2201To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 12 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Niagara [ New York ] December 12, 1799 . Discusses need for medical supplies, the difficulty of operating without a quartermaster, and the relative weakness of the garrison. States: “… Captain Laughton Spoke To me Since his return as if it was a matter fixed upon & as if he was already appointed for the Superintendance of the construction as well as for the command of the Vessel when built—he...
2202To Alexander Hamilton from John Fergus, 21 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
At the time of Inlisting my musicians I had no Cloathing Sent on by the Secretary of War, & I was obliged to purchas them Cloathings out of my own pocket. and the last of next month the Cloathing Will become due to them I Will thank you to Send them Some, as Soon as possible. at Same time I must inform that they have not recd any Woollen Overalls from the United States. I Will thank you if...
2203From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 20 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The very obliging manner, in which you was pleased to assure me of the appointment of my nephew Philip Church , and the actual appointment of my relation Capta [ i ] n Hamilton to a Lieutenancy in the Navy, which I just learn from the Marine Department, are circumstances from which I derive much pleasure, which I consider as conferring upon me a personal obligation, and for which I beg you to...
2204To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 6 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of presenting Capt. Pattersons Letter of resignation his particular situation, and the distress it will cause to Mrs. Patterson should he not obtain permission to retire from Service, will no doubt have their full weight on your mind, These and Circumstances connected, with the general situation of affairs, and his candid declaration that his continuance in service,...
2205To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed copies of letters, to Coll Wilkins Quarter Master General Captain Turner and the Commandant of Fort Massac, relative to the Galley Senator Ross, lately built at Pittsburg, will shew you the measures taken respecting her, and the place where it has been thought proper to have her stationed for the present. You will determine whether it will be most eligible to keep her at Massac,...
2206From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckny has transmitted me confidentially the copy of a letter which he has written to you respecting the employment of the troops during the Ensuing Summer. I agree with him in the inexpediency of employing new troops in operations not military, as the digging of Canals &c and in the propriety of some extra compensation to any troops who may be so employed, as a douceur and a guard...
2207To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 23 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The paymaster of the 11th. regiment having received a communication from the pay-master-general, intimating that pay might be received for the regiment, provided that the muster rolls and pay-rolls were duly made out, which mode he prefers to the making of payment on account, I take the liberty of enquiring whether the authority given to me in your letter of the 19th. of June last, in respect...
2208To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Ellery, 10 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colo. Ogden’s letter, recommending Lieut. Brinley to the appointment of Brigade Quarter Master, was put into my hands, this morning, to have any objections stated against it, that might exist. There are none, however, on the part of this Office. The uncertainty of Mr. Brinleys acceptance of a situation here, was stated to the Adjutant General, at the time I had his leave, and your Sanction, to...
2209To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Hunewell, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Haveing just returned from Concord, where I have been mustering the Recruits of the 15th. Regt., I take the earliest opportunity to acknowledge the Rect. of your several favours of 1st., 4th. 5th., & 13th. Ulto. Mr. Emerson accepts his appointment as Cadet. Mr. Waters I understand declines in consequence of some arrangments since his nomination, of this he will officially inform you. Mr. Blake...
2210To Alexander Hamilton from Josias Carvel Hall, 19 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a Letter from Major Hopkins, who has returned from visiting all the Subdistricts of his Department. He says, if an opportunity had been given him, of viewing all the Posts before the arrangements had been reported, he would have prefered Chester or Havre to Risters Town In furtherance of his Opinion I would observe This last Place is healthy, the Inhabitants frugal &...
2211From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Read informs me that he had not heard from those of his officers whose names are subjoined. You must be able to tell probably know where these Gentlemen reside, and whether they have accepted or declined. I would be much obliged to you if you would signify to Such of them as have accepted the propriety of joining their Commandant at Raleigh. But should you decline this if you will...
2212From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [13 February 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of yesterday with its inclosure are come to hand & will be attended to as speedily as possible. I take the liberty to trouble you with the inclosed to receive the amount (which though the accumulated interest on all my Stock from the beginning of the funding system will be short of 200 Dollars). When received, pay yourself one hundred, our friend Lewis seven, & deliver the rest to...
2213From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the proceed gs of a Court Martial lately holden at Fort Fayette of which Major Stevenson was President to be submitted to the President of the U States for his decision. No peculiar circumstances appear in it. I can only observe that it probably proceeded from some knowlege of personal character in the Court & from the conviction of the necessity of some examples....
2214To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 12th. instant, enclosing a General order, of that date, was received by the mail of Yesterday—I have, accordingly, transmitted information, to Major William Shute, Captain’s, Robert Hunt, Job Stockton, Charles Marles, Walter R. Cole, and Lieutenant John G McWhorter, respectively, together with a regimental order, that the gentlemen above named, do attend the General Court...
2215To Alexander Hamilton from Philemon Blake, 10 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Immediately on the publication of the Secretary of War Requiring the Officers of the different Regiments to Report themselves to you, being then in Philadelphia I wrote to you giving my Address, but hearing nothing from you, being anxious to join my Regiment and fearing my letter might have miscarried thro’ the Negligence of a Servant by whom I sent it to your Lodgings; I again on the...
2216To Alexander Hamilton from William Brickell, 10 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I hope you will once more pardon me, for intruding on your time and patience: something explanatory I feel to be necessary; and wou’d rather be thought by you troublesome than ignorant: When I wrote you on the subject of an Inspector; it was before we recd. General orders expressing that appointment had taken place: I communicated my wish to a Brother Officer, and wrote in a hurry; but Sir...
2217From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the twenty fifth of this month—As it is matter of necessity to resort to the conveyance of the Mail you ought certainly to be secured from loss in case of accident or of robbery or of accident, and you may be assured that no effort will be wanting on my part to shield you from injury in such an event—It will be well howev for you however, to endeavour to settle...
2218To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Underwood, 20 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 2nd of Last month I received yesterday, I left Richmond the 9th. of Janry. at which time your letter had not reachd. that place I am truly Sorry to enform your excellency that I am still in a low state of health and not able to be of any Service to my Country, therefore must beg leave of your Excelcy. to except of my resignation, tho Contrary to my wish if I could enjoy good...
2219To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 11 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, June 11, 1799. “In the papers which Accompany this I have pointed out three modes of wording in Cypher by aid of the copy of Entecks dictionary, but as the copiest has not marked properly the directions for finding a word … It would be best to have two new copies.…” ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. For background to this letter, see Rufus King to H, October 20, 1798 ;...
2220From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 8, 1799. “I enclose to you a letter from Col. Lear on the subject of winter Quarters that you may take such measures as shall appear to you to be necessary in the case. I do not see that any thing better can be done than to send the tenth regiment to Carlisle where the barracks can easily be prepared for their reception. According to the orders that have been given to Col....
2221To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de La Tour du Pin, 21 February 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
London, February 21, 1798. “… J’ai bien plus de pardons a vous demander pour un objet particulier. Je desire vendre ma ferme d’albany.… Les bontés a jamais pretieuses, qu’ont eues pour nous, la famille de Madame hamilton, me font esperer qu’à votre Sollicitation elle voudra bien encore nous rendre le Service de faire vendre ce petit objet.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....
2222From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from the Secretary of war in which he informs me that the resignation of Lieutenant Samuel W. Church of your regiment is accepted. You will please to signify the same to Lieutenant Church, and inform me when he actually receives the notice. With great consideration I am &c. &c. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. James...
2223To Alexander Hamilton from Adam Hoops, March 17—18, 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Their are in the part of the first regiment here two drummers—one fifer & a private who blows the fife, and acts as fifer I have ordered the Extra drummer of the first Regiment and the private acting as fifer with his own consent to be attached for the present Service to the detachment under the Command of Capt Henry—Mr Dayton has I Am told written to you on this subject remonstrating against...
2224To Alexander Hamilton from Josias Carvel Hall, 11 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Our Desaertions — encrease so rapidly that I believe some Examples of Severity will become necessary Suppose they are condemned to work on some Fortification’s with Badges of infamy—Six went off last Night. I have five Officers in persuit. I shall perhaps incur more Expence than will be allowed. But I thought it necessary to use uncommon Exertion to take them. It is four Weeks since I gave...
2225From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 21 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday. I had thought that I had given you a written direction relative to the Clothing for the Artillery; but upon examining my files I do not find any—I will recollect however your shewing me a written letter from the Secy. of War relative to Clothing on the subject, and my giving you authority to procure Clothing, but to What extent my memory does not...
2226To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 23 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 18th. and 20th. inst. I will immediately make arrangements to have the experiments made on the proper measure of the pace recommended, and report the result— With respect to the relative rank of the officers of the 12th. I have always acted upon that which I received from you, as decisive, making the subsequent alteration of...
2227To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is an extract of a letter from the Pay Master General received this morning— You may perhaps think it adviseable to issue orders to direct a Choice of a regimental Paymaster to the Second regiment provisionally to take effect in the event of Lieut Thompsons demise, that as little time as possible may be lost in providing for the pay of the Troops on the lakes. I am Sir with great...
2228From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 8 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg your pardon for having omitted to attend earlier to the suggestion in your letter of the 30th. of August respecting the defence of our ports. I am sincere in saying that a charge of this kind would on various accounts be unpleasant to me among the rest as likely to involve ill natured & foolish criticism. But I shall not decline the trust if you think proper to repose it provided the...
2229To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus Graves, 18 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The recruiting service has commenced and is rapidly progressing in the sixteenth Circle. Contractors have been engaged to furnish the necessary supplies of provisions &c but, as I am informed have not been furnished with the means. I find it necessary in order to facilitate the recruiting business to permit recruiting parties under certain restrictions to travel into different parts of their...
2230To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 25 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 13th Instant with the plan of your intended house was delivered me on Thursday last that of the 18th by the mail I received yesterday. I have deliverd Mr Putnam the builder the plan and a paper of which you have a copy on the other side, and Expect his answer to morrow. If the house is boarded on the out side, and then Clap boards put on, and fitted in the inside with brick I...
2231To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant General Washington in a letter dated the 28th. of January ultimo observes— “In speaking of the Cavalry I must observe, that in specifying their uniform it was intended that their breeches should be of leather and consequently buff instead of white. This I doubt not will strike you as being most proper on every account, and in that case no time should be lost in correcting the error...
2232To Alexander Hamilton from Adam Hoops, 13 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
“An account was presented to me some time since by Mr Richards (signed by Lieut Leonard) for work done on Bedloes Island in preparing the house for the Reception of those men who were to be innoculated. I declined countersigning as from the way of its being made out, That bore to me the appearance of deciding on the propriety of the several charges of which I am not a Judge. I believe I...
2233From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 15 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you on the 29th ultimo, I have received a letter from Colo. Parker, informing me that he had fixed upon a spot, on the public Ground, at Harper’s Ferry, as the most eligable place for cantoning the 7th, 8th and 9th Regiments, agreeably to your instructions, and the ideas which I communicated to him. And, I presume, measures are now taking to provide huts at that place for...
2234To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to your Request I have had the provisions at Fort Jay Inspected, & Inclosed is the Certificate of the Same— You will perceive by Mr. Richards note on the back of the Certificate, that he is willing to Receive the provisions and allow Government the same price he Receives for Supplies— I would thank you to write the Commandg officer at that fort to serve them out to the Troops, the...
2235From Alexander Hamilton to Lewis Tousard, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty eighth, but do not perceive in it any sufficient reason for preferring Philadelphia to N York or it’s vicinity for your residence during the ensuing winter. Any military books belonging to the public can be sent to you, and if you are in a town near this city I can correspond regular with you by post, which would supercede the necessity of a personal...
2236From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The persons Officers named in your letter of the 24 instant, as for your Regimental Staff have been recommended for confirmation to the Secretary of War for confirmation, which it is not doubted will be given. The Your arrangement of Districts and subdistricts and the assignment of Officers to them are approved and I am content that you pursue the plan you mention as to the Distribution of...
2237From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you for your information An extract from Col Parkers letter of the sixth of this month. “A considerable number of our men are entirely without waistcoats of any kind, and all the coats are expended. These articles with woolen overalls are much wanted.” I must request urge your immediate attention to this point—You have heretofore been requested, I believe, to forward to the a supply of...
2238To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Gilbert, 30 November 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Hudson [ New York ] November 30, 1797 . “I took Occasion Some weeks ago, at the Desire of Doctor Benton, to enclose a Copy of a Note for 5000 Dols given him by Pierpoint Edwards Esqr of New Haven, with an Intimation that in case Mr Edwards could be taken within New York, Dr Benton’s wish was that you would issue process and pursue the suit for him. Not having heard from you, the Doctor...
