31To John Adams from James McHenry, 15 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your letters of the 3d 4th and 5th of this month. It is somewhat difficult, I imagine to please the governor of Georgia. I thought I had been attentive both to himself and the State. There has been ordered to Georgia, on the 3d. of May 2 brass 6 pounders; 2 brass 3 pounders with carriages and impliments & 4 Iron 24 pounders with a sufficient quantity of...
32To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to lay before you, in continuation of the subject of my dispatch of the 22 July inst, copy of a letter from Mr. Hawkins, which was received last Saturday. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir / Your most ob. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
33Enclosure: James McHenry to John Adams, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of war respectfully takes the liberty to transmit to the President of the U. States, a statement of his recollection of the substance and incidents of the conversation which passed between them the evening preceding the resignation of his office, committed to writing immediately afterwards. He also transmits copies of sundry papers having reference to certain parts of that...
34To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a letter, and table therein referred to addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury and dated the 3rd instant. The object of this communication is, to apprise him of the sums of money which will be wanted in this department for the execution of the Laws; and, of the periods at which, in my opinion, they ought to be furnished. I shall make you...
35To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed plan, for connecting the different parts of our military system, in whatever regards the providing and issuing supplies for the army, has been reported to me by Major General Hamilton, and refered to the Secretary of the treasury who has verbally approved thereof. The plan appears to me a good one. It comprises such of the regulations as were found useful and necessary during the...
36To John Adams from James McHenry, 11 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a copy of the last letter which I have received from Brigadier General Macpherson dated the 8th. instant, with a list of persons made prisoners or who had voluntarily surrendered to Justice. I also enclose an original letter to the Attorney General from a Mr. B. Reeder, dated near Morgan Town 22nd. March ultimo. I request the latter may be returned.— With the...
37To John Adams from James McHenry, 15 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to the request of the President the Secry. of War respectfully submits the following observations, on the subject of his reference of the 24th of Jany. ulto. It is an undoubted fact, that there is a very general indisposition to war in the minds of the people of the Untied States, and that there is a considerable part of them still peculiarly averse to a war with the French...
38To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
In conformity with the request contained in your letter of the 30th relative to an augmentation of artillery & cavalry and arrangements for a provisional army, I have the honour to subjoin the following observations and statements. In order to have a fair view of the subject it may be proper to premise what is the force on the present establishment, and the how it is distributed. It may...
39To John Adams from James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Since my last on the subject of the appointment of Lt. Col. Smith to the command of the 2nd. Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, I have had the honour to receive a communication from you authorizing me to send a Commission for your signature, if I approve, of the measure, to promote Major Tousard to be a Lieutenant Colonel, and another to appoint him Inspector. I have respectfully to...
40To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received this morning the inclosed letter from Major General Hamilton dated the 17th July Inst. recommending Ths. y. How of Trenton, in N. Jersey, to the Office of 2d. Lieutenant in the 11th United States Regiment of Infantry. Knowing the inadequacy of the salaries allowed to officers in subordinate stations, and how difficult it is to secure the services of persons properly qualified to...
41To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here yesterday about 7 O’clock a.m. and after breakfasting visited Governor Island Bedlow & Oyster Islands. I intended to have devoted to-day to the Narrows, the East and west bank and Sandy Hook, but have been prevented from executing my purpose by the rain. I shall therefore occupy part of t-day in preparing some questions for the consideration of the New York military committee,...
42To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
Conceiving it proper that you should be informed of the arrangements, regulations and instructions, relative to the most important objects in the department of War, I have caused the same to be copied, and herewith respectfully submit them— With the greatest respect / I have the honor to be / Sir / Your obed servant MHi : Adams Papers.
43To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit for your approbation the inclosed list for promotions and appointments in the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry, and request if approved your authority to announce to the several candidates their respective appointments—I also submit the recommendations of those who are nominated as second Lieutenants. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, / Your most...
44To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
The President is requested to return the inclosed letter &c after having perused it to the Secy. of War. Israel Chapin is agent for Indian Affairs. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir / Your most obt. DLC : James McHenry Papers.
45To John Adams from James McHenry, 14 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secry. of War, respectfully submits the following result of his reflexions, on the questions propounded yesterday by the President. Q. Will it be advisable to present immediately to Congress, the whole of the communications from our ministers in France, with the exception of the names of the persons employed by the minister Talyrand, to exhibit and enforce his requisitions for a bribe,...
46To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured yesterday with your two letters dated the 23 July inst. Inclosed is a letter from Major General Pinckney with a copy of my answer thereto. Also a copy of my letter to Lt. Colonel Rice and Hunnewell, and list of the Candidates which have offered from Massachusetts for the appointment of surgeons and mates. It has appeared to me, that circumstances do not require, at this...
47To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have now the honour to submit to you, in conformity with your desire, the result of my reflexions, upon the most proper principles for regulating the relative rank of the field officers of the twelve additional regiments. It will always be prudent, when no special reasons dictate a deviation, to adopt for cases of this kind, a rule which steers clear, of comparisons of personal merit (as far...
