251From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 9, 1799. “I have the honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your letter of yesterday with the list of some new appointments, in the 7th, 8 & 9 Regts which will be communicated to the respective commandants.… On this subject of Cadets it may be proper to fix some rule. I doubt the present expediency of appointing more than two to each Regiment of Infantry. But it is believed to be...
252From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday about two oClock, the detachment proceeded on its destination. It consisted of one Captain (Henry) Two Leutenants, Two Musicians, Ninety two Non Commissioned Officers & Privates. They had seventeen Tents with them. I send you a plan for dividing Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania and Delaware into Districts and subdistricts. It appears to me desireable that the recruiting...
253From John Adams to James McHenry, 4 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received your Favour of Aug 29 last night. I have recd nothing from the Secretary of State respecting the Castle which ought to be accepted, and the Convicts removed as soon as possible and a respectable officer and Garrison appointed. I perceive that Tousard is coming here I know not why, nor wherefore? General Hamilton recommends him to be Inspector of Artillery. I have no Reason to...
254From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the seventh instant has been received. I have upon reflection, thought it expedient to order all the recruiting Officers of the additional regiments, with the men they may have enlisted, to their regimental rendezvouses; as it would be impossible to adopt any arrangements which would effectually prevent the enlistment of more men than are wanted to complete the old...
255Enclosure: William Bingham to James McHenry, [18 November 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
It Surely must have escaped Genl Hamilton’s Recollection, that the Papers he alludes to, never were deposited with me. After reading the publication, in which he mentioned this deposit being thus made, I was Surprized at the omission of which, in Case I had been applied to for a View of them, I Should certainly have reminded him—under any other Circumstances, it would not have been delicate to...
256From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The return lately sent me shews strongly the want of system of your Agents. Instead of an equal apportionment, while some Regiments are altogether without certain articles, others have a full or very ample supply of them. This appears particularly as to Muskets, Cartouch boxes, Knapsacks & Canteens . With regard to some of these articles, indeed, I know that orders have been given for supplies...
257From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 24, 1799. Discusses duties and salary of Ebenezer Stevens. States: “The necessity of a more adequate organisation of our Departments of Military supplies (to which adequate compensation is an essential idea) presses more and more upon my conviction. The details of execution are extremely defective.” Gives examples of defects in supply system and concludes: “These are small...
258From George Washington to James McHenry, 17 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your confidential and interesting letter of the 10th instant, came duly, and safely to hand. With the contents of which I have been stricken dumb; and I believe it is better that I should remain mute than to express any sentiment on the important matters which are related therein. I have, for sometime past, viewed the political concerns of the United States with an anxious, and painful eye....
259From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Frequent applications are made to me concerning the relative rank of the Field Officers. It is very desirable that this should be universally settled & promulged without delay. I shall submit to you, before long, some ideas respecting the relative rank of the company officers of the different regiments. Enclosed are the commission of Lieutenant Flagg and a letter in which he offers to resign...
260From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
After consideration of the several candidates who have come under my notice for medical appointments in the Twelveth Regiment I would recommend them in the following order First—Samuel Finley, second John H Douglass, Third Samuel Davis Fourth Samuel Barnum fifth William McIntosh sixth D B — . This would consequently make Finley Surgeon and Douglass and Davis Mates. The experiment must decide...
261From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
There is a probability that the two Regts. of Artillerists can now be completed. According to the plan heretofore approved two battalions were to be reserved for the services of field —one to serve under the Command of Genl. Pinckney, the other to serve under my immediate command. These two Battalions, the additional Infy having been disbanded, may now be united in a Camp of instruction, and...
262From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It would appear from the representations of G Wilkinson that the number of officers of the four old Regiments who have reported themselves to me pursuant to your notification bear no comparison to the number actually absent. The case seems to require some more decisive measure. I submit whether it will not be expedient for you to signify in the public papers throughout the States that all...
