51To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit a Letter from a Soldier at Fort Sumner soliciting his Discharge from the Service. You will be pleased to take such Order upon it, as it may require. I have the Honour to be Sir, Your most obedt Servt. ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
52To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received this morning your letter of the 16~ instant inclosing extracts from Lieutt. Coll. Smiths letter to you of 7~ instant. I cannot doubt the correctness of the Colonels representation relative to the state of the muskets. It is probable the old stock, long since provided, from which the delivery to his regiment may have been made is generally as he has represented. The muskets which...
53To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [10 November 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of yesterday this morning at 5 o’clock. mr wolcott will send instructions by the express to secure the powder provisionally for the public. We do not absolutely want the article, and could go on for some time without it. I think it right however that it should not leave the country. Yours affectionately ADf , James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found....
54To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your private letter of the 10th inst. last night. The mode in which the laws are published prevents me from receiving any of them sometimes for six weeks or two months after their being inacted, unless I take copies of them from the originals lodged with the Secry. of State and get them printed. This is what I have done with the organization and eventual army acts, and shall as soon...
55To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the 22nd instt. In answer I have only to observe that I presented on the 9th of May, instant, to the President in a list of nominations, the name of Theodosius Fowler to fill the office to which Major Hutton had been appointed: that I supported the nomination by what you had written to me on the subject; and that I have received this morning, the...
56To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Mr James Steel, dated Randolph 5th March 1799 soliciting the discharge of Joseph Kneeland, for whom I —— discharge in order that you may take such measures in the business as you shall judge proper I have the honor to be with great respect, your most Obd Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing James Steel to McHenry, March 5, 1799 ( ALS ,...
57To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Officers have been appointed for six additional companies of cavalry. It is not however deemed expedient, at present, to enlist for, or mount the Cavalry. I submit it, to your consideration, whether these Officers, may not be usefully, and properly employed, untill called into their appropriate service, by being attached to the Infantry companies, as well to assist in recruiting, as in...
58To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 6 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information copies of several letters (viz) one from Captn Miller dated Fort Washington March 9th 1799—one from Capt Edd D Turner, dated Fort Fayette 26th April 1799 one from Colo Butler dated Belle Canton April 15th 1799 and copies of recruiting orders given by Colo Butler to Major Bradley and Captain Bird dated 15th April 1799 I have the honor to be, with great respect,...
59To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14. instant I have no objections to the appointment of Lieutenant House — as paymaster to the first regiment of Artillerists and Engineers—or to that of Lieutenant Memminger as Paymaster to the Second regiment—You will be pleased to give orders to have the Bonds required by law executed and transmitted to the Accountant of this department— I am Sir with great...
60To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14 instant and have directed Clothing for a full company to be forwarded for Captain Jonathan Taylor by the route you mentioned—and Mr. Hodgdon has informed me that he will have it sent off without delay I am Sir with great respect Your obed humble servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LS , letterpress copy, James McHenry Papers, Library of...
61To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
If you are not in the humor to read a long letter do, prithee, give this to the child to play with and go on with your amusement of rocking the cradle. To be serious, my dear Hamilton, I have been thinking of late upon my own situation, and this had led me as often to think of yours. Some men, I observe, are so born and tempered that it is not till after long bustling and battling it in the...
62To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [7 August 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd and read the enclosed. I think the advice contained in the last paragraph ought to be adopted. Mr J—— will say to Dawson “that inasmuch as you have expressly told Mr M—— that in your opinion his motives were malignant and conduct dishonorable, that he would advise you against throwing it into a more formal challenge, it resting with Mr Munroe to submit it to the expressions or...
63To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 9 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, April 9, 1799. Acknowledges receipt of Hamilton’s letter of April 8, 1799 . Has directed that “advanced pay” for officers be provided to the regimental paymasters. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
64To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will have seen by the News-papers that governor Mifflin has been required to hold in readiness to march certain companies of Cavalry, to assist in quelling the insurrection existing in the State of Pennsylvania. Govr. Howell has also been called upon to hold 8 companies of Cavalry in readiness to March for the same purpose. Would it interfere with your arrangements or be throwing the...
65To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The sun begins to shine. I reced. this morning from the President a letter dated the 30th ulto. containing the following words. Sir. Inclosed are the commissions for the three generals signed and all dated on the same day. I am Sir your ob sr This is a Regal letter, and at the same time a loyal proceeding. Hasten the military regulations. I shall, I expect, soon call upon you. Burn this...
66To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 1. October instant I inclose you copies of the Contracts for supplying the Troops in North Carolina for the present Year. You will find that they contain a provision for transportation. I cannot therefore think that the application has been made to the Contractor who certainly has received no instruction whatever from me. I suspect it has been to the person who...
67To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 6 June 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I had reckoned upon the immediate arrival of the Secry. of Marine when I wrote you that I should leave this City for New York to-day. He will not be here before Friday. I cannot of course set out sooner than monday. I have requested Lt. Col. Doughty to join me at Brunswick, and will bring with me one Hill who possesses information which may be useful. Yours sincerely ADfS , James McHenry...
