2251To Alexander Hamilton from Staats Morris, 23 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Fort McHenry [ Baltimore, Maryland ] September 23, 1799 . “… I am extremely sorry to inform you Sir, that an epidemic is raging to an alarming degree in my Garrison, and on that account it is very fortunate that so many men have been sent out of the way of it. My nephew Lieut. Lawrence fell a victim to it yesterday, after only four days ilness. I shall this day give orders to have the men...
2252To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 14 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to send you the extract of a letter of the 8th instant (received two days since) from the Secretary of War, together with the Section of the Act to which it relates. I am entirely of opinion with him, as to the expediency of causing the Pay Master General to reside at the seat of Government—But as the measure is of importance, and especially as the act expressly refers the...
2253To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 22 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter, recd this morning from Col. Smith. I am at present at a loss to judge of it. Will you be so kind without favour or affection to give me your candid opinion of it. Whether his request can be granted in the whole or in part without injustice to other officers. And whether it is consistent with the military Ideas. I pray your Answer as soon as possible. I am, Sir...
2254From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 19 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my arrival here I have received three letters from you to the contents of which I have attended though my engagements have not before admitted a reply. If I recollect rightly the law of the State, it authorises, and in my opinion expediency requires, that the sum requisite to complete the batteries undertaken by order of the Military Committee, in addition to the 50000 Dollars provided...
2255To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a private letter to me from Col. W. S. Smith in which he has stated at large his claim to rank. This I apprehend is done with a view that he may stand as the first or oldest Lieutenant Colonel of the 12 Regiments. I have not time to examine the merits of his pretensions and request you to undertake it, and in case you are of opinion that he should stand before Col. Hall to advise...
2256From Alexander Hamilton to James Ross, 18 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heared with much regret that the Senate have hesitated to confirm the appointment of Col Smith as Surveyor of this Port on the suggestion of some malconduct in his pecuniary affairs. The suggestion has come to me in various shapes. The truth is Col Smith has been engaged in large and various pecuniary transactions and the consequence was that his affairs became extremely embarrassed. In...
2257From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Mac for the perusal of the Inclosed and wish you had not thought it necessary to forbid my taking a copy. Such a paper to be shewn confidentially would be very important. Charles Carroll of Carrollton ought as soon as possible to be apprized of all the circumstances. The man is more mad than I ever thought him and I shall soon be led to say as wicked as he is mad. Pray...
2258To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 26 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor this moment to receive your letter relative to the ill-treatment &ca of a Mr Lowrie from the recruiting party at Brooklyn— And as I hope “there is no man more sensible of the importance and necessity of preventing, and repressing injuries and outrages from the military to our fellow Citizens,” than my self, shall in person make enquiry this afternoon, and pursue every measure...
2259To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 23 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 19th instant, inclosing a Letter for our Governor, which after I had spoken to General Clarkson, I forwarded by mail immediately. He thinks, I had best write his Excellency respecting money to pay the Bills off, which I will do, by the mail next monday. Inclosed is the Law passed the last sessions by our State respecting the fortifications, by which you will be...
2260To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Jackson, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your circular letter of the 5th. Inst. respecting expeneturs which I shall communicate to the officers. I arrived at my Quarters here the 13th. Inst. Major Louis Tousard left here the 14 for New York; also informs me he has given you information respecting the delay of Capt. Littlefield and Company. The Stores wanted is not arrived as yet ; nor the winter clothing which is very...
2261To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 28 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Colo Powell in favour of Mr Sylliman who wishes to enter into the Service of his Country The Character of Colo Powell is too well Known to you to require any comment from me I Informed you in my last that I Knew nothing of Mr Sylliman except from Report— The Vacancy of Jno C Williams is not yet filled. I did suppose from what you mentioned to me that Mr Robert Little...
2262From Alexander Hamilton to Harrison Gray Otis, [23 December 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Burr loves nothing but himself; thinks of nothing but his own aggrandizement, and will be content with nothing, short of permanent power in his own hands. No compact that he should make with any passion in his breast, except ambition, could be relied upon by himself. How then should we be able to rely upon any agreement with him. Jefferson, I suspect, will not dare much. Burr will dare every...