263From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you — Enclosed are certain accounts that have been transmitted me by Colonel Graves. You will perceive that some of the expences incurred by Colonel Graves were for articles — of Quarter Master supply which were not furnished by the Contractor under an idea that he was not bound to furnish them— This difficulty with — I could wish therefore that every facility in your power might be...
264From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor of your letter of the 15 instant. The several points mentioned in it have been attended. In the commencement of a new branch of service it is necessary for dispatch to wave the usual forms. Hence the omission of returns. But I shall speedily send you an exact statement of the various articles of supply requisite for each Regiment—and which from the accounts received it will be...
265From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the information conveyed by your letter of the 21 instant, I have authorised Col Strong, if from appearances he shall conceive there is well founded cause of alarm, to withdraw from Michilimacnac the whole or part of the Garrison for the reinforcement of his post. I did this for two reasons 1 because I did not perceive any other point from which he could be reinforced and...
266From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
By yesterday’s post I received your letter of the 31 of December. I was just about to write to you on the principal subject of it. Nothing has given me so much chagrin as the Intelligence that the Fœderal party were thinking seriously of supporting Mr. Burr for President. I should consider the execution of the plan as devoting the country and signing their own death warrant. Mr. Burr will...
267From 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,...
268From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
From the letter which is enclosed you will perceive the measure that I have taken on the request of the Secretary of the Navy. I consider the marine corps as destined to serve on board of ships or at Marine and perhaps at Marine establishments on the Seacoast. It does not appear to me to be within their province to serve in the interior of the country. I enclose to you the letter which I have...
269From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an extract from Col. Hunnewell’s letter of the seventeenth of September on the subject of Cadets. “I now beg leave to offer Mr. Oliver Emerson of York in the county of York in this State, a young gentleman about nineteen years of age—He has a good education, and good connections, a very steady firm young man—He has been a Clerk in my office for some time, and has always conducted...
270From John Adams to James McHenry, 6 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Last night I received your favor of 31st July. Upon looking over the list of candidates for surgeons & surgeons mate & all the other papers, I find no letters from Lt Col Rice nor Lt Col. Hunnewell selecting such as they wish. Lt. Col. Rice called on me a few days ago and told me had recommended Charles Blake for surgeon & Ebenezer Lawrence for mate. I know personally few of the candidates but...
271From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Doctr Brown (of Port tobacco) to Doctr Craik, was this day put into my hands by the latter; who speaks favourably of the Medical abilities of the former. I wish to be considered in no other light than as a Vehicle of the application to the President, through you; for of Doctr Brown I have no knowledge, and of his fitness I can say nothing. One thing however, merits...
272From 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...
273From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an account of Major Toussard, for the rent of a house in New Port. It appears to me to be high, but as no quarters were provided at the fort, it became necessary that they should be furnished in some other mode. no regulation having been established on the subject of Quarters, it is of necessity that Officers should exercise a discretion, and unless you consider the present case as...
274From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the first perusal of your letter respecting Winter Quarters at Harper’s ferry I supposed it to be your intention that I should take definitive measures on the subject. Under that idea I wrote to Col. Parker the and Genl. Washington the letters which you will find enclosed. But I see observe, upon reading your letter a second time, that you have instructed me to take only preliminary...
275From John Adams to James McHenry, 27 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I last night received your favour of the 22d and thank you for your Sentiments, with which in general I very well agree. At the Same time I recd your other Letter of the Same Date with its Inclosures all of which I return to you with this.—I thank you Sir for your indefatigable Attention to all these Subjects. The Letters and Instructions to the Officers especially to General Wilkinson appear...
276From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Thompson, of the fourth regiment, having resigned, — Mr Campbell Smith, standing first on the list of Lieutenants, is of course entitled to receive fill the vacancy. Immediate promotion in cases of this nature, except where there are serious objections to the individual, is enjoined both by duty right justice and policy. The individual Officer next in grade is entitled to the vacant...
