201From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
If you can extract any meaning from the inclosed letter from Chilacautha, on Sioto, you will be welcome to it. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
202From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith is a letter with for Capt Bruff with recruiting Instructions, which I beg you to have forwarded to him. You will observe, that the term of Inlistment, which is inserted, is three years. If this is not right you will oblige me by having it altered and me informed of the authority for the alteration—I mention this because in the model you sent me five years are inserted and in looking...
203From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If — I presume — I am lead to believe that my letter to Col. Read relative to Captain Taylor must have miscarried as I find no acknowledgment of the receipt of it. The necessary measures have now been taken — matter has now been committed to the management of General Pinckney With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
204From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letters of the 11th, 19th and 21st of last month, with their inclosures. Referring to my letter of the 13th ultimo for the reasons which prevented my having a personal knowledge of such Characters in Virginia, as may be proper to be selected for Officers in the eventual or provisional Army—and having shewn therein the difficulties which would arise from the...
205From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you the arrangement which has been proposed by General Wilkinson and approved by me; subject to a negative from your Department, previous to his Departure. This mode has been adopted to accelerate his return. In a few instances, transfers of Officers from one Regiment to another are made in order to avoid as much as possible the separation of Officers from men. But...
206From George Washington to James McHenry, 23 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 23d April 1799 Six days do I labour, or, in other words, take exercise and devote my time to various occupations in Husbandry, and about my Mansion. On the seventh, now called the first day, for want of a place of Worship (within less than nine miles) such letters as do not require immediate acknowledgment I give answers to (Mr Lear being sick & absent). But...
207From 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...
208From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson has just returned to this city, and will set out together with myself for Trenton on Monday in order to settle definitively with you the requisite arrangements for the Western Army. With great respect I am Sir Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. James Wilkinson had been on a trip to New England. See H to George Washington,...
209From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been yesterday & this morning honored with your several favours, three of the 11th and two of the 12th instant. The injunctions respecting the Indian boundary line will be carefully & promptly attended to. Speedy attention will also be paid to the affair of proclaiming Martial law at Detroit. At present I am not aware how the authority for it is found. But this as well as its expediency...
210From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 19th instant with the copies of letters from General Wilkinson mentioned therein. This communication reminds me that it will be necessary for me to peruse at large all that part of the correspondence of General Wilkinson, which relates to permanent or unfinished objects, in order that I may know how to direct in regard to the...
211From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday your private letter of the 16th, with its inclosures, now returned. It was essential for you to take a decisive course & to leave the blame of further delay at some other door. There can be no doubt of the propriety of combining the aid of General Officers. But Pinckney being now arrived, it seems to me very proper & necessary that he also should be called upon. You will...
212Enclosure: 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
213From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckny has transmitted me confidentially the copy of a letter which he has written to you respecting the employment of the troops during the Ensuing Summer. I agree with him in the inexpediency of employing new troops in operations not military, as the digging of Canals &c and in the propriety of some extra compensation to any troops who may be so employed, as a douceur and a guard...
214From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Read informs me that he had not heard from those of his officers whose names are subjoined. You must be able to tell probably know where these Gentlemen reside, and whether they have accepted or declined. I would be much obliged to you if you would signify to Such of them as have accepted the propriety of joining their Commandant at Raleigh. But should you decline this if you will...
215From John Adams to James McHenry, 1 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return you the recommendations inclosed in your favor of the 25th of June & approve of the medical appointments, proposed by you and authorize you to make the necessary substitutions as you desire. Indeed in capacity double at least, you are better qualified to judge in these cases than MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
216From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you Dr. Finley’s letter of resignation—omitted by accident to be sent on a former occasion With— ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
217From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [13 February 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of yesterday with its inclosure are come to hand & will be attended to as speedily as possible. I take the liberty to trouble you with the inclosed to receive the amount (which though the accumulated interest on all my Stock from the beginning of the funding system will be short of 200 Dollars). When received, pay yourself one hundred, our friend Lewis seven, & deliver the rest to...
218From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the proceed gs of a Court Martial lately holden at Fort Fayette of which Major Stevenson was President to be submitted to the President of the U States for his decision. No peculiar circumstances appear in it. I can only observe that it probably proceeded from some knowlege of personal character in the Court & from the conviction of the necessity of some examples....
219From 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...
