121From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Eddens has sent to me a charge which he presented at the Accountant’s Office, but which was refused to be Allowed. It is for the rent of a room which he was obliged to hire, previously to the Arrival of his Tents, whilst employed in the recruiting service. As Officers are entitled to quarters this charge appears to me to be perfectly reasonable, and I would submit to you whether it...
122From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have read with great pleasure your letter to the Committee of Defence. It presents the subject in a very correct and interesting manner, such as I should expect much good from; if I did not begin to think with Chief Justice Elsworth, that there is in a government like ours a natural antipathy ⟨ to ⟩ system of every kind . Yrs. affecly ALS , St. Croix Museum, Cristiansted, St. Croix, Virgin...
123From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Lt. Fergus who states to me that he has had been ordered by Captain McRea to join him at Alexandria in compliance with instructions received from me, that he had him applied to the Commander of the revenue Cutter which — had been going to the port in the port to take him round, but that the Captain as related not having authority for the purpose refused— Lt....
124From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the following inclosed extract of a letter from Major Rivardi also a copy of my reply to him that you may judge of the propriety of the charge contained therein. In my answer I approved of the measure he had taken with regard to the Cloathing, but observed 150 dollars appeared to me to be a high price for the transportation of it with great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your...
125From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore mentioned to you Lieutenant Leonard Williams as Quarter Master to the second regiment of Artillerists. This Gentleman is well recommended to me— I have to request that he may be appointed your sanction to the nomination— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
126From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are the proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Lieutenant Hoffman. I presume there will be no doubt with the President as to the propriety of giving his sanction to the sentence of the Court. You will perceive that that part of the Articles of War which relates to the publishing of the offender is recommended to be dispensed with; and I could wish that this recommendation...
127From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you the following extract of a letter from Major Jackson dated Jany. 25. 1800 the appointments he proposes I recommend taking place should they appear to you for the good of the service. “In my letter of the 21st instant I mentioned that Doctor Tillinghast a Surgeon’s Mate in my Battalion had recently resigned, at the same time recommending, Dr Walter Hunnewell, as a...
128From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have but just returned to this city, having been unavoidably detained at Albany much longer than I had expected. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See H to James McHenry, January 15, 1800 ; H to Elizabeth Hamilton, January 26 , 30 , February 5 , 10, 1800 .
129From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, Jr., 29 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States refers the inclosed law of Tennessee, and letter from the Govenor, laid before him, by the Senators and Representatives of that state this day, to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of War, & requests their examination into the subject & a report of their opinion, what is in the power of the President to do for the accommodation of the people of...
130From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letter speaks for itself. I think upon the whole unless there are objections of which I am not aware it will be expedient to place Mr. Wilson in the new Batalion so as to reinstate him fully in the situation in which he would have been if he had not left the service. He appears to me a genteel sensible young man—and as to his morals has been well spoken of. You best know if there...
131From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
By an omission Lieut: Y. How’s name was left out in the definitive arrangement of the Officers of the 11th Regt. forwarded to you. he is to be placed 10th. 2. Lieutenant. with great respect Sir ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
132From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a letter from of resignation from Lt. Baldwin to Col: Smith which, for the good of the service, I hope may be accepted. With great respect &c— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
133From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall go to Albany on Sunday next on urgent business. Official communications from you will, of course, not reach me after Saturday, but I shall direct the Adjutant General to open such as may arrive and to take the measures which they render necessary in all cases that can not wait for a reference to me. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H was...
134From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
There are many officers in Town who have entirely worn out their Uniforms, and are anxious to procure new ones, their uncertainty as to the Plan however prevents them; fearful of being led into expence which would be very inconvenient by not adopting the proper one. Let me urge your immediate determination on this subject. with great respect I am Sir Your obed Sevt. Df , in the handwriting...
135From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Leonard Williams has been recommended to me as Quarter Master to the second regiment of Artillerists in such a manner that I can have no doubt of confide in his fitness for the station. This being the — Altho’ There is no commandant to this regiment but I will, nevertheless appoint Lt. Willi with your permissi appoint yet if you approve Lt. Williams to act as Quarter Master. ( Df , in the...
136From 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...
