401To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, [25 March 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 25, 1798. On March 30, 1798, Hamilton wrote to Dayton : “Your letter of the 25th gave me much pleasure.” Letter not found. ] Printed in this volume.
402To Alexander Hamilton from James Read, 27 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 27th. Instt. I received from Ebenezer Stevens Esquire a Return of military Supplies for each Regiment of Infantry; which he informed me he forwarded by your desire. I am aprehensive that ten Axes are not enough for a Regiment: I should suppose that one to each Mess would not be too many, especially in this Country where the Soldiers will cut their own Wood while in Camp; there ought...
403To Alexander Hamilton from John Smith Brookes, 31 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
At the request of my Brother Major Benjamin Brookes, I enclose you the certificate of Doctr Beanes, his attending physician. The Majr. has desired me to assure you, that he feels anxious, and will set out for Head-quarters, the moment his health will permit; at present, he is extremely ill, and so dibilitated, that, he cannot for a moment quit his bed, out of which he has not been, only when...
404To 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...
405To Alexander Hamilton from Staats Morris, 2 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have repeatedly called on the Contractor to furnish a supply of fuel to this Garrison for the ensuing winter agreeably to a letter received from Majr Hoops by your order dated 29 of Augt., but for the want of money it has not been in his power. It is but candid, and I owe it to the Officers and troops under my Command to mention to you Sir, that the allowance by the scale annexed to Majr...
406To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 20 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosure concerns a subject in which Genl. Irvine’s feelings cannot but be deeply interested. I persuade myself you will take pleasure in gratifying yr. old brother soldier if compatible with duty. Yr. answer sent to me will with certainty reach the general. You may have seen in some opposition papers paragraphs placing me as yr. rival. I must assure you (tho I know it is not necessary)...
407To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 11 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor of presenting two letters received this morning from Poughkeepsie, recommending Mr. Nathaniel Baldwin as a Cadet in the 12th. Regt. your acquaintance with Capt. Bennet & Mr. Van Rants, will enable you fully to appretiate their recommendations in favour of Mr. Baldwins pursuit—Capt. Courtland has arrived at this post with a few Recruits & says he sees no present...
408To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Dexter, 10 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 10, 1800. On July 28, 1800, Hamilton wrote to Dexter and referred to “your letter of the 10th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
409To Alexander Hamilton from Callender Irvine, 1 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am under the necessity of again, reporting myself unfit for duty. I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obedt. Servt. ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
410To Alexander Hamilton from Elijah Paine, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It was not til the 17th. instant that I had the honor of receiving your letter of the 25th. of September—There must have been some great inattention in the Post office— I wrote you on the 2nd. of September that Mr. William Lewerett of Windsor had contracted to supply the troops in Vermont with rations &C—On the same day I inclosed the contract to the Secretary of War & apologized to him for...
411To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 6[–10] August 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
No satisfactory Opinion can yet be formed concerning the termination of the negotiations for Peace. Even those who are supposed to have the best information are without confidence—on the one Hand peace may be concluded sooner than any one thinks probable, on the other the negotiations at Lisle and montebello may be suddenly broken off, and France again engaged with austria as well as England....
412To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Hunewell, 15 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am extremely happy by the Receipt of your private and Confidential Letter of 20th. Ulto. that I have an apology for giving you the Characters of the several Officers in my Regt. in confidence, I am sensible of the necessity of the Inspector & Quarter Master department, being filled by men of Education & ability, & wish for the general good; that such men may be appointed; and should be...
413To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Stoddert, 1 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Capt Robinson, who superintends the Merchants Frigate at New York, has been recommended to command a Frigate. He was yesterday introduced to me, by Mr. Wattson of New York, with high commendations. The Captains of our larger Vessels, should possess good Sense, & real Bravery—& of our smaller Vessels—Bravery, at least. Will you be so good as to tell me what kind of a Man, this Robinson really...
414To Alexander Hamilton from William North, 23 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor this moment, to receive yours of the 21 inst. & have ordered the field ps &c to be sent to Lt Col. Comdt Smith. The arrangements with respect to the approaching solemnity, as far as relates to the Citizens of this place, are to take place on the last day of the present Year. The Cincinnati have sketched out the plan, which is to be in the Stile of the pageantry whi⟨ch⟩ took...
415To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 18 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
since I had the honor of writing you a few days age, I have learnt that the State had been previously laid off into districts for Recruiting & that Contracts had been ordered to be made at the several Rendezvous for the Subsistance of the Recruits. I mentioned to you in my last letter that I conceived It would be necessary to make some alterations in the Rendesvous & expressed my Reasons in...
