451From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The proceedings of a Court-Martial herewith sent present the case of Sergeant Steer of Capt McClary’s company Sentenced to be shot for desertion. The only circumstance of aggravation in this case is the situation of the Offender as being a Non Commissioned officer; which is conceived to enhance the guilt and doubtless adds to the motives for punishment. Considering this circumstance, the...
452From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 6, 1799. Quotes from Colonel Thomas Parker’s letter of June 30 concerning lack of clothing for recruits and states: “If any thing remains to be done to accelerate the arrival of the Cloathing I pray that it may be done and that inferior considerations may give way to the necessity of preserving contentment among the troops and maintaining in their eyes the justice and...
453From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 26, 1799. Encloses extract of Lieutenant Colonel John F. Hamtramck’s letter of July 1, 1799 , concerning his failure to be repaid for expenses incurred for the First Regiment. States: “I would request your particular Attention to this subject. You will be so good as to inform me whether the payment will be made, or if there are any special objections to the measure...
454From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 2, 1799. On April 4, 1799, McHenry wrote to Hamilton : “I have been honored with your letter of the 2d. Inst.” Letter not found. ]
455From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Beware, my Dear Sir, of magnifying a riot into an insurrection, by employing in the first instance an inadequate force. Tis better far to err on the other side. Whenever the Government appears in arms it ought to appear like a Hercules , and inspire respect by the display of strength. The consideration of expence is of no moment compared with the advantages of energy. Tis true this is always a...
456From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from Captain McRea of the second regiment of Artillerists who is recruiting at Alexandria in the state of Virginia. He informs me that he has already enlisted ten soldiers, and expects shortly to — enlist more; but that there is no Contractor at in the place from whom to procure supplies. I have therefore to request that you will be pleased to take arrangements,...
457From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [17 May 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the instant. Not having seen the law which provides the Naval Armament , I cannot tell whether it gives any new power to the President that is any power whatever with regard to the employment of the Ships. If not, and he is left on the foot of the Constitution, as I understand to be the case, I am not ready to say that he has any other power than merely to employ...
458From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 14, 1799. “… Information from different Regiments gives me to understand that my recommendations as to an advance of pay have not succeeded. As the troops are much discontented at the delay, it is my duty to renew the subject. And I must take the liberty to urge that by your interposition forms may be dispensed with so at least as to effectuate an advance of two months pay...
459From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Ethan A. Brown has acted, for some time, in my office, in the character of Assistant Secretary; and I shall continue to have occasion for his services. It would therefore be gratifying to me if the President would bestow on him the appointment of second Lieutenant in the twelfth regiment. Mr: Brown has heretofore received a monthly salary. Should he be appointed to the office of Lieutenant...
460From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have a letter for Lieut Seymoore Rannix of Moorefield, and would thank you to inform me where the place is. The letter was sent to Connecticut but the Postmaster of Hartford has returned it saying that he knows of no such place in the state. With great respect I am, Sir ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
461From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In reply to your letter of the 22d., you will permit me to observe that by the general arrangements of the Corps of Artillerists, Capt. Elliotts company is assigned for the field Battalion of General Pinckney’s command. To detach that company or any portion of it to the service you mention, will be to derogate from a general arrangement and so far to introduce disorder. Nor can I conceive any...
462From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If Meade was here he would tell you there never was an Irishman but would now and then discover the potatoe in his head I did not mention the particulars you cite in the case of the Hollander , because the very necessity of troubling you on the subject implied that he was not naturalised and was without the letter of the regulation . Agreably to your permission I shall give a special authority...
463From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Andrew Van Wort, for whom you have enclosed to me a letter of appointment as Second Lieutenant in the first regiment of Infantry, is dead. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
464From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Campbel Smith has made a representation to me on the subject of some claims which he has pending in the Accountant’s Office, and has requested the interposition of my opinion. Thinking it due to him as an Officer now under my command I trouble you with this letter. He states that he has claims of two kinds—One for services rendered for more than two years as judge advocate previous to the...
465From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty fourth instant. I have reflected on the question proposed for my consideration, but am of opinion that the course heretofore recommended to be persued is the most proper. Should circumstances hereafter render it expedient to unite the two brigades the Division quarter Master would have a local situation, whereas the Deputy Quarter Master General whose...
466From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is very material to me to have without delay the distribution of the additional twelve Regiments and troops of horse among the respective States according to the organization or arrangement which is contained in the report made to you in December by the Commander in Chief. This is requested with reference to the appointment of recruiting rendesvouzes. With great respect I have the honor to...
467From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Oliver Emerson Cadet acknowledges the receipt of his discharge of the twenty eighth of April— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
468From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an account which has been sent me by Mr. Dayton the Contractor for New Jersey. The object of this account received my sanction previously to it’s being carried into effect. I presume there will be a difficulty in allowing it—as was nothing in the execution but what was proper. As to the amount, Mr. Dayton, I suppose, will produce vouchers to shew that, it is not unreasonable the...
469From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 17, 1799. “Your letters of the 15th. and 16th. are duly come to hand.… Tomorrow I shall leave this place for Philadelphia. Several things will best be settled by personal conference which in future will be mutually convenient & will promote the service.” Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
470From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have ——— Major Ford to give the detachment directed Major Ford to take the command as you suggested, The Detachment did not proceed yesterday as I intend and to open a correspondence with you and General McPherson. Your letters of the 16 and 18th. of March are just received. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your Obed Ser ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
471From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to you a letter of this date to Caleb Swan Esquire which is left open for your perusal— With gt. resp— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
472From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you copies and extracts of letters from Colonels Taylor and Smith and from Major Willcocks. These shew that further advances of money will be speedily necessary and that there ought to be increased exertion in the business [of] the supplies. It is my duty to observe that the dilatory and incomplete manner in which supplies are furnished, if not corrected, will quickly have an effect...
473From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are some letters in recommendation of Mr Samuel Welsh who in anxious to obtain an appointment in the army. Mr. Welsh states to me that he has been in debt, but has settled with his creditors and obtained a discharge— This fact I should supose ought to be well ascertained before an apppointment is bestowed W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
474From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit for the decision of the President the proceedings of a Court Martial in the Case of Robert Brown a Matross in the corps of Artillerists sentenced to die for the complicated crimes of Desertion Mutiny and Disobedience under orders of Orders, aggravated by a resistance to Civil Authority. It is a painful duty of my situation to remark to express the Opinion that it...
475From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Major Shute relative to the application of David Jones which you sent to me some days since. You will perceive from the statement that given that the application of this Gentleman is a very improper one ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
476From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 2, 1799. “I have received yours of the 30 April. and your directions will be immediately complied with.…” Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
477From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the rules transmitted in your letter of the 2d. instant relative to rank & promotion. They appear to me founded on just principles nor do I know that they can be improved. I will however present to your consideration some observations on two or three points. It seems to me questionable whether the preference given to full Colonels of the deranged Officers over Lt Col Comts.,...
478From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is now time to take measures for the establishment of the additional Regiments in Winter Quarters. It has been already determined to dispose of them in four bodies and the positions generally have been designated. These positions will of course be adhered to, unless alterations shall become expedient from considerations relative to the comparitive prices of rations at different places. It...
479From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 5, 1799. “… As yet I have to regret that I am without the needful assistance to enable me to keep pace with the various objects of service—which occasions more delay in respect to the less urgent than is agreable to my plan. Measures are in train to obtain efficient aid and I hope ere long the whole Machinery will be in complete operation.…” Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan...
480From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have finally determined upon the course which the inclosed copy of a letter to Major Adlum of this date indicates— With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. Obed Ser ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).