68To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
As it may be attended with very great inconvenience to add any new buildings this season to the Barracks on Governors Island, or to add new ones on Bedlows, or Oyster Islands, to accomodate the men at present on two of these Islands, I submit to your decision, whether it would not be best, after retaining such a number of the troops as can be comfortably wintered at Governors Island, to remove...
69To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of 22d. Inst., in which you inform me that Lt. Rogers had declined the appointment of Paymaster to the Cavalry; and that you propose Lt. Simmons to be appointed in his stead. I have no Objections to Lieut. Simmons; he may therefore enter upon the duties of that Station as soon as he has executed the Necessary Bond. I am Sir, with great respect Your Obedient Servt. (...
70To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is represented to me that there are Barracks, and other public Buildings, heretofore used as Stores, and Work-Shops, but capable of being converted into Barracks, near the Borough of Carlisle in the State of Pennsylvania, which would commodiously quarter three Regiments. Repairs were ordered to the Roofs of these buildings some time since, to save them from premature decay. I purpose...
71To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Joseph Brock of the 4. regiment of Infantry who is now recruiting at Fredericksburg has written to me for a supply of Clothing arms and accoutrements. Previously to my taking order thereon I request you would inform me whether it is your intention to continue Mr Brock on the recruiting service or to order him with his recruits to join his regiment in Tennessee— I am Sir with respect...
72To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are the proceedings of a General Court Martial which has already been the Subject of reference and transmitted for a Decision by this Department. The several Sentences contained in the said proceedings being confirmed you will be pleased to cause them through the organ of the appropriate Officer to be promptly executed, and the proceedings returned to this Office. I am Sir, with...
73To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter dated the 23rd: instant advising me, that you entertain doubts, whether you can act upon, (by approving or otherwise) Sentences of Courts Martial, referred to you, from the Department of War, in cases, in which the Court has been instituted by that Department, through other organs than yourself. That there is a peculiar delicacy in inflicting punishment upon...
74To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
My dear Sir. I answer to yours (just rcd.) of the 25th inst. It will be agreeable to me to see a troop of horse completely organised, that we may ascertain, as far as it is practicable, with so small a model, the improvements of which cavalry are yet susceptible. You may write therefore an official letter on the subject proposing it, and request my final directions. I shall give them. General...
75To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed Lt Leonard to fall down to New York there to receive your orders, and instructions. sent him — I presume you will find it necessary to furnish his men with appropriate officers. I have ordered cloathing to be forwarded to Col. Stephens for such of his men as may stand in need of it. You will give all necessary orders respecting his route to Easton or Bethlehem in Pennsylvania...
76To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you letters of appointment for Samuel Finley as Surgeon—John H. Douglas and Samuel Davis as Surgeons Mates and Israel Loring, Joseph Herkemer Jacob Mancius, Nathaniel Smith, Conrad Kip and Tobias V. Kuyler as Second Lieutenants in the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry— You will be pleased to have them forwarded to those Gentlemen respectively— I have no information respecting the...
77To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States, having been pleased, to grant his pardon, to Casper Wright (a soldier), and Tisdale Attwood, a serjeant, severally tried for desertion, and sentenced to be shot to death, by a General Court Martial, held at Detroit, by order of Lieutenant Colonel Strong, on the 22d. August, and continued by adjournment until the 10th. September 1798—I enclose two Warrants,...
78To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 25, 1799. “I enclose you the Proceedings of two Garrison Courts Martial.… The rules and Articles of War, do not it is supposed, require, a reference to the Secretary of War, or to the President in any instance, of the proceedings of a Garrison Court Martial, for approval or otherwise. It is only the Sentence of a General Court Martial, when capital, that is to be with the...
79To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I now have the Honour to transmit to you a Copy of my circular Letter to Colonels Moore, J. Smith, Read, Bentley, Hall, Parker, Ogden & W S. Smith, in consequence of the Bill which passed the House of Representatives on Friday last, to suspend enlistments for the six additional Companies of Cavalry & the twelve Regiments of Infantry. You will please to issue such further orders as to you shall...
80To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of my report. To give facility to the committee I think it would be proper that you should forthwith throw the 17 propositions it contains into the form of a bill, and send me the same as soon as possible. I shall write you on Monday if possible relative to preparatory steps for commencing early the recruiting service. I expect daily a report from Mr Francis shewing the...
81To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of the 4. instant. Dr. Hezekiah W. Bissell does not belong to any particular regiment, he is an additional Surgeons Mate appointed in pursuance of the powers vested in the President by the first section of the act to augment the Army of the United States. You will therefore order him to such place as you may think will be most...
82To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A foriegner (an irishman) was lately enlisted at Lancaster, by Captain Matthew Henry of the tenth regiment of Infantry, and shortly after deserted. This occurrence has led me to reflect, that it will be well, to avoid as much as possible, the enlistment of foriegners. The third article of the rules and regulations, for the recruiting service, expressly gives a preference to natives, for...
