1From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A General Court Marshall is to sit at Philadelphia on the thirteenth of next Month. It may happen that four Officers of your Regiment may be wanted to complete the Court. You will please to notify this number to hold themselves in readiness for a further order. As a Captain is among the persons to be tried it is proper that as many Captains as may can be conveniently had, may compose the...
2From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed copy of a General Order will apprise you of the appointment of a Court Martial to convene at this City on Wednesday next. It is intended that it shall be composed of officers of your Regiment and of that of Coll. Ogden. The number from each cannot now be fixed. But you will provisionally cause to be notified all your officers in or near this City that they are to hold themselves...
3From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 15, 1799. “I have received your letter of the 13th instant and thank you for the suggestions contained therein.…” Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Library of Congress.
4From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will please to cause to be detailed for members of the Court Martial of which Major Wilcocks is appointed President, seven Officers of your Regiment of whom as many as practicable to be Captains You are apprised that the Court is to convene on Wednesday. With great consideration & esteem I am Sir Yr Obed St. ( Df , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
5From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 23 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 20 instant just reached me at this place. The information given you by Major Wilcocks is correct—To obviate possible difficulty on the part of Col Fish, I write to him by the post which carries this letter—to deliver over the money to your Regimental Paymaster The letter herewith answers your concluding enquiry with great consideration I am Sir Yr. obed servt. (Copy, in the...
6From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is proper for you to be informed officially that I have appointed Capt. Church of your Regiment my Aid de Camp. I am sensible that in strict propriety, this ought to have been done previous to his appointment—in order that you might have had an opportunity to state to me if any particular reasons, in respect to the interests of the Regiment stood in the way of the appointment. The Omission...
7From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has directed me to inquire whether Capt. Justus B Smith Lts. Thomas Thompson & Jacob C Ten Eyck have mean to accept or decline their appointments. If known to you, you will please to inform me, if not known, you will then ascertain & communicate to me what may be the fact With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed St ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
8From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 5, 1799. On June 12, 1799, Smith wrote to Hamilton and acknowledged “the receipt of your Letter of the 5th. inst.” Letter not found. ]
9From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 2 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of yesterday is received. I am glad to find that matters are in so good a train; and take particular interest in the favorable appearances respecting Lt. Cocks With great consideration & (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
10From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If — I am not mistaken, you have already received an additional supply of money so as to obviate the embarrassments stated in your letter of the 21 of June. I approve the idea of permitting the recruiting Officers, who are successful, to go as far as they can; not confining themselves to the complement of their own companies— I agree with you then there is a prospect The motives which led you...
11From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter respecting Lt. Hoffman . The incident gives me great concern. It is a delicate affair and must be treated with very great circumspection. Inclosed is a letter which has been written to me by his accuser Lt. Livingston . Several respectable Characters (among these Doctor Charleton) have spoken to me of the Character of the accused in high terms—They represent him as...
12From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 12 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 10th. inst. has just been put into my hands. The course of conduct which you have adopted is such as the dignity and respectability of the service require. You are informed that a Court Martial will sit on the 14th. inst. at Fort Jay which will be competent to the trial of Lieutt. Hoffman. Of this Court you will be President; but should you think it expedient, from the...
13From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday, and have given orders to Capn. Read to furnish from the garrison the guard and the orderly sergeant which you request to attend the President of the Court Martial. I presume the different members of the Court have, before this time, arrived. With great consideration I am, Sir &c: &c: ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
14From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Very peculiar circumstances have delayed a reply to your letters of the 25 of May those of July 28 and of August the 5th. 6th. 10th. & 11th of August— I proposed postponed determining on the establishment arrangement of the relative rank of the officers of your Regiment, which was agreeably to the list arrangement transmitted by you in concert with Major as the result of the joint opinion of...
15From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you some papers from which it would appear that Lieutt. Laidlie, who is now connected with your regiment, has dismissed a soldier from pecuniary considerations; at least that he has committed a great impropriety in discharging a man whom he had regularly enlisted. I request that you will make immediate enquiry into the case, and report the circumstances to me as soon as possible. With...
16From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 6 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Richards informs me that it has been found impossible to collect any considerable quantity of wood from the neighborhood of the Bronks river, and that it will be necessary to procure it from the North or East river by water; That the wood delivered at West Chester landing will cost about the same price at as at New York, and that the expence of carting transportation from the landing to...