416To 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...
417To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Jackson, 25 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
A Mr Hinshaw has been here and informed me that he is the Contractor for the Year 1800 I have accordingly ordered the troops to draw their Rations of him or from his Agent at this place, which I find does not give General satisfaction—however I wish your influence when there is a new Contractor, that the Commanding officers may be informed & supplied with the purport of its contents. Sir I am,...
418To 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...
419To Alexander Hamilton from James Kitchen, 7 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
James Kitchen of the City Tavern in Philaa. at the request of Amelia Geary begs leave to inform his Excellency General Hamilton that Morris Geary her Husband lived with him for a considerable time, until he was apprehended as a deserter from the Army under the command of Gen St. Clair, that during which he conducted himself as an honest & industrious man & gained the esteem of most gentlemen...
420To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As your favour of the 20th June did not require an immediate reply, I have defered it till I could send the enclosed sheets of my translation: The tables are not yet all printed, but if the plates could be ready, the whole might appear in a fortnight. The Essay on military fireworks, which does not require plates, will soon be published in a separate Pamphlet. Nothing could be more gratifying...
421To Alexander Hamilton from William C. Bentley, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond [ Virginia ] October 4, 1799 . “A few days before my arival at this place, some of the Troops of the Regimt. of Artillerists & Engineers, of Capt. Eddins’s Company, stationed at this place, were guilty of a most violent and flagrant breach of Civil Authority; the Circumstances were these; One of their new recruits was discovered to be a fugitive from justice, he had been committed to...
422To 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.
423To Alexander Hamilton from John H. Buell, 25 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 10th. and also of the 14th. Instant, both of which came by yesterdays mail— Lieut. Dwight is at Manchester 20 Miles from this where I had sent him for the purpose of Recruiting. he shall leave this for New York by the next Stage— The General Court Martial of which Capt McClary is appointed President shall be Assembled as soon as...
424To Alexander Hamilton from James Gunn, [9 January 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favor of the 24th. Ult. It is probable a rejection of the French convention would excite some unpleasant feeling in America; But its Ratification would be Dishonorable. The Second and Third Articles were rejected by very large majorities. Genl. Armstrong voted against the Second Article, which alarmed the Jacobins. With Some other exceptions, it is believed, the thing will...
425To 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...
426Enclosure: Distribution of Massachusetts’ 14th Circle into Subdistricts, [28 April 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
Names of the Officers Superintending the Subdistricts Numbers of the Subdistricts The Principal Town or the Rendezvous of the Subdistricts Officers Superin-Tending Districts Plan of District Rendezvous Captain Ashmun No. 1 Pittsfield } Major Walker Springfield Captain Phelps No. 2 Great Barrington Captain Babbitt No. 3 Springfield
427To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mount Vernon, April 10, 1799. “I have received your letter of the 27th. ulto., enclosing a design of dividing the State of Virginia into Divisions, & Subdivisions, for the head quarters of the Rendezvouses in each: asking my opinion of the proper distribution of them, for the convenience of the Recruiting Service. The Grand division of the State, I conceive to be well allotted and with …...
428To Alexander Hamilton from George Thacher (Thatcher), 1 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to recommend to your notice Captain Joseph Savage now of Berwick in the District of Maine as a Candidate for a Majority in the Regiment of Artillery which I see, by the first Section of the Law “for the better organizing of the Troops of the United States: & for other purposes” passed on the second of March last, is to consist of four majors—I am informed, tho I cannot answer for...
429To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 10 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I delayed my dear sir, an answer to your Letter of the 22nd ult. purposely, because from it I was induced to beleive I was soon to be favored with another containing additional observations on the convention. On that subject, at present, I shall say nothing. It is not doubted that the votes for Jefferson and Burr have been equally given, and that from one of those the House must select the...
430To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 18 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Rozier presented yesterday, your letter of the 13th; and, agreeably to my appointment, he called this morning and exhibited his cypher, and comparing with it his cyphered letters to Mr. Talleyrand which were taken in the Astrea and transmitted to me from Gibralter, I found in every passage examined, an exact correspondence with those letters written in words, copies whereof he gave me to...
431To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Jackson, 18 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Amos Stoddard has a desire to send Lieut. Leonard Williams on the recruiting service to Vermont this Winter. If this meets with your approbation, and the one thing neadful can be obtained, it will accommodate the above. And oblige your humble Servant. Since writing you the above I have received a letter from Capt. Lemuel Gates encloseing me the bill that has not been allowed—I now...
432To 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...
