2251From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In recurring to your letter of the 29th of August, I observe there are some points which for a clearer understanding require from me some observations. I shall make this preliminary remark, that in presenting with emphasis, as I am accustomed to do, deficiencies which appear to have existed—I am actuated by the sole and exclusive motive of shewing by particular instances that the past plan has...
2252To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Winchester [ Virginia ] September 16, 1799 . “… I Really think that a Supply of money for the Troops is absolutely Essential. Many of the Soldiers are Becomeing Verry uneasy & Restless having been informed by the enemies to Government that they are to Receive no pay, and the Report Rediculous as It may appear gains Credit; especially as the officers have no money to advance them to Remove...
2253From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The season advances so fast that I am extremely anxious to have the result of your enquiry after winter Quarters. After you shall have made the examination heretofore directed, and reported to me, I request that you will direct your enquiry for the same object towards the upper parts of Connecticut River, from Springfield westward. It has been suggested that eligible positions may be obtained...
2254To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth [ New Hampshire ] September 16, 1799 . States that “In general the Fortifications of the New England States are in the most Shabby condition,” that they have been incorrectly constructed by unqualified personnel, and that the mounted guns are altogether inadequate. Also states: “I may tell you, dear Sir, that as long as an Inspector of Artillery is not appointed and charged alone...
2255From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Bradley, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will on the receipt of this letter order a Genl. Court Martial to assemble at Staunton for the trial of John Lines & Robt. Gilmore Deserters from Capt. Gibson’s Company and such other Offenders as may be brought before it; of which Capt. Gibson is to be Prest. You will and appoint four other officers to constitute the Court and a person to Officiate as Judge Advocate and transmit the...
2256From Alexander Hamilton to George Ingersoll, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In the absence of Major Brooks I address myself to you on the subject of your letter to him of the 4th. Instant The regulation for allowance of fuel which was transmitted is not finally adopted, but still under consideration, and will receive such alterations as may be deemed necessary, in the mean time the old regulation is to continue, and be your guide until ordered to conform to a new one....
2257From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have declined, upon the principle, mentioned to you stated in a former letter, I have declined taking any to take measures with respect to the Hospitals on Goat or Rose Island, not having received in the mean new any fresh instructions from you on the subject. I think it proper to mention this that there may be no misapprehension as to the situation of the business. It appears from your...
2258From Alexander Hamilton to John Bishop, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
This letter was by my direction left open for an instruction concerning the route. It is to be by Martinsburg, Hagars Town in Maryland, York town and Lancaster in Pennsylvania. At each of the three last places will be found a contractor who is hereby to furnish the necessary assistance. You must make your arrangement with the Contractor at each place to convey you to the next station of a...
2259From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Eddins, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will take the route by Fredericksburg, George Town in Maryland, Baltimore and Havre De Grasse in the same state and Wilmington in Delaware at each of which places is a recruiting rendezvous and a contractor who is hereby directed required to furnish you with the needful assistance ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2260From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Lloyd Moore, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By a letter of the Secy. of the Navy transmitted to me by the Secretary of War it appears that the Marine Corps at Norris-town is insufficient to guard the State Prisoners there. You will please to take measures that an adequate number of the Soldiers under your command be stationed there to complete the guard wanted. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obedt. Servt. ( LS , in the...
2261From 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 —...
2262To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Hodgdon, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your highly esteemed favour of the 13th instant came to hand this Morning—I shall inquire at the War Office for the Cavalry Coat sent there as a pattern, and shall endeavour to have the Clothing for that Corps compleated immediately—Enclosed you have a return of the articles furnished the twelve additional Regiments as they stand on my Books to the 13 instant—I am in hopes they will be...
2263To Alexander Hamilton from Walter L. Cochran, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor to receive yours of the 14th. Inst. and shall immediately make arrangements for the marching of Capt. Masey’s Company to Norfolk, Virginia. General Hamilton will be informed of the time of their leaving this Fort. I have the honor to be &c ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). A note on the cover reads: "Filed."
2264To Alexander Hamilton from William Hosack, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave through you Sir to accept the appointment with which His Excellency the President has been pleased to honor me, an honor I hope in some degree to deserve by constant endeavours to discharge the duties attached to it in a becoming manner— As soon as I can prepare to join Captain Mc C lallen I will give you notice and wait your orders— It would be highly gratifying to my pride could...
2265From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Part of the contents of your letter of the 10 of July last (which has happened to escape a definitive attention) being connected with the subject of that the 7 of Sepr., I shall reply to them together. Previous to the receipt of the last I had drafted rules relating to extra expences which after careful revision I send for your determination. They contemplate, it will be seen, a discretion to...
2266Enclosure: Regulations Respecting Supplies and Objects of Extra Expence, [17 September 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
The several contractors besides rations including ardent spirits and vinegar shall only provide & furnish Quarters transportation forage, fuel straw stationary , and where there shall be no other provision for the purpose, medical assistance. The Quarters intended are those of a temporary kind. The power to provide them shall not extend to the building or repairing of barracks. In what they...
2267To Alexander Hamilton from Campbell Smith, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It was my intention to have forwarded to you by this day’s mail the proceedings of a General Court Martial, whereof Major Hopkins is President, lately convened at this place, in obedience to your order to Lieut. Col. Hall, and to which I had been appointed to act as Judge Advocate, for the trial of sundry Deserters in confinement—but when I had just prepared the proceedings for signature last...
2268To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Letter of the 14th instant, is received. You request, at the instance of General Wilkinson, for the endowment of Fort Adams on the Mississippi, four ten inch mortars, two eight and an half inch howitzers, six twenty four, six twelve and four nine pounders. The latter of iron, with ammunition for a siege of six months, and suggest the propriety of transporting this ordnance by water via...
2269To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose a copy of a Memorial from sundry persons, all of whom I suppose to be engaged in Trade in the North Western Territory—and of a letter from David Ziegler dated Cincinnati 10th. of June last, on the subject of what the memorialists consider an injurious system of monopoly of Trade, occasioned by the Military Orders or Regulations of the Commanding General of the Western Army. I pray...
2270To Alexander Hamilton from John Adlum, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I will thank you for leave of Absence to go to my farm near Havredegrace in Maryland after the election which will be on the 8th. of October next. If it is admissable I wish to be absent from the 10th. of October to the 1st. of December. I can correspond from thence with the Officers recruiting with the same facility that I can from this place. Lieut. Meminger who is the Senior Officer of the...
2271To Alexander Hamilton from John Heth, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
in complyance with the orders of the secretary of war to the officers of the Brigade in which I have the Honor to serve, who are absent from their Commands to report to you— I have to inform you of my being at this place since I had the pleasure of seeing you in New York, where I shall wait your orders, if the public Service should require my returning immediately to duty, I will with...
2272To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Hunewell, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not wish to be litigious in my applications to you, to mention to the proper Department, Candidates for Cadets, but will in future send a greater number at one time for your consideration—I now beg leave to offer Mr Oliver Emerson of York in County of York in this state, a young gentleman about 19 years of age he has a good E du cation & good connections, a very steady firm young man, he...
2273To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Lloyd Moore, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my duty to inform You that a Duel took place on thursday last the 12th. Instant; between Cap. Johnston, and Lt. Sharp, both of my Regt. in which the latter was shot dead on the spot. I have also reported this to the Secretary at War in order that the vacancy may be filled up. I have the honor be Sir, your humble servt. ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2274To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received this morning your letter of the 16~ instant inclosing extracts from Lieutt. Coll. Smiths letter to you of 7~ instant. I cannot doubt the correctness of the Colonels representation relative to the state of the muskets. It is probable the old stock, long since provided, from which the delivery to his regiment may have been made is generally as he has represented. The muskets which...
2275To Alexander Hamilton from William North, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Having heard that you were at Ball Town Springs & to return to Albany on Monday last, I came here to pay my respects to you & ask your directions with regard to my entré upon the duties of my Office. When here, the Family informed me that you were on your way from New York—On tuesday, that you, with Mrs Hamilton & Mrs Church were at Claverac. The arrival of Mrs Church last evening, left me no...
2276From 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).
2277From 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...
2278From Alexander Hamilton to Alexander Thompson, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your lette r of the seventeenth of July, and shall be happy to give every facility in my power to the passage of Mrs. Thompson & her family to Niagara—I do not know that any opportunity of the kind you mention will speedily occur—but should it be the case I shall not fail to comply with your request—With respect to your meeting Mrs. Thompson at Albany or Schenectady I can not...
2279From Alexander Hamilton to Augustus de Grasse, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your the receipt of your letter of the third inst. and shall be happy to embrace any opportunity which may offer of rendering you a service consistently with the public interest. I know of no post at present to which I could recommend you, but should any occur you may rest assured I shall not fail to give you all the assistance in my power— With great consn ( Df...
2280From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed by the Secretary of War that there are, at Albany, five eight inch Brass Howitzers; two of them are wanted for a particular purpose which you will cause to be transported to this place without Delay— With great consideration I am Sir yr. obedt. servant P.S. I request as soon as possible an estimate of the ammunition of every kind requisite for a six month seige for the following...
2281From Alexander Hamilton to Frederick Frye, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the seventh of August, but I can not think it proper, on the facts which you state, to order direct the discharge which that is sollicited. I am however making further enquiry into the circumstances of the case in order to an ultimate decision. With great respect I am, Sir & &c. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2282From 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...
2283From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit you the enclosed letter which I doubt not you will consider as a handsome specimen of the talents of the writer—In addition to the inferences in his favor which may be drawn from it I have to — mention that he has been strongly recommended to me by very respectable characters. When If there should be a Lieutenancy which could be had with propriety be given him, I have no doubt but...
2284From 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...
2285From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a letter from the Quarter Master General on the subject of the road between Le Boeuf and Presqe Isle. The measure object appears to me to be desirable; but it is — which it contains as deferred to you and your better judgment knowledge of the its expediency together with the time and mode of execution are referred to your better knowledge of the Circumstances of the case. With great...
