1From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 25 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish that you would look among the officers of the thirteenth regiment for some character qualified to fill the office station of Brigade Inspector — Quarter Master. Captain Meigs has been highly spoken of to me by his Colonel. I mention this mainly to draw call your attention to this Gentleman, ———— his merits, confiding however that you will have an equal eye to those of other...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 3 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a very disagreeable communica tion from the Secy of War of the 2d. ins of yesterday’s date, respecting Capt White of your Regiment. Delicacy towards the character of an officer induces — me to through you to give Capt White an opportunity for explanation previous to any a more formal proceeding; though I cannot at present discover how it will be possible to supersede the...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information a letter which I have received from Mr. John Bray of New Brunswick on the subject of winter quarters. It is my wish to have you report in the course of a week as by that time I shall it will be necessary to determine between New Jersey, and Carlisle. With great considern. I am, Sir & ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 19 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this is Mr. Genti , my Cook, a very respectable man in his station. He has charge of my baggage. Be so good as to cause it to be transported to camp without delay and let him have a horse to convey himself unless he declines it. Yrs. truly ALS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey. For background to this letter, see H to Ogden,...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 12 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I expect to set out for the camp at Scotch Plains on Monday next. You will provide bricks and materials for erecting at my Quarters a fourneau a machine for culinary purposes, which may be considered as a cube of brick about eight feet long, four feet thick, and four and a half feet high. I have a waggon which will serve for carrying my baggage, but you will provide two horses for the purpose....
6From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 27 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the twenty third inst., and in answer to the enquiries it contains have to observe that the lads enlisted as musicians are to be mustered altho’ under eighteen years of age, and that the authority given to you on the subject of mustering extends to the object of which you speak. I wish to be informed whether you have received my letter respecting winter...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish to employ General North with your assistance in preparing regulations for the police of the troops in Camp Quarters and garrisons. There will be no necessity for your residing in New York. Occasional visits to the city will be sufficient for the accomplishment of the object. I have proposed to the Secretary of War the allowance of an extra compensation, but I can not say what...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will provide without delay three pendulums to vibrate seventy five, one hundred, and one hundred and twenty times in a minute—Col. Smith wrote to me some time since that he was making a provision of this kind—You will ascertain what he has whether he has done this, and if he has, measure provide make such provision only as will supply the deficiency ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y....
9From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 7 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In the arrangement for the transportation of the sick and of baggage of the troops composing the Union Brigade 11th, 12th, & 13th regiments, the following rule appears to me to be the most eligible. Let the sick and baggage of the 13th regiment be transported to New Haven—those of the 12th. to three points, according to New York, New Burgh and Albany—those of the 11th who belong to Delaware...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 5 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of Decr. 13th. inclosing the relative Rank of your Officers, it meets entirely with my approbation. You will therefore make it known to the Officers as the definitive arrangement with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( LS , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Columbia University Libraries; Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers,...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 21 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter from Major Adlum contains a request for a furlough. I have no objection to the thing as far as relates to the command on which the Major is employed independently of his connection with your regiment. In this respect you are the proper Judge, and it is referred to you for determination—If there is nothing in the situation of the regiment to render the thing improper I have...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 8 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will immediately adopt the necessary measures for building an hospitals with under floors for each Regiment now at the Union Cantonment according to the plan contained in your letter of the 7th instant. As you have no funds to discharge whatever expence may be incurred, in this instance, you are to apply to make use of the agency of the Contractor, who will must implicitly follow your...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 25 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Deputy Pay Master General for the troops under my command is wanted—Would Capt Williamson of the horse suit and would he probably accept? I inquire about no officer of your Regiment because one being already taken for from it as my Secy it would not be to do it justi ce to detach another. I rely on your friendly & confidential opinion— Thirty Dollars ⅌ Month in addition to pay & — is the...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 6 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As the Troops at the Scotch Plains, may be encamped during the summer you will look out for a convenient place for the purpose, agreeably to a conversation held between us on the Subject— With great consideration I am Sir yr. ob. Servt. ( LS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Will you do me the favour to inquire & inform me how soon we may depend on our carriage. I propose shortly to make a journey to Albany & to take Mrs. H with me, which is the cause of my now troubling you. Pray what are you going to do in New Jersey. We are all-apprehension about you. Yrs. truly ALS , George N. Meissner Collection, Rare Book Department, Washington University, St. Louis,...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 6 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to inform you that I have received your letter of the 4th. Instant, recommending Mr. Anderson to fill the vacancy in your Regiment, and have supported the recommendation. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. obedient servant ( LS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey).