2263To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Cass, 15 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Peyton has this moment informed me that he cannot comply with my order in taking charg of the detachment ordered to Pittsburgh but upon certain principles which he has communicated to you in writing, and of those principles is are not complyed with by government, his letter to you is to be considered as a Resignation. I have only him or Lieut. Climson who can be detached, the latter...
2264From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 8 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am just arrived my Dear Eliza at this place in good health and after breakfasting shall proceed on my journey. If I could be assured that your spirits were better and the health of yourself and Children good, I should enjoy much satisfaction from the agreeableness of the ride. The Country is truly charming. I remark as I go along every thing that can be adopted for the embellishment of our...
2265To Alexander Hamilton from Robert G. Harper, 27 April [1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Could any thing prevail on you to undertake the war-department? Reflect on the importance of the station at this moment. Consider how much more important a war minister is than a general, & how much more difficult to be found. We shall have an army of 20,000 men, with the power to revive voluntary inlistments ad libitum in addition to it the volunteers to be armed & cloathed at their own...
2266From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 9 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the thirty first of August. You will recollect that it has been referred to you in conjunction with your majors to prepare an arrangement of relative rank for your regiment. This has not yet been done. Should Mr. Roulstone be placed first on the list of second Lieutenants he will have the place which you request for him in the regular course of military...
2267To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 2 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
There are forty six Iron Cannon, chiefly twenty four pounders belonging to the United States now laying on Mr John Brown’s Wharf at Providence. As these may be required for the fortifications at, and to the Eastward of, New York, you will direct Major Tousard to report to you the number wanted for the Defences at Rhode-Island, and the other Harbours in that quarter where we have...
2268From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Izzard has determined to accept the appointment of Secretary to Mr. Smith our minister Plenipotentiary at the court of Lisbon, but, is desirous of retaining the commission which he holds in the army of the United States. I would submit to you the propriety of gratifying his wishes in this particular. When an officer is absent on public service, and the situation of affairs at home is...
2269To 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...
2270From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Eddins, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will take the route by Fredericksburg, George Town in Maryland, Baltimore and Havre De Grasse in the same state and Wilmington in Delaware at each of which places is a recruiting rendezvous and a contractor who is hereby directed required to furnish you with the needful assistance ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2271From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 16 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
A representation has been made to me by Charles Lee, Rufus Hundy, Ebenezer Ross, and Nathaniel Walker Privates in Captain Ingersoll’s company that they were enlisted as Artificers but have part of the time received only the emoluments of private soldiers. It is stated to me, however, that there was a particular agreement between them and their Captain that they should receive the pay of...
2272To Alexander Hamilton from John Adlum, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Irwin’s company marched last week for Fort Mifflin, and I sent with them two of the prisoners that are under trial and whose sentence I forwarded to you viz. Robt. Brown and George Tyson, John Lewis who the other prisoner tried is still in gaol here. Enclosed is the monthly return of the troops now lying at this place. I am going to Easton to day and will forward you the monthly return...
2273To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recieved three letters from you, dated the 8th. and one the 10th. instant. The President having authorized, the appointment of William J Anderson. I immediately notified him accordingly. You inform me, that Captain Ellery, assistant to the Adjutant General, has taken his station in New York, and applied to you, to cause him, to be, provided quarters; that independent of his personal...
2274To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a Copy of my last letter to General Wilkinson, I have also to acknowledge your letters of the 6th & 7th of March and I am very much obliged to you for the information which that of the 7th Contains— As I Shall cease writing to General Wilkinson on the Mississippi after this Month, the General Orders for the Mississippi will I presume go in future immediatly from...
2275From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Parker Hall proposes Wm. Barton Browner and William Cary as Cadets in his regiment. Enclosed are recommendations which have been transmitted to me in favor of these Gentlemen. I would advise that they be immediately appointed. Col. Parker recommends Mr. Hill for the place of Chaplain, and speaks of him as a man of excellent character. If there were any a provision for Chaplains in the law...
