1901From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 28 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received letters from Colonel Smith recommending the establishment of a Brigade Hospital. I wish you to consult with him what may be the proper dimensions of one, and report to me the Expenses of erecting it; also to enquire in the Neighbourhood of the Camp for some house which may serve a temporary hospital informing me at what price you may be able to procure one. The latter expedient...
1902From Alexander Hamilton to John H. Buell, 29 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the tenth instant, and have written to the Pay Master General and Superintendant of Military Stores to furnish you with money and clothing sufficient for two more full companies. The circumstances you mention i nd uce me to consent to the change of your quarters from Bennington to Westminster. You did right in giving orders on the Contractor for the...
1903Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 9 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Our political situation renders it very urgent that not a moment shall be lost in disciplining our troops as fast as they shall be raised. To this end it is essential that every officer shall personally exert himself to the utmost and that a very faulty practice which has occasionally prevailed in our armies as well as others shall be carefully avoided; namely Commanders of Regiments leaving...
1904From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus Graves, 13 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War informs me that Cadets are considered as entitled to the Clothing of Sergeants, and that they have been paid at the rate of thirty one dollars and twenty five cents per suit, that being the value of the general articles according to the latest Contracts ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1905From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 24, 1799. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Refers to ‘the evils which attend the delay of money—Among the rest the keeping of the Troops out of Winter Quarters to suffer the rigours of the advancing season.… If the contentment and attachment of the troops are to be aimed at, there must be a material change in the plan which has hitherto been...
1906From Alexander Hamilton to James Barnum, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 13th April has reached me, and your desire of entering the army as Major will be made known to the Secretary of War altho together with the favorable opinion expressed of you by Col Taylor, there is as yet no vacancy. with true consideration &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). Acknowledges receipt of Barnum’s letter of April...
1907From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 17 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a letter from Genl Wilkinson, and you will of course take measure for carrying it into effect his measures orders into immediate effect—I am particularly anxious desirous that the troops should be transferred from Presque Isle as soon as possible. Captain Shoemaker, with a detachment of about seventy men, has recd. orders to march from Boston to Pittsburg—where he will remain during...
1908From Alexander Hamilton to Staats Morris, 8 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter of Instruction of Lt Newman. You will deliver it to him; assist his outset and give him any ax— auxiliary instruction you may deem requisit e Wit Lt. Laurance will shortly be assigned to aid in the recruiting service for his Regiment of which will be carried on in the States of Pensylvania & Delaware will be the scenes I am still uninformed of Major Ford’s having joined...
1909From Alexander Hamilton to John McClallen, 4 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 28th of October. You will not be ordered to Join your battallion this winter, but will remain where you are. With conn You will be permitted to remain at Albany this winter for the purpose of recruiting—I wish you to send to Fort Jay as soon as possible a Lieutenant and twenty men— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1910From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the proceedings of a Court Martial in the trial of Lt. Kreemer of the first Regiment of Infantry. Th e offences charged agains t him are of a nature to merit fully the punishment and they are satisfactorily established. General Wilkinson adds that from the prevalence of the practice which is the foundation of the other irregularities disorders has obtai ne d so...
1911From Alexander Hamilton to William R. Putnam, July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am proprietor of five shares in the lands of the Ohio Company, in respect to which I take the liberty to ask your assistance, ’till some general arrangement, which is meditated, shall be adopted by the proprietors in this quarter. Having learnt that ⟨–⟩ taxes have been imposed on the lands w⟨hich⟩ require for its security a remittance of money—that 80 dollars will be equal to the demand for...
1912From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are letters from Lieus. Noyce and Hinman offering to resign their commissions. You I would thank you to inform me without delay whether they of the acceptance of the resignations will be accepted . ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1913From Alexander Hamilton to William Simmons, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed Ebenezer Stevens Esr. to sell the four horses that were purchased for the accommodation of Major Hoops and Captain Stille lately sent on public service to Niagara. I have likewise directed Elias B. Dayton Esr. Contractor for New Jersey to sell a baggage waggon and four horses purchased for Maj the use of Major General Pinckney— I mention these things to you as they will be...
1914From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter of appointment for Mr. James Rhea as second Lieutenant in the first Regiment of Infantry, which you will deliver send forward to him accordingly. He will is to be instructed to proceed, as soon as possible to Harper’s ferry, and put himself under the orders of Major Cass. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob. Servant ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown and H,...
1915From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 3 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you some papers relative to the exchange of a soldier. As it is It not being unusual to make exchanges where they tend to the benefit of the service, I doubt not you will give the nece and the proposal in the present case being extremely favorable it is my wish, unless some particular objections occur to you, that you would give the necessary such directions in the present case as...
1916From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Lloyd Moore, 7 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your attention to my request in regard to Capt Elliot. I do not find among my papers any letter from you communicating the nomination of — Regimental staff. Your letter on that subject has mi scarried or has been mislaid. You will therefore communicate the nomination to the Secretary of War, informing him that it is done by my direction, and you will obtain from him a...