277From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
As it may possibly not have come to you through any other channel, I think it well to inform you that General Huntington has been displeased at not having received official notice of his appointment with his Commission. This, if not already so, ought to be remedied. I hear nothing of nominations. What malignant influence hangs upon our military affairs? With great esteem & regard Yr. Obed...
278From George Washington to James McHenry, 9 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Monsr Augustus de Grass, requesting an appointment in the Corps of Engineers; which I forward to you, as I have done all letters of a similar nature. I received, this morning, under a blank cover from the War Office, a letter for myself from Govr Rutledge of So. Carolina, and one for Brigadier Genl Washington, which I have forwarded so as to get to his hands before he...
279From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I wait for your instructions concerning the regulations proposed to you with respect to objects of extra expence. As soon as I receive your direction I shall issue orders for having the regulations carried into effect. With great respect I am, Sir If it shall be agreeable to General Pinckney to whom I have written on the subject, it is my wish to employ Major Tousard during the winter, in...
280From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Smith states to me that Captain White, of the eleventh regiment, has acted as Judge Advocate of all the General Courts Martial which have been held since the second of November, at Union Camp, and enquires whether he is entitled to any thing for the performance of this duty. The subject of compensation to persons acting as Judge Advocates has been heretofore matter of correspondence...
281From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I hasten to reply to your letter of yesterday respecting Artillery &c. for Fort Adams. By recurring to my letter, you will find that, stating the demand of General Wilkinson, I myself relinquish that for mortars and confine myself the application to two Howitzers and the Cannon & the ammunition. I understood from General Wilkinson, who is not here at this moment and will be absent for a few...
282From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I return Mr. Patterson’s letter. It is not my intention immediately to withdraw more than Cochran’s & Henry’s Companies. The other troops may remain on the insurgents scene. I should prefer their remaining together. Perhaps the vicinity of Easton may be the best single station. But I am not without apprehension that the Troops may be corrupted by remaining long in a disaffected scene. Is there...
283From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 19, 1799. Asks what “the rate of allowance to which officers are entitled for their retained rations” is and how the allowance is obtained. Agrees with McHenry’s decision to defer the appointment of cadets, but thinks that “in the meantime … it will be well to appoint two Cadets to each regiment … to act as ensigns.” States that he has received “Pressing applications” for...
284From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You ask my opinion as to proper arrangements for the command of the Military Force, on the ground that the Commander in Chief declines at present an active part. This is a delicate subject for me—yet, in the shape in which it presents itself, I shall wave the scruples which are natural on the occasion. If I rightly understood the Commander in Chief, his wish was that all the Military points...
285From 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...
286From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 June[–1 July] 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 25 [ –July 1 ] 1799 . Summarizes the contents of “letters … from Major Rivardi, at Niagara,” which “contain very unpleasant representations of the state of things at that post.” Describes steps taken to meet some of Rivardi’s complaints. States: “It appears by the statement of which a copy is enclosed that debts have been contracted for purposes of the garrison to the amount of...
287From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to call recall your attention to my letter of the 10th inst mentioning the resignation of Lt. Blake acting Pay & Qr. Mas to the detachment at Wilmington under Major Cass and proposing Lt. Jacob Wilson as a substitute. I understand from Major Cass that the bounty money deposited in the hands of the different recruiting officers has been withdrawn by order of the PM General—This puts...
288From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 July 1797 (Washington Papers)
By the last Post I was favoured with your letter of the 3d instant and thank you for its enclosure, although, on the same day, I had, myself, transmitd a copy thereof to the Secretary of State. I had doubted a while, whether to forward it to your Office or that of State, but finally resolved to send it to the latter, as it seemed more properly I thought, to belong to that Department. If the...