17From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the copy of a letter of this date to Col. Smith. Till he shall assume the command you will act upon it as to every preparatory measure. You will accordingly — proceed to the spot—with your own Regim ent — soon as you think proper and begin —— cutting of Timber. Allotting to these a —— of Officers) the recruiting service will —— as heretofore with the rest. You are alre ady — that...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your information on the subject of Deputy Pay Master General. A public letter of yesterday authorises you to conclude the purchase of the ground on Green brook . Can Slabs and Boards for roofs buncks &c be procured any where in Jersey not far distant? At what prices? What are your ideas of the most convenient dimensions for hutts? I wish messes to consist of twelve men. In some...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
An early preparation for Winter Quarters will conduce to the comfortable accommodation of the Troops, and is the more necessary as sufficient Barracks no where exist in which they may be quartered in entire Corps; a circumstance extremely desirable. It is therefore conceived that it may be found most eligible to hut the Troops during the ensuing Winter. Some point in the vicinity of the...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 22 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have lately received a letter from one Revell Elton, stating, that an Apprentice of his, by the name of Charles Bunn, has enlisted into Captain Marles’ Company at Burlington, and demanding his discharge, you will therefore please to examine into the facts and if true have the man restored. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. obedt. servt. ( LS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As from the nature of the cases to be tried it is desireable to have a court strong in discernment—I wish Captain Williamson at all events to be a member. You will please to notify him accordingly. With great consideration and esteem I am Sir Yr obed Servt. (Copy, in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
22From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 15 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In compliance with your request I proceed to draw an outline of the duties which as Deputy Quarter [Master] General of the Troops within my immediate command you will have to perform. The duties of the Department of Quarter Master General as they have been understood in our service are subdivided into two principle branches, one of which has been denominated Military the other Civil—the first...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The sick of the Brigade stationed here will remain after the disbandment under the care of a Surgeon. In case I do not inform you by Tuesday that one will come from New York I would thank you to engage Doctor Chetwood for the purpose. You will engage him under the idea that he will receive a compensation from the public for his services— With great considn I am Sir yr. ob. st ( LS , Lloyd W....
24From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 13 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you the copy of a letter which I have written to Colonel Smith. You will make it the basis of your conduct untill that officer shall Arrive— With great consideration I am ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
25From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 3 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you very much for your attention to my request respecting a Secretary. The testimony of Mr Stockdon & yourself would be decisive as to Mr Howe had not information from other quarters prepossessed me extremely in his favour. The enclosed letter offers him the place; have the goodness to forward it without delay. How would the idea suit you and him of an appointment to a second...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 23 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The deserter from Captain Henry’s company mentioned in your letter of the fifth instant will remain where he is untill a General court Martial can decide on his case. It is only by punishment that the practice of desertion can be suppressed. Entire impunity in these cases of desertion would prove destructive of the service— With great consideration ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How,...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 15 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to inform you that agreably to advice from the Secretary of War, you are permitted to enlist the young Hollander concerning whom you wrote to me With great consideration I am Sir yr. obedt. Servt. ( LS , George N. Meissner Collection, Washington University Libraries, St. Louis, Missouri; copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
28From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Major Cass. I have to request that you will take measures, without delay, for obviating the difficulty which he speaks of James Miller Esqr will readily undertake what is necessary. Major The necessary articles of Quarter Master supply will be furnished by the Superintendant of Military Stores— ( Df , in the handwriting of H and Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Least my letter of the ninth of this month should have miscarried I send you a duplicate of it—I am very anxious to hear from you on the subject to which it relates. “I have considered the terms offered by the owners of the land on Green brook, and they appear to me to be extremely high. I should suppose that Sixty dollars pr. acre would be a sufficient consideration for the fee simple. It is...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
After learning from the Contractor what has been done. You will cause to be deliver’d, without delay, at Union Camp, such quantity of wood, as shall be sufficient, with what has been already received, to make up their complement to the 15th. of April next, according to the regulations prescribed by the War Department. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob. Servt. ( LS , The Andre deCoppet...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As I had Having forwarded the arrangement of the Relative Rank of your officers to the Secretary of War, I have written to him requesting his sanction to the proposed alteration of Captn. Bowman’s Rank. As it ——— take — , it — , be well to let that officer act as first Captn in your Regiment until you shall receive further communication from me will probably take place it may be well for you...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday and have no objection to your appointing Wilmington as the Rendezvous for Captain White’s company at which place the Secretary of War will be immediately requested to instruct the Agent for the War Department to make the contract with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( LS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park,...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 26 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Taylor presents a charge for transportation of Cloathing, arms &c. from the regimental rendezvous, at New Haven, to the different subdistricts—This expence was incurred before you entered upon your Office, but as it is important that such accounts should be settled before the troops are disbanded—You will discharge this, as soon as possible— With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob....