1917To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 7 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honor to write to you at some length on the 3 of May. I hope the letter got safe to hand. The recruiting service is now in motion, in Maryland, Delaware Pensylvania New Jersey, New York Connecticut and Massachusettes—I might perhaps add Virginia, from the assurances which I have received as to the transmission of supplies—But I am not as yet informed of its actual commencement...
1918From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [27 August 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Sometime since I received the inclosed being directions concerning measures requisite to be pursued to obtain indemnification in cases of Captures by British Cruisers. I laid it by in haste & have since overlooked it. I do not recollect to have seen it in the news papers & yet it appeared to me necessary that it should be so. As it came to me from some one of our public characters in London, I...
1919From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 2 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Yr. letter of the 15 of Decr. last was delayed in getting to hand by the circumstance of its having gone to N. York while I was at Phila. and of its having arrived at Phila. after I had set out on my return to N. York. The very painful event which it announces had, previously to the receipt of it, filled my heart with bitterness. Perhaps no man in this community has equal cause with myself to...
1920From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Parker, 4 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has just informed me that Lieutet. Richard Taylor resides at Springfield Smithfield in Virginia. With great considn You will send your next letter to this Gentleman in such a manner that you can be certain of it’s delivery. If you should not then hear from him you will inform me of it— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1921From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 2 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed were sent to me by the S of War. You will enquire into the case, and if the statement proves correct, have the person discharged— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1922From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 25 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I request a ret particular and exact return of the articles of every kind which have been actually sent forward for the use of the twelve additional Regiments or any of them shewing the quantity are of each article for each Regiment and the places to which respectively sent. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed Sr— ( ADfS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1923From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter which I have received from Lt. Lewis of the first regiment— On the expediency of making compensation to officers charged with the performance of extra duties; and the right of the Executive to do it I have already very fully expressed my opinion—I can add nothing to what I have heretofore said, but that Lt. Lewis in this particular case Lt Lewis ought to receive...
1924From Alexander Hamilton to Josiah Dunham, 3 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 23rd December. When the Relative Rank of the Officers of your Regiment is shall be established your pretensions which I suppose you have made known to the Commandant shall will be considered. with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1925From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 10 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the eighth instant. As it is probable, from the existing state of things, that the money forwarded for the recruiting of the fifth regiment will not be wanted for that purpose, I approve your proposal of furnishing Major Freeman with Nine hundred and eighty dollars out of that sum. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1926From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [17 July 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I perceive by your letter of the 16th. that mine of the 12th has not been rightly understood. Its principal object was the supply of the present year. This it aimed at cheapening by exciting a competition among the actual Contractors , on the ground that the troops, while not required for actual service, might be stationed collectively where the supply was cheapest, as at Brunswick or Trenton...
1927From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your different letters of the 23rd 24th and 28th. of December have been delivered to me. It is always difficult in contracts to define the quality of the articles which are to be furnished, and hence has arisen the silence of which you complain in the contract with the Agent for New Jersey. It is however implied in the nature of the transaction that the articles be good according to the common...
1928From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 6 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 6, 1799. “… In consequence of your voyage to New Port The Secretary of War lately instructed me to take measures for providing winter Quarters in the vicinity of Harpurs Ferry on the Potowmack for the Eighh Ninth & Tenth Regiments. I have instructed Col Parker of the Eighth, under the direction of the Commander in Chief who has consented to take charge of the matter, to...
1929From Alexander Hamilton to Josias Carvel Hall, 23 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 13th. instant reached me yesterday at this place. I approve the plan which you suggest for the subdivision of your State into districts and subdistricts. You will proceed accordingly. As soon as it shall be known who is the person nominated as Pay Master, the money and cloathing for commencing the recruiting service will be forwarded to him. This I very earnestly shall...
1930From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Williams, 20 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 20, 1799. “I have to thank you for your obliging attention to my request in transmitting the translations mentioned in your letter of the 17th. I shall peruse them with an eye to the claim of indulgence, which you prefer, though I am persuaded that you might safely have left them to pursue their fortune upon their intrinsic capital. The army is certainly indebted to you for...
1931From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Parker, 3 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letters of the twenty fourth and twenty fifth of August have just been delivered to me. I care not do not think it will be expedient to remove Captain Chinn to Middleburgh untill the companies assigned to that district shall have been completed. After that I shall have no objection to the measure. The list of persons r ecommended as Cadets I have transmitted to the Secretary of War. That...
1932Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 31 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[The State of is to form a Circle and to be divided into Districts and sub-districts according to the plan inclosed.] The recruiting service within this circle is to be for your Regiment and under your superintendence. You will assign each of the Majors of your Regiment to a district and each of your Captains to a subdistrict. He will take to his aid such of his Lieutenants as shall not have...
1933From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 21, 1799. “The suggestion respecting the Cavalry in your letter of the 18th. instant leads to the supposition that the actual raising of the additional troops will be postponed for a considerable time. Though I have no doubt that powerful motives will have influenced this intention; yet I cannot but regret their existence; as well because the body of Cavalry provided for would...