220From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
At the earnest request of General Hamilton, that I would give instructions for having the eighth, ninth and tenth Regiments of Infantry provided with Winter Quarters, which it was very desireable should be at Harper’s Ferry, I have departed from the resolution which I had formed, not to take charge of any military operations, unless the Army should be called into the Field, so far as to Order...
221From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from Major Jackson, which I pray you to consider, and to send Mr Titcomb s Pay and Rations accordingly, if the Law will allow it. He is a promising and deserving young Man, fit for an Ensign. Inclosed also is a Letter from Major Lillie, which deserves your consideration. Burbeck is a Sewell that We must not loose and Lillie I think must be made a Major. I have seen him and...
222From John Adams to James McHenry, 2 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from fourteen of the most respectable gentlemen in Rhode island, recommending Dr Isaac Sentor to be surgeon and physician of a naval hospital at New–port. You will please to preserve it & consider it with all others on a like subject. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
223From John Adams to James McHenry, 30 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 24th & have no objections to the proposed laboratory except that government is to be removed next year to Washington which perhaps you had forgotten. If this is no objection in your mind it will not be any in mine.—Inclosed is a note from Col Leonard recommending his nephew Charles Leonard to be an officer in the marine corps. Upon second thoughts I believe,...
224From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I would thank you to inform me whether Mr. Brown has been appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned in Col. Taylor’s regiment by the non acceptance of Mr. Chew. If this has not been done I would recommend that the place be filled by the senior first lieut. according to the regular principles of Military promotion. Col. Taylor, in his letter of the second of October mentions to me that Austin...
225From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the proceedings of a General Court Martial in the case of Capt. Courtlandt of the 12th. Regt. to be laid before the President for his decision. Tho’ this Officer would soon be out of Service by the operation of the law for disbanding the troops; yet it is, in my opinion, very important, in point of example, that for such outrageous conduct, he should be sent from...
226From John Adams to James McHenry, 25 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Major Gen Hull of the 9th of Oct & another of the 19th inclosing an address of the officers & soldiers of the 4th regiment in the 2d brigade & 3d division of the militia of Masstts. The offer of service as a volunteer corps I pray you to answer according to law & usage Inclosed also is a letter of 6 Oct from Major Gen Hull & brigadier Gen Walker with an address from...
227From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In my letter of yesterday, in answer to yours on the subject of furnishing the Western Posts I omitted to g giving saying any thing about the Carriages for Cannon. General Wilkinson’s absence for a few days prevents me from speaking with precision as that point, It is however my opinion that they cannot well be made there of the right sort kind, & I would advise that they be made here and sent...
228From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return your List of Appointments for the 16th Regiment and that of Major Theodosius Fowler for the 12th. approved. I inclose also the Recommendations of those officers, recd in yours of May 9th. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
229From John Adams to James McHenry, 17 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your letter of the 10th and return you the Letters from General Wilkinson and the Qr. Mr. General. Inclosed is a Letter from John Hampdon Palmer of Vermont to Judge Cranch, requesting his Aid in procuring a Pair of Colours. This young Gentleman is a Grandson of old General Palmer my Neighbour, who was active and usefull in the early Part of the late Revolution, and indeed I believe...
230From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
I observe by the concluding paragraph of your letter of the 10th instant that you contemplate conferences between the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury and myself, for the purpose of obtaining auxiliary information from their departments—Several of the questions which you state seem indeed to require such information. But on reflection, it has occurred to me as most regular, that you...
231From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the proceedings of Courts martial of which Major Wilcox was president Capt. Read and Lt. Colonel Smith were respectively Presidents all which have — acted upon. For particular reasons I must be permitted to leave it with you to comply with Doctor Osborne’s request for a Copy With great respect Sir ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
232From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Mac for the perusal of the Inclosed and wish you had not thought it necessary to forbid my taking a copy. Such a paper to be shewn confidentially would be very important. Charles Carroll of Carrollton ought as soon as possible to be apprized of all the circumstances. The man is more mad than I ever thought him and I shall soon be led to say as wicked as he is mad. Pray...
233From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Izzard has determined to accept the appointment of Secretary to Mr. Smith our minister Plenipotentiary at the court of Lisbon, but, is desirous of retaining the commission which he holds in the army of the United States. I would submit to you the propriety of gratifying his wishes in this particular. When an officer is absent on public service, and the situation of affairs at home is...
