1To John Adams from James McHenry, 20 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid-Pension-Applicants—who have been re-examined by Physicians, agreably to a Resolve of Congress of the 18th of April 1796. I am with great respect / Sir / your obedient servant. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
2To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid Pension-Applicants, belonging to the State of New Jersey, who have been re-examined by Physicians agreably to a Resolve of Congress of the 18th of April 1796. I am with great respect / Sir / your obedient servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
3To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1796–January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 1796–January, 1797. At this time, McHenry “suggested to Hamilton the establishment of a permanent navy yard, and enclosed a draft of his departmental report in which he tried not to censure his predecessors.” Letter not found. ] Steiner, James McHenry Bernard C. Steiner, The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry (Cleveland, 1907). , 180, note 1. Although Steiner dates this...
4To John Adams from James McHenry, 27 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit to the Senate reports on the petitions of Mary Hibborn and Michael Van Hleeck. With the greatest Respect I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most obedt servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
5To John Adams from James McHenry, 17 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid Pension-Applicants, who have been re-examined by Physicians, agreably to a Resolve of Congress of the 18th day of April 1796. I am with great respect / Sir / your obedient servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
6To George Washington from James McHenry, 28 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Indian Chiefs named Mus-qua-ca-nokan or Red pole, Wey-a-pur-sen-waw, or Blue Jacket, She-me-kum-ne-sa or soldier, Ase-me-the, and Muc-ca-te-wa-saw or Black chief, stiling themselves the representatives of the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanoes Ottawas, Chipwas, Putawatimes, Miamis, Eel River, Weas, Kickapoos, Piankashaws, and Kaskaskias have informed the Secretary of War in a talk delivered by...
7To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with the Presidents commands the Secretary of War lays before the President the points that have been submitted for consideration, in the Secretarys letters, bearing date the 8th & 10th of Octtober ulto. Will the President think proper, that detachments be made from West Point to complete the garrisons at Governors Island, Mud Island, Baltimore, Norfolk and Charlestown, to one...
8To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have just I believe got finished in time for the mail. I recd the enclosed last night and here they are. Should I write three lines more you would not read the contents till next mail. Yurs most respectfully & affectionately ALS , MHi : Adams Papers. The enclosures have not been identified. GW replied to McHenry from Mount Vernon in a letter of 19 Oct. marked “Private”: “Your letter of the...
9To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the Command of the President as conveyed in his letter to the Secretary of War dated 1. July Ulto requiring the opinion of the heads of departments upon certain charges exhibited against General Wayne by Brigadier General Wilkinson, as relative to “the measures necessary to be pursued to do justice to the public, the accused, and the accuser,” the Secretary of War submits the...
10To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
Packet, No. 1. which is enclosed contains the last dispatches from General Wayne. The private letter included therein, is a duplicate of one not yet come to hand, which it would seem contains the papers to which it refers. Packet, No. 2. The last letters from Tennessee. Packet, No. 3. The proceedings of a Court Martial on a soldier who attempted to desert. With the greatest respect I have the...
11To George Washington from James McHenry, 8 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
The situation of the Garrison at West Point has for some time past attracted a considerable share of my attention. I had scarcely entered upon the duties of my Office, before I discovered those materials that soon after gave occasion to the Court of Inquiry upon the Commandant, and produced the Resignation of Capt. Wadsworth (a very valuable Officer) which followed that event. You will...
12To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
I thought it best to wait till I could ascertain the full expression of the public sentiment, before I should comply with your request, to tell you all, and conceal nothing from you. Your address on the first day of its publication, drew from the friends of government, through every part of the City, the strongest expressions of sensibility. I am well assured, that many tears were shed on the...
13To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
If you have a few minutes to spare I could wish you to examine the within conditions for a new contract for cannon. The old contract was too defective to serve as a model or guide in any one respect. The public must be a considerable looser by it; and the cannon which we shall be obliged to recive by no means to be relied on. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir your most ob....
14To George Washington from James McHenry, 31 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a draught of a letter to Colonel Stevenson which if approved of may be sent to him to-day. If you are not using the plans of the Forts Detroit and drawings of the lakes &c. in that quarter which Gen. Wayne left with you I will be much obliged to you for them to correct and complete a map which is in hand for the war office. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir...