83To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 10 instant, enclosing the resignations of Captain Patterson and Lieut Cuyler of the twelfth regiment and Lieutenant Robinson of the first. You will be pleased to inform those Gentlemen that their resignations have been accepted. I enclose you a Copy of a letter from Lt. Col Butler dated the fourth instant. I am Sir with great respect ( LS , Hamilton Papers,...
84To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, has represented to me, in a letter dated the 20th. March ulto., that a Party of Troops, heretofore ordered, to be detached, to assist the Surveyor General in marking the Indian boundary line, conformably to the Treaty of Greenville, had utterly failed to cooperate, and that in consequence, the Northern line has been marked in no other manner, than the boundaries...
85To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [19 June 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote a letter yesterday to the Secy. of the Navy respecting the propriety of being alert at our port, knowing that the French fleet is at sea, and the expediency of the measure suggested. Something will be done; but not much partly through want of means. All these things help forward the army, and the army and the expences attending it, are not to all views equally desirable. The Secy. of...
86To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honour to inclose your Commission as Major General in the army of the United States, and to request your attendance at Trenton or Philadelphia as soon as possible, and in all events by the 10th day of November next. The object of this request is to obtain your advice and assistance in concert with General Knox, and perhaps General Washington, in forming preliminary arrangements...
87To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are Regulations respecting certain Supplies and respecting objects of special and extra Expence. I request you will be pleased to take such order relative thereto as will tend to facilitate their due execution. I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your obedt. servant. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Regulations respecting certain supplies and respecting...
88To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In my letter of yesterday it was stated, that on the 15 day of October last Major Jackson was furnished with one thousand dollars on account of the recruiting service, of which there remained a balance in his hands of three hundred and ninety eight dollars and six Cents. As he was charged, under the old instructions, with superintending the recruiting service and furnishing money to these...
89To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a further request on the subject of the paper communicated to you in my last, that you may have the whole before you and that you may aid me with your talents and experience. It strikes me that, it will be proper for the Pres. to state to Congress the species of defensive force necessary for the occasion, and consider it an essential attribute of negociations I had given him in...
90To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a report received this morning from the Purveyor, relative to the quantity of Clothing, which, in his opinion, he will be able, under his arrangements, to turn weekly in to the public store &c &c I have the honor to be, with great respect your most Obdt Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
91To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, January 17, 1800. “I have received this morning your three letters dated the 15 and 16 instant. It being presumed that Lieutenant Baldwin will do duty until it is known that his resignation is accepted he may be informed that it is accepted.… The uncertainty which hangs over the new regiments as it respects their being continued on the establishment has hitherto prevented me...
92To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A question has arisen, respecting appointments, to a part of the Army establishment, on which I have to request your opinion, as soon as convenient, viz: Is it within the authority of the President, to appoint, the Officers, to the additional batalion, to the second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, directed to be raised by “an act, for the better organizing of the troops of the United...
93To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the repeated representation of Judge peters to the Secretary of State for a Guard of Regular Soldiers to be stationed over certain State prisoners confined in Norristown Goal, and his request for an immediate order to Major Adlum for the purpose, I directed a letter to that Officer of which the enclosed is a copy. I return your letter to Colonel Moore received yesterday, that it may...
94To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you appointments for Joshua Tennison and Thomas Burk as Cadets in the eighth regiment of Infantry. They are the Gentlemen mentioned in your letter of the 12th. instant. and am with great respect Your obedient Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LS , letterpress copy, James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress). A note on the cover reads: "Filed."
95To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Proclamation of the President of the United States, a Copy of which I enclose, will inform you that a combination to defeat the execution of the Laws, for the valuation of lands, and Dwelling houses, have existed, in the Counties of Northampton Montgomery, and Bucks in the State of Pennsylvania, and proceeded in a manner subversive of the just authority of the Government, and that certain...
96To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Captain John Bishop dated the 9 instant, with a copy of my answer thereto. You will be pleased to take such order respecting its contents, as to you may appear expedient. I need not observe, that when cloathing or other articles are wanted for any portion of the army, there must be a regular requisition for them, by the proper officer, founded upon returns. I have...
97Enclosure: [List of Cavalry Officers], [10 May 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
John Watts Colonel Virginia Solomon Van Rensselaer Major New York John Taylor ditto Virginia James Taylor Captain James V. Ball ditto Richard Willing ditto Pennsylvania Benjamin Williamson ditto New Jersey John B. Armistead
98To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information a Copy of a letter to Col. Thomas Moore directing him to call a General Court Martial, the nature of the Charges against the Prisoners not admitting of delay— I am Sir Your obedt. Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing McHenry to Thomas Lloyd Moore, April 1, 1799 ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
99To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have written to the President lately, mentioning that the more I contemplated the detail of organizing the twelve regiments of Infantry to be raised, the more I perceived the difficulty of effecting it with a dispatch proportioned to the emergency, and the public expectation. That if the course is to be to concenter information in this department from all quarters of the United States then...
100To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been represented to me by several respectable gentlemen of Baltimore, that there is a certain John Forsythe inlisted with Lt. Boote, of the third regiment, who is of a weak constitution, and very feeble, that he has a wife and an infant child, and nothing but his pay to support them; that his family are exceedingly distressed on account of his situation, and propose to furnish an able...