101To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter just recd. from Doctor Osborn touching the object of his arrest. With great respect I have the honour to be Sir your ot St ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing Samuel Osborne to McHenry, January 29, 1799 ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress ).
102To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received this morning your letter of the 12th July instant on the subject of a modification of the invitations to supply rations for the troops of the United States on the Sea board. You will recollect that the advertisement, calling for proposals for the year 1799, is dated the 21st March ulto., and that the time within which proposals may be received is limited to the 25th July instant....
103To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I mentioned Mr. Carroll as proper to be brought forward to oppose a man whom I expect the antifederal interest will unite in supporting in case of an opportunity. I calculate that Mr. Carrol will not succeed; but it may produce more votes in this State for some man who ought. I mean also that it should operate to detach Mr. C.l. from Mr. Jeff. whose politics have in some instances infected...
104To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By referring to a list of appointments to the old regiments of Infantry, sent you some time since, you will find the names of the Captains to the respective Companies directed to be added to each of these regiments by the “Act to augment the army of the United States and for other purposes” passed 16. July 1798. I also transmitted to you the 8th. of March Ult. a list of the names of all the...
105To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of two letters from you dated the 25th. two the 26 and one of the 27 of February Ulto. The circumstances stated relative to Captain Bowmans pretensions to rank first Captain in the Eleventh regiment of Infantry readily induce me to give my sanction to his being so placed in the arrangement It would be perfectly agreeable to me that the Troops had their...
106To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The selecting of fit characters to nominate to the President to fill the Offices of Surgeon and Surgeons Mates for the Twelfth regiment having been referred to you I enclose recommendations in favour of John H. Douglas—from S. Stringer. Jas. Cochran & C. R Yates which I received this morning. These you will please to return— I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your obedient servant (...
107To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the ——— ultimo enclosing the Commission of Samuel Flagg Junr. a first Lieutenant in the fourteenth regiment of Infantry—You will be pleased to cause it to be notified to Mr. Flagg that his resignation has been accepted—and inform me of the time he retires from the regiment. I enclose you a letter from Daniel Jones soliciting the discharge of Henry Fonnemore, his...
108To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letters, were transmitted to me, by Dwight Foster Esquire, under cover of a letter to me, from himself, dated Brookfield the 23d. ulto. As Mr. Foster appears to be warmly interested in favour of William Richardson, whose discharge from the army is solicitted, and a delay has been occasioned, by inattention on my part to the application, I have to request, you will, as soon as...
109To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I recd. this morning your letter dated the 27 Ulto. with the one at first intended for Major Jackson. I sincerely beleive that there is not one of your friends who have paid the least attention to the insinuations attempted to be cast on the legitimacy of your birth, or who would care or respect you less were all that your enemies say or impute on this head true. I think it will be most...
110To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 29th. ulto. prior to the return of the Public offices from the City of Trenton to the Seat of Government. As it presents objects of considerable expenditure, I thought it my duty to lay it before the President, and have since given to the subjects it embraces, an attentive consideration. You inform me, that General Wilkinson furnished estimates which you enclose...
111To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Do you possess enough of the second sight to tell me what our friends have done and intend doing to the Eastward? God forgive me, if I make false calculations about them or deliver myself up too easily to dreams and reveries. I see nothing ex cathedra in that division of Country from which I can augur a determination adverse to the election of the present chief. Johnson says somewhere, in his...
112To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is an extract of a letter from Captain James Taylor of the Sixth regiment commanded by Lt. Colonel James Reed dated Port of Beacon Island 1. October 1799. by which it would appear that your orders relative to exempting him from the ordinary duties of his Office has not been operative. I refer you to my letter of the 4. June and your letter in answer thereto dated the 5. June Ulto. I...
113To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 29 instant this morning. On the 22d instant I presented the following names to the President for appointments in the 13 Regiment commanded by Lt. Colonel Taylor vizt. Capt. John Brown of Preston vice Coleby Chew who it is said will not accept. 2d. Lieut. Austin Ledyard ... vice Peter Richards declined Do. ... Nathaniel Noyes. Stonington ... vice Ebenezer Learned...
114To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16~ instant containing very important, and detailed observations, on a system of military supplies, for the armies of the United States. Altho’ I fully agree with you, that the old and existing system, is defective in particulars, too weakly manned in some of its branches, and susceptible of amelioration —I must recollect, that it is yet the existing system,...
115To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a petition that has been delivered to me this morning from a certain John Butler inlisted by Captain Matthew Henry soliciting his discharge. You will be pleased to take such order thereon as to you may appear proper— I am Sir with great respect Your obed Servant. ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
116To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed I transmit you a letter from Major Rivardi dated Niagara March the 4th and one from Ensign Andrew M Lusk dated Fredericksburg March 24th. the former of whom has been directed to correspond with you in future. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, your most Obd Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing John J. U. Rivardi to McHenry, March 4, 1799 (...
117To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Gentleman to whom the within letter is addressed was in March 1799. appointed a Second Lieutenant in the first regiment of Infantry. No information of his acceptance or non acceptance has been received at this Office. It appears that he was recommended by you and Mr. Egbert Benson. Be pleased to have this letter conveyed to him I am Sir Your obed servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Libary of...