15To George Washington from James McHenry, 29 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
It appears from the conferences between the representatives of the Creek nation at Coleraine, and Commissioners of the U.S. that the former have required and the latter promised, that the President would send into their country, within four months from the date of the treaty, a person instructed upon the following points. 1. To fix upon proper scites for trading houses & posts, and explain to...
16Enclosure: James McHenry to Anthony Wayne, 27 August 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I here transmit the arrangement of the legion and Cavalry which you will please to have promulged and carried into execution. You will perceive by adverting to the table of Regiments and Rank that the President has been guided by the rule of Seniority and that the Officers with a few exceptions remain attached to the Men which they have been accustomed to command. For example the First Sub...
17To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. I inclose you a rough draught of a talk to the Cherokees and instructions to agent Dinsmore, containing a plan for promoting their civilization and rendering the management of them easier and more economical. If you think favourably of it I will revise and correct it and have Mr Dinsmore dispatched to his station. You will find it to contain little more than a mode for executing the...
18To George Washington from James McHenry, 11–12 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
I received the inclosed letter from Mr Hendricks on the 9th and that from Mr Clymer the 6th inst. One of these gentlemen you will perceive thinks another negotiation indispensible to prevent war; the other, that an augmentation of the regular force is absolutely necessary to the preservation of peace. Both, of course, meet in the opinion, that there is serious ground to apprehend hostility on...
19To George Washington from James McHenry, 8 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letters of the 1st and 3d instant. The inclosed packet No. 1. contains the opinion of the Attorney General on the power of the President to pardon military offences previous to the late act of Congress; and the form of a pardon for Lt Geddis for your signature. No. 2. contains the last dispatches from General Wayne, and copy of a letter which I have sent to General...
20To George Washington from James McHenry, 3 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 29th ulto with the treaty and papers relative to the Creeks. On looking over the treaty I find that it leaves to the President to mark the boundary line at such time and in such manner as he may direct. It is however mentioned by the commissioners, that since signing the treaty “several of the chiefs have urged that the President should cause the line to be...
21To George Washington from James McHenry, 3 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
Private. It strikes me, as among the first measures arising out of the proceedings of the Creek commissioners, that of a letter to the Governor of Georgia, somewhat in the stile of the inclosed. It would prove a considerable saving to the U.S. could the defence of the frontiers be carried on by regular troops without the aid of militia. It would give more consistency to military operations...
22To George Washington from James McHenry, 26 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
The agent of the department of war in Tenessee having requested that the vacant office of deputy paymaster and store keeper might be filled up; and it appearing, that Mr Henley the agent cannot go through the business himself; and if he could, that it would be improper, inasmuch as it would center in one person, 1st. the keeping and distribution of stores, and 2dly the power to determine the...
23To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I here inclose a dispatch received on saturday from the Southward, containing a letter of the 27th ulto from James Seagrove; one of the 30th from Benjn Hawkins; and one of the 1st instant from the commissioners for treating with the Creeks, with a copy of the treaty concluded at Coleraine on the 29th of June ulto and a protest by the Georgia commissioners. I shall on the papers being returned...
24To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
The annexed packets contain the most essential letters received since my last. No. 1. Gen. Wilkinsons letters of the 11th, 16, 17th ulto. I have not thought it necessary to send the continuation of his charges which came by the same mail. No. 2. Is copy of a letter to Major Gen. Wayne resulting from Gen. Wilkinsons information relative to Fort Miamis. No. 3. A dispatch from Mr Seagrove and...
25To George Washington from James McHenry, 16–17 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. I have just reced your private letter of the 13th inst. I am sorry and vexed, that what I said in my letter of the 7th should have conveyed an idea that the least avoidable delay had taken place in the arrangements for the Algiers frigate; nothing like which was intended. But the inclosed papers will shew you that every thing has been done which the case required. You will see by Mr...
