1551To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter of appointment for Doctr. John Orton Junr. as Surgeons Mate in the thirteenth regiment vice Spaulding which you will be pleased to have forwarded. I am Sir with great Respect Your obed Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1552To Alexander Hamilton from William Rickard, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to Report—In May last I left Loftus’s heights by leave of General Wilkinson to visit Knoxville in order to settle my public accounts with Colonel David Henley—as paymaster protem to the Militia, during Mr. Blounts Government of the Territory South West of the Ohio—On my departure I received an order from the General to recruit if practicable, and to send the Recruits forward...
1553To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 29 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 11th Inst. and shall pay particular attention to its contents. The packet Boat at Detroit is a small Vessell which (I have been informed) was directed to be built by General Wilkinson as also a nother Vessell which is to be a Brigg. the Packet is begun, the Brig which is a very handsome one, was, when I was at Detroit nearly finished. there is...
1554From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Genet, 29 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have concluded to put the sick on Governor’s & Ellis’s islands under your care, and you will be pleased to take charge of them. You will be entitled to the compensation of a Surgeon’s Mate ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1555From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Meminger, 29 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The arrangement which I had contemplated for the bringing on of the drummer and boys belonging to Capt. Bishop’s company, from certain circumstances, has failed. Captain Eddens informs me that the eldest of the lads is very trustworthy, and you will give him the charge of bringing on the o you will give him, during the march, the charge of the others. You have been heretofore informed as to of...
1556To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As it is more easy to avoid an expence than to persuade the War Departmt. to pay for it, when it is incurred, I have the honor of submitting to your approbation, the following plan for me this approaching winter. You ordered me, for the winter, at or near New york. Major Hoops & myself are to execute the duty which you will prescribe. The immoderate expences attending the spending of a winter...
1557From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have written to the Secretary of War on the subject of a military Academy. Two reasons have prevented me from communicating it to you at an earlier day. My avocations rendered it imposible for me to complete the letter till very lately, and I had had opportunities of knowing your opinion on the subject generally. Any alterations in the plan which you may...
1558To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In Conformity to your request, I have been to the encampment at Scotch and examined the Hutts erecting there for the Accommodation of the 11th. 12 & 13th. Regimt. and also the timber for building them—It appears there is not sufficient quantity of timber & boards for to complete the necessary Hutts, Hospital, Guard & Qr. Master Store house, all which I conceive proper to be erected— There is...
1559From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Jackson, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the fifteenth instant, and have written to the proper Officer respecting a supply of Clothing for your men. I am informed by the Adjutant General that An order has already lately been issued for a Court Martial to sit at New Port— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). Acknowledges Jackson’s letter of November...
1560From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 28th. referring to the copy of one antecedent. You will take measures to complete the supply of boards and Nails to Twenty thousand Boards and Eighteen hundred Weight of Nails. But you will make known that this is to be the utmost extent of the supply and that no objects must be undertaken which will require more. Considering that the Hutts for non Comd....
1561From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Taylor informs me that he has recommended Doctor John Orton as Surgeon’s Mate in his regiment in place of Doctor Spaldin who declines serving in that capacity. From the manner in appearance of this Gentleman, and from manner in which Colonel Taylor speaks of him this Gentleman, I should suppose him to be perfectly worthy of the post— With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas...
1562From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Taylor, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the twenty fifth instant, and have recommended Doctor Orton to the Secretary of War as Surgeon’s Mate in your regiment. You I would thank you to send the descriptions of Deserters in future on separate pieces of paper— With great consideration ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1563To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 25 instant enclosing one from Major Huntington in which he offers the resignation of his Commission. You will be pleased to inform Major Huntington that the President accepts his resignation, but at the same time regrets that any circumstances should deprive the Army of his services. I have not yet received the arrangement of the relative rank of the Captains...
1564To Alexander Hamilton from John Heth, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you of my remaining at this place, since my report of the 28th. Ulto. address’d to you at Trenton I am Sir with great respect yr. Humble Servant ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1565To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As it is more easy to avoid an expence than to persuade the war Departnt. to pay for it, when it is incurred, I have the honor of submitting to your approbation, the following plan for me this approaching winter. You ordered me, for the Winter, at or near New york Major Hoops & myself are to execute the duty which you will prescribe. The immoderate expences attending the spending of a Winter...
1566To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The land purchased for public use has lately Been Surveyed—It Contains one hundred & ninety Six Acres & 18 poles Amounting to Two Thousand one hundred & Seventy Two dollars & one third which money is made payable the first day of Jany next— I am Sorry to be Troublesome to you But I must Request you Sir to write to the proper authority & Request that the Contract that has been made may be...
1567To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 28 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have written to the Secretary of War on the subject of a military Academy. Two reasons have prevented me from communicating it to you at an earlier day. My avocations rendered it impossible for me to complete the letter till very lately, and I had had opportunities of knowing your opinion on the subject generally. Any alterations in the plan which you may...
1568To Alexander Hamilton from Henry W. Ludlow, 27 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I this morning had the honor of Receiving from you a list of Musical Instruments intended for a Regiment—Your Excellency must have observed that my Orders from Coln. Smith Direct me to request from the Major General, an order to procure the Instruments and to convey them to the Regiments. Should your Excellency think Proper to give such an order I shall procure the Instruments this afternoon...
1569To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Landais, 27 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I was yesterday honored with the favour of your Letter of the 19th. instant. I immediately present you, my most respectful thankfulness and pray you to be So kind, Sir, as to ascribe the freedom of my last proceeding to the great desire I have to prove myself, as useful, as it is in my power, to the country, which has granted me with an asylum, a new existence. I am conscious that every...
1570To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 27 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the Liberty to Inclose Two letters of Recommendation in favour of Mr. Wm Hedgeman Thom I have no personal Acquaintance with the young Gentleman but from the Characters of the Gentlemen who have Recommended him I presume he woud make a Valuable officer As Genl Pinckney has not arrived I must Beg leave again to solicit you to have the Vacancies in my Regt filled as I am ancti ous to...
1571To Alexander Hamilton from William Simmons, 27 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I do myself the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter dated the 25th. Inst.; and of informing that the proper steps will be taken for charging the persons therein mentioned with the amount of the sales you have directed when it shall have been ascertained I am with respect Sir Your Mo Obd Servt ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LC , RG 217, Records of the General...
1572To Alexander Hamilton from Robert W. Hamilton, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ U.S. Frigate Constitution, at Sea off Cape François, November 26, 1799 . On February 26, 1800, Robert W. Hamilton wrote to Hamilton : “I did myself the pleasure of writing you on the 26 November.” Letter not found. ] Robert W. Hamilton, a lieutenant in the United States Navy, was H’s first cousin. See H to William Hamilton, May 2, 1797, note 5 .
1573To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Major Isaac Craig of Pittsburg has for several Years acted as a paymaster to the troops occasionally at Pittsburgh, and constantly to the garrisons of Forts Fayette —Franklin—Le Beouf and Presq’ isle by order of the secretary of war, and has been in the habit of drawing money for those troops and garrisons at the accountants office, and rendering vouchers to the accountant on settlement. The...
1574To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In conformity to your request I have been to the Encampment at Scotch plains and examined the Hutts erecting there for the Accommodation of 11, 12, & 13 Regimts. and also the Timber for Building them. It appears there is not sufficient timber & boards, for to complete the necessary Hutts Hospital, Guard House & Qt Masters Store House all which I conceive, proper to be erected— There is nothing...
1575To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In Answer to Your favor of 25th. Inst. I would observe that the cloathing was put on board of an Albany Sloop, the 21st. Inst. and directed to Care of Dr Henshaw Esqr. of that place, whom I advised on receipt thereof to forward them to Elisha Paine Esqr. Bennington, Vermont, with directions for him to deliver them to Major Buel of 2nd. Regimt. Infantry, of recruiting Service. The late sickness...
1576From Alexander Hamilton to Henry W. Ludlow [26 November 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
It is my intention that there shall be ten common Drums to a Regiment— There will then remain for the Band the two Chief Musicians and ten other Musicians— Each of the Chief Musicians may have an Octave flute or a hautboy—and there should be besides Four Clarinets Two bassoons Two French horns A Cymball A Double Drum— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1577From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send for your information an extract from a letter of Major Walker on the subject of relative rank. It The thing seems to be a matter of some doubt whether there is to rest on the point whether there is a substantial distinction between the first and second Majors of regiments. The application of Major to pretensions of Major Walker rest upon this point, W— ( Df , in the handwriting of...
1578From Alexander Hamilton to John Ripley, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the nineteenth instant. It is regular that any representation which you may have to make concerning that part of the regiment which is in Winter Quarters should come thro’ the Commanding Officer of the brigade. Having then the opinion and observations of the Commanding Officer I shall be better able to judge of the propriety of measures that are proposed— ( Df ,...
1579From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have ju received your letter of the twenty third of this month—The Epaulettes of the Non Commissioned Officers of the Cavalry are to be yellow ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1580To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Brock, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you will receive the proceedings of a General Court Martial, of which I had the honour to preside. Should you discover, in our proceedings, too much lenity; I hope you may ascribe it to the peculiar Situation that Recruiting Officers are placed in; and not want of a due Sense, that crimes of Such magnitude, Should be punished, in the most exemplary manner In the Instance of Trusler...
1581To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, November 25, 1799. Questions the validity of John F. Hamtramck’s statement that a number of officers do not know “the common rules of arithmetic and how to write.” States that if the officers are so illiterate, “it is high time, that the facts be ascertained and a decisive remedy adopted.” Requests that Hamilton “require Colonel Hamtramck to designate the officers who come...
1582From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
From information which I have occasionally received it would appear that abuses are, from time to time, committed by particular officers, involving the irregular expenditure of money, that can appear only at the office of the Accountant of the War department. The thing seems to me to be sufficiently important to engage your attention, and I should suppose it would be proper to di[r]ect the...