118To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, February 24, 1800. “… The selection of Col. Ogden for Deputy Quarter Master General is very judicious. He is well qualified in my opinion to discharge the duties, provided he gives himself up entirely to them.… There is a question however which it may not be amiss for you to examine relative to this appointment previous to your making a final communication to Colonel Ogden. A...
119To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 9 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The official letter of this date fixes the commencement of your pay and emoluments. I shall as soon as possible define your duties and command. In the mean while I should be glad to have your own ideas on the subject. You will proceed on your report for a system of tactics & discipline. You will also endeavour to ascertain the best positions for your recruiting parties and general rendzvouses...
120To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you two letters from E. B. Dayton to his brother the senator. It would seem, from the representations made to me, and these letters, that the demands of Col. Smith greatly distract the contractor; that he is kept in a state of uncertainty how long any orders requiring the issue of fresh or salt provisions is to be continued, that consequently it is out of his power to make...
121To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 August 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received this morning your letter of the 17th inst. Mr Jones is without your letter of the 4th to Mr Monroe, and the want of it delays the publication. With respect to the papers inclosed to you by Mr. Tillery. I wrote to McKee on the 25th of July ulto. “I will state to you briefly the difficulty which prevents any final determination at present on the two propositions which respect the...
122To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The electors of the Senate of Maryland have chosen me one of the Senate of our State legislature, and many of my friends are urgent that I should accept. As yet I have given no answer. If you still entertain the project you mentioned to me when in Philadelphia it may somewhat influence my determination. Perhaps the complexion of several European powers, as it respects France, and the claims...
123To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had directed Colonel Francis Mentges, on the 17 Ulto. to proceed to Carlisle in the State of Pennsylvania and survey, and report to me, the state of the Barracks, and o ther public buildings, heretofore used as stores or work shops, (as capable of conversion, as represented to me, at small expence, into barracks) at, or near that borough; whether they could be fitted, to afford commodious...
124To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed copies of letters, to Coll Wilkins Quarter Master General Captain Turner and the Commandant of Fort Massac, relative to the Galley Senator Ross, lately built at Pittsburg, will shew you the measures taken respecting her, and the place where it has been thought proper to have her stationed for the present. You will determine whether it will be most eligible to keep her at Massac,...
125To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is an extract of a letter from the Pay Master General received this morning— You may perhaps think it adviseable to issue orders to direct a Choice of a regimental Paymaster to the Second regiment provisionally to take effect in the event of Lieut Thompsons demise, that as little time as possible may be lost in providing for the pay of the Troops on the lakes. I am Sir with great...
126To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant General Washington in a letter dated the 28th. of January ultimo observes— “In speaking of the Cavalry I must observe, that in specifying their uniform it was intended that their breeches should be of leather and consequently buff instead of white. This I doubt not will strike you as being most proper on every account, and in that case no time should be lost in correcting the error...
127To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information a copy of a letter from John Wilkins Junr Esqr. dated Pittsburg 19th April 1799 I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most Ob H S ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing John Wilkins, Jr., to McHenry, April 19, 1799 (copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
128To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you two letters, one dated Baltimore 29th May 1799 from R. Gilmor Chairman of the Naval Committee of that City; the other from the Secretary of the Navy of this date. On this subject, you will please to give such directions as you may judge proper I have the honor to be with the greates respct Sir, your most Ob Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LS , letterpress copy,...
129To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is represented that the Fort at Portsmouth requires to be garrison’d with a Company; that it wants a new Magazine, Platforms to be laid; embrazures to be opened, the walls to be repaired, and the Cannon to be mounted. After enumerating in my instructions bearing date the 4th February ulto., certain fortifications on the sea board, which it would be proper should be garrisoned, I added “It...
130To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a private letter to me from Col. W. S. Smith in which he has stated at large his claim to rank. This I apprehend is done with a view that he may stand as the first or oldest Lieutenant Colonel of the 12 Regiments. I have not time to examine the merits of his pretensions and request you to undertake it, and in case you are of opinion that he should stand before Col. Hall to advise...
131To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 2 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
There are forty six Iron Cannon, chiefly twenty four pounders belonging to the United States now laying on Mr John Brown’s Wharf at Providence. As these may be required for the fortifications at, and to the Eastward of, New York, you will direct Major Tousard to report to you the number wanted for the Defences at Rhode-Island, and the other Harbours in that quarter where we have...
132To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recieved three letters from you, dated the 8th. and one the 10th. instant. The President having authorized, the appointment of William J Anderson. I immediately notified him accordingly. You inform me, that Captain Ellery, assistant to the Adjutant General, has taken his station in New York, and applied to you, to cause him, to be, provided quarters; that independent of his personal...
133To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Though exceedingly mortified and hurt at Mr. Perry’s being refused that inspectorship I did not once think of blaming you. I ascribed it to the peculiarity of your situation and the enmity of those who were near you, originating in the part that gentleman had taken against them. The Tilghmans I believe influenced Coxe. Coxe made the thing an object and you had those of greater magnitude to...
134To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] May 27, 1799 . “I have this moment recd. your letter of the 24th and several enclosures, among the latter a letter to Lt Col. Hamtramck which I return for your reperusal. You will recollect, that the troops in Tenessee and on the Georgia Frontier are within Genl Pinckney’s command. Your letter to Hamtramck extends his authority to the troops in Tenessee. Will you be pleased to...
135To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me in addition to what I said yesterday to request, that laying aside other business you will occupy yourself on the two military bills only. The session is short, and but little of it to come. If possible let me have the bills by mondays mail or at furthest tuesdays. I have not been able to ascertain what part some of our friends in the house mean to take respecting the appropriations...
136To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter to my Chief Clerk from Captain Stille of the 2n regiment of artillerists and Engineers praying to be disencumbered of a Lieutenant that temporarily was attached to his Company. I incline to think the recommendations upon which Carmichael, the officer, in question was appointed, were framed without due consideration. They presented him as possessed of the mathematics,...
137To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Captain Alexr. Gibson dated Staunton April 6th. Captain Gibson being stationed at Staunton in Virginia on the recruiting service, may be considered, as to what relates to that object, under your superintendance, you will, therefore, give such orders in the premises as you may think proper I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most Obd Hb St (...
138To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received this morning from on board a vessel from London 4 set of military figures for the practice of tacticks one of which I send you for your amusement. It may be made a substitute for the game of chess. There is a book which I would advise you to send to England for intitled the Officers manual in the field with 10 copper plates price in boards 15/Sg. It displays a series of military...
139To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 23 in the order of the mail, and yesterday yours of the 27th. With respect to the former I have made no use of the quoted paragraph and hesitate between shewing it to the Bishop or the principal himself. Altho I think I may trust the Bishop, and am certain that it would be communicated yet if I shew it to the latter it may be in less danger of getting abroad and...
140To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
You may think I have neglected you from my long silence, but I can assure you I have never forgot you. Having withdrawn myself from every thing of a public nature, this has led me to endeavour to reduce my pleasures as much as possible to a small compass, and this to neglect many correspondents for whom I entertain the liveliest affection. That I love and esteem you, I know you will believe...
141To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
There is no fact more evident to my mind, than the truth of the position, that it is impossible that our public affairs can proceed under the present chief or his antifederal rival without loss of reputation to all the agents. You are right in observing happy those who are released from the fetter. I feel so notwithstanding the wound my personal feelings received in dissolving the chain. The...
142To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a letter, and request you will give such order respecting the matter of it, as you may think proper I have the Honour to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedient Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). On the cover H’s instructions read: "Examine of what Regiment Lt. Alexander is & send the application, to the Col observing that if the fact be true the...
143To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
We have scattered in air the long string of amendments that had been proposed to be incorporated into our constitutution by those who were no friends to the U.S.’s constitution, so we remain a free people and a tolerably virtuous people. There are three or four bills before the house and to come before the house in which I feel an interest and which will detain me here perhaps two weeks. I...
144To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter dated the 17th: instant, and shall not fail to give the project of regulations it contained, as early and deliberate a consideration as possible. You will however be pleased to direct a stop to be put to the issue of Rations to the Children of Soldiers, because such issues had grown into abuse, and I know of no law that authorizes them; they are besides extra of any...
145To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter dated the 5th inclosing a Copy of a Letter to you dated the 4th instant from Colo. Taylor, stating that delays & embarrassments arising from what appears to have been a reluctance in the proper Officer to take up the Business, have prevented a final settlement for monies expended for public Service by the Officers of the 13th Regiment whilst on...
146To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been represented to me that to guard the Public Property and assist in carrying on the Buildings for a Laboratory and Magazines near Philadelphia under the Superintendance of Captain Elliott, that Twenty five Men are indispensible to answer these purposes and a whole Company in the Spring. Will you be pleased to direct this number to join Captain Elliott with a proper Officer and from...
147To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, Trenton, September 13, 1799. “I herewith transmit you a Copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Navy of this date requesting that the Marine Guard at Norris Town may be relieved by a competent number of Infantry of the Army. You will be pleased to take such order thereon as to you may appear proper.” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LS , letterpress copy, James...
148To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I again enclose the proceedings of a General Court Martial held at Governor’s Island on Wednesday the 5th of September 1798 by order of Captain Frederick Frye, the commandant of the post, by which court Samuel Brown a private Soldier was sentenced to death for desertion, that you may issue such orders as the case of the unfortunate soldier, and Military usage requires; the President having...
149To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 28, 1799. “I have received your letter dated 25th instant. The experiment of enlisting none but native citizens or naturalized foreigners at present in our army, I am much disposed to have fully made. The criterion of the latter to be either a residence in this country anterior to the revolution to be proved to the satisfaction of the recruiting officer, or a certificate of...
150To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am fully satisfied my dear Hamilton from what you say, that you had no intention to insinuate in the general order, any thing that could affect my character in the eye of the public or army, and I am no longer uneasy. Upon the other point, let me assure you, that the military rule of correspondence, which I have departed from, in some instances, as relative to General Wilkinson, did not take...