137From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you the return of the Army of the UStates which you lately required and which was delivered to me this morning. It is accompanied by a letter from the Adjutant General which furnishes some necessary explanations. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. McHenry to H, January 6, 1800 . William North to H, January 9, 1800 .
138From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Bentley informs me that an account of loops and cockades furnished to the troops his regiment was forwarded to your department, and that the item of Eagles has been rejected. Directions Authority was given by me for supplying cockades, and I consider the eagle as part of the cockade. I am anxious that The charge should be admitted, and would thank you to inform me of the reasons which...
139From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the enclosed papers that you may determine on the propriety of appointing Mr. Thompson to superintend the public work, at Loftus’s heights, and also, as this gentleman is considered by General Wilkinson to possess great Mathematical skills, to call you those qualities which fit him for an Engineer, suggest to you the expediency of giving him a place in availing the public of his...
140From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You have been informed As Captain Meigs stands first on the list of Captains for the thirteenth regiment he will take the place of succeed Major Huntingdon who has resigned in the regular course of Military promotion. Colonel Taylor is anxious that the promotion appointment should take place, and I would beg leave to call your attention to the subject— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y....
141From John Adams to James McHenry, 9 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President requests the Secretary at War to have an Extract made from the Precis des Evenemens militaires, translated into our Language and printed, which of all those Parts which relate to the House Artillery, and to consider whether this System cannot be introduced into our military System and especially into a Militia Law or Volunteer Corps’s. When printed in Sufficient Numbers, the...
142From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 9, 1800. “… The Adjutt: General is busied in preparing the Return you require. But his materials are unavoidably defective. The monthly returns heretofore sent you contain the substance of our information. All that is possible will be done.” Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See McHenry to H, January 6, 1800 .
143From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from Captain Chandler offering a resignation of his commission. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
144From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an extract of a letter from Lieutenant Meminger. I deem it my duty to become the organ of communicating the ideas contained in this extract for your consideration. My opinion on the case has been already laid before you—The person being having committed been guilty of a complication of crimes appeared to me to be a fit subject of capital punishment. I presume however from the delay...
145From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the arrangemt. of the company officers of the 11th. Regt. which has been approved of, and I have desired Col: Ogden to communicate it to his Officers. The following is an extract of a letter from Colonel Hunewell. “I cannot but express my wish that Messrs. Rudberg and Abbott may meet the approbation of the proper Dept. to fill the vacancies of two Lieuts. in my Regt., these...
146From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Such progress has now been made in recruiting the sixteenth regiment that the appointment of a Surgeon is for it becomes indispensible. I know not whether I have proposed to you any person as qualified for the post. If I have, or there be any suitable Character before you I would recommend that an appointment immediately take place. Col. Graves urges that the vacancies created by the...
147From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from Captain Williamson in which he states that assistance is necessary to enable him to execute the duties of his office. There is no doubt with me of the justice of this representation, and I would beg leave to call your attention to the subject. It appears to me to I think it would be inexpedient to call an officer from his station for the purpose performance of...
148From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Application has been made to me on the Subject of Chaplains. I find by recurrence to the laws that four of these characters are provided for. This will furnish one to each brigade. I doubt not you will feel with me strong motives which recommend the speedily going into these appointments. The Revd. Mr. Hill has been proposed by Col. Parker and I now offer him to you as a Candidate. It appears...
149From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
During my stay at Philadela. I received a letter from the Secretary of State strongly recommending Mr Thomas Radcliffe a young man of education and fortune for an appointment in the Cavalry. I have no acquaintance with Mr Radcliffe but from the nature of the recommendation he is no doubt deserving; the appointment however which he may obtain cannot of course be higher than that of the youngest...
150From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore recommended that the servants of Officers who are not soldiers should be permitted to draw rations—As the subject presses I would request your immediate decision on it as far as poss shall be convenient — ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
151From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Read proposes Doctor Roger Cutler as Surgeon, Mr. Francis Blake as Cadet, and Lieut. Abner Paster as Quarter Master to his regiment. I would recommend that these Gentlemen be immediately appointed. Col. Read is particularly anxious for the appointment of a Surgeon. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
152From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 January [1800] (Hamilton Papers)
It has been enquired of me whether Cadets are entitled to Clothing. As they are non Commissioned officers the twentieth section of the “Act for better organizing the troops of the U States, and for other purposes,” appears to me to apply to them. I should suppose them to be entitled to the Clothing of a Sergeant Major I would thank you to enable me to answer the enquiries that have been made...
