451From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As the season advances fast, when it will be proper to give effect to the new disposition for the Western Army—and as the arrangement of the Officers regimentally is a necessary preliminary to that Operation, I have recurred to your letter of the 15 of November last respecting the arrangement ⟨w⟩hich was submitted to you upon the plan of Brigadier General Wilkinson. A material object of the...
452From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [1 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Our citizens are extremely anxious that some further measures for their defence should take place. Do me the favour to inform me confidentially what means are actually in the disposition of your department for this purpose when & how they will be applied. Yrs truly A Capt Hacker formerly of our Navy is desirous of being employed. One or two good men have recommended him to me. It seems however...
453From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the drafts of the proposed contracts sent me through Mr. O Hara, and have had some conversation with him concerning them. There are a few points some of which appear to me to require to be differently arranged, others to stand in need of explanation for the avoiding of Disputes. 1. In the proposed contract for the supply of the Western army, it is put in the option of the...
454From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [13] January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Some of the maxims which obtain with the Officers at the seat of Government, charged with the adjustment of the accounts of those Agents who have to furnish supplies and make disbursements for the Military service are of a nature to produce much perplexity & inconvenience. To me they appear mistaken, such as are to be found no where else, and such as must render it impracticable to discharge...
455From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Part of the contents of your letter of the 10 of July last (which has happened to escape a definitive attention) being connected with the subject of that the 7 of Sepr., I shall reply to them together. Previous to the receipt of the last I had drafted rules relating to extra expences which after careful revision I send for your determination. They contemplate, it will be seen, a discretion to...
456From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Ought it not to be a rule to forward from your department to the Major Generals, as they are passed, copies of all laws respecting the military establishment? At any rate you will oblige me by sending those of the session just finished. I observe in the 5 § of the Recruiting Instructions, filled up in Manuscript, the term of inlistment is five years. The law for augmenting the army § 2 directs...
457From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 21st instant came to hand by the post of to day. There are some points in it respecting the recruiting service which demand immediate attention. “1. The Stations of the recruiting rendezvouses or the stations in each state where it will be proper to provide rations and send the Cloathing.” My letter of the 19th designated these stations in the five States, in which it is...
458From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated to Col Bentley your resolution as expressed in your letter of the 30th of Augt in respect to the late appointments for his Regiment. But the occasion claims from me some remarks, as due to my own opinion of propriety and the good of the service. I cannot doubt that the practice of your Department, as to the filling of vacancies in new corps, previous to your coming into it,...
459From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I feel it as a mark of consideration for my recommendation, that notwithstanding the force of the difficulties, which in your view operate against further advances not founded upon the prescribed forms, you are pleased to declare that you will once more give your sanction to the measure. I must entreat you even to go a step further and to order that it be without fail done. For Symptoms...
460From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The unascertained situation, in which I have been, since my acceptance of the Military appointment, I now hold, has been not a little embarrassing to me. I had no sooner heard of the law creating the Office than I was told by members of the Congress that I was generally considered as the person designated by circumstances to fill that office and that the expectation of those who most actively...
461From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A complete revision of the Articles of War is desireable, as they require amendment in many particulars. But this would be so serious a work, that I fear it is not likely to be undertaken with a prospect of being speedily finished. Waving the expectation of such a revision, there are some things which could be done that would be important improvements. You are aware of the great obscurity...
462From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col J C Hall informs me that he has recommended for appointment to Lieutenancies — his Regiment Thomas Hewit and Benjamin Nowland. I beg to second the recommendation, if no preferable characters have been presented. It is very desireable to complete and keep complete the corps of Officers. Col Rice writes me that he has spoken to Mr. J. Jackson on the subject of transportation of articles; who...
463From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have maturely considered the questions raised by your letter of the 21 of January with the aid of such lights, as memory or inquiry could furnish with regard to usage. The truth is that the articles are so obscurely worded as to preclude a very clear construction. The second article of the 18th section of the original code seems to me to be repealed by the first resolution of the 31 of May...
464From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will find herewith the copy of a letter from General Wilkinson relating to a supply of Cloathing for the troops on the Northern and South western frontiers. The return designates itself the quantity requisite for the present numbers of the troops and the portions for each post. I have no data for judging whether any additional quantity ought to be sent forward for arrearages. I agree in...
465From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the copy of a letter of the 4th instant from Col Taylor. It presents a picture of which the similitude has too frequently come under my observation. I must be permitted to observe that nothing can be more injurious to the service than that pecuniary embarrassment should be occasioned to officers, in reference to services duly performed and expenditures...
466From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
An absence from the City, upon some urgent avocations, prevented my receiving ’till yesterday your letters of the 10th & 11th instant. I observe the suggestion which you have made to the President, towards calling General Knox and myself into immediate service. If he shall approve, I stand ready to execute in the best manner I shall be able, whatever business, may be confided to me. But I must...