234From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Parker Hall proposes Wm. Barton Browner and William Cary as Cadets in his regiment. Enclosed are recommendations which have been transmitted to me in favor of these Gentlemen. I would advise that they be immediately appointed. Col. Parker recommends Mr. Hill for the place of Chaplain, and speaks of him as a man of excellent character. If there were any a provision for Chaplains in the law...
235From George Washington to James McHenry, 16 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Major Lawrence Lewis requires explanation, and it is the purpose of this letter to give it. He had, it seems, been making Overtures of Marriage to Miss Custis some time previous to the formation of the Augmented Corps in November last, at Philadelphia; without any apparent impression, until she found he was arranged as a Captain in the Regiment of Light Dragoons, and...
236From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If there be any thing in my general order lately sent you, which imputes to the Secretary of War ignorance or inattention, I agree with you, my Dear friend, that it ought not to have been there. I add that if done with design it would be a very culpable indecorum. But if it does bear this construction, I have very clumsily executed my own intention. And I give you my honor that so far from...
237From George Washington to James McHenry, 1 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
You will be at no loss to perceive, from my private letter to you of the 16th ulto, extracts from which you sent to the President of the United States; and from my representation to him, dated the 25th following, the rough draught of wch was enclosed in my last, what my determination is, if he perseveres in his Resolution to change the order of the Major Generals, and to disregard the...
238From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclosed you Lieutenant Moseley’s bond who is is the bond of Lieutenant Mosely appointed Pay Master to the Regiment commanded by Col: Taylor, his the Colonels recommendation of him is strong, and I have no doubt am confident well founded. with true consideration &c— ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
239From 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...
240From John Adams to James McHenry, 23 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return the recommendations inclosed in your letter of 18th, received last night & agree to the list of appointments. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
241From 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...
242From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am out of patience with some body, I know not whom. Your letter of the 4th of August, reached but last night. It had been certainly to Cape Cod, and what other travels it had made I know not. I readily consent to the appointment of Mr Pierre Gaillard upon the recommendation of Gen. Pinckney MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
243From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Quarter Master General has sent me Regulations expressed to me it as his opinion that the “Regulations to be observed in the delivery of fuel and straw to the Garrisons on the Sea Coast and recruiting parties” dated the twenty sixth of December 1797 apply to the Western Army—The Commanding officer at Pittsburg Col. Hamtramck has expressed an opposite opinion— The Regulations would appear...
244From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an extract of a letter which I have just received from Colonel Rice— It was my intention to have caused the regiments to be provided with bands of music, and this I doubt not will hereafter be considered as an useful arrangement—from this circumstance, and the particular situation of things I think it advisable that the U States should take the Musical instruments procured by Col....
245From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 17, 1799. “Power has been given to the Inspector General to appoint a Secretary. For some time I have employed in this Capacity a person, who is a mere copyist, with an allowance less than the law authorises to be given to the Secretary. But I have now appointed as permanent Secretary, Thomas Y How of Trenton in New Jersey. The Kind of person required for this station, and who...
246From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 15, 1799. “… A letter from General Washington of the 10th. instant has this passage ‘Not an officer in this state has yet received his Commission to the great dissatisfaction of all and relinquishment of many, who would no longer remain in a state of suspense and idleness.’ There is a strong impatience in the officers every where to have their commissions. It seems to me that...
247From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information some extracts from letters of Col. Parker which have just been delivered to me. You will find that the Col. repeats his observations on the appointment of —— and Stephens as first Lieutenants certain officers to higher grades than were expected. I have written to you on the subject but have not received an answer. It would be very satisfactory to me to be enabled...
248From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored with your several letters of the 21. 22. 26. 27 and 28 instant. All necessary directions have been given towards the commencement of the business of Recruiting in the states of Connecticut New York New Jersey Pensylvania & Delaware the moment the necessary supplies of bounty money and cloathing shall have been furnished, and towards the preparation for it in the other...
249From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for the military figures you have sent me. Tactics you know are literally or figuratively of very comprehensive signification. As people grow old they decline in some arts though they may improve in others. I will try to get Mrs. Hamilton to accompany in games of Tactics new to her. Perhaps she may get a taste for them & become better reconciled to my connection with...
250From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The state of my health and of the Weather yesterday and to day must prevent my communicating the result of the consultation intended to be had with the Gentlemen I mentioned in my letter of Yesterday. I answer your inquiry Thus far according to the data which I previously possessed. It cannot be expedient to keep men on such of the Islands as the winter shall find without fortifications in a...