48To John Adams from James McHenry, 23 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the Proceedings of two General Courts Martial, in the case of Robert Brown a Matross in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, sentenced to die, for the situated crimes of Desertion Mutiny, and disobedience of orders, aggravated by a resistance of civil Authority; and of Serjeant Adam Steer of Captain McClary’s company, sentenced to be shot for desertion, together...
49To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honour to lay before you, several letters received by yesterdays mails vz. two of the 3d & 23rd. of March, and one of the 10th. of April. ulto. from Brigadier General Wilkinson; and one of the 9th of May inst. from Major General Pinckney. The sketches of the coast and Country, and report on the death of Capn. Demlar, alluded to in General Wilkinsons letter, has not been...
50To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letters were received to-day. I shall take the liberty to call for them to-morrow and to receive your orders respecting them or any of them. I have the honour to be with perfect consideration / Sir / your ob st. DLC : James McHenry Papers.
51To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a duplicate of the talk to the Cherokees, and to request, if approved of, it may be returned with your signature as soon as convenient. I shall leave this with my family to-morrow for Trenton, to which place you will be pleased to direct your letters for this department. with the greatest respect and attachment, I have the honour to be Sir—Your very hble St— MHi :...
52To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recieved a letter yesterday from Major General Pinckney, in answer to mine of the 30th a copy of which is inclosed. I have the honour to be Sir with the greatest respect and attachment / Your most obt. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
53To John Adams from James McHenry, 10 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter from the Quarter Master General dated the 21st ulto, and a copy of a letter from Brigadier General Wilkinson dated the 25th of July ulto. I have the honour to be with due respect Sir / your ob & hbe St. MHi : Adams Papers.
54To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit, to your consideration and disposal, a Report relative to certain alterations, in the military establishment, which to me appear, to be necessary, and proper. I am Sir / with the greatest Respect / your most obedient / and very humble servant MHi : Adams Papers.
55To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your several letters of the 28th & 31st of May, one of the 2d and two of the 5th of June inst. The proceedings of the court Martial in the case of Richard Hunt, being with you, and having no copy thereof, I cannot have recourse to and do not recollect the names of the officers composing it. I think it probable however, that some of them at least, were of the 12 new...
56To John Adams from James McHenry, 2 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I find myself indespenssibly compelled, altho’ with the most perfect deference and respect, to represent, that the greatest embarrassments and impediments, in conducting the business of, and well grounded complaints against, the Department of Government, with which I have the honour to be charged, have been occasioned by delays occurring in the office of the accounting officer, or refusals, to...
57To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully takes the Liberty to transmit to the President of the United States, a statement of his recollection of the substance and incidents of the Conversation which passed between them the evening preceding the Resignation of his office, committed to Writing immediately afterwards. He also transmits Copies of sundry papers having reference to certain parts of that...
58To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of two letters of the 24th and one of the 28th of June ulto, and two of the 1 July Inst. Inclosed are lists of names of candidates recommended to fill vacancies in the 9th. 10th. 14th. & 15th. Regiments of Infantry, all which are respectfully submitted. You will perceive that Mr. Benjamin Shaw of Marblehead is first named in the proposed...
59To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
As Secretary of the Department of War, a great constituent branch of the Government of the United States, I deem it incumbent upon me, not only to perform my particular duties, to the best of my judgement and abilities but to prevent if practicable that kind of conduct in Officers connected with the Department, which has a direct tendency, to embarrass its administration, and destroy the...
60To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
In compliance with the requisition of the President of the United States, of the 18th of October instant, the Secretary of War has the honour most respectfully to submit the following suggestions, relative to the information and advice, it may be proper and necessary to lay before Congress, at the approaching Session. That, without descending to particulars, such a general notice should be...
61To John Adams from James McHenry, 9 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose, the copy of a letter dated 8. July 1798 the original whereof, I have left with my chief clerk, to be sent by the first mail, to Brigadier General Wilkinson; also the letter from Governor Sumner, which you was pleased to put into my hands, on Saturday. With respect to Castle Island; It appears to me proper, that the cession, made of it, should be accepted, but...
62To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The within letters vz. two from Major General Hamilton dated the 7th & 22d of May, and two extracts from two letters from Lt. Col. Smith to Gen Hamilton dated the 16th of May & 18th of June inst. will shew that a misconception has taken place relative to Mr. Fowler, whose name was presented to you in my letter of the 9th of May ulto to fill the vacancy of Major in the 12th Regiment, in...
63To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit the Proceedings of a Court Martial on Joseph Perkins, a private in Capn. Ingersols company; also a letter from Major General Hamilton dated the 3d July inst; with two forms, one a pardon, and the other a warrant of execution. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, / your most ob. & hble. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
64To John Adams from James McHenry, 4 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The more I contemplate the detail of organizing the twelve regiments of Infantry, to be raised; the more I percieve the difficulty of effecting it, with a dispatch proportioned to the emergency, and to the Public expectation. If the course is to be, first to concenter information in this department, from all quarters of the United States; then to digest an arrangment, to communicate it to you...