467From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It being urgent that the Two Regiments of Artillery should be organised into companies and disposed of to the several destinations which you have contemplated it results that a very inconvenient delay would attend the making of that arrangement in concert with General Pinckney as suggested in your late letter. As, likewise, this arrangement is mere matter of organisation, the distribution of...
468From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter which I have just received from Col Bentley. In transmitting him the list of new appointments for his Regiment I did not advert to what they were; but took it for granted that all was in conformity with what had been before established and with the recommendations of the commanding Officer of the Regiment. I find that the reverse has happened in this case as well as in...
469From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a good while My Dear Mac since I have either written to or received a line from you. I embrace the first moment I have been really able to spare to say some things to you which have for some time “lain heavy on my mind.” I have been conscious that I owed you an explanation concerning the issue of a certain Inspectorship and I have meditated it ever since that issue took place. In giving...
470From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the plan which is conceived to be proper for the disposition of the four Regiments of the permanent establishment. It is the result of communications with General Wilkinson and the Commander in Chief —and accords with the opinion of the latter. The principal objects of this plan are 1 The distribution of the troops by corps in contiguous or relative positions;...
471From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I am told the Executive Directory have complained of Mr. Parish our Consul at Hamburgh. Perhaps the complaint may be ill founded but perhaps also he was indiscreet in giving colour for it. Admit too that he is a good man. Yet we must not quarrel with France for pins and needles . The public temper would not bear any umbrage taken where a trifling concession might have averted it. Tis a case...
472From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I now communicate the result of my conference with the Commander in Chief and General Pinckney, on the subject of extra allowances to Officers detached on service, so as to be obliged to incur expences, on the Road and at places where there are no military Posts We are all of opinion, that in such cases an extra allowance ought to be made, and this even to Officers who receive extra...
473From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The near approach of a Session of Congress will naturally lead you to the consideration of such measures for the improvement of our military System as may require legislative Sanction. Under this impression, I am induced now to present to you some objects, which appear to me very interesting, and shall take the liberty to add, hereafter, such others as shall have occurred. One which I have...
474From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Though from repeated reflection and action upon the subject my opinion was well made up when I received your letter of the 19th. yet I thought it proper once more to review the matter before I complied with your request. The principle of the doctrine advanced by the accountant will go much farther than the position which he now avows; namely, “that no authority short of Congress can make...
475From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Very much attached to the idea of leaving the commanding officer of a distinct & distant army to regulate himself his particular dispositions—I have referred the employment of the Galley to Col Hamtramck on the supposition that by the departure of General Wilkinson the command has devolved upon him; with the intimation only of my opinion that probably the lower posts on the Mississippi offer...
476From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In recurring to your letter of the 29th of August, I observe there are some points which for a clearer understanding require from me some observations. I shall make this preliminary remark, that in presenting with emphasis, as I am accustomed to do, deficiencies which appear to have existed—I am actuated by the sole and exclusive motive of shewing by particular instances that the past plan has...
477From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I regret that I did not find in your letter of the 23 instant some assurances, as to the future, which would have enabled me to tranquillize the minds of those Officers, who may have been rendered uneasy by the appointments which have been in discussion between us. Had this been the case, I should have gladly left the subject at rest; for certainly I have no inclination to animadvert on the...
478From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enquiry has been made of me by the Commandants of the several regiments with respect to the construction of the last resolution in the Appendix to the Articles of War. They wish to know whether this resolution gives a reward to parties of soldiers who may apprehend deserters. I would thank you for your opinion on the subject. Of the expediency of giving a reward to parties of soldiers that may...
479From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Take my ideas and weigh them of a proper course of conduct for our administration in the present juncture. You have called Congress—tis well. When the Senate meets (which I should be glad to see anticipated) send a Commission extraordinary to France. Let it consist of Jefferson or Madison Pinckney & a third very safe man, say Cabot . Proclaim a Religious solemnity to take place at the Meeting...
480From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I return you the papers of Mr. Williams which you sent me at his desire for perusal. The explanation and your final opinion of the affair have given me pleasure, as I should be sorry that any circumstance of improper conduct should have stood in the way of the employment of Mr. Williams. I regret extremely that obstacles should exist to the requiring of the resignation of Mr. Francis. You are...
481From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 29 instant is received. I shall conform to what I understand to be the spirit of the practice of which it gives examples. It is right not to make an extra allowance to officers for performing a military duty at a place where they are stationed or where they actually are resident, or where there is a military post at which they can be accommodated as usual except for...
482From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [27 January–11 February] 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
It may serve to prepare the way for a direct answer to the questions stated by the President to make some preliminary observations. 1 It is an undoubted fact that there is a very general and strong aversion to War in the minds of the people of this Country—and a considerable part of the community (though even this part has been greatly alienated from France by her late violent conduct...