1583From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Brookes, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the nineteenth instant, and regret the delay of your journey to this place. Relying however on your the statement which you have transmitted to me, I consent that you postpone it till the first of January—By that time I expect without certainly to see you ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1584From Alexander Hamilton to Campbell Smith, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the twenty second, and am sorry that I can not comply with your wishes. It is not contemplated, as I know of, to appoint Division Pay Masters. A Deputy Pay Master General has already been appointed to reside in my district. I know not whether one has been appointed for the district commanded by General Pinckney. I should not however think it delicate to...
1585From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from Lieutenant Richmond, in which I am informed that no Cloathing has yet arrived at Bennington. You will be pleased to inform me immediately what measures you have taken in the case— With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob Servt ( LS , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, New-York Historical Society, New York City; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How,...
1586From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to send you the enclosed paper and request that you will immediately deliver to Captain Stille the Sum of 242. 2. Two hundred and forty two dollars and two Cents—You will take from Capn Stille an accountable receipt as the thing cannot now be definitively settled— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; copy, New-York Historical Society, New...
1587From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You have been apprised of the very s erious charges which were preferred by Capt. B ruff against Major Rivardi. They were of a nature to render an inquiry indispensable. There did not exist at Niagara nor could be spared from any of the Posts nearer than D’Etroit a sufficient number of Officers to form the Court, and there might have been some difficulty as to adequate intelligence and...
1588From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from Major Huntingdon of the thirteenth regiment in which he offers a resignation of his commission. I regret the cir that circumstances should have lead led the Major to this step, but as the matter is situated, you will, I trust, see the propriety of accepting I presume you will think it proper to accept the resignation. I request an answer on this subject to know...
1589From Alexander Hamilton to James Miller, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have omitted giving orders for the repair of the barracks at Carlisle on two grounds— It was not contemplated to send more than the tenth regiment to this place, and I supposed that the order for the march of the regiment would have been accompanied with directions for of the necessary requisite repairs. The tenth regiment is under the command of General Pinckney, and I took it for granted...
1590From Alexander Hamilton to John Walker, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the tenth of this month— Your pretensions on the subject of rank have been stated to the Secretary of War with whom it will lie to decide the point. I am collecting information as to fit characters for the post of Division Inspector—various circumstances, some of which have no relation are collateral to the merit of the candidates, will govern me on the occasion—...
1591From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Cass, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the twenty third of this month— From the orders which have been given to Captain Shoemaker, he must, by this time, be well advanced on his march to Pittsburgh. I do not, therefore, think it expedient to issue that comply with your request W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1592From Alexander Hamilton to Russell Bissell, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 15th inst. and trust that, before this reaches you, Major Bewell will have arrived at Bennington, and you will have reported yourself to him agreeably to your orders— With ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1593From 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...
1594To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you an Extract of a letter from James Ryan dated Octr. 26. 1799—and Copy of a letter from Henry Piercy Capt: 8th. U.S. Regiment dated Novr. 7. 1799, that you may take such order relative thereto as you may think proper. I am Sir, with respect, Your obedt. servant, ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). H’s note on the cover reads: "Has not the relative rank of the persons...
1595To Alexander Hamilton from James Read, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieut. Osborn informs me that his ill state of health will not possibly admit of his going to Ellis’s island where ye regular attendance of a Physician cannot be had. Lt. Stewart has Captn Stille’s permission to take his place and is willing to do so should it meet your approbation I am, with great respect your obt. servt. ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1596To Alexander Hamilton from John Wilson, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment recd. your favour of the 20 Ultimo in which I am directed to repair Immediately to Bennington in the state of Vermont to be there employed in the recruiting Service. I should not hesitate a moment in complying. But my present circumstances Will not permit so Soon as is expected. the reason I will inform You. some time in June I was requestd by Capt Turner to join him at Fort...
1597To Alexander Hamilton from Mathew Arbuckle, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
From the Notice by the Secratery at War I found It nesasery for me to Report myself to you, which notice I immediately complied with. and have Reced. a Letter Which from the direction appeared to have Come from your hand, but had no name Signed to it, which I Suspected had been a Neglect, however be that as it may, I can only Inform you as I have before that I am in perfect Readiness I would...
1598To Alexander Hamilton from Seymour Renick, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I arived her on the 21st Inst and agreeable to your orders reported myself to the Commanding offiser of this place I have the Honor Be you Humble Servt ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1599To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Taylor, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On saturday last I had the Honor to recive your favour of the 15th. and have wrote Mr. Chew requesting him, as soon as possable to signify to the secretary of War that he declines his appointment—When the surgeon and mates was appointed to the Regiment the secretary directed, ( me (in case either of them should not accept) to recommend some other Gentlemen for the appointment; since which I...
1600To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 24 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just receivd your favour of the 14th. inst inclosing a General order for holding a General Court martial. On the arrival of the 15th. and 16th. regt. at this post, I considered myself autherised, by your construction of the articles of war, in your order of the 18th. of June as to the power of appointing general Court martial. To order one—the Prisoners have been tryed & punished. The...