1934From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to regret that the accidental disappointment displacement of your letter of the 17th. May has prevented the execution of its object. the inclosed is to rectify the omission. I have not annexed Lt. Gibson to any Company at Fort Mifflin, because now is to be considered as permanently attached to that Post; but consider him as detached upon a special Command. With great respect I have the...
1935From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 22 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I request that you will procure bowls & platting for two Regiments (Smiths & Ogdens). You will be careful to do it with all possible œconomy. With great consn Yr Obed Ser ( ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City; copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1936Enclosure: Arrangement of the Artillery, [25 April 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
Names Rank Date of Commission Residence Henry Burbeck Lieut. Colonel 7. May 1798 Michilimacinac John J. Ulrich Rivardi Major 26. February 1798 Niagara Moses Porter Captain 4 November 1791 Michilimacinac Alexander Thompson ditto 2. June 1794 Niagara
1937From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the ninth instant, and have to observe that I do it does not appear to me important that a company should be stationed at Easton. I have therefore repeated the order to Captain Shoemaker to march for Fort Fayette— With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1938From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 24 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter to Lieutenant Boote which you will please to have delivered. Should Mr. Boote be willing to repair to this place you will give him permission to do so. In that case you will annex his party of infantry to the other company of infantry which forms part of your detachment— With great consideration I am, Sir &c: &c: ( LS , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
1939From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus Graves and Richard Hunewell, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Town of Uxbrige or Oxford (I believe the latter) in the State of Massachusetts (I believe the latter) of which Col Rice will more certainly inform will you is to be the Winter Quarters of the 14th. 15th. & 16th Regiments. There they are to be hutted for which proper measures have been taken directed. You will lose no time in collecting march conveying the men who have been enlisted to that...
1940From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As the appointment of Brigade Major is not kno contemplated in the present Military Establishment it would be of no avail for me to give you the certificate required in your letter of the 24 Feby. I have therefore written to the Secretary of War sending him a copy of your letter and informing him that no Officer having been appointed as Brigade Inspector Lt. Cocks had done the duties of that...
1941From Alexander Hamilton to John Ripley, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of this morning date was this moment handed me by Dr. Trowbridge—You will proceed without delay to Winter Quarters, where the rest of your men, I presume will soon join you, as measures will be taken, in the immediately, to that effect, if any remain to be taken— With great consideration & & ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1942From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [25 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I understand that the Collector of Philadelphia will speedily offer his resignation & that McPherson does not incline to be the successor—but that Major Jackson is desirous of it. If all this be so—and if your experience of his conduct in his present station gives you a confidence that he would execute the Office of Collector well, it would gratify me to see him appointed. Jackson has more...
1943From Alexander Hamilton to Jared Brooks, 8 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fifth instant. For the purpose of obtaining compensation under the general regulations It is not necessary that you should have a certificate from me—one from the PM General from whom you received your order will answer the purpose. As to extra compensation, the circumstances do not appear to me to be such as to justify me in seeing a certificate stating the...
1944From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The proper measure of the pace is a matter of primary importance in the Tactics of the Infantry. The establishments of different Nations differ in this particular. For example—Our pace is two feet English measure. That of the French is two feet French or about 26 Inches English. That of the English is 30 of their Inches, measuring in each case from heel to heel. This is rather capricious. The...
1945From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 26 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Col. Hunnewell dated the twenty eighth of July in which he informs me that six hundred and eighty stand of arms for which he has given an order are deficient in bayonet belts, scabbards, and cartridge boxes. He mentions likewise that a sufficient number of buttons have not been received for the fifteenth regiment. Col. Rice, in his letter of the eighth of July,...
1946From Alexander Hamilton to Elias B. Dayton, 12 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Smith considers me a representative — to and setting for the states to me that there had been a neglect of duty on the part of the as you are apprized has stated to me some complaints against the Contractor for New Jersey. From the evidence given, I am sorry to think say that the representation appears too well founded, especially, in relation to the quality the of articles supplied. I...
1947From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Smith strongly recommends Mr. Nathaniel Baldwin as a Cadet in his regiment, and I would propose that an appointment be immediately bestowed— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1948From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter that I have written to the Superintendant of Military Stores. I wish to be informed whether it will be agreeable to you that I should instruct Col. Parker to have divisions made in the knapsacks of which he complains speaks. With great respect I am, Sir ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1949From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Situated as I am at this moment I am obliged to confine myself to very general hints respecting the paper of the 15 of April. As to the first head—I think it will be adviseable that the Speech should be confined to the foreign Affairs of the Country giving the primary & prominent place to those with France. This will make the main business the more striking. Domestic matters may follow in...
1950From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 12, 1799. Quotes from a “letter from Col: Hall of the 10th. instant” and states: “… In the commencement of similar operations, a good Zeal will occasion some wondering, which must be sanctionned as to the past and checked as to the future. I recommend that provisions be made for reimbursement.…” Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.