1951To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2d instant. The business to which you allude, relates to an application made to me by the Surveyor General, for a party of Men to assist in marking the Indian boundary line agreeably to, General Waynes Treaty; but, as the Surveyor General omitted to designate the time when and the place where the men would be required, I have written to...
1952To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Brookes, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In Obediance to the order, of the Secretary of War, published in the Baltimore Gazatte, ordering all Officers on furlow, or Absent from Command, belonging to the first Second third & forth Regiments of Infantry & the first & Second Regiments of Artillery to report themselves to Genl Hamilton without delay—do now in Complyance With that order report having Never been called to Command, or...
1953To Alexander Hamilton from Constant Freeman, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the fifth instant. I have engaged my passage in the Ship South Carolina, which will sail from this port for Charleston, on the seventeenth—If your dispatches should then be ready, I would consider it an honor conferred on me to present them to Genl. Pinckney. I am with the greatest respect Sir, Your obedient & humble servant ( ALS ,...
1954To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your three letters of the 3rd instant, and one of the 5th. containing a letter for Colo Carrington, one for Colo Parker, one for Major Ford, one for Major Freeman, one for Captain Cochran, and one for the commanding officer at Fort Mifflin. I also received, enclosed in two of your letters of the 3rd, a letter for Captain Bruff, and a Bond of Lt Moseley, paymaster to the...
1955To Alexander Hamilton from Josias Carvel Hall, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
After experiencing much difficulty, delay & disappointment, I have at length got the recruiting Business afloat. Major Hopkens, attended by Lieut. Pinkney (the Pay Master) has commenced his Circuit, with Instructions to see every Officer commanding a Subdistrict & to urge an immediate Exertion. The Pay Master is directed to advance each 100 Dol to begin the recruiting, & to pay every Officer...
1956To Alexander Hamilton from David Strong, 7 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Detroit [ Territory Northwest of the River Ohio ] May 7, 1799 . Calls attention to the “slender state of the Ammunition at this Post.” States that no supplies from the hospital department have arrived in two years. Complains that “his many Communications of a Public nature to the Secretary of War” are not acknowledged. Reports that “there is one uniform sentiment of discontent pervading the...
1957To 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,...
1958To Alexander Hamilton from John Henry, 7 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Private concerns of a very interesting nature, induced me to apply to Brigadier General McPherson, for leave of absence from the detachment of Federal troops at Reading, ’till some new disposition of them should demand my presence. Capt. Cochran has since joined the detachment, which marched from Fort Jay under my command; and this circumstance, affords me an opportunity of absenting myself,...
1959To Alexander Hamilton from Adam Hoops, 6 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It would advance the service if Lieutt Heton who is attached to Capt Cochrans company was permitted to repair to Fort Jay to assist me in the operations that will be immediately begun there. I am Sir with high respt Yr Mo Ob Sert ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). On the cover H wrote a draft of his reply: "Write to Major Ford directing him to order on the officer requested if he...
1960To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 6 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter, dated New-York the 3d. instant, enclosing a letter for Captain Bruff, with recruiting instructions, which you request me, to have forwarded to him. You observe, that the term of enlistment, you have inserted in Captain Bruff’s instructions is three years ; that the form of instructions sent by me to you, had five years inserted in it; and enquire what authority or...
1961To 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,...
1962To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 6 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of Sending to you a return of Clothing which are absolutely wanted to this garrison—and which I request you would order from the Stores to be Sent. Mr. Wilson going to Philadelphia I would request you to authorize him to attend to the forwarding of those clothing and also of the tents which you promised to have Sent, and which will Soon be of an unindispensable...
1963To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 3, 1799. “… The cloathing for New York, New Haven & Trenton is packed up and will be immediately forwarded.… That for Pennsylvania is also ready to be delivered. To guard against a failure in the quantity of coats wanted for Massachusetts, I have obliged the Purveyor … to get made up in the most expeditious manner 640 Infantry coats … to be divided equally between the two...