2239To Alexander Hamilton from David Thompson, 24 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Enclosed Certificate of Major Adam Hoops stating the number of days I acted as Recorder to the court of inquiry held at this Post in the case of Major Rivardi, has been sent to the Accountant agreeable to the directions of Major Hoops, claiming the usual compensation allowed in such case; but was return’d in a Letter from the Accountant, which I now have the honor of enclosing to you— If...
2240From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 22 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
From the representations which have come to me from different Quarters it appears to me proper to adopt the scale at foot as that by which the articles mentioned in it ought to be furnished for the purpose of hutting the troops. But as the Regiments are not complete two thirds in each case will suffice. I request therefore that you will increase the supplies according to this rule and that no...
2241To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you two letters, one dated Baltimore 29th May 1799 from R. Gilmor Chairman of the Naval Committee of that City; the other from the Secretary of the Navy of this date. On this subject, you will please to give such directions as you may judge proper I have the honor to be with the greates respct Sir, your most Ob Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LS , letterpress copy,...
2242To Alexander Hamilton from William W. Wands, 17 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to your order I repaired to this place, where I expected the Court was sitting, but on my arrival was informed by Col: Smith, that there was not a Court convened, and that I might go to Philadelphia, to attend to some business I had with Mr. Bird and the Paymaster Genl. and return the week ensuing, which I intended to do, with all possible dispatch, had I not met with a sad accident...
2243To Alexander Hamilton from James Miller, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The following number of suits of Clothing have been Ordered for Transportation to the lower posts on the Misissippi by the Secretary at War pr. the Qr. Mr. General. Fort Sargent Artillerists— 1 Serjeant } 7 Privates Infantry 3d. Regt.— 17 Sergeants } 7 Musicians 250 Privates Fort McHenry Artillerists— 2 Serjeants } 1 Musician 21 Privates Fort Adams Artillerists— 5 Serjeants
2244From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I would thank you to inform me whether Mr. Brown has been appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned in Col. Taylor’s regiment by the non acceptance of Mr. Chew. If this has not been done I would recommend that the place be filled by the senior first lieut. according to the regular principles of Military promotion. Col. Taylor, in his letter of the second of October mentions to me that Austin...
2245To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is represented that the Fort at Portsmouth requires to be garrison’d with a Company; that it wants a new Magazine, Platforms to be laid; embrazures to be opened, the walls to be repaired, and the Cannon to be mounted. After enumerating in my instructions bearing date the 4th February ulto., certain fortifications on the sea board, which it would be proper should be garrisoned, I added “It...
2246To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Eddins, 19 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I this morning received your letter, of the 14th Current and observe your order Relative to leaving a trusty Sergt. to Conduct a Drummer & Six boys from Fort Mifflin but having Reached this place Supposed the Distance too great to order a Sergt. Back. Consequently Wrote on to Leut. Meminger Directing they may be ordered on to Join me with instructions to Draw the necessary provision—for their...
2247To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 15 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two letters one of the 11th and the other of the 12 Instant. Mr. Brooks left this place on the 2d of December last for Staunton, and took with him 1470 dollars for the recruiting service, which has been distributed to the Officers in that neighborhood. This sum makes, in addition to what had been before sent out, the amount necessary to raise four complete companies...
2248To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 28 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Niagara [ New York ] April 28, 1799 . Asks that soldiers employed in the quartermaster’s department be given extra pay for extra work. States that Dr. John G. Coffin, surgeon’s mate and acting quartermaster general, has had to assume responsibility for such payments and that he should be reimbursed. Also states: “… the State of my health is Such as To induce me To sollicit To be relieved.… I...
2249To Alexander Hamilton from James Monroe, 17 July 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
It is impossible for me to trace back at this moment, occupied as I am with other concerns, all the impressions of my mind at the different periods at which the memoranda were made in the publication to which you refer in your favor of today, but I well remember that in entering the one which bears my single signature, altho’ I was surprised at the communication given, yet I neither meant to...
2250To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 7 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I was extremely Sorry that my being on a public Mission at Baltimore prevented my waiting on you when you were lately in Philadelphia, and presenting you, or rather to the whole Army, my most Sincere congratulations on the choice the President has made of you for an Inspector General. Entirely devoted to the career which I have followed from my youth, which your kind interest procured me to...