2276From Alexander Hamilton to John H. Buell, 7 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will immediately put things in readiness for sending to send the men under your command to New haven, taking the necessary measures, with the Contractor, for their transportation. They will be met at New Haven by the Deputy QM General with the means of their conveyance to Pittsburg. The recruiting service will still be continued under your — superintendence, and you will retain all the...
2277From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If there be any thing in my general order lately sent you, which imputes to the Secretary of War ignorance or inattention, I agree with you, my Dear friend, that it ought not to have been there. I add that if done with design it would be a very culpable indecorum. But if it does bear this construction, I have very clumsily executed my own intention. And I give you my honor that so far from...
2278To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 30 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your obliging favour of the 24th instant has duly come to hand. I see in it a new proof of sentiments towards me which are truly gratifying. But permit me to add my request to the suggestions of your own prudence, that no personal considerations for me may induce more on your part than on mature reflection you may think due to public motives—It is extremely foreign to my wish to create to you...
2279To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Bradley, 9 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Staunton [ Virginia ] August 9, 1799 . “… Captain Brock … informs me he has no Arms, Clothing, or public Stores of any kind, these men of Capt. Gibsons, & Lieut. Lewisis at this place are in much want of clothing. I have received a suit of clothing per. Man, for two complete Companies but dont know whether I ought to give any part of it to these men who have drew before, or keep it for the...
2280To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 15 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Tho’ I have very great confidence in the integrity of my Agent Mr Low, I Consider it to be a measure of prudence to be attentive to the Security of my property in his hands: I don’t know that he is much connected in any of those Speculations which too many of our friends have gone into, nor have I any reason to suppose him engaged in any business of hazard. Still I have concluded to request...
2281To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me in addition to what I said yesterday to request, that laying aside other business you will occupy yourself on the two military bills only. The session is short, and but little of it to come. If possible let me have the bills by mondays mail or at furthest tuesdays. I have not been able to ascertain what part some of our friends in the house mean to take respecting the appropriations...
2282To Alexander Hamilton from John McClallen, 6 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have collected from the most extensive Importers in this City patterns of white flannel and common Linen; to shew the utility of adopting the flannel in preference to the Linen. The former is more durable and it will afford greater comfort to the Soldier than the latter; it may also be the means of continuing him in good health, especially when removed from a Northern to a Southern Climate...
2283To Alexander Hamilton from Campbell Smith, 23 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I yesterday received a letter from Lieut. Col. Butler desiring me as soon as possible to join the 4th Regiment as soon as possible —that having from the conversation I had with the Colonel before he left town anticipated this order, I applied a few days since to the Paymaster General for the settlement of my account, to the end of this month and have been...
2284To Alexander Hamilton from James Tod, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I called at your house on Saturday last to inform you and Mrs Hamilton that both your Sons here are making such progress in their education as gives me real Satisfaction. I was highly gratified with the two orations delivered in Town on Saturday. That part of Dr. Linn’s where he made your deceased Friend address America when dying was a bold Stroke of oratory. To me the Sentiments contained in...
2285To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Mackay, 12 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I very unexpectedly recieved the honour of an appointment in the 14th Regt; I have little, or no doubt that I stand in a great measure indebted to you for that peculiar favour, and must beg leave to present you with my warmest thancks. I shall endeavour to render myself deserving of the protection you have so generously afforded me, by my unremitted attention to the service. My Kind protector...
2286From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Quarter Master General has sent me Regulations expressed to me it as his opinion that the “Regulations to be observed in the delivery of fuel and straw to the Garrisons on the Sea Coast and recruiting parties” dated the twenty sixth of December 1797 apply to the Western Army—The Commanding officer at Pittsburg Col. Hamtramck has expressed an opposite opinion— The Regulations would appear...
2287From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty first of April. I intend to make it a general rule that discharges of soldiers be founded on the certificate of the Inspector and Surgeon approved by the Commanding officer. When the cases you speak of come to me in that form I shall be ready to act upon them. The subject of double rations has been so often matter of communication with the S of War...
2288To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Taylor, 2 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been Honored with your favour of the 16th Decr. respecting the resignation of Major Huntington, and have directed Capt Meigs who is on the recruiting service to Join the Regiment by the 15 Inst.; if it should meet your approbation I wish he may be promoted to the rank of Major— Permit me my General to condole with you upon the melancholy event of the Death of our beloved and venerable...
2289To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 7 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have examined the Returns inclosed in yours of ye. 5th. Inst. and agreeable to Your Instructions, have taken abstracts, of the one from West Point & forwarded the original to Saml Hodgdon Esqre. Intendt. of Mility Stores, with a request yt. the Several Articles therein mentioned, may be forwarded me via Amboy, as soon as Possible and expect in the Course of Next week to Receive them— With...
2290To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 8 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
When I last spoke to You about the Appointment of Lieutenant, William Laidlie, to a command in the twelfth Regiment, You went so far as to say You would consider of it. He accepted of an Appointment in the 2d. Regiment of a 2d Lieutenancy—but has not Yet recd a Commission. From the Sollicitations of his friends as well as other considerations, he would be very glad of a transfer to our...
2291To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter to my Chief Clerk from Captain Stille of the 2n regiment of artillerists and Engineers praying to be disencumbered of a Lieutenant that temporarily was attached to his Company. I incline to think the recommendations upon which Carmichael, the officer, in question was appointed, were framed without due consideration. They presented him as possessed of the mathematics,...
2292To Alexander Hamilton from William North, 1 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Under the impression, That frequent Inspections are of the utmost consequence, that they tend to give & preserve discipline, & economy: & in fact, that without them, & the consequent returns, no uniformity can be established, nor the real strength, or situation of an army be known, I have laboured to form returns relative to this Object which I hope embrace every thing necessary to be known...
2293To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Captain Alexr. Gibson dated Staunton April 6th. Captain Gibson being stationed at Staunton in Virginia on the recruiting service, may be considered, as to what relates to that object, under your superintendance, you will, therefore, give such orders in the premises as you may think proper I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most Obd Hb St (...
2294To 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...
2295From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed papers speak, at large, the Offence with which Captain Kirkland is charged— It is my expectation that that Officer will immediately repair to the County where he is stated to have been arrested, and deliver himself up to the civil Authority, or make such an arrangement with his adversary as is consistent with the laws of the County, which (according to the enclosed testimony) he...
2296From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 17, 1799. “Power has been given to the Inspector General to appoint a Secretary. For some time I have employed in this Capacity a person, who is a mere copyist, with an allowance less than the law authorises to be given to the Secretary. But I have now appointed as permanent Secretary, Thomas Y How of Trenton in New Jersey. The Kind of person required for this station, and who...
2297From Alexander Hamilton to Elias B. Dayton, 3 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been much pained by the representations which Colonel Smith has made to me on the subject of supplies. He states that the articles furnished are of inferior quality, and attributes the ill health [of] some of his men to the badness of the bread, and the thinness of the beef. Colonel Smith further mentions that the bread which is furnished in lieu of flour is made of midlings. I enclose...
2298To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 6 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Winchester [ Virginia ] October 6, 1799 . “… It is with the Utmost pain that I am again Compelled to ask for a Supply of money for the Troops. Many of the men who have been enlisted between five & six months have never Recd a Shilling of pay & only part of their Bounty & the arts & Insinuations of the Enemies to our administration has had such an Effect on the minds of many of them that I do...
2299To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 23 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I purpose in the 1st. Monday in May next to commence working on the Fortifications on Governors Island, and have engaged about Fifty Men from the State of New Jersey, for that Object— As the Quarters I erected for the laboring Men last Summer, is at present occupied by the Troops, it will be necessary, that a Number of Tents be furnish’d for the Soldiers, who will be oblig’d to remove...
2300To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 21 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the intimations contained in the letter of Mr John Bray to the Secretary of War, a copy of which you did me the honor to send enclosed of in your letter of the 19th. instant—I shall immeadiately view the situations of which he makes mention, and hope to be able to report respecting them by the Mail of Monday or Teusday—I presume you have received my letters of the 19th &...