26To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honour to inclose you the directions given to Mr Fox one of the clerks of the department of war, and well skilled in the quality of ship timber and construction of vessels of war relative to an examination of the materials on hand and such a disposition of them as may comport with the safe keeping of such as may be useful in future, and such as may be fit for the vessel...
27To George Washington from James McHenry, 12 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
In addition to the suggestions in my letter of monday I would beg leave to submit the following considerations. With respect to the running of the Cherokee line. On Mr Dinsmore’s arrival from that nation I questioned him concerning the fittest persons to be employed on the part of the U.S. He said, that Gen. Pickens would be more agreeable to the Cherokees than any other person: that he knew...
28To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
With the view of keeping you informed of the course of the most important business of the war department I here inclose, packets No. 1. which contains the last letters I have received from Gen. Wayne. vz. one private of the 27 June and one of the 28, with copies of two letters to the general and one to the Quarter master general. No. 2. Contains the last communications from the commissioners...
29To George Washington from James McHenry, 7 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. Since I had the honour of writing you, the Chevalier Freire’s Secry has called to inform me, that the extreme heat of the weather had induced Madam Freire, to induce Chevalier Friere to postpone the projected visit to Mount Vernon till September. You will not therefore I presume have the pleasure of seeing them. Mr Pickering has mentioned to me, that such of the materials as are not...
30To George Washington from James McHenry, 6 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
In conformity with your Commands of the 1st instant, I have transmitted to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, letters of which the inclosed is a Copy. In the mean while I shall turn my attention to the subjects on which you have desired my report, which I shall make as soon as the unavoidable duties of the Office will permit. With the greatest respect I am Sir Your most...
31To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. I made a visit yesterday to Chevr Freire, and to-day he called to let me know, that his secretary had seen Mr Listons Secretary, who told him that Mr & Madam Liston would set out for Mount Vernon on friday, and that he and Madam Freire would follow on the 18th inst. Seeing that these ministers will avail themselves of your politeness, may it not be proper to be a little more...
32To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilkinson continues to heap charges upon Wayne; is condensing them into a consistent form, and I perceive will urge them in such a manner as may oblige the Executive, to determine whether a commander of the army can be tried by a court martial, or the affair examined by a court of inquiry, or if neither can be done by what authority the case is cognizable. Will you take the question into your...
33To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I was in the Secy of States office with Mr Wolcott when he recd your letter containing queries to be submitted to the heads of departments. On my return home I committed the inclosed observations to paper relative to the power of the President to remove a foreign minister. Having gone so far I have determined to send it as explanatory of my reasons for signing the paper which will be forwarded...
34To George Washington from James McHenry, 29 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I beg you to sign the within authority to borrow for the use of the City of Washington and to have it returned to me with a power signed by the three commissioners. You may recollect that the one sent me for a duplicate contained only the names of two of them vz. Mr Scotts & Mr Thorntons. The Willinks may consider that power as imperfect as the law and your authority have reference to three....
35To George Washington from James McHenry, 27 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22d instant with its references. No. 1. here inclosed contains the documents respecting the meditated loan for the use of the federal City. No. 2. The last letters received from Brigadier General Wilkinson with copy of my letter of the 7. May referred to in his instructions to Colonel Hamtramck. General Wilkinson you will...
36To George Washington from James McHenry, 27 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inclose you Adjutant General Beckwiths answer to my dispach to Lord Dorchester of the 10th of last month. I inclose, likewise, copy of the orders for the evacuation of the posts of Fort Miamis—Detroit and Michilimackinac the originals of which will leave this to-morrow morning at 5 o’clock by express. Capn Lewis delivered the orders requiring the evacuation of Oswego &...
37To George Washington from James McHenry, 15 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
Since closing my letter of yesterday I have received the annexed from Majr Cushing whom I had previously directed to join the army. If he has made a fair statement of his case, some indulgence may be proper. If on the contrary, he has misrepresented it, he is unworthy of any and unfit for a soldier. At any rate, I presume that he has motives and reasons which he has not expressed. Should you...
38To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to lay before you the proceedings and sentence of a court-martial on Lieut. Simon Geddis, and several papers and letters connected therewith. Lieut. Geddis having prayed for a new trial, I shall wave any remarks upon his case, and confine myself to the reasons which favour such an application. It is declared, in the articles of war, vz. Art. 1. for the administration of...
39To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
This inclosed letter has been procured by Dr Williamson who knows the hand writing. It is written by a Msr Cole Montflorence, a french man who held a commission under the State of North Carolina early in the revolution war. The letter to Governor Blount by the same person I understand is gone to Tenessee. It would seem that Montflorence had his information at Paris. The reflexions which he...
40To George Washington from James McHenry, 31 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
If you see no objection to the inclosed letter in answer to Mr Hawkins received to-day it may be sent by to-morrows mail. I have the honour to be Sir with sincere regard Your ob. st ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The ALS is docketed 31 May 1796, which matches the date on the letter-book copy. Neither the enclosed letter to Benjamin Hawkins nor the one to which it responded has been identified.
41To George Washington from James McHenry, 26 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
Mr Liston has this moment favoured me with the inclosed letter. If you have time to look over the draught of the letter to Capn De Butts, and can return it to-day I shall endeavour to get him dispached to-morrow. I have the honour to be Sir with the highest respect Your most ob. st ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The docket reads “May 27th 1796” on the ALS , and the letter-book copy shows the...
42To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secry of the Treasury has mentioned to me this morning the substance of a communication, which he said he had imparted to you some time since. It respects certain instructions given by Mr Adet to persons who are on their road to the Western Country which affect and may bring into danger the peace and safety of the U.S. I inclose you papers containing matter apparently connected with this...
43To George Washington from James McHenry, 9 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to submit for your inspection a draught of a letter to Lord Dorchester, made out agreeably to the idea presented in the attorney generals letter, which corresponds with the second draught I had the pleasure of reading to you on saturday, and yesterday morning. I beleive it is the safest ground to move upon, and the most correctly constitutional. I have shewn it to Mr Lee & Mr...
44To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to submit several letters & papers from the Governor of the State of New-York for your information and further directions. As the Government of the State of New-York is desirous that a treaty should be authorised to be held with certain chiefs of the Cohnawagas or seven nations of Canada, now at New York, for the purpose of enabling the State to purchase from them a right or...
45To George Washington from James McHenry, 12 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to lay before you a letter from Mr Seagrove which I received this morning, and one from Mr Price, the factor or agent for the trading house at Colerain with a draught of answers thereto. If you can spare time to look over them, I can receive your instructions at Any hour as the vessel is to sail to-day. I have the honour to be with the most perfect respect Sir Your most ob. & hble...
46To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to request your Excellency attention to the inclosed draught of a letter to the Governor of Georgia. If it can be returned today it may go by to-morrows mail. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir Your most obt st ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Jared Irwin (1750–1818), formerly a state senator from Washington County, had been elected governor by the Georgia...
47To George Washington from James McHenry, 26 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with your note of the 25 instant I beg leave to submit the following opinions on the queries it proposed. 1. Whether the house of representatives hath or hath not a right to call upon the President of the United States for certain papers relative to the negociation of the treaty with Great-Britain. 2. Whether if it does not possess the right, it would be expedient under the...
48To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith a statement of the claims four Invalid Pension Applicants, which were forwarded to this office by the Judge of the District Court for the District of Virginia. The evidences to support these claims have been taken after the expiration of the "Act to regulate the claims to Invalid Pensions." I submit them to Congress together with copies of two letters...
49To George Washington from James McHenry, 12 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to subjoin to the names furnished Nicholas Hammond atty at law East Town & Mr Wm Hemsley. The latter possesses mercantile knowlege, is a man of respectability and long standing. The former a good lawyer of great integrity and well esteemed. The inclosed paper respecting the Frigates is that which I mentioned last night. If the letter to Chapin herewith submitted meets your...
50To George Washington from James McHenry, 11 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inclose you a letter just received from Gen. Wilkinson with sundry returns and papers shewing the state of the army. With the greatest respect I am Sir your Excellencys Most ob. St ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed documents have not been identified. McHenry may have enclosed James Wilkinson’s letter of 10 Feb. (not identified). A summary by McHenry of Wilkinson’s...