17From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received Your several letters of the twenty seventh of August and of the seventh and ninth of September. have been delivered to me. I regr It is a subject of extreme regret with me that the — Muskets and Horsemen’s tents provided for your regiment are in such should be so very defective. I have paid and shall pay constant attention to the subject; and it will not be — my fault if such —...
18From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 26 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the twenty first instant with it’s enclosures has been delivered to me— I am much pleased — with the accou nt you give of the conduct of your men, and have great confidence in the habits of regularity and obedience that will be created in them by your exertions. I am informed assured, that two months pay will be immediately forwarded to the several regiments. It would appear...
19From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the twenty sixth instant with their enclosures— With great consideration I am, Sir &c. &c. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
20From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the twenty eighth instant with their enclosures— The winter quarters of the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth regiments will be on Green brook in the vicinity of the Scotch Plains. Preparatory measures are now taking for the purpose. I shall be particularly attentive to the wish which you express in the case of Mr. Fowler. With great considerat I am, Sir ( Df ,...
21From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Place on the Stream called Green-Brook in the State of New Jersey has been procured for the Winter Quarters of the 11th. 12th. & 13th. Regiments, which are to be there hutted. Col: Ogden will indicate the particular Spot. Ebenezer Stevens Esquire, Agent for the War Department, is instructed to procure boards for the roofs, doors, and Windows, of the huts of three Regiments, computing them at...
22From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Information which I received at Elizabeth Town has of the kind of extent and situation and form of the ground procured for the Winter Quarters and of the kind of Timber to be found upon it has induced me to vary my view of the dimensions of the hutts which may be found convenient for the Corporals and Privates and of their position in a single line. I am now of opinion that it will be...
23From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your different letters of the second, seventh, eighth, twelfth, fourteenth and twentieth of october have been duly received. I have attended to the representation in favour of Captain Kirkland, and you will hereafter consider him as ranking after Captain White. This will place him third on the list. It appears from your letter of the second instant that there was a ballance of three thousand...
24From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 4 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Read has informed me that there are at Fort Jay 3 deserters belonging to your the 12th regiment, viz. Wm. Hebron, Jas. Dando, & Dl. Crook. He has been directed to convey them to Elisabeth town by Thursday next when you will take care to have a proper guard ready to receive & convey them to camp, to be tried in the General Court martial lately ordered— With great consideratn & ( Df , in...
25From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a letter from Colonel Taylor and an arrangement which he proposes. The grounds, as stated in his letter, of this arrangement do not strike my fancy. The spirit seems to be too much that which almost ruined our revolutionary army in the outset. Do me the favor to remark the individuals who are with you and send me as soon as possible a brief comment on each as officer and Gentleman...
26From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 13, 1799. In reply to Smith’s letter of November 11, 1799, states: “There is no provision in the law for Chaplains , and I can not therefore comply with your wishes. I am nevertheless deeply impressed with the importance of divine service among the troops, and have heretofore made it a subject of communication with the S of War.…” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How,...
27From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this is Mr. Meredith of Brooklyn who goes to camp for the purpose of giving evidence in the case of Lieutenant Laidlie. You will have him provided for accordingly. I sent you some papers relative to this affair which you did not return to me. They are — very important evidence Papers in the case, and you will be pleased to deliver them to the person who acts as Judge Advocate....
28From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 12th inst. and am happy to find that your — difficulties are in a fair way to be removed. all the difficulties which you had to encounter The spirit of the troops, the harmony of among the Officers, and the good understanding between the soldiers and the citizens afford give me great real pleasure— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
29From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 18, 1799. “… I have not the smallest objection to the Officers being taught the use of the sword by the French gentlemen of whom you speak, nor to any measures of the kind which you may think proper to adopt that will not involve an actual expence to the public.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Smith to H, November 15, 1799 .
30From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your three letters of the fifteenth instant, and have taken measures to ascertain whether accommodations can be procured for the two companies of Artillerists at the forts in this harbour. If accommodations can be had it is my intention to change the destination of these regiments companies. I have directed General Stevens to repair to camp in order to settle with you the...
31From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 19 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the eighteenth instant— General Stevens left here this place yesterday for camp in order to settle yo with you such further arrangements as may be necessary— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
32From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 17 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 17, 1799. On December 23, 1799, Smith wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your Letter of the 17th.” Letter not found. ]
33From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your different letters of the 23rd 24th and 28th. of December have been delivered to me. It is always difficult in contracts to define the quality of the articles which are to be furnished, and hence has arisen the silence of which you complain in the contract with the Agent for New Jersey. It is however implied in the nature of the transaction that the articles be good according to the common...