153From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Pursuant to an instruction some time since received from you, I have now the honor to offer to your consideration a new plan for the uniform of the army. You are too sensible of the influence of good appearance, in point of dress and equipment, upon the spirit and Temper of an army, to make it necessary to illustrate its importance. The present uniform is materially defective in this respect....
154Enclosure: 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...
155From 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...
156From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore submitted to you a scale for the allowance of servants to the different grades of Officers with some supplementary ideas. I beg leave to add another suggestion in relation to this subject. The detaching from their corps soldiers, as servants to the various Officers of the general Staff, is productive of material inconvenience by withdrawing altogether from military service a...
157From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you two letters in recommendation of Doctor Foster as for a medical appointment. I have confidence in the Gentlemen who have recommended Dr. Foster— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
158From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you some letters in recommendation of Mr. Hedgeman Thom whom Col. Parker wishes to be appointed an Officer in his regiment— The Colonel is very anxious that the vacancies in his regiment be filled, and I would recommend very much wish that it be done as speedily as possible— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
159From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Smith strongly recommends Mr. Nathaniel Baldwin as a Cadet in his regiment, and I would propose that an appointment be immediately bestowed— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
160From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will recollect that the arrangement of the Officers of a Artillery attached to the Western Army into companies was referred to Colonel Burbeck—Enclosed is a list of the Officers in the order in which the Col. has placed them—This arrangement has received my sanction— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). There is an illegible, badly damaged note...
161From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Having some private business of importance to transact at Philadelphia, and there being several objects of a military nature which perhaps may be facilitated by a personal interview with you, it is my intention to leave this city on Monday next for the seat of government. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir yr. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
162From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send for your information an extract from Col. Rice’s letter of the 20th of November. Col. Rice strongly recommends, Moses Breckett as a Cadet in your his regiment— I know Two persons have already been proposed as Cadets in this regiment, and it is not contemplated I know to appoint more than two at the present juncture—But the merits of Mr Breckett can be considered when the period arrives...
163From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1799. “I take the liberty to request of you information whether the claims of old Soldiers who served in the Revolution war, are still admissible. I make this inquiry to Serve an old Soldier who has consulted me on the subject.” Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In MS this word is “Served.”
164From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 3, 1799. “… In conformity with your letter of the 25th of November I have written to Colonel Hamtramck requesting him to point out the individual officers whose ignorance is so strongly spoken of in his letter of the 5th of October. The remark of the Colonel did not appear to me to be directed particularly against late appointments but to embrace all appointments for the...
165From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a copy of a letter from Mr. Wilson who formerly belonged to the army If the wish which he expresses could be complied with consistently with the interests and rules of the service, it would give me pleasure. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
166From George Washington to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing a letter from Colo. Parker to Mr Lear, in which he requests that I will write to the proper department, to have arrangements made for the payment of two thousand one hundred & seventy five dollars and one third, being the amount of the purchase of one hundred and ninety six acres of land, bought, for the United States, adjoining the public ground at Harper’s...
167From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are some letters in recommendation of Mr Samuel Welsh who in anxious to obtain an appointment in the army. Mr. Welsh states to me that he has been in debt, but has settled with his creditors and obtained a discharge— This fact I should supose ought to be well ascertained before an apppointment is bestowed W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
168From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The preparation of a good system for the Tactics and police of the different portions of our Army is probably the most valuable service which it may be in my power to render the UStates in my present station & there are urgent reasons why this should be accomplished in the course of the present winter. To do it at all would in every situation require the aid of others; since I do not pretend,...
169From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from your letter of the twenty eighth, and have informd Major Huntingdon that the President accepts his resignation. The arrangement of relative rank of the Captains and Subalterns of the thirteenth regiment is not definitively settled. As soon as it shall be settled I will communicate it to you. I am just informed by Major Hunt that Captain Daniel Britt died at...
170From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Taylor informs me that he has recommended Doctor John Orton as Surgeon’s Mate in his regiment in place of Doctor Spaldin who declines serving in that capacity. From the manner in appearance of this Gentleman, and from manner in which Colonel Taylor speaks of him this Gentleman, I should suppose him to be perfectly worthy of the post— With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas...