51Cabinet Meetings. Opinions Concerning the Relations of the United States with Several European Countries, [1–22 November … (Hamilton Papers)
At sundry meetings of the heads of departments & attorney general from the 1st. to the 21st. of Nov. 1793. at the President’s several matters were agreed upon as stated in the following letters from the Secretary of state. to wit. Nov. 8. Circular letter to the representatives of France, Gr. Brit. Spain & the U. Netherlands, fixing provisonily the extent of our jurisdiction into the sea at a...
52Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox to John Jay and Rufus King, 27 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
We have received your Letter of the 26th instant. We take to day to revise it and tomorrow or the day after we expect to hand it to some Printer for publication with our Certificate. We are with respect and esteem Your obedient servants John Jay } Esquires. Rufus King LS , in the handwriting of H, Columbia University Libraries. For background to this letter, see the introductory note to H to...
53Statement by Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox on Edmond Charles Genet’s “Appeal to the People”, 29 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
We the subscribers, certify that we did severally communicate to the abovementioned John Jay and Rufus King, the particulars contained in the foregoing statement. That such of them as are therein mentioned to have been reported to Governor Mifflin by Mr. Dallas, were communicated by the Governor to each of us, as having been received by him from Mr. Dallas. That such of them as respect Mr....
54Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox to John Jay, 29 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Notwithstanding the information of this Morning respecting the Insertion in Dunlap’s Paper on Monday, certain reasons determine us rather to return to you the Paper with our certificate. You will find that we have altered nothing material to your purpose. The omission of what concerned the President has proceeded from a scruple about official propriety. We are with respect & esteem Dr Sir ...
55Cabinet Meeting. Opinions on Relations with France and Great Britain, [7 December 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments & Atty genl. at the President’s on the 7th. of Dec. 1793. Mr. Genet’s ltre of Dec. 3. questioning the right of requiring the address of Consular commissions to the President was read. It is the opinion that the address may be either to the US. or to the President of the US. but that one of these should be insisted on. A letter from James King was read,...
56Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Writing to the King of Prussia Concerning the Marquis de Lafayette, [14 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments at the President’s, on the fourteenth day of January 1794. It was propounded by the President, whether in consideration of the eminent services of M. de la Fayette, to the U. S. and his present sufferings, it be not adviseable for the President, in a private , and unofficial character, to address to the King of Prussia a letter, requesting his release...
57Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Presidential Message to Congress on the Recall of Edmond Charles Genet, [19 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
For the correction of Colo. H. & Genl K. Having already laid before you a letter of the 16th. of August 1793, from the secretary of State to our minister at Paris, stating the conduct, and urging the recal of the minister plenipotentiary of the republic of France; I now communicate to you, that his conduct has been unequivocally disapproved; and that the strongest assurances have been given,...
58Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Communicating to the Senate the Dispatches of Gouverneur Morris, [28 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments January 28, 1794. Upon consideration of the resolution of the Senate, of January 24, 1794, calling for the correspondences, therein mentioned: General Knox is of opinion, that no part of the correspondences should be sent to the Senate. Colo. Hamilton, that the correct mode of proceeding is to do, what General Knox advises; but that the principle is...
59Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Expeditions Being Planned in Kentucky for the Invasion of the Spanish Dominions, [10 March … (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments, and the attorney general at the President’s on the 10th. day of March 1794. The intelligence from Kentucky, and the territory no. West of the Ohio, was laid before them; whereupon it was advised 1. that a proclamation issue against the expeditions, understood to be prepared in Kentucky, for the invasion of the Spanish dominions. 2. that a...
60Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Request for Payment of Installments on the French Debt, [11 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and the attorney general, on the 11th. of March 1794. It is advised unanimously, that Mr. Fauchet be informed, that He shall be supplied with the instalments, due in September and November next, according to the manner, expressed in the report of the Secretary of the treasury to the President on this subject. It is proposed by the Secretary of the...
61Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Best Mode of Executing the Embargo, [26 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments, and the Attorney general of the U. S. at the President’s, on the twenty sixth day of march 1794. The resolution of congress, of this date being submitted to them by the President for their opinion as to the best Mode of executing the same; It is advised unanimously, that the governors of the several States ought to be called upon to enforce the said...
62Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Restoring the Brigs Conyngham and Pilgrim to the British, [27 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and Attorney general. March 27. 1794. The Secretary of War, the attorney general and the Secretary of State advise, that the Conyngham be not delivered up to the British owners; the secretary of the treasury dissenting. The Secretary of the treasury, the Secretary of war, and the attorney general advise, that the Pilgrim be delivered up to the British...
63To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 29 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The estimates herein enclosed relatively to the fortifications is a Copy of the one present’d to the Committe of Congress, and is presumed to have been contemplated in the Law making the appropriations upon the Subject —some places however are mentioned in the Law which are not contained in the estimate. It will be necessary to appoint some man of character, for integrity and intelligence in...
64Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Request for a Passport, [31 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I am of opinion that a passport ought to be granted, under the restrictions, proposed by the petitioners, [(viz) the vessel to be American in ballast & to have passports from the several foreign Ministers.] I am inclined to think that the Embargo extends to all vessels which are not in some degree or other considered as under the direction of the President of the U.S. D , in the handwriting of...
65Cabinet Meeting Opinion on a Request for a Passport, 2 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
We are of opinion, that a passport ought to be granted for a vessel under the above restrictions. Edm: Randolph. Alex Hamilton I am inclined to think the vessel ought [to] sail not only by the permission , but in consequence of the directions of the President. D , in the handwriting of Edmund Randolph, William Bradford, and Henry Knox, and signed by Randolph, Bradford, H, and Knox, RG 59,...
66To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 12 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 12, 1794. On May 14, 1794, Tench Coxe wrote to Hamilton and referred to “the two Estimates No 1 & 2 of the Secrety of War, contained in his letter to you of the 12th. of April last.” Letter not found. ] Henry Knox had submitted these estimates to George Washington on April 10, 1794 ( LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress). The estimates deal with the...
67To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 21 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you an estimate of the quantity and quality of Timber, Plank, Scantling and Copper &c. which will be required for each of the four largest frigates contemplated by the Act entitled “An Act to provide a naval armament” nearly the same quantity will also be wanted for each of the thirty six gunships mentioned in the said Act. It has been decided by the President of...
68Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Application of Money Given by Law to the Indigent of Santo Domingo, [22 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
We do ourselves the honor of advising the President of the U. S. to apply the remainder of the money, given by law to the indigent of St. Domingo, resident here, to the furnishing of them with the means of going thither, it being known, that several vessels are now bound thither from different parts of the U. S. with passports for the purpose of conveying them. DS , in the writing of Edmund...
69Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Submission of Thomas Pinckney’s Letters to Congress, [24 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of state submits to the Secretaries of the treasury and war, whether the inclosed letters from Mr. Pinckney or either of them shall be sent to congress. E. R. is of opinion, that the letter of the 28th. of Jany, and not the other ought to be sent. April 24, 1794. I am [of] opinion that it is not adviseable to send either. That of the 28th of January contains no new substantive...
70To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 1 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the enclosed extract of a letter, received this day, from Major General Wayne, dated the 10th of March 1794 complaining, in a pointed manner of the very inferior quality of the Hats and Shoes furnished by the contractors of Clothing for the last year. The President of the United States to whom this subject has been submitted is of opinion that the Contractors...
71To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 6 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the general dimensions of the heavy cannon which are required for the fortifications and for the frigates; the proof which will be required of each piece, by persons who shall be appointed by me for that purpose, and the time within which they ought to be delivered. ASP American State Papers, Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United...
72To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 12 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 12, 1794. “I have the honor to transmit you as a matter of information the opinion of Mr Joshua Humphreys on the mode of procuring the white oak plank and timber.” LC , RG 45, Letters Sent Concerning Naval Matters, National Archives. This letter concerns provisions for the naval armament authorized by Congress. See Knox to H, April 21, 1794 . On June 28, 1794, Knox...
73Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Call for Volunteers from Kentucky, 13 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of the departments and the attorney General, at the house of the President of the United States, the subject of affording an auxiliary force to Major General Wayne for the purpose of enabling him to make a vigorous and offensive campaign against the hostile Indians being considered, it was advised, that he be authorised, to call for two thousand mounted volunteers...
74List of Names From Whence to Take a Minister for France, [19 May 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Georgia Nathaniel Pendleton (District Judge) Baldwin S Carolina J Rutlege E Rutlege CC Pinkney Pinkney (late Governor) North Carolina Virginia T. Jefferson J Madison Mc. Clurgh } Principles as to FR unknown J Marshall E Randolph Henry Lee Maryland
75Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Drafting of Militia by Governor Thomas Mifflin, 24 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon consideration of the letter of Governor Mifflin to the President of the US of this date respecting his drafting one thousand men of the Western militia of this state, for the purpose of supporting a detachment directed to take possession of Presque Isle it was advised That an answer of the following purport be given. “That on mature reflection the President is of opinion that it is...
76Cabinet Decision. Rules for Departure from United States Ports of Belligerent Nations, [16 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
When any Vessel, whether of war or merchandize, public or private, belonging to any belligerent nation, shall depart from the United States, beyond the jurisdictional line of the United States, on the Ocean; and a Vessel of War whether public or private, belonging to another of the belligerent nations, being adverse, shall at the time of the departure of the first mentioned vessel, be within...
77To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 16 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 16, 1794. On July 29, 1794, Tench Coxe wrote to Henry Knox: “I have this moment received your letter to the secy of the Treasy of the 28th inst: … It refers to one of yours to him of the 16th ult upon the subject of other rendezvous.” Letter of June 16 not found. ] LC , RG 75, Letters of Tench Coxe, Commissioner of the Revenue, Relating to the Procurement of Military,...
78Henry Knox to Thomas Mifflin, [21 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter to The President dated the 14th instant (which has been opened pursuant to general directions) was only delivered to Mr. Dandrige his Secy on the 17th at three oClock. The departure of The President for Mount Vernon on the morning of that day prevents my being able to reply to it at this time under his immediate direction. But antecedent communications with the...
79To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 23 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a list of articles which will be required for the equipment of each of the forty four gun ships & to observe that nearly the same will be required for each of the thirty six gun ships. The heavy Cannon and shot have already been requested of you. The twelve pounders will hereafter be more specifically stated. The military stores also will in due season be fully...
80To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 25 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I shall immediately appoint the following persons as naval agents viz. Boston—Henry Jackson New York—John Blagge Baltimore—Jeremiah Yellot. The others will be determined on as soon as possible. The Sixth frigate will not be built at Charleston. The place is not quite determined on but it will be in the course of a day or two. Mr. John Morgan will be the...
81To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 26 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, June 26, 1794. “I have the honor to transmit you Captain Truxtons estimate of Masts and spars for one of the Frigates of 44 Guns—for the 36 gun frigates will be but little inferior in size.” LC , RG 45, Letters Sent Concerning Naval Matters. National Archives. For background to this letter, see Knox to H, April 21, 1794 . Thomas Truxtun. See Knox to H, June 23, 1794 . A copy of...
82To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 9 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
As the building of the Frigates is closely connected with the subject of Finance I beg leave to submit to your consideration, the arrangements which I propose upon that subject. No. 1. is proposed instructions to the Agents. " 2. —————————— to the Superintendant " 3. —————————— to the builder or Constructor. " 4. —————————— to the Clerk of the yard. Any remarks you may think proper or...
83To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 9 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, July 9, 1794. “Agreeably to your request of the 7th. Inst. I have the honor of transmitting you the Sums to be expended upon the Fortifications specified by the Laws.…” Copy, RG 233, Reports of the Secretary of War, Third Congress. National Archives. This letter was enclosed in a report which Knox submitted to Congress on December 19, 1794. The report is printed in ASP American...
84To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 9 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, July 9, 1794. “I request that you would be pleased to deside as early as may be, the articles … to be obtained by the naval Agents, at Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston and Portsmouth. Altho I have not yet definite Answers from all those places, yet as soon as I shall receive them, I am desirous of putting every thing in train of execution.” LC , RG 45, Unbound...
85To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 14 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, July 14, 1794. “I request that you would please to have placed in the hands of the Naval Agents who have definitively accepted of their appointments certain sums of money with which to commence their operations.… You will be better able to form a judgement of the sum than I can, as you will decide upon the articles which are to be obtained by them.…” LC , RG 45, Letters Sent...
