal or improper intention on the part of this officer, but, on the contrary, that what he did proceeded from a laudable zeal for the Service. It appears to me I am of opinion however that his conduct was imprudent in as much as it furnished a pretext for accusation, and the...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish to employ General North with your assistance in preparing regulations for the police of the troops in Camp Quarters and garrisons. There will be no necessity for your residing in New York. Occasional visits to the city will be sufficient for the accomplishment of the object. I have proposed to the Secretary of War the allowance of an extra compensation, but I can not say what...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 23 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The deserter from Captain Henry’s company mentioned in your letter of the fifth instant will remain where he is untill a General court Martial can decide on his case. It is only by punishment that the practice of desertion can be suppressed. Entire impunity in these cases of desertion would prove destructive of the service— With great consideration ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How,...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 13 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you the copy of a letter which I have written to Colonel Smith. You will make it the basis of your conduct untill that officer shall Arrive— With great consideration I am ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
37From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the copy of a letter of this date to Col. Smith. Till he shall assume the command you will act upon it as to every preparatory measure. You will accordingly — proceed to the spot—with your own Regim ent — soon as you think proper and begin —— cutting of Timber. Allotting to these a —— of Officers) the recruiting service will —— as heretofore with the rest. You are alre ady — that...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your information on the subject of Deputy Pay Master General. A public letter of yesterday authorises you to conclude the purchase of the ground on Green brook . Can Slabs and Boards for roofs buncks &c be procured any where in Jersey not far distant? At what prices? What are your ideas of the most convenient dimensions for hutts? I wish messes to consist of twelve men. In some...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 27 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday, and would thank you to complete the contract as soon as possible. Let the conveyance be to the United States of America. As soon as you shall inform me of the completion of the Contract I will give directions to the Pay Master General to furnish you with the necessary funds. With great consideratn. I am, Sir yr. obt set ( LS , Lloyd W. Smith...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 25 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Deputy Pay Master General for the troops under my command is wanted—Would Capt Williamson of the horse suit and would he probably accept? I inquire about no officer of your Regiment because one being already taken for from it as my Secy it would not be to do it justi ce to detach another. I rely on your friendly & confidential opinion— Thirty Dollars ⅌ Month in addition to pay & — is the...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 23 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letters of the nineteenth And twentieth of this month have been delivered to me. I would thank you to ascertain immediately whether the owners of the land on Greenbrook will convey the fee simple to the United States at the rate Mentioned in your letter without reserving to themselves the right of pr e emption. I wish to have the land unshackled by any terms of the kind—On this...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 21 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter from Major Adlum contains a request for a furlough. I have no objection to the thing as far as relates to the command on which the Major is employed independently of his connection with your regiment. In this respect you are the proper Judge, and it is referred to you for determination—If there is nothing in the situation of the regiment to render the thing improper I have...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information a letter which I have received from Mr. John Bray of New Brunswick on the subject of winter quarters. It is my wish to have you report in the course of a week as by that time I shall it will be necessary to determine between New Jersey, and Carlisle. With great considern. I am, Sir & ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
44From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Least my letter of the ninth of this month should have miscarried I send you a duplicate of it—I am very anxious to hear from you on the subject to which it relates. “I have considered the terms offered by the owners of the land on Green brook, and they appear to me to be extremely high. I should suppose that Sixty dollars pr. acre would be a sufficient consideration for the fee simple. It is...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 9 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the terms offered by the owners of the land on Green brook, and they appear to me to be extremely high. I should suppose that sixty dollars pr. Acre would be a reasonable consideration for the fee simple. It is my wish therefore that you would look out for other situations, and endeavour to obtain more moderate terms. Unless land can be at had at a cheaper rate, it will be...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 2 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the thirtieth and thirty first of August, and am much obliged to you for the promp t and satisfactory execution of the object to which I had requested your attention. From information that has been given me I am lead to beleive that a good position may be found in the vicinity of Pompton. I would thank you to have an examination of the place examine the...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 27 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the twenty third inst., and in answer to the enquiries it contains have to observe that the lads enlisted as musicians are to be mustered altho’ under eighteen years of age, and that the authority given to you on the subject of mustering extends to the object of which you speak. I wish to be informed whether you have received my letter respecting winter...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
An early preparation for Winter Quarters will conduce to the comfortable accommodation of the Troops, and is the more necessary as sufficient Barracks no where exist in which they may be quartered in entire Corps; a circumstance extremely desirable. It is therefore conceived that it may be found most eligible to hut the Troops during the ensuing Winter. Some point in the vicinity of the...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 20 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the fifth of August, and of the thirteenth and the twenty third of July. The plan which you propose on the subject of returns would do very well for the regiments that are near at hand, but would be extremely inconvenient with respect to such as are situated at a distance. As the rule therefore can not be general it will be best not to follow it in any case. The...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 12 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Capt. Saml. White requesting permission to come this city to on the subject of the Charges exhibited against him. If it will not clash with your regimental Arrangement you will give orders that his request be complied with. With great consideration &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).