1551From Alexander Hamilton to Staats Morris, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty fifth of January stating the necessity of a new barge for the use of the garrison under your command. I authorize you to procure one, and as you are better aquai acquainted than myself with local circumstances, I do not impose any precise limit as to size or expence. It is expected however that you will attend strictly to the price oeconomy, going no...
1552From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus Graves, 10 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will see, from the — enclosed return that a sufficient supply of clothing has been sent on for the present use of your regiment—It appears from a letter of Major Darling to the Secretary of War that he has not received the proportion of supplies to which he is entitled—This has arisen from the last parcel having been sent entirely to Portsmouth. You will therefore take care that a...
1553From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Col Stevens tells me he has exhausted the money you sent him in preliminary purchases of Timber &c. & is in debt with embarrassment to pay & likely to be compelled to dismiss workmen &c. Such a state of things is hurtful to the public service, discredits the Administration & increases expence. It ought to be avoided if possible. Stevens says pains have been taken to excite doubts about him &...
1554From Alexander Hamilton to John Marshall, 19 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 19, 1800. On August 23, 1800, Marshall wrote to Hamilton : “I receivd to day your letter of the 19th inst.” Letter not found. ] On May 12, 1800, John Adams nominated Marshall, who was a member of the House of Representatives from Virginia, to be Secretary of State. The Senate confirmed the nomination on May 13 ( Executive Journal , I Journal of the Executive Proceedings of...
1555From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, 25 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The cold which I had when you were here increased after you left me & has a great part of the time confined me to bed. This is the chief cause that you have not heard from me in reply to your letter. I have perused the answer in Chancery & incline at present to the Opinion that we can at the ensuing term obtain a dissolution of the Injunction. I will shortly reperuse it & if I change my mind I...
1556From Alexander Hamilton to William Vans Murray, 14 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 14, 1800. The description of this letter reads: “To Mr. Murray. Letter of introduction for Madame de Vaublanc and her daughter.” Letter not found. ] American Book-Prices Current 1967: A Record of Literary Properties Sold at Auction in the United States, in Canada, and in London from September 1966 Through August 1967 (New York and London, 1971), Vol. 73, 1133. Madame de...
1557From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 6 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an extract from Colonel Grave’s letter of the ninth of December relative to the shoes and socks furnished to his regiment. The men appear to be unusually large, and therefore it was to have been expected that the shoes would be too small. But Col. Graves complains likewise of the quality of the socks, and of the workmanship of the shoes. You will take the necessary measures towards...
1558From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 3 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Considering the great length of time before the Frigate here will be ready for sea—I have concluded that it may be expedient, if it can be effected, to have Capt. Hamilton appointed & assigned to some Southern Vessel which will sooner be ready. I imagine Cap Talbot will be glad hereafter to have him as an associate. If this can be conveniently managed in the proper time, it will give me...
1559From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Parker, 13 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Out of any surplus monies which may remain in your hands, after satisfying the objects for which your instructions from the Deputy Pay Master General provide, you will pay to Colonel Graves the sum of 650 Dollars towards reimbursing certain objects expenditures for the use of his Regiment, I shall take care taking his receipt for the same to be accountable to the Department of War. I shall...
1560From Alexander Hamilton to Margareta Hoffman, 6 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I sympathise sincerely with you Madam in the very painful circumstance which has attended your son. But it is not in my power now to accept his resignation. All I can do is to accelerate the sitting of a Court Martial, so that there may be an issue to the affair. The absence of a Witness has hitherto delay; but as it does not appear proper to postpone the Trial indefinitely on this account, I...
1561From Alexander Hamilton to James Bennett, 1 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 28th. Ulto. is received In answer I have to observe that the routine of promotion is not supposed to apply in the constitution of a new Regiment, nor till the organisation of it has been once Completed by the appointment and acceptance of the field Officers. But I have taken care to bring pretensions to the vacant Majority under the consideration of the Secy. of War. With...
1562From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon examination I find that it is Mr. Richard Taylor and not Captain Edmund Taylor to whom Col. Parker refers in his letter of the twenty fifth instant. This gentleman is a Lieutenant—I must trouble you for the requisite information Enclosed are the inaccurately dated commissions &c With perfect respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1563From 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...
1564From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall go to Albany on Sunday next on urgent business. Official communications from you will, of course, not reach me after Saturday, but I shall direct the Adjutant General to open such as may arrive and to take the measures which they render necessary in all cases that can not wait for a reference to me. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H was...
1565From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 14th inst, and am happy glad that the plan arrangement relative to incidental expenditures meets your approbation— I shall be ready to grant a special warrant in your favor. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress)
1566From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 17 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a letter from — Mr. James Mitchell with my reply to it. As the letter appears to complain of the conduct of an Officer of the U States I have thought proper to pay it some degree of attention. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1567From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Parker, in his leter of the sixth of November nominates Mess. Tennison and Burke as Cadets in his regiment—I would recommend that these Gentlemen be immediately appointed— With great res ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). H’s note on the cover reads: "Pay Master General Money —for Park er’s companies of Artilly Particular Officers Acceleration."
1568From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 20 November 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 20, 1797. On November 23, 1797, Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I have this minute received your favour of the 20th inst.” Letter not found. ]
1569From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Parker, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you commissions for Thomas Burk and Joshua Tennison. They are dated at the periods when these Gentlemen began to render service to the regiment. With great considrn ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1570From Alexander Hamilton to William Brickell, 23 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the seventh instant, but the seventh section of the act to which you allude expressly provides that “no officer shall be appointed as Inspector of a Brigade who when appointed shall be of a rank higher than that of Captain” It is of course impossible to confer on you the appointment you request ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library...
1571From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 19 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recommended Mr. Brooks to the Secretary of War as Lieutenant in the corps of Artillerists and Engineers. If he should receive this appointment it will be agreeable to me that he officiate as Paymaster to the troops at Staunton. You will therefore, after obtaining the sanction of the S of War, take the preparatory measures with him as soon as possible. and send him immediately to that...
1572From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed warrant for Nathaniel Baldwin as Cadet in the 12th. regiment has just been sent to me by the S of War. You will direct Mr. Baldwin to transmit his former appointment to the War Office. (two drafts, both in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1573From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Brace, 17 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received been honored with your letter of the sixth instant, and should be happy to comply with the request of the person in whose favor you interpose. But the principle on which the request is founded would go —— so far that I can not feel myself justified in admitting it. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1574From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a pity, My Dear Sir, and a reproach, that our administration have no general plan. Certainly there ought to be one formed without delay. If the Chief is too desultory, his Ministers ought to be the more united and steady and well settled in some reasonable system of measures. Among other things—It should be agreed what precise force should be created naval and land , and this...
1575From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have a second time maturely reflected on the proper rule for promotions in the army, and I continue to adhere to that which was adopted by the General Officers last Winter, & which is recapitulated in your letter. I am persuaded that in the general course of things it will work well and satisfactorily. A moment’s hesitation as to its universal application arose from the situation of the four...
1576From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letters, as I conclude from others which accompanied them, have been a long time getting to hand. There was a moment, when their object seemed to present itself as one not intirely chimerical—but the probability has diminished. Tis however a thing on which the mind may still speculate as in the Chapter of extraordinary events which characterise the present wonderful epoch. My...
1577From Alexander Hamilton to John Stockton, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter with the inclosed contr copy of a contract has reached me with true consideration I am Sir Your ob Ser (Copy, in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1578From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Parker, 28 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You mention, in your letter of the twenty sixth of September, that you have never been able to hear from Captain Taylor of your regiment—I have written to the Secretary of War and requested the necessary information. As soon as I receive it, it shall be communicated to you. The accounts of Mess Tennison and Burk have been forwarded to the Secretary of War, together with the letters in...
1579From Alexander Hamilton to John Wilkins, Jr., 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
A reinforcement of about five hundred men will march from this quarter for the Western Army in the course of the ensuing month—You will have the necessary boats prepared for conveying them to down the Ohio—Enclosed is an extract from of a letter just received from Col. Hamtramck who with whom you will concert— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How and H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1580From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Meminger, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fourth instant. If the Artificers of Captain Elliot are not engaged in any special service at Fort Mifflin, you will send them to that officer at his post on the Schuylkill. The drummer of Captain Ingersoll you will send on to New York with directions, upon his arrival, to addres report himself to the Adjutant General for further orders. Let the boys of...
1581From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have consulted the Secretary of War on the subject of the relative rank of the Field officers. I find that the rules are applied within a regiment as well as between different regiments contrary to what was originally contemplated. In this, I understand our late Commander in Chief has coincided. This operation in particular cases is to be regretted. But perhaps it will work kindly upon the...
1582From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 28 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will please to furnish to the persons mention’d in the inclosed, the cloathing therein desired, and to inform the Accountant of the War Department that you have so done. With great consideration I am Sir yr. obedt. servt. Order to furnish Seargt. Js. Hoffman } in service of Brigdr. Genl Wilkinson Bartho. St Martin soldier 2 Regt. ( LS , New-York Historical Society, New York City; Df , in...
1583From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 16 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is now, my Dear Sir, ascertained that Jefferson or Burr will be President and it seems probable that they will come with equal votes to the House of Representatives. It is also circulated here that in this event the Fœderalists in Congress or some of them talk of preferring Burr. I trust New England at least will not so far lose its head as to fall into this snare. There is no doubt but...
1584From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[New York, March 14, 1799. Second letter of March 14 not found.] In the “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries, two letters from H are listed for March 14, 1799.
1585From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed Annexed I have the honor to transmit you the copy of the a letter from Col: Ogden of the 25th. concerning Lt. Reading. I beg leave to recommend the Acceptance of the resignation With great respect &— (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1586From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Wells, 3 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the first instant, as well as previous letters on the same subject; and altho’ I have returned no answer, yet, I have not failed to express an opinion in favour of your claim to the Secretary of the Treasury. It appears to me that officers of the United States who sustain injury, in consequence of their exertions to carry the laws into effect, ought to be...
1587From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the following Postscript to a letter which I have received from Major Jackson— “I have heretofore given directions to have the companies in my battallion mustered the first day in each month, weather permitting. I am informed by Captain Lemuel Gates that the Pay Master General has Arrived at Head Quarters and has given him different directions. I wish for your influence that the...
1588From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Massey, 12 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed Letter directs Cochran to Repair immediately to New York, where his presence is requested as a Witness before a General Court Martial, should he not be at the Garrison you will immediately without loss of time forward the Letter to him wheresoever he may be With consideration I am Sir Your Obedt. Servt. (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1589From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [8 June 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank, you My Dear Sir, for two letters lately received from you the last by Mr. Church. I feel very guilty for my negligence. But how can I help it? The public prints will inform you of the course of public proceedings hitherto. You will perceive that the general plan is analogous to what was done in the case of Great Britain, though there are faults in the detail. Some people cannot learn...
1590From Alexander Hamilton to James Miller, 21 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If not already done it is necessary that a sum of about six Two Three thousand Dollars should be placed in the command of the Agent whom you may have engaged to provide articles for the Quarters at Harpers Ferry. W A letter from Col Parker just received informs me that ground before belonging to the public has been fixed upon for the winter Quarters at Harpers Ferry. But there not being on the...
1591From 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 .
1592From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Van Vechten, 20 April 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 20, 1798. “I wrote to you from N Haven on the subject of two suits Low Adsm Graham & Gracie Adsm Brot . I continue in the wish that the argument for a new trial may be postponed till July .…” ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Letter not found. H had been in New Haven for the Connecticut Gore controversy. See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, September 12, 1797, note 1 . This...
1593From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the twenty third instant. Those officers who have been appointed since the adoption of the arrangement of relative rank for your regiment will rank stand on the list take rank according to the dates of their appointments. Where two or more persons have been appointed on the same day, the precedence will be determined by lot. ( Df , in the handwriting of...
1594From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 7 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson, who has been some weeks in the City, in consequence of an invitation having for object the readjustment of our Western Military affairs, is about to make a journey to Bra [ i ] ntree to pay his respects to you. On such an occasion, I hope it will not be thought improper that I should address you on the subject of this officer; since what I shall say will accord with what I...
1595From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Captain Ths. Chandler to Col. Rice relative to a resignation of his Commission— Upon reviewing my files for December I do not find any letter on the subject— From the circumstances stated you will, I presume, think it proper to accept the resignation—I would thank you to inform me without delay, of the Decision in the case ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How,...
1596From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Pursuant to an instruction some time since received from you, I have now the honor to offer to your consideration a new plan for the uniform of the army. You are too sensible of the influence of good appearance, in point of dress and equipment, upon the spirit and Temper of an army, to make it necessary to illustrate its importance. The present uniform is materially defective in this respect....
1597From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Jackson, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the twelfth of September and of the thirty first of August with their enclosures. In answer to your enquiry with respect to medicines, and the Hospitals I have to observe that so far as rel may relate to marine supplies and arrangements you have no measures to take in the business. It will be proper for you in future, to direct the surgeons to furnish you with...
1598From Alexander Hamilton to John Fergus, 26 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has just mentioned to me that he will speak with the Secretary of the Navy Treasury, and will endeavor to obtain the use of the Revenue Cutter for bringing your you and your men to this place. Should orders therefore be received for the purpose by the commander of the vessel you will embark with your men—In the mean time you will put yourself in readiness—Upon your arrival...
1599From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 29 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a ⟨plan⟩ for the uniforms &c of the army prepared at my request by Col Smith, with the aid of Col Fish and Capt Armstrong. I am desirous of seeing some models of Cloathing made agreeably to this plan—be⟨ginning wi⟩th those of the privates. It is my ⟨wish that⟩ the models may be framed as well with a view to the quality of the materials as to the fashions and ornaments of the...
1600From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Jackson, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the eighteenth instant, and understand by it that fresh provisions are issued four times in the week days, salt pork twice two other days, an d salt beef twice two other days. Understanding you in this way, I approved what you have done—If I have misapprehended you, you will inform me of the precise meaning of your letter With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob....