2251To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 15 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1800 . Complains that he cannot collect from the Government the money he spent for the public service while he was in the Army. Asks Hamilton to certify that the vouchers for Ogden’s expenditures be allowed. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For payments to Ogden, see William Simmons to Henry Dearborn, March 5, 18, 31, April 26, 1802 (RG 217,...
2252To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am often troubling you, but certain that you are my best friend, believe you will pardon the freedom I take with you. The secretary of War has written me on the Subject of Compensation for my Services, and that I might have a salary or be paid by a Commission on the amount of my Disbursemts but I am at a loss to act, in choosing the method of Compensation because it involves much...
2253To Alexander Hamilton from James Miller, 28 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving yours of the 25th. Inst. and agreeably thereto, shall write pr. this mail to Jonathan Jackson Esqr. of Boston to value on me for One thousand dollars, if that sum is necessary to pay for the ground purchased by Col. Rice for the 14th. 15th & 16th. Regts. I have received a letter from Mr. Jackson of the 19th. Inst. informing that the tools necessary for...
2254To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 17 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The fifty thousand Dollars loaned by the Corporation, for the Batteries, Cannon, Carriages, and Military Stores, are expended: and Mr Furman the Treasurer wishes me to write you on the subject. I suppose that Ten thousand Dollars more, would pay what remains due, and that it would be best for Mr. F to pay the whole, and not be blending the accounts—but this, Sir, you can best judge of, as you...
2255To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 1st. instant I have to inform you that John Brown has been mentioned to the President and agreed to by him to fill the place of Coleby Chew, who was appointed a Captain in the 13 Regiment, in case of his resignation. No official information having been received that Mr. Chew declined accepting, Mr. Brown has not as yet been notified of his appointment. Austin...
2256To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 17 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The substance of the convention with France will I presume be known, publickly, in a few days. In the mean time I communicate, in confidence, some part of its character. It contains no stipulation for satisfaction of the injuries we have received. It makes the treaty of 78 a subject of future negotiation. It engages that we shall return, in the condition they now are, all ⟨ou⟩r captures. It...
2257To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 14 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your Letter of the 9th. In addition to my report of the 7th. inst., and upon a personal examination of Cornwell, I find, that Lt. Cuyler gave him 3 dollars when he enlisted—he also gave him an order on Capt. White for four Dollars and fifty Cents, which he told him Mr. Hugh Daniels a store keeper would receive as cash, and supply him from his...
2258To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Taylor, 10 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been Hond. with your favours of the 29th Novr. & the 2nd Inst with its inclosures, which was Immediately forwarded to Doctr. Orton— John Williams the deserter mentioned in my letter of the 25th has been apprehended and is confined in Goal; I expect to send him with a number of recruits under the Command of a Sergeant to the Regiment this Week— As Major Huntington had never done any...
2259To Alexander Hamilton from Robert G. Harper, 5 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As your military cares, my dear Genl. are soon to end, you may, perhaps, find liesure to attend a little to affairs of a civil nature. How stands the Election in your state? We are yet in the dark respecting its result, of which very contradictory and varying accounts are published. It may be of use to you to know how matters stand, and are like to stand, in this quarter, and to the Southward....
2260To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 19 April 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a few Lines this Morning informing you that Judge Hobart had resigned his Seat in the Senate, and that by the next post I should send you a Commission to fill his place. On further Reflection I doubt the propriety of appointing you without your previous permission, and therefore shall postpone it untill I receive your answer. If after well considering the Subject you should decline...
2261To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Taylor, 28 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On my return from Newhaven Saturday evening I had the Honor to recive your favour of the 23rd, and am happy that the reasons I assigned for being at Danbury were satisfactory; I should have mentioned them before, had I not expected every day to have been able to set of for Camp the next— I am informed by the Post Master in this Town that your letter of the 5th was not mailed in New York untill...
2262To Alexander Hamilton from Johannes G. Koebel, 30 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Three page letter in German. A note on the letter’s cover reads: “Letter from a German Common Soldier, complaining of Sundry griefs, without sense.” ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2263To Alexander Hamilton from Horatio Dayton, 1 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I will thank you to determine whether Major Hoops or myself Commands this Post, he gave the command up to me on the 18: ult: on the 19: left this place, since which he has been here only once and then remained about an hour. He is constantly sending orders directed to me as Commanding Officer of Fort Jay, at the same time signing himself Major Commanding. I presume Sir you have superceeded him...
2264To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you the Commission of Martial Spring a second Lieutenant in my regiment with his request to have permission to resign the same. He has not expressd the reasons which induce him thereto. I suppose however among others, the uncertainty of the establishment has influenced him—many of the officers have it in contemplation, thinking it more eligible now to leave the service, than to...
2265To Alexander Hamilton from Nanning J. Visscher, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 1st. Ult. in answer to my request for leave of absence. On submitting my case to the Commanding Officer here, he has decided that the request cannot be complyed with, without the arrival of more Officers: I hope therefore that I may not be considered as importunate in thus once more addressing you on the subject, to know whether I am...
2266To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus Graves, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received by this day’s mail your letters of the twenty seventh and twenty eighth of Augt. with the enclosed papers addressed to me at Exeter. I have not been able to complete my first Return, on account of not having received the weekly returns from Rhode Island, and one of the companies in New Hampshire. I have called on the delinquents, and shall forward my first return by next mail. The...
2267To Alexander Hamilton from Constant Freeman, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the fifth instant. I have engaged my passage in the Ship South Carolina, which will sail from this port for Charleston, on the seventeenth—If your dispatches should then be ready, I would consider it an honor conferred on me to present them to Genl. Pinckney. I am with the greatest respect Sir, Your obedient & humble servant ( ALS ,...
2268To Alexander Hamilton from Cornelius Lyman, 11 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to Orders from Colo Hamtramck I marched my Company from the Garrisson at Presque Isle and arrived at this place the 30th Ulto. since which they have been transfered to the 1st Regt. I shall proceed to New York as soon as the roads are passable, but at present it is almost imposable to travel by reason of the late heavy rains, & the water communication being closed for this season— I...
2269To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 10 June 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I hold ten Shares in the Western Canal Navigation of new york on which there has been paid $1070, and a Call of $25 ⅌ Share was due the 1st May last & remains to be paid with 6 ⅌ Ct Interest from that time. I don’t know what State of Credit these Shares stand at present, but am confident they will be a most productive property hereafter. If you will take these Shares credit me for the amot I...
2270To Alexander Hamilton from Zebulon M. Pike, 21 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Shoemaker having sent me on to this Place Under an Idea that You was in this Town, I have forwarded his letter and as the Business of the Pay Officer will detain me a Day or two, should You have any arrangement with Respect to the Clothing to make, I should be Honord By Receving your command. Capt. Shoemaker directed me to inquire of you if the Contractors furnish’d him with Contingent...
2271To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favors of the 25th and 27th instant. It is true that I declined making a second individual settlement with Campbell Smith for want of an order in writing from the secretary of war or other addequate authority. I received a letter from the Comptroller of the treasury, dated 7th september 1799. supplementary to my original instructions, in which it is expressly enjoined on...
2272To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is copy of a letter from Colonel Stevens to me dated the 6th inst and of one to him from Major Jackson dated the 29th Ulto. You will perceive that Major Jackson conceives Colonel Stevens to be the proper person to apply to for authority to procure a Boat for the use of the Garrison on castle Island, to make carriages for Cannon, and for the erection of Barracks, or other buildings at...
2273To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 2d. instant enclosing the resignations of Lieutenants Noyes and Hinman of the 13 Regiment of Infantry— You will be pleased to inform them that their resignations have been accepted, and that their pay and emoluments will cease on the 15th. instant. I am Sir with great respect Your obed servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2274To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your three letters of the 3rd instant, and one of the 5th. containing a letter for Colo Carrington, one for Colo Parker, one for Major Ford, one for Major Freeman, one for Captain Cochran, and one for the commanding officer at Fort Mifflin. I also received, enclosed in two of your letters of the 3rd, a letter for Captain Bruff, and a Bond of Lt Moseley, paymaster to the...
2275To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 15 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have at this instant received your letter without date, but stamped at the postoffice in NYork May 14. I intended to have done precisely what you suggest, respecting Mr Adams journal &c. (very little of which I had ever read) but there was not time. Last saturday morning I received a summons to resign , and a desire that I would myself name the day. But I did not incline to accept this...
2276To Alexander Hamilton from Staats Morris, 12 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your letter of the 4th Inst. directing me to furnish a guard to the Ship yards at Baltimore. In my absence the Chairman of the Committee charged with superintending the building the Ships of War, called on the Officer of Marines, who has furnished the guard from his recruits. As they are on the spot and have no other duty, and as it would diminish the fatigue on...
2277To Alexander Hamilton from Campbell Smith, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has a few minutes since put into my hands your Letter to me of the 2d instant and one of the same date to himself, accompanied by a note expressive of his concurrence with your wish—and I embrace the earliest moment to apprize you, that though I feel highly gratified with this evidence of your confidential estimation, yet such an appointment upon such terms (waving the...
2278To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a hasty Letter yesterday in which I returned the draught which accompanied your favour of September 26th. In my opinion the style temper and spirit of the composition are well suited to the subject & will do you honour. I have only to submit a few criticisms to your consideration. The observations respecting Mr. T. Pinckneys predilection for France—in page 19. and his official...
2279To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 22 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to yours of the 19th. —The gentlemen from Massa. have been together, I mean such as I requested, & have agreed on the following as the most eligible division of that state for the purpose of recruiting in your plan. Maine a district—four places of Rendezvous, Portland, Wiscasset, Augusta & custine. The Counties of Essex, Suffolk, Bristol, Dukes county, & Nantucket Barnstable &...
2280To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 2 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I always receive from my friend, his intimations, with at least a disposition to benefit by them. Your private note of the 31st ulto. recd yesterday morning with the proceedings of the general Court martial on Capn. Frye, suggests to me, either that the Court ought not to have suffered, my letter of the 10th of Jany to have weighed in their decision, or if it ought to have had influence, that...
2281To Alexander Hamilton from George Leonard, 6 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me Sir to Introduce to you Doctr. Daniel Parker of Norton in Massachusetts a Gentn. of Reputation and a friend to the Federal Goverment who has a son who was in his second year at Cambridge Colledge but unknown to his father Left Colledge & Inlisted into a Company Commanded by Capt Read lately at Crown West Point, the Doctr will Inform you of his wishes I am Sir, with great Respect your...
2282To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 16 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Fort Niagara [ New York ] July 16, 1800 . Complains of delays in the payment of quartermaster drafts, the delays in orders sent to him, the lack of experienced officers, and the reduction in troop strength. States that the British garrison has been reinforced. Thanks Hamilton for “the promises … respecting the Brittish Surgeons” and for “the assurance … respecting the Court of Inquiry.” ALS ,...
2283To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 9 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter dated the 7th. instant. The President has directed me to signify to you that he considers you in service from the first day of November 1798 in consequence of your being summoned by letter bearing date the 15 October to attend at Philadelphia or Trenton as soon as possible and in all events by the 10 November. Your pay and emoluments will therefore take date from...
2284To Alexander Hamilton from William Wilson, 16 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Being for a long time in an ill state of health, which disqualified me from performing the regular duties of an officer, I was compelled to relinquish a station to which ambition prompted me accept and pride made me anxious to undertake, I herewith inclose you my letter of resignation which will shew what was my wish and feelings at the time I was compelled to offer it, I have by a change of...
2285To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 19 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the reference made to me in your favor of the 15th. instant, I have directed, that the paymaster do immediately proceed in the distribution of the Bounty-money, and the monies on account of pay, which he has received, among the company Officers, at the rendezvous of the respective sub districts, to which they are, respectively, assigned; and that the recruiting should...
2286To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 1 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have experienced several difficulties in the course of the Winter, in consequence of the lattitude given in the Contract, to the Contractor—I was in hopes to have got thro’, the spring, without troubling on the subject of his arrangements—But notwithstanding my influence with the troops, and my indulgence to the Contractor, founded on his Repeated promises to issue better provission’s—I am...
2287To Alexander Hamilton from William Cocks, 28 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Some time since Colo Smith informed me that you had been so obliging as to write to the Secretary at War, on the subject of Pay, while acting as Brigade Inspector—when in Philadelphia I waited on the Paymaster General in order to get the amount of the pay, he informed me that before he could give an order for the payment of it, it would be necessary for me, to procure a Certificate from you,...
2288To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 10, 1799. Encloses a letter from William Macpherson “relative to the positions proper to be maintained … by the regular troops, in the Country late the scene of insurrection and disaffection.” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see McHenry to H, March 13, 1799, note 12 , March 15, 1799 . Macpherson to McHenry, May 3, 1799 (copy,...
2289To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 13 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Thomas Y How in answer to my enquiry whether a second Lieutenancy, in the 11th regiment, in addition to his appointment, as Secretary to the Inspector General, would suit his ideas, says, “As the measure has been proposed by General Hamilton, he will accept with pleasure.” I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect your mo: ob. servt ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
2290To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 5 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
as you have requested me to give you my opinion fully on the Military affairs of this Country, I take the liberty of Submiting Some Observations for your Consideration. it appears to me that the Want of Discipline in our troops is produced from the following causes. 1st. the incompleatness of the Regiments which for the want of Men never allows an officer a Command equal to his Rank, the...
2291To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Ustick, 20 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Since handing you my note requesting to have my name offered for a Commission in the Provisional Army, I have thought that it might not be improper to inform you that I at present depend upon my profession for a subsistence which whenever I may be called into service must cease and that then the pay which I may receive will be my only support, if therefore I should obtain a subalterns...
2292To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Hunewell, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the date of April 10th. 13th. 15th. 17th. & 23d., have come to hand, after a long passage occation’d by the breaking up of the Kennabic River & irregularity in the carriage of the mail— Yesterday the Officers of my Regiment met in this town agreeable to notice, & made choice of Lieut. William Swan for Paymaster, who I think is well qualified for the Office—Lieut. Samuel P. Fay, I am...
2293To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Cass, 27 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
When I obtained your permission to go to Philadelphia last December it was for the purpose of Registering some Military land warrants, it is now an important object with me to have them located; the Secretary of the Treasury having appointed the 17th day of February next for that purpose, I am again necessitated to solicit your permission to go to Philadelphia about that time, three, or four...
2294To Alexander Hamilton from Francis Gibson, 7 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to inform you that I am in a very bad State of health at Present—and if I do not soon get better I have every reason to fear an approaching consumption. if I coud obtain Leave of absence for five or Six weeks I woud go home to Carlisle where I woud have a better opportunity of Recovering as I woud have more care taken of me and my room woud be so much warmer than here I hope my...
2295To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 8 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I just receive a letter of Lt Dransy which I here inclose: The business for which he was Sent to Newport is far from being completed; and the usefulness of that officer who has already mounted ten Sea Coast Carriages, and has preparations for twenty more, is sufficiently obvious. who may continue the mounting as that officer can do? If it is necessary that an officer Should be Sent to his...
2296To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Kidder Meade, 16 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Frederick [ Virginia ] July 16, 1799 . Recommends Edmund Taylor as a brigade inspector and adds: “… I have often delighted myself with the pleasing idea of seeing you before our long farewell, & it now appears as if we were approaching each other—the nature of your office may lead you here, but if not into this Valley, a few score miles will be no bar to my carrying my heart & hand to you. I...
2297To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Underwood, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your friendly letter of the 7th. March I Received this day, which will ever place me under obligations to yr. Excellency, I do assure you it is my wish to Continue in the army If it will not injure the public service for me to be Stationd in Virginia or any of the Atlantic States, my only reason for Resign’g was my ill state of health & knowing should I be sent to the Western Country I could...
2298To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 5 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Trenton, October 5, 1799. Protests against having to send money by mail to Army officers whom he does not know. States that it has always been a rule “to make a book entry of cash received or paid, at the time of the transaction, filing the voucher at the same time.” Also writes: “As there is provision … for the travelling expences of military Officers,… whether in the first outset in...
2299To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, April 13, 1799. “The enclosed copy of a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Strong dated the 23rd: of January ultimo. was intended to have accompanied the papers referred to you in my letter of the 11th. instant.…” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LS , letterpress copy, James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress; ADf , James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress. David Strong...
2300To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 15 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose the within power, confiding that the Trustees agree in an opinion, that no investment in real property, should be assented to, unless, in such, as would be productive to Mrs. Le Guien, in case of accident to her husband. If the power be not sufficiently ample, or in proper form, be pleased to cause such an one to be sent to me, as you may judge requisite & I will return it duly...