86To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, [24] July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, July [ 24 ] 1794 . “I have the honor to transmit you a letter this day received from the naval agents in Philadelphia for a supply of money. I concieve it would be proper immediately to place in the hands of each agent the sum of five thousand dollars for them to be accountable.” LC , RG 45, Letters Sent Concerning Naval Matters, National Archives. Francis Gurney and Daniel...
87To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 24 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, July 24, 1794. “I have the honour to transmit you a Copy of a circular letter to the several Engineers employed for fortifying certain ports and harbours of the United States. And I beg leave to request that you will take such measures as you may deem proper for the purchase of such tracts of land, at the places respectively as shall be designated by the Engineers to the...
88To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 25 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 25, 1794. On July 26, 1794, Tench Coxe wrote to Knox: “I have before me your letter of the 25 instant to the Secy of the Treasury.” Letter not found. ] LC , RG 75, Letters of Tench Coxe, Commissioner of the Revenue, Relating to the Procurement of Military, Naval, and Indian Supplies, National Archives.
89To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 28 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 28, 1794. On July 29, 1794, Tench Coxe wrote to Hamilton : “I have this moment received under cover from the Secy. at War an open letter for you of the 28 inst.” Letter not found. ]
90Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox to George Washington, 5 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The draft of a proclamation and that of an instruction to the Commissioners being both prepared, we take the liberty to suggest that we think a meeting tomorrow morning at such hour as may be convenient to the President, may be adviseable. The Secretary of State & Attorney General being out of town we cannot consult them, but we will engage the attendance of the Attorney General provisionally...
91To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 8 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 8, 1794. On August 12, 1794, Tench Coxe wrote to Samuel Hodgdon: “I have just received from the secy. of the Treasy a letter to him of the 8th. inst. from the Secy. at War, containing a requisition of certain articles.” Letter not found. ] Hodgdon was commissary of military stores. See H to Knox, June 20, 1794 . LC , RG 75, Letters of Tench Coxe, Commissioner of the...
92To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 8 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, Accountant’s Office, August 8, 1794. “I have the honor to inclose you an abstract of pay due the dismounted Infantry for the defensive protection of the Territory south west of the Ohio … in 1793 and part of 1794, an estimate of expenses and for pay of the Federal troops in that Quarter, also an estimate of the ordinary expenses of Government for Governor Blount for the year...
93To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 8 October 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Your exertions in my department during my absence will never be obliterated. I regret my long stay. If things shall be so serious as to require the President to go forward, I hope I may be indulged in joining him. I have not seen Mr. Jays dispatches. I am yours affectionately ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Knox had left Philadelphia for Maine in August because of adverse news...
94To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 17 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
By the arrangement of the New Contract, a Commissary will be required. I know not of any person in whose integrity I would have more confidence than Major I Craig of Fort Pitt provided he would repair to Fort Washington. Will you consider of this point, and if you approve, will you offer it to him? No time can be lost upon this subject. Mr Jay will satisfactorily arrange all the points of...
95To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 24 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Among other reasons for wishing your return is Mrs Hamiltons earnest desire. It seems that she has had, or has been in danger of a miscarriage, which has much alarmed her. But Doctor Khun by whom she is attened with Doctor Stephens, Assures that she is in no danger. However as she is extremely desirous of your presence in order to tranquilize her this note is transmited by the Presidents...
96To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 17 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 17, 1794. On December 17, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Knox : “In reply to your letter of this date.” Letter not found. ]
97To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 3 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered maturely of the magazines of provisions, the meat part whereof to be salted, which the service may require to be kept in advance for the garrisons and divisions of the troops north west of the Ohio. I have the honor to transmit you the result, which has been approved by the President of the United States, and the general subject of which has been transmitted to Major General...
98To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, [14 November 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 14, 1792. On November 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Knox and referred to “your letter of this day.” Letter not found. ] PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , XIII, 117–18.
99To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt [of] Sundry papers relative to the cherokees indians —These shall be examined, together with those relative to the North western Indians and reported on to you as soon as may be. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir, your Obedient and Humble Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . See GW’s letter of this date to Knox .
100To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The secretary for the department of war humbly submits to the President of the United States the following report and statement of the troops in public service. That the enclosed resolve of Congress of the 3rd of October 1787 is the authority by which all the troops in the service of the United States were enlisted excepting two incomplete companies of artillery, which were returned in service...