289From John Adams to James McHenry, 19 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return you the selection of two majors from North Carolina & that of officers for South Carolina and Georgia with the letter of Genls Pinckney & Washington with that of Mr Steele. I am satisfied with these recommendations and approve the selections.—I return the proceedings of the court martial in the cases of the deserters. The absolute necessity of examples in such cases as that of Richard...
290From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A rule respecting the allowance of Barracks and Quarters is wanting. I submit to your consideration the following scale. To a Major General for himself four rooms, for each Aid one room, and a Kitchen. To a Brigadier General for himself four rooms, for his Aid one room, and a Kitchen. To the Inspector General in addition to his allowance as Major General two rooms for officers, and one for his...
291From George Washington to James McHenry, 21 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of the Presidents letter to me, which I request may be, with this letter, burnt as soon as they are read, & no more said respecting the contents than might be proper for him to hear repeated again; Otherwise, a knowledge that the contents of my letters to, and from him, are in possession of others, may induce him to believe, in good earnest, that intriegues are carrying on,...
292From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 24, I can only say that I have referred the Papers relative to extra Services to the Secretary of the Treasury who has not yet reported. That I cannot determine any Thing on Major Tousard’s Claim nor Mr. Dinsmores till some general rule is settled,—Major Tousard however and Mr Dinsmore will have Justice done them. If you approve of the Measure you may send a...
293From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 24, 1799. “… I shall confer with Col Smith on the subject of his Major and communicate the result.… I am of opinion that the hat ought to be delivered with its furniture complete. It will often be no easy matter for the Officers to supply a deficiency; and it is one of those instances in which œconomy will be likely to disgust by the air of excessive parsimony. Will it not be...
294From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
A letter just received from General Wilkinson contains the following—“I beg you to bear in mind that my continuance here will depend much on the Secretary of the navy, for I can not in prudence hazard my family on the gulph without a convoy which he has engaged to me for the tenth or twentieth of the ensuing month.” I beg you to confer with the S of the navy without delay, in order that it may...
295From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 7, 1799. “… Col Smith … recommends as his Major … Theodosius Fowler Esqr.… I do not find among the p⟨apers before⟩ me any list of the Officers of the Additional Troops of C⟨avalry⟩. Will you be pleased to have it transmitted? I promised Mr. Jones your C⟨lerk⟩ a memorandum of the number of printed copies of oat⟨hs⟩ and weekly returns which it would be expedient to ⟨send⟩ to the...
296From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 10, 1799. “I send you an Extract of a letter of the 20th June from Col: Hunewell, recommending Eli Forbes Esqr. for Captain in place of Capt. Philips. It was an idea talked of between us though not settled, that the routine of promotion should take effect in ⟨ea⟩ch regiment as soon as the places of field Officers were ⟨ac⟩tually filled. If this rule is to govern it would be an...
297From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Nothing can be more desireable than a well digested plan for connecting the different parts of our Military System, in regard to the procuring and issuing of supplies. I send you the outline of a scheme for that purpose. It is important that this, or a substitute more eligible, should be without delay established. It is particularly essential that the channels through which supplies are to...
298From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an extract of a letter I have just received from Colonel Smith. I entirely concur in all the ideas it contains—On the subject of promotion to vacancies that occur, I have already written to you, more than once, in Strong terms, and can not but feel extreme regret that a System different from the one recommended should appear to have prevailed. In making this observation I allude...
299From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I hasten to reply to your letter of the 3d. instant. To Major Toussard I have hertofore written upon the Subject of it, but have not received an answer. If I am referred to the paragraph of the law cited in your letter for my authority to act—I must confess that I cannot find it there. If the Hospital contemplated was only a temporary one, the commanding General is only auxiliary to a...
300From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed papers herewith sent shew the result of the inquiry into the charge against Capt White. The impression which the whole evidence makes on my mind is that Capt White judged very ill in doing as he did because the transaction was of a nature to subject him to suspicion, but that he acted from no evil will far from acting with any evil intention he committed the error through an...