1Enclosure: [Account of the Incident at Elizabethtown], [27 March 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Some publications having appeared in the news papers in respect to a disturbance at Elizabeth Town implicating Capt Courtlandt & Lt. Livingston of the twelveth Regiment—it is proper that the public should know that early and particular inquiry was made into the affair by order of Major General Hamilton, & that, according to information received from very respectable authority in the Civil...
2From 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,...
3From 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...
4From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fourteenth instant with it’s enclosure—It appears from the statement given that the application of Mr. Jones is a very improper one—Matters will therefore continue as they are. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
5From 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...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice and William S. Smith, [23 April 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
It appears by a Report of the Dy P M G that no return has come from the 12 Regiment of the Cloathing on hand as required by the general order of the 11th of March. Considering the time which has elapsed since the issuing of that order if there are any articles of Cloathing in the possession of the Pay Master of that Regiment he has been guilty of very great neglect for which he ought to be...
7From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 20 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have understood that the relative rank of the Officers of your regiment has not yet been communicated to them; as you may probably withold it from an idea of its not having yet received my final approbation, you will view the arrangement upon which we formerly agreed as decisive, with the single alteration, of Captain G. Kirkland’s being placed next in rank to Captain A. White with true...
8From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will discharge the soldier to Enclosed are some papers relative to the age of a soldier in the eleventh regiment—You will enquire into the case, and if the statement proves correct, discharge the person to whom they it relates. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
9From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 17th. instant, with its enclosures has been received. I am, for my own part prefectly satisfied with the representation given by the Major, of the conduct of your officers in the affair at Elisabeth town—but as an account of it has made its appearance in the public papers, which has represented the matter to their disadvantage, I think you are interested for the honor of...
10From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Major Tousard has arrived here for the purpose of recruiting six companies of Artillerists. I request you to give facility to the accomplishment of the object. The men enlisted will not leave their corps untill the time of their disbandment. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see H to James McHenry, first letter of May...
11From 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).
12From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the nineteenth instant with its enclosure— Were this a time of war I should not be embarrassed by your enquiry, but, in the present state of things, we must rely for a remedy — of the evil of which you complain on the influence of strict discipline up on the troops themselves. Where stores are erected near a high way you can place a sentinel on to prevent the...
13From 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...
14From 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...
15From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The returns of Medicine wanted for the Brigade under your command were im forwarded sent immediately to the S of War, but no answ and the forwarding of a supply without delay urged in strong terms. No answer has, however, been received. I requested you to point out art a few articles of pressing necessity in order that they might be procured, and forwarded from this place— This does not appear...
16From 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).
17From 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).
18From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The resignations of Captain Patterson and Lieutenant Cuyler of the twelfth regiment have been accepted— You will inform them accordingly— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
19From 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....
20From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a plan of the Formation of a Regiment for Exercise or Battle, of which I request your mature consideration, and that you will favour me as early as may be with the result of your reflections. The more careful and particular your criticism, the more will it oblige me. ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In the margin of this letter H wrote: “Two copies as in the original...
21From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a list of Articles sent me by Mr Dayton—He represents them to have been procured by your orders—Upon examining my letters I find that the articles — marked are not included with in any of the direction general or special which I have given. You will inform me whether these have been procured, and also upon what grounds they have been were added to the list of articles directed by...
22From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the second instant, and have directed the Adjutant General to prepare and forward the charges against Lieutenant Dwight. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
23From 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...
24From 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).
25From 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...
26From 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...
27From 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.
28From 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...
29From 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...
30From 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...
31From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 11. instant with its inclosures. I would wish Hill to be tried by a Court Martial previous to my granting him his pardon The Court may probably recommend him to mercy, should that however not be the case; your recommendation with that of the Officer’s of your regiment shall be treated with the meet with proper respect attention with true consideration Sir (...
32From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 16 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twelfth instant with it’s enclosure— You will have a return made, without delay, by the Surgeons of the three regiments of — under your command of the medicine that is wanted, — marking particularly such as is of the most immediate and pressing necessity— This I will have procured here and sent on without delay immediately— The rest will be procured in the...
33From 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 —...
34From 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).
35From 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...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Altho’ I have not been officially advised of it, yet I have received information sufficient to satisfy me that an act of Congress has passed for disbanding the twelve additional regiments on or before the fifteenth of June next, granting an allowance to the officers and soldiers of three months pay from the time of their discharge. I mention this to you that it may be understood unofficially...
37From 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...
38From 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).
39From 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).
40From 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).
41From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Brown, one of my Secretaries is the bearer of this letter—he goes before me to take possession of my quarters. You will have a Subaltern’s guard at those quarters on Wednesday next. With great consideration Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For H’s visit to the troops at Scotch Plains, New Jersey, see H to Aaron Ogden, May 8, 1800, note 1 .
42From 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,...
43From 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...
44From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 8 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 2d of April which has lain by from the pressure of more urgent business. In breaking the silence now I wish only to prevent misapprehension as it may influence future cases. I am persuaded that in what you did you were actuated by a very praiseworthy zeal, and I perceive that there were circumstances from which you were led to infer a larger discretion than...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 29 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
An order was issued, some time since, as you will recollect, directing enlistments to be “for and during the existing differences with France,” or for the term of five years at the pleasure of the government. It appearing probable that the number of men enlisted under these conditions is very inconsiderable, and an expectation having been entertained among them that they would not be separated...
46From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 10 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter sent to me by the Secretary of War—you will make enquiry into the case, and if the representation proves to be just, have the person discharged—The circumstances you will report to me— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
47From 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. ]
48From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Governor Jay—You will make immediate enquiry into the subject of it, and report to me— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
49From 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...
50From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Colonel Taylor relative to the discharge of Justus Cadwell of Capt. Meiggs company. If Abner B Chapel, the man offered as a Substitute, and who is now I conjecture at the Brigade, after being examined, by the Surgeon, as should be approved of by him the Brigade Inspector or Commanding Officer of the Brigade regiment, you will notify me of it, and I will accordingly...