433To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 6 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to Recommend to you, the following persons, (whom in my opinion are unfit to be in the Service of the U States, as will appear by Relation of the infirmities attendant to each of them,) and therefore Requisite they should Receive their discharge “John Lyons & Isaiah Sutton, soldiers in Capt. Nh Freeman’s Compy. the former, being Insane, & the latter; aged about 23 Years, has...
434To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 8 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 23d Ulto. inclosing a list of the Officers of the 12th. Regiment distributed into Companies, that I would in concert with the Major suggest for consideration such alterations as from Circumstances may be deemed expedient with the reasons for those alterations, I take the liberty of enclosing a list of the Officers ranked as the...
435To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 21 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th instant, and the estimate enclosed. I sent yesterday to the 6th Regiment in north Carolina 15.000 dollars in drafts on Wilmington—these drafts will probably arrive in time to enable the paymaster of that Regiment to pay off the officers and men before the 15 June 1800. I have also, paid the balance in full to the paymaster of the 8th Regiment who was to...
436To 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...
437To Alexander Hamilton from George Ingersoll, 21 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
There being a necessity of some kind of water conveyance for the purpose of crossing the river and doing other business of the Garrison of a public nature, and having no Boat or Barge, have directed the Contractors to furnish a Barge, which they have done & exhibited their account to the Accountant of the War Department for payment, who refuses to make such payment untill he may be satisfied...
438To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 12 July 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 12, 1797. On July 13, 1797, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I wrote you a few Lines hastily Yesterday at the Post Office.” Letter not found. ]
439To 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...
440To 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...
441To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Hodgdon, 2 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 27th. & 28th. Ultimo, came to hand yesterday. The Clothing for Bennington will be on the way immediately The articles which may be necessary for encamping the Troops composing the additional Regiments will be attended to through the medium of the respective commanding officers. Returns must be made to Regimental Brigade Quarter Masters, and by them to the Quarter Master...
442To Alexander Hamilton from Amos Stoddard, 10 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Being absent by order of the Secretary of war on duty at New-London, I was obliged to postpone my return of recruits for the last month to this late period. Major Jackson, who was heretofore appointed to superintend the recruiting service in this District, is of opinion, that the details of my Company ought still to pass thro’ his hands. I however imagine myself bound to pursue the directions...
443To Alexander Hamilton from John Smith, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The sickly situation of South Carolina, & especially of Charleston, which appeared to me to be the point for assembling the Officers, selected in this State for the 5th. Regiment, prevented me from calling them together, sooner than the first of Novr. But the uncommon warmth of the weather was such, that a meeting did not take place untill the 10th. which was the day that I arrived in...
444To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Lloyd Moore, 3 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 30th. Ulto. I recd. yesterday. The particular subject of the dispute between Cap. Johnston & Lt. Irving was this. Cap. Johnston advocated the French nation by saying that notwithstanding the treatment we have recd. he would rather take part with it, than with Great Britain, or words to this effect. The other expressed himself warmly in favor of G. Britain and (I believe) declared...
445To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 31 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your Letter of March 30th. and I consider it as a great acquisition. It developes the origin of a circumstance which came to my knowledge at the close of the last session which filled my mind with inexpressible surprize. To you I will say but in the most perfect confidence that the President had determined on instituting a Commission, but it would not have been composed as you now...
446To 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. (...
447To Alexander Hamilton from William C. Bentley, 17 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond [ Virginia ] August 17, 1799 . “Yours of the 10 Ultimo notifying the appointments of the Medical Staff and the Com: officers to fill vacancies within my Regiment was received in proper time. The manner in which the vacancies were filled was unexpected to me, as well as to those who received the appointments; They all excepted to have been the junior officers of the regiment, and that...
448To Alexander Hamilton from John T. Gilman, 11 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Letter of 18th. Ulto., with One Inclosed, came to hand the 7th. Instt.—am at loss to know why it has been so long on the way as I usually Receive Letters from New-York in about Seven days—as it was necessary to make some Enquiry’s could not answer it until this time— Capt. Dunham’s Residence is One hundred Miles distant from this place—he could not consult the other Capts. with Facility...
449To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 4 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Bearer Justus Cadwell the soldier of the 13th. whose place was proposed to be supplied Abner Chapel, having rejoined his regiment upon the expiration of his furlough, I have concluded it would furnish you with an opportunity of carrying your intentions promptly into effect by giving him a pass-port to Head Quarters— He will of course deliver this Letter, & not doubting but you have...
450To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 9 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that Lt. R. L. R. Livingston has this moment arrived in Camp, in consequence of orders founded on your communication on the Subject of Lt. Hoffman— I have the Honor to be Sir, Your most obedt. Humble Servt. ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).