65To John Adams from James McHenry, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter of the 14th on the 21st instant. After what has passed with, and the conceptions of General Washington, respecting the relative grades of Generals Hamilton, Pinckney & Knox; the order observed by the President in presenting their names to the Senate, and by the Senate, in advising to the appointments, I cannot help apprehending some disagreeable...
66To John Adams from James McHenry, 27 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive on the 26th inst. your letter dated Quincy the 17th, inclosing me a letter from his Excellency Governor Jay, and a copy of an act of the Legislature of N. York, with a copy of your answer to the Governor, and of your letter to General Hamilton, and requiring me to submit these papers to the consideration of the heads of departments and according to their judgements...
67To John Adams from James McHenry, 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Among the last acts of my official situation, I pray leave to present the Case of Major Lewis Tousard, of the first Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. This officer, from his knowledge as an Engineer, and the necessity of the case, in a service and country which afford few Engineers, has been much employed in proceeding from place to place on the Seaboard, to view and determine on...
68To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
The extra allowance to officers detached on service, so as to be obliged, to incur expences on the road, and at places where there are no military posts, occasions frequent references to the Secretary of War, which interfere much, and will still more, in the event of augmenting the army of the United States, with the most important business of the Department. The officers claiming such...
69To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured with your letter dated the 18th inst. and have in conformity with your desire transmitted commissions to the several gentlemen therein named: vz. To Ths. Denny A Captains, to Nathan Felton a first Lieutenants and to Enoch Flagg a second Lieutenants. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, / your most obt. St. MHi : Adams Papers.
70To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
An Act of Congress, passed the 4th of May, 1798, entituled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to procure Cannon, Arms & Ammunition, and for other purposes,” provides—Section 1. “That a Sum not exceeding Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars shall be, and hereby is appropriated, and shall and may be paid out of any Monies not before appropriated, under the direction of the President...
71To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter under date of the 15th of this month on the 20th inst. In conformity with your desire therein, that I should commit to writing such things as I might judge necessary to be communicated or recommended to Congress at the opening of the session I beg leave to report as follows. It does not appear to me from any thing that has come to my knowlege, that...
72To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully reports, to the President of the United States, the enclosed List of Names, in part, for Officers to the regiments directed to be raised, by an Act passed the 16th. day of July last— The names on this List, were selected by Lieutenant General Washington, and Major Generals Hamilton and Pinckney, in pursuance of authority derived from the President. The...
73To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the last letters which I have received from and written to Brigadier General Wilkinson viz From General Wilkinson 2. July 7. 1797 1. July 29. 1. July 30. 1. 2d. August To General Wilkinson Copies of the 21. and 25. July and 11. August. From David Henley. one of the 1. August with its references and one from Lieut Piercy Smith Pope of the 28. June with two papers...
74To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit the inclosed list of names of candidates recommended to fill vacancies in the 6th Regiment, and to be with the greatest respect, / Sir / Your most obt. / & hble St. MHi : Adams Papers.
75To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from Major General Pinckney expresses his wish and respecting an appointment in the army for Thomas Pinckney junr. the son of his brother Major Pinckney. If you think it proper to appoint the young gentleman a Lieutenant in the 1st. Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers I have no doubt but it will be pleasing to both father & brother. Mr Pinckney is a student at Princetown...
76To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Indians on the North Western frontier give indications of their desire to remain at peace and under the protection of the U. States, notwithstanding the various efforts that have been made to debauch them. They have consented that the line of limits should be run, (with an exception by Little Turtle) agreeably to the Treaty of Greenville and the...
77To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your several letters under date of the 13th 14th 17th and 21st of September and also of the 4th. 5th. 10th & 12th of Octbr. instant. I shall give the earliest consideration to the objects suggested in your letter of the 10th (which came to hand yesterday) and write you thereon as soon as possible. With respect to this sickness at Philadelphia, that may as well...
78To John Adams from James McHenry, 14 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
William Hossack is recommended by Major General Hamilton, who inclosed me, the within letter to him, from Cap McClellan, on the same subject, to the office of Lieutenant in the first Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. Staates Rutledge, having declined his appointment of Lieutenant, Mr Hossack is respectfully submitted to supply the vacancy created thereby. I have received this morning a...
79To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I think it was mentioned to you, some time last winter, by the Secretary of State, in consequence of a letter he had just received from Mr. King, that Count Rumford intended to visit his native country, at which you seemed pleased, and expressed yourself favourably of his talents. Mr. King has renewed the subject to the Secretary of State, and in a letter to me, which I have the honour to...
80To John Adams from James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured with your letters of the 19th & 27th, and this morning with that of the 29th of April ulto. The inclosed list of names to fill up the vacancies in the 16th Regiment of Infantry, and the vacancy of Major in the 12th Regiment is respectfully submitted. The recommendations which governed in forming the list for the former Regiment are also inclosed. With respect to the...