2286From Alexander Hamilton to John A. Winans, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the seventeenth inst. has been delivered to me. I not know that I can promote your appointment Situated as you are I do not think it advisable to promote your appointment in the regiment commanded by Cos. Ogden and Moore; unless you could can make it acceptable to those — officers. but I have however written to the Secretary of War on the subject expressing the favorable opinion...
2287From Alexander Hamilton to John G. Coffin, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received Your letter of Yesterday, and regret — that circumstances will not permit me to have a per you to come into the city. I wished should have been glad to have had a personal interview with you, and to — such explanations as you may have to make concerning your accounts but am intent that it be postponed for the present. These — Your Accounts I have sent to the Accountant of the...
2288From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Bishop has been directed to march with his company of Artillerists and Engineers from Winchester in Virginia to Bristol in Pennsylvania— (He will take the route of by Martinsburg, Hagars Town in Maryland, York Town and Maryland Lancaster in Pennsylvania. At these The Contractors at these places have been directed instructed, to furnish him with the necessary assistance)—He has been...
2289From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Lloyd Moore, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the seventeenth inst. and regret extremely the event of which it informs me. Whilst military prejudices must be respected on the one hand, I have no doubt that you are Alth’o it is not my intention to contravene military prejudices on the subject, of duellings, yet I doubt not you will agree with me that it is the duty of every commanding officer proper to...
2290From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Taylor, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from General Sheperd requesting the discharge of a soldier who has been enlisted in your regiment. The name of the person is Daniel Bliss, and he belongs to the company commanded by Captain Young. I do not think it proper on the General Sheperd states that the young man is a minor of about nineteen years of age, that his mother Mary Bliss who sollicits his discharge...
2291From Alexander Hamilton to William C. Bentley, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an extract from a letter of the Secretary of War. You will perceive by this the Condition on which he is willing to comply with your request. If you can not make the representation in the exact terms which are pointed out, you will approach tho it will be well to approach those terms as nearly as possible. With great consideration I am Sir & &— Extract see Letter from Secretary of...
2292From Alexander Hamilton to William Simmons, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you the account of Dr. Coffin who has acted as Quarter Master to the garrison of Niagara. This Gentleman is at present on Governor’s Island, but I have advised him to proceed to Trenton for the purpose of — making the explanations that may be necessary with respect in order to the settlement of his affairs. I could wish that every facility might be given to the adjustment of the...
2293To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a letter dated to day from the Secretary of the Navy relative to a Guard for certain french Prisoners arrived at Baltimore in the Montezuma—I pray you to pay the most immediate attention to the request it contains With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LS , letterpress copy, James McHenry Papers,...
2294To Alexander Hamilton from Josias Carvel Hall, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Winhorn an other Deserter has been taken tryed & his Sentence will go forward tomorrow One of our Sergeants, to whom it was necessary to advance some Money upon the Occasion, pursued two or three Days before he took him. I know not that he can regularly claim the Reward: But for his Fidelity & Activity he deserves it. I will thank you for your advice on the Subject. I can Order a Soldier on...
2295To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have Received Your letters of the 6th & 7th Instant I do not Believe that any officer under my Command has ever in the Presence of the soldiery intimated their opinions of the Badness of the Quality of any thing furnished them; nor have I ever heard a murmer from the Soldiers on the Subject I did Conceive myself that part of the Cloathing sent to my Regiment was of a Verry Indifferent...
2296To Alexander Hamilton from William Colfax, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Short time after I had the pleasure to see you at N York, I was at Trenton—while there I called on the Secy at War and represented to him the situation I had pointed out in the lower Neighbourhood of Pompton, as a suitable place for the Troop’s Winter Quarter’s—We thought favorably of the place (especially as it would œconomise so much in the public expenditure’s) and recommended to me to...
2297Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 19[–20] September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I request the favour of your opinion as to such of the Majors captains & Lieutenants of your Regiment as may be best qualified for service in the department of the Inspectorship or of the Quarter Master. This is an inquiry for information which will be extended to the several Regiments. It is hoped that the opinion will be given with freedom & frankness as it may be relied upon that it will be...
2298To Alexander Hamilton from William C. Bentley, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond [ Virginia ] September 19, 1799 . “… Our recruiting instructions forbids recruiting Mulatto’s. As Batmen are allowed to officers, may not recruits of that description be taken for that purpose alone? They are better Calculated than the White natives of this Country for menial Service. Will an Officer who shall take a Servant with him, be intitled to draw rations for him? If this...
2299Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has Determined to appoint immediately two Cadets to each regiment, and he has directed me to request from the several Commandants a special recommendation of two young gentlemen for the purpose. You have nominated different persons, from time to time, as cadets severally: but [it is now wished that you should make a selection of two whom you prefer.] The Secretary of War...
2300To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Pittsburgh September 19, 1799. Acknowledges Hamilton’s letters of June 5, July 2, 22 , 31, 1799. States that at Detroit the officers and men need practice in maneuvers, that the non-commissioned officers do not command the respect of the men, and that the problems with the police have been corrected. Adds that all the garrisons need copies of “the Baron and the Articles of War.” Complains of...