34From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 10 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 10, 1800. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Care of the sick after disbanding of the army.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at American Art Association-Anderson Galleries, March 4, 1932, Lot 63.
35From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 27 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday, and would thank you to complete the contract as soon as possible. Let the conveyance be to the United States of America. As soon as you shall inform me of the completion of the Contract I will give directions to the Pay Master General to furnish you with the necessary funds. With great consideratn. I am, Sir yr. obt set ( LS , Lloyd W. Smith...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 6 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The following is an extract of a letter which I have just received from the Secretary of War. “The circumstances stated relative to Captain Bowman’s pretensions to rank first Captain in the 11th regiment of Infantry readily induce me to give my sanction to his being so placed in the arrangement.” You will alter the arrangement accordingly. With great consideration I am, Sir, yr. obt Srt. ( LS...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 2 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will take the necessary measures for supplying the Troops in the district allotted to you with the articles specified in the Regulations of the War Department dated the 1st. March 1800. You are at liberty to employ as your Agents the Contractors or other persons as you may think fit. with true consider— &— ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
38From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 17 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As no material motives of a military kind enjoin the preference of New Brunswick to Elisabeth-Town—I think myself at liberty to consent to your request; that the latter may be substituted; well convinced of the sacrifice of interest you have made, in accepting the Command of a Regiment, and of the reasonableness of accommodating you till you shall have had more time for the arrangement of your...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 7th. instant, inclosing one from Major Adlum, offering a resignation of his commission. It is not within my general policy to attempt to detain Officers in the service who have once expressed a desire to quit it—Pursuing this impression, therefore, I Should have sent the Major’s letter to the Secy. of War, for the decision of the President in the case. As,...
40From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 9 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the terms offered by the owners of the land on Green brook, and they appear to me to be extremely high. I should suppose that sixty dollars pr. Acre would be a reasonable consideration for the fee simple. It is my wish therefore that you would look out for other situations, and endeavour to obtain more moderate terms. Unless land can be at had at a cheaper rate, it will be...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 19 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from the Secretary of War dated on the 17th. inst. stating the resignation of Lt. Charles Read of your Regt. to have been accepted. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. obedient servt. ( LS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey; Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
42From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 11 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been represented to me by one George West Jr. that an Apprentice boy of his, by the name of Matthew Smith has been enlisted into Capt. Charles Morrell’s Company and that he is at present at Elisabeth Town. You will please to enquire into the facts and if true cause the person to be discharged With great consideration I am Sir Yr. obedient servt. ( LS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection,...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I will not require the discharge of the four men you mention. There are cases where for very special reasons relaxations of the rule may be considered as not inconsistent with its main intent. As to the Hollander, who has served an apprenticeship in this Country, though I think the peculiarity of the situation forms a very natural exception to the principle of excluding foreigners; yet I do...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 14 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered attended to the estimate of Quarter Master’s stores enclosed to me in your letter of the second instant— You will consider it as the rule to be acted upon untill further orders— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
45From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 12 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Capt. Saml. White requesting permission to come this city to on the subject of the Charges exhibited against him. If it will not clash with your regimental Arrangement you will give orders that his request be complied with. With great consideration &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
46From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 2 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the thirtieth and thirty first of August, and am much obliged to you for the promp t and satisfactory execution of the object to which I had requested your attention. From information that has been given me I am lead to beleive that a good position may be found in the vicinity of Pompton. I would thank you to have an examination of the place examine the...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 14 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will oblige me by ordering for me to be ready as soon as possible a Coachee to cost 80 pounds and to be as complete and decent as can be had for that sum. Yrs. truly If you could without too much trouble find a stout cart horse I should be glad to have him—the rate not too dear. ALS , George N. Meissner Collection, Rare Book Department, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Ogden, a...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
An investigation of the charges exhibited against Captain White resulted in a conviction that there had been no criminal or improper intention on the part of this officer, but, on the contrary, that what he did proceeded from a laudable zeal for the Service. It appears to me I am of opinion however that his conduct was imprudent in as much as it furnished a pretext for accusation, and the...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 12 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the extract of an order of this day constituting a general Court martial. It is my wish to have from your Regiment as many Officers as can be conveniently had not exceeding six, of whom as many to be Captains as may be towards forming the Court. As there will be trials of some delicacy, I should be glad that Major Shute might be a member of the Court—but in this case there must be...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 7 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not recollect whether you have mentioned to me the points at which your majors will more particularly take their stations. It is in contemplation to order a detachment of Troops to Easton with a view to the insurgent spirit in that quarter, and if it would not interfere with his duties in relation to the recruiting service, I should like very well to give the command of that detachment to...