34From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received letters from Lieutt. Joseph Dwight of the 1st. Regt. in which he speaks feelingly of aspersions thrown on his Character by Lieutenant Le Roy Livingston; as I conjecture he alludes to the Officer of that name in your Regiment, I would wish you to inform direct him that it is my desire he should acquaint me, in writing with to report to you in writing any transactions he may know...
35From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 6 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a copy of a letter from the secretary of War announcing the appointment of Mr Walter B Voorman as a Lieutenant in your Regiment. Mr Voorman’s appointment has been forwarded to him. You will therefore make such a disposal of him as you may think proper with true consideration ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing James McHenry...
36From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 7 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish I have concluded that Colonel Ogden should shall be detached this Winter from the Brigade for the purpose of assisting the Adjutant General in framing regulations for the army. I request therefore that you will take the necessary steps to meet this arrangement give him permission to be absent with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip...
37From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 11 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of January 10th. and have directed Lieutenant Vrooman to join the Regiment. It was not my intention that Colonel Ogden should be detached from the Regiment Brigade until the trial of Lt. Hoffman Should have taken place, for which I wish you to inform me what measures have been adopted, that, if there is not a prospect of its commencing immediately I may dissolve the...
38From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith [13 January 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Whilst Colonel Ogden sh all continue in the particular service — —— he has been destined you he will still superintend, as far you he shall think proper fit, the interior police of his regiment ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
39From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The result of your correspondence with Lieutt. Livingston has determined me to order Lieutt. Dwight to this City and I shall after some conversation with send him to Union Brigade to be tried by a Court Martial. I yesterday received your two letters of the 13th instant with those that have passed between yourself and Lieutt. Baldwin, that Gentleman’s resignation is forwarded to the Secretary...
40From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed papers speak, at large, the Offence with which Captain Kirkland is charged— It is my expectation that that Officer will immediately repair to the County where he is stated to have been arrested, and deliver himself up to the civil Authority, or make such an arrangement with his adversary as is consistent with the laws of the County, which (according to the enclosed testimony) he...
41From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 17 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Andrew White of your Regiment has made application for the appointment of Brigade Inspector, being an officer who has seen service he has considerable pretensions. I would wish you to observe him and give me your opinion of his military talents and fitness for that appointment— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
42From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have ordered Lt. Dwight the bearer of this letter to repair to Union Camp Brigade that he may be tried by a Court Martial which be immediately ordered to convene W— P.S. You will on Lt Dwight’s arrival at the Brigade put him under Arrest— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
43From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 21 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 21, 1800. On March 5, 1800, Smith wrote to Hamilton : “I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of two letters of the 21st.… ulto.” One letter not found. ] The second letter of this date is listed in the appendix to this volume.
44From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 21 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I p er ceive by the public prints that — a disturbance of an unpl ea sant tendency has taken place between two Officers of your regiment and the inhabitants of Elizabeth Town. I re quest you to investigate minutely into this affair & report to me accordingly with true consideration &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
45From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 25, 1800. On March 5, 1800, Smith wrote to Hamilton acknowledging “the receipt of two letters of the … 25th. ulto.” One letter not found. ] The second letter of this date is listed in the appendix to this volume.
46From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received Your two letters of the twentieth instant have been received. Neither remarks on the price of the wood contracted for I had not the smallest intention of finding fault with the part you had acted in the business—On the contrary I am well convinced that, as far as your agency was concerned that there was due care exercised—I am still however of opinion that the price is too high...
47From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As the appointment of Brigade Major is not kno contemplated in the present Military Establishment it would be of no avail for me to give you the certificate required in your letter of the 24 Feby. I have therefore written to the Secretary of War sending him a copy of your letter and informing him that no Officer having been appointed as Brigade Inspector Lt. Cocks had done the duties of that...
48From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The S of War has just informed me that the President accepts Dr. Finleys resignation—You will inform Dr. Finley accordingly— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
49From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 5th and 7th instants. As some of the subjects were discussed in conversation with you the other day it will not be necessary to repeat the remarks that were then made. On the subject of wood I have written to Col. Ogden. I can not say any thing relative to the claim of Captain White, having never been able to obtain from the S of War a definitive rule on the...
50From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secr. of War informs me that the resignation of Captain Cole is accepted and that his pay and emoluments are to cease on the 20th instant—You will have this communicated to Captain Cole thro’ the Commandt. of his Regt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).