483From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
You will herewith receive the list mentioned in mine of yesterday. The names marked with an * are those which engage my preference as last ascertained. The list comprises the names you sent me and some others which have come directly to me. Besides these there are a number of applications with my Remarks upon them which were put up in a packet and either transmitted to you or delivered to Mr....
484From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears to me very adviseable to remit to the Pay Master General of the Western army bounty money for a Regiment complete for the double purpose of reinlisting those men whose times of service are expiring and of recruiting in addition men equal to four companies as I am informed may probably be effected without much difficulty. The inlistment of men within the scene has the double...
485From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Situated as I am at this moment I am obliged to confine myself to very general hints respecting the paper of the 15 of April. As to the first head—I think it will be adviseable that the Speech should be confined to the foreign Affairs of the Country giving the primary & prominent place to those with France. This will make the main business the more striking. Domestic matters may follow in...
486From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is now time to contemplate the distribution of the Troops of the UStates into Divisions and Brigades. The arrangement which appears to me expedient for the present is this—“That the four old Regiments shall form One Division and two Brigades the twelve new ones Two Divisions and four Brigades.” The very great sphere of action to which the former are destined, including important and...
487From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am this moment honored with your letter of the 8th instant. Considering the nature of my agency, in respect to the subject of it, I must understand the Remarks which are made as not applying to what I have done, but to the previous measures of General Wilkinson. It is known to you that the project was adopted and acted upon long before I was in command, that agreeing in opinion with General...
488From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [17 May 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the instant. Not having seen the law which provides the Naval Armament , I cannot tell whether it gives any new power to the President that is any power whatever with regard to the employment of the Ships. If not, and he is left on the foot of the Constitution, as I understand to be the case, I am not ready to say that he has any other power than merely to employ...
489From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Campbel Smith has made a representation to me on the subject of some claims which he has pending in the Accountant’s Office, and has requested the interposition of my opinion. Thinking it due to him as an Officer now under my command I trouble you with this letter. He states that he has claims of two kinds—One for services rendered for more than two years as judge advocate previous to the...
490Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from New York, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 1 Nathaniel Paulding West Chester would prefer Artillery Mr . Hale refers to me speaks hyhly A probably a good Lieutantnt AH 2 John Treat Irving would prefer Artillery B Mr. Hale 3 Timothy Shalor Albany County
491Enclosure: Uniform of the Army of the United States, December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Uniform for the Army of the United States For The Commander In Chief A blue Coat, without lappels, with lining Collar and Cuffs of Buff, yellow buttons and gold epauletts of double bullion tag with fringe, each having three stars. Collar Cuffs and pocket flaps to have full embroidered edges, and the button holes of every description to be full embroidered. The fashion to be in other...
492Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from Vermont, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 5 Marmaduke Wait Windsor ☞ 25 year Payne Young Gentleman heretofore recomd by Morris & himself pretty good 2 Morris —education common morals good active enterprising Cadet 9 John H Brownson Father Brigadier General Lyon Nothing
493Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from Pennsylvania, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
LIEUTENANTS & ENSIGNS John S Porter McPherson Probably good Ensign Philadelphia Francis Johnson Inquire of Chester David Denny perhaps Lt. Young & writes a good hand & good English Archibald D Davis Lancaster Young Dennis Wheelen David Denny do Elija Griffiths Richard Thomas
494Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from New Hampshire, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 1 Timothy Mountford Philadelphia 5 Silvester G Whipple Livemore Education & good family Hampton 23 years Gordon collegiate education & has read law eleven mon respectable Whipple Father —[sprightly & active] 6 William S Thorne Londonderry
495Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from New Jersey, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 6 Robert Hunt son of A Hunt Trenton Lieutenant Qr Cavalry } Stockton
496Enclosure: General Wilkinson’s Proposed Arrangement of Officers, [31 October 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
First Regiment Field & Staff John F. Hamtramck Lieut. Col. Commandant Thomas Hunt 1st Major – – – – – – 2d. Major Lieut. Robert Semple Adjutant Lieut. Yelverton Peyton Paymaster Lieut. Joshua S. Rogers Quarter Master John Elliott Surgeon – – – – – –
497Enclosure: Answer to Questions Proposed by the President of the U States, [29 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
To The first. It is difficult to fix the precise point at which indignity or affront from one state to another ceases to be negotiable without absolute humiliation and disgrace. It is for the most part a relative question—relative to the comparitive strength of the parties—the motives for peace or war—the antecedent relations—the circumstances of the moment as well with regard to other...
498Enclosure: Additions to the Recruiting Instructions, [15 March 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
To Section III No foreigner by birth shall be enlisted unless he shall have become a citizen of the UStates and shall have resided at least one year in the County where he shall be enlisted. To Section VI These attestations must always be taken in the presence of and certified by a Commissioned officer and must be forwarded to the Inspector General (through the Commanding Officer of the...