1964To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
East Chester [ New York ] May 3, 1799 . “I have been honoured with your Letter of the first of may; having always understood that Capt Church tho’ honoured by the appointment of being your Aid De Camp, intended, with your permission to recruit his Company; I mentioned to him, when in Town last, that the money & recruiting instructions, were ready for him, when it was convenient for you to...
1965To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter I have written to Capt Talb⟨ot.⟩ I have proposed to the President that Nichol⟨son⟩ should be employed in superintending the building of one of the 74 gun ships, & I presume he will acquiesce. Barry the brave, seemed to be, and to think himself, too infirm for active service—perhaps employment may be found for him also, on shore. It is...
1966To Alexander Hamilton from Constant Freeman, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has informed me that in the disposition which has been made of the troops I am to be posted to the Southward; and he has ordered me to repair to the Head Quarters of General Pinckney. I will be in readiness to obey his orders so soon as a packet shall sail for Charleston. If Sir, you should have any commands I shall be happy to receive them. It is by the directions of the...
1967To Alexander Hamilton from Horatio Dayton, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Thomas Ballard and Samuel Abbot two of the Bargemen belonging to Captain Faye’s Company Deserted from the Barge in Town on the evening of the 30: ulto. their descriptions are as follows, Thomas Ballard 19 years old, 5 Feet 9 Inches high, Born in Springfield, Essex County N. Jersey, Grey eyes, Dark brown hair, Dark complexion, Inlisted at Eliz. Town 30: June 1798—Samuel Abbot 19 years old, 5...
1968To Alexander Hamilton from James Giles, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Clarance Mulford, of this Place, has an ardent Passion for an Cockade and Feather; and is extremely desirous of entering into the regular Service. I have advised him, to accept the appointment of a Cadet, in one of the Infantry Regiments, which he will readily do, provided it is no bar to an appointment, in any of the new Regts. proposed to be raised. Permit me to mention him to you, as a...
1969To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you an extract of a letter just received from Colonel Thomas Butler dated Belle Canton April 8. 1799— and am Sir with great respect Your obedient Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing Thomas Butler to McHenry, April 8, 1799 (extract, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1970To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a letter from Captain Amos Stoddard dated Portland Feby 6th requesting that the Fort at that place may receive a name, and have informed Captain Stoddard that you are authorized to cause it to be called Fort Sumner after the present Governor of the State of Massachusetts, which you will please to do accordingly I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most...
1971To Alexander Hamilton from James Read, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Letters of March the 26th. April the 15th. and two of April the 17th. with thirty sets of Rules and Regulations for the Recruiting Service, and a List of Officers, came to my hands yesterday The Orders and Regulations contained in the above I shall obey and observe with Pleasure In the List of Officers you have favoured me with the Majors are not mentioned, and only eight Captains, eight...
1972To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed I have the Honour of transmitting to you the Proceedings of the General Court-Martial, which I convened agreably to your General Order of the 6th. April last. I enclose also my Approbation of the Sentences, which were executed accordingly. Several Reasons delayed the meeting of the Court. The new appointed Officers, except those in this Town, had no Regimentals; and, they sending...
1973To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of Receiving your letter of the 24th ultimo together with one from your Aide De Camp Covering Acts & Regulations Respecting the military establishment which I shall duly attend to I herewith Inclose you the arrangement of The officers to the several Recruiting Rendezvous & have subjoined the appointments of the Staff. They are Gentlemen Who I Believe will fill their Respective...
1974To Alexander Hamilton from William C. Bentley, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your circular letter of the 23rd of March, was received about the middle of April; I gave it immediate attention, and by letter to each Officer forwarded ⅌ Post, called a Meeting of those who are to compose my Regiment, to be had on the 15th of the present Month (May) at Richmond; the dispersed Situation of the Officers, would not admit of an earlier Meeting. As soon as it is had, and the...
1975To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Niagara [ New York ] May 2, 1799 . Sends a plan of Michilimackinac. Defends his request for extra pay for extra duty. Quotes from the following letter which he received from the Issuing Commissary: “By a letter which I received yesterday from the Contractor I am instructed (as this Garrison does not exceed 50 Men) To give up Stores under my charge To The Commanding Officer.… I hold myself in...
1976To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Hunewell, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I Received several of your Letters, vizt. those of 23d March 26th do. 15th & 17th of April—these are the only communications I have received on the subject of Regimental arrangements since the official notice of my appointment—As my present residence is so distant from New York, I deem it necessary to make immediate reply to these letters, ’though from the little time they have been...
1977To Alexander Hamilton from Alexander Richards, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a Copy of the Agreement between the United States and the Contractor for this State—you will observe the Public the to furnish Stores wherein to deposit the Provision—if therefore I am at any expense in procuring store-rooms for provision at any of the posts where magazines may be Ordered, I shall expect to be reimbursed all such charges by the Government. I am sir...
1978To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In reply to your note of yesterday I am of opinion there ought to be attached to each Company of Artillerists Four Carpenters Two Blacksmiths One Wheel wright & One Taylor— I have directed the Commissary to furnish all recruiting parties with Quarters and the means of transportation for them on their removal for which he would be allowed the monies he shall disburse and also a Commission of 2...
1979To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you an appointment for Pearson Titcomb as a Cadet in the Second regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, He is at present attached to Captain Lemuel Gates’s Company at Castle William near Boston. You will be pleased to forward this appointment to the proper Officer with directions to have it delivered to Mr. Titcomb I am Sir with great respect Your obedient servant ( LS , Hamilton...
1980To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter this morning addressed to Col. Hamtramck, relative to the destination of the Galley Senator Ross, and take the liberty to detain it until I can hear from you upon the subject. Should it be thought proper, to create a depot of troops artillery &c at a place the best calculated to guard against invasion from the Missisippi, and the Ohio; or to secure our territory...
1981To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Banger, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By direction of Colonel Hodgdon, I enclose you a Return of Clothing, in the Public Store at Philadelphia, this day I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Servant ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing "Return of Clothing in the Public Store at Philadelphia …" ( ADS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1982To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, [April 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I intended to have crossed to N York this morning in compy. with Colo: Ogden for the purpose of suggesting to you some alterations very important to the military service both in the arrangements of the relative ranks of the Company officers, & of the recruiting districts. Indisposition has prevented me, but the Colonel persists in the intention. We have perfectly concurred in the alterations...
1983To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department [ Philadelphia ] April 30, 1799 . “The Governor of the North Western Territory Arthur St. Clair Esquire being ex-officio , Superintendant of Indian Affairs within the said Territory he is to be respected as such by all military Officers within the sphere of his Jurisdiction, you will be pleased therefore to direct the said military Officers to respect him as such, and to cause...
1984To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Cass, 30 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honour to enclose to you Brigadier General J. Wilkinson’s permission to me to visit my native State, which will best explain to you the cause of my being here; my disability is so far recovered, that I was making arrangements to set out to Join that part of the corps, to which I am arranged scattered along the banks of the Mississippi when I received the Order of the Sec’y at War to...
1985To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 30 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Captain Samuel White of Delaware State, wherein he says, that upon inquiry he finds, it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to procure at New-Castle, (the place fixed upon as the company rendezvous) any house, suitable for the accomodation of soldiers, and that Wilmington is, in his opinion, and in that of many gentlemen with whom he has conversed upon...
1986To Alexander Hamilton from Robert G. Harper, 30 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an extract of a letter which I have this moment written to Genl. Pinckney. If you should think it proper to say any thing to him on the subject, you will oblige me by doing so. The two grades Spoken of by the secty. are those of Brigadier & Col. My illness at the time of your departure prevented me from speaking to you personally on the subject. T’was not till this morning that I...
1987To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, 30 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer Mr Harrington has relinquished the practice of the law, and is desirous of entering into our army—His father was a very respectable citizen—I know nothing to Mr Harrington’s prejudice; and I should imagine he would make a good officer. His wish is to obtain a second lieutenancy—Permit me to recommend him to your consideration. I am Dear Sir, Your humble Servt ( ALS , Hamilton...
1988To Alexander Hamilton from Yelverton Peyton, 30 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In obedience to an order of the Hon’ble James McHenry Secy of War, of the 15th Inst I have the honor to report myself as Lieutenant & Qr Master of the 1st US. Regiment of Infantry, on leave of absence for the recovery of my health, I am at present unfit for duty, herewith you have inclosed evidence of my situation— I have now to request of you, a furlough for the reestablishment of my health...
1989To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ London, April 29, 1799. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from … Mr. King” to H, Columbia University Libraries.
1990To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Has it struck you, that it will be proper, notwithstanding the Commander in chief of the army has formally declined taking any agency or responsibility in its affairs until a certain state of things shall occur, for you to correspond with him, as the Chief, and give him such information from time to time relative to your comand as will enable him when he may enter upon actual service to...
1991To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Duncan, my Pay Master was unable to compleat his bond in season for this days mail, I enclose it now for tomorrows, to be submitted to the Secretary at war. I requested in a former letter your directions respecting the Person to whom his bond was to be given, but have not had the honor of receiving your answer thereto. In your favour of the 15th you constitute me the judge of the...
1992To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to your Request I have had the provisions at Fort Jay Inspected, & Inclosed is the Certificate of the Same— You will perceive by Mr. Richards note on the back of the Certificate, that he is willing to Receive the provisions and allow Government the same price he Receives for Supplies— I would thank you to write the Commandg officer at that fort to serve them out to the Troops, the...
1993To 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).
1994To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Taylor, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On saturday last I had the Honor to recive your favours of the 13 & 15 Instant with the Acts & regulations for the Military establishment & a letter directed to Lieut. Moseley which I immediately forwarded to him by express, & have recived his bonds, (which from information,) I believe are amply suficient, they are inclosed; agreeable to directions I have made a disposition of the Officers to...
1995To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your favours of the 23d. & 24th. inst. on Saturday night, I have this morning made the necessary arrangements to commence recruiting in the first Grand division the Drums will beat this afternoon— If the arms of the Regiment are in store at this place, and you will attain an order from the War-office for me to receive them, I will have them put in order, fit for...
1996To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 28 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In compliance with your directions, I have proceeded to compleat the division of the State into subdistricts, at least that part of it which constitutes circle 14. I have not yet seen Colonel Hunnewell, & that no further delay might take place I entered on the business without him. It will be perceivd., that I have not exactly conformed to the division of the districts which was sketched by...
1997Enclosure: 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
1998To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 28 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Niagara [ New York ] April 28, 1799 . Asks that soldiers employed in the quartermaster’s department be given extra pay for extra work. States that Dr. John G. Coffin, surgeon’s mate and acting quartermaster general, has had to assume responsibility for such payments and that he should be reimbursed. Also states: “… the State of my health is Such as To induce me To sollicit To be relieved.… I...
1999To Alexander Hamilton from David S. Jones, 28 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have delayed addressing your Excellency on the Subject of my appointment to a Lieutenancy in the Army of the United States longer than propriety would authorize, if that Delay had not originated at from an earnest Wish and repeated Endeavors to prevail on my Father to accede to my acceptance of that appointment, and been continued by your late absence from Town. Your Excellency no doubt...
2000To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, April 27, 1799. “I have considered the arrangement and distribution of the two Regiments of Artillerists and Engineers submitted to me … and approve of the same. You will be pleased to cause the said arrangement and distribution so far as it relates to your command to be carried into immediate effect.…” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H to McHenry, first letter of...