121From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have considered, with attention, the Rules adopted by the President of the U.S. relative to rank & promotion in the Army, which were enclosed in your letter of the 2d inst. wherein you request me to suggest any alterations which may appear proper, to make them more perfect. These Rules meet my full approbatn, and I see no inconvenience that can arise from the establishment of them unless it...
122From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson has furnished me with the inclosed estimates of the cost of the Water Battery Barracks & Magazine, which have been undertaken at Loftus’s Height. And he gives it as his opinion by analogy, but without detail, that the cost of the fort proposed to be erected at the same place will about equal the sum of these Estimates say 16000 Dollars. I send you an estimate, which I have...
123From 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...
124From John Adams to James McHenry, 30 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Regretting with you on every account, public & private, the prevalence of the fever, I cannot but approve of the removal of the public offices to Trenton. Inclosed is a letter from Hugh McAlister, complaining of Mr Simmons & incloseing a certificate from Capt Irvine & another from Mr. Simmons himself. You will please to enquire & satisfy yourself, that justice is done. The original certificate...
125From John Adams to James McHenry, 22 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received on Saturday your favor of the 15th. When I dated the commissions of the Major generals on the same day, I had made up my mind, that if an acquiescence by amicable agreement in the opinion of General Washington should not take place, I would confirm his judgment, whatever it might be. If I could have been at Philadelphia to receive him, I should have invited General Washington to...
126From 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,...
127From John Adams to James McHenry, 31 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, requests the Secretary of War to send him without delay a list of the officers of the army who were appointed during the last recess of the Senate of the United States, that the President may be enabled to make their nominations as the constitution requires. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
128From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have reflected, as you have desired, on the most proper principles for regulating the relative rank of the field Officers of the twelve additional Regiments. It is always prudent, when no special reasons dictate a deviation, to adopt for cases of this kind a rule which steers clear of comparison of personal merit and avoids the danger of wounding the pride of any of the parties concerned....
129From George Washington to James McHenry, 15 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 2d, and three of the 5th instant, came duly to hand. Those of the latter date, were received late in the evening preceeding my visit to the Federal City, where I was detained several days on business; and is the cause of their remaining unacknowledged so long. In the former, you ask if I am acquainted with characters, who have talents and acquirements to fit them for the...
130From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A press of business has — diverted my attention from measures to for convey — Capt Freyes company of Artillerists to Charles Town. On resuming the subject it strikes me that there ought to be an armed vessel of the Government to transport them; since doubtless on account of the very great distance they ought to go by water: And if so sent and if an accident should happen by the intervention of...