1From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell and Nathan Rice, 10 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of a letter of which the inclosed is a copy, the arrangement, of which a copy is also inclosed, was made by General Brooks. But you will perceive that it is incomplete in respect to the delineation of the subdistricts and the fixing upon a place in each for a rendezvous. This place ought to be chosen with an eye to the accommodation of the recruits, to the convenient procuring...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter with the ones therein mentioned have come to hand. Inclosed is the Act for better organizing the army of the United States which will give you all necessary information. with true consideration I am Sir y ob S Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Rice to H, April 23, 1799 . 1 Stat. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 4 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 18. April, and hope that as soon as convenient the nomination of Quarter master and Adjutant to your Regiment may take place. There is no objection to a change in the association of the company officers for good reasons; you will propose therefore such as you may deem proper. The bond of your Pay Master Mr Duncan did not accompany your letter of the 29 April:...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 9 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letters of the 19 & 28 of April have duly come to hand. You have been informed that the Bond of your Pay Master must be to the UStates of America. The orderly course of supplies to your Regiment requires the speedy appointment of your Quarter Master. That of your Adjutant may wait as long as you shall find expedient. I am satisfied with the division you have made for the Circle within...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell and Nathan Rice, 21 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The following are the different contractors of the State of Massachusetts Joseph Ruggles Nathl: Ruggles Ralph Smith Aaron & Charles Davis all of Roxbury. You will please as soon as be to make arrangements with them for the supply of the troops at the several Recruiting Rendezvouses. with true consideration Copy, in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
6From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to reply to your two letters of the 23 and 24 instant. The exchange of officers proposed by Col Hunewell & yourself has been recommended to the Secy of War. His sanction is expected, & as soon as obtained it will be made known. I am content that Brookfield shall be come the rendezvous of a subdistrict & with the arrangement of Officers mentioned in your letter of the 23. Persons as...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed by the Secretary of War that all the articles for Arming clothing and equipping of your Regiment will be delivered to your order or that of your Pay & Quartermaster at your Regimental Rendezvous by Jonathan Jackson Esquire of Boston and Mr. Joseph Williams of Springfield six hundred and eighty stand of Arms and as many Gun worms to be furnished by the latter Gentleman and...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, William C. Bentley, Richard Hunewell, and Thomas Parker, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed by the Secretary of War that all the articles for Arming cloathing and equipping of your Regiments will be delivered to your order or that of your Pay & Quarter master at your Regimental Rendezvous by Jonathan Jackson Esquire of Boston and Mr. Joseph Williams of Springfield (Mass.) six hundred and eighty stands of Arms and as many Gun–worms to be furnished by the latter...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 24 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am advised by the Secy. of War that Mr. Williams Storekeeper at Springfield has been instructed to furnish to the Quarter master of your Regiment upon your order 680 stands of Arms and as many Gun worms. Mr. Williams is to have them transported to your Regimental Rendezvous if they have not been received, you will take measures to obtain them. With great consideration I am &cc Copy, in the...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreably to your own ideas communicated in your letter of the 23. Ulto. you will consider Somerset as established for your regimental Rendezvous. I urge constantly the completion of the appointment of Officers. I am not sure whether a competent number of proper candidates are as yet before the Secy. of War. If not it is to be wished other fit characters may be presented. With great considr. &c...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 14 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the eighth of July has been delivered to me. The articles of which you speak have arrived, I presume, before this. However the Secretary of war shall be informed of the deficiency of which you complain. All applications of the kind you will please, in future, to direct to Ebenezer Stevens Esqr. who is the Agent of the War Department in matters of this nature. The applications...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
An early preparation for winter Quarters will conduce to the comfortable accommodation of the troops and is the more necessary as sufficient barracks no where exist in which they may be quartered in entire corps; a circumstance extremely desireable. It is therefore conceived that it may be found most eligible to hut the troops during the ensuing winter. The vicinity of Uxbridge in the state of...
13From 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...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Cn. Ashmun of your regiment in which he informs me that he has sent Samuel Woolcott, a deserter from the first regiment of Artillerists to the commanding officer of the district at Springfield. You will immediately send this deserter under the guard of a corporal and file of men to Major Tousarde at Rhode Island. With great consideration Df , in the handwriting of...
15From 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...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 13 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you the copy of a letter from Captain Draper of your regiment. I am of opinion, from the circumstances which are stated, that it will be proper to discharge the person to whom the letter relates. You will therefore discharge him accordingly. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Simeon Draper to H, August 16, 1799 (listed in the appendix...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the Sixth of this month has been delivered to me. I have no objection to the discharge of Sewal Moore if he will procure a good and substantial person in his place. With regard to the pay to which he supposes himself to be entitled I would observe that it can not be advanced to him because altho’ he has served three months yet that service must be considered as merely a...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The season advances so fast that I am extremely anxious to have the result of your enquiry after winter Quarters. After you shall have made the examination heretofore directed, and reported to me, I request that you will direct your enquiry for the same object towards the upper parts of Connecticut River, from Springfield westward. It has been suggested that eligible positions may be obtained...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 27 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the twenty second Instant on the subject of Winter Quarters has just been delivered to me. I am disposed to prefer the situation at Oxford as well because your opinion is in favor of that situation, as because there does not seem to be a sufficient quantity of wood for hutting and fuel at the other place. You mention that you have entered into an agreement for the ground at...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a duplicate of my letter of the by which you are instructed to purchase ground for the purpose of Winter Quarters. I am now to request that you will immediately require of the Contractors to procure on public account the number of boards or slabs or both which you shall deem requisite for the roofs doors & windows of hutts sufficient for Two complete Regiments with their Officers...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 22 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
At foot you will find a list of Articles of Quarters master’s Supply necessary for hutting and providing fuel for a Regiment, two thirds of which, it is supposed, on account of the Regiments not being full, will suffice; which you are desired to procure without delay. With great consideration & The Qr. Mr’s Agent is Jona Jackson Esqr.
22From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, [25 October 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fourteenth instant, and am apprehensive that the quantity of land contracted for will hardly furnish the timber necessary for hutting and fuel. It is not my intention however to give further directions on the subject, as you are acquainted with the local circumstances, and can therefore best determine. I have requested Mr. Miller the Assistant Quarter Master...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 25, 1799. On November 6, 1799, Rice wrote to Hamilton : “In reply to your favours of the 19th. & 25th permit me to observe, that from the knowledge I have as yet obtained of the Gentlemen I can not fully recommend one for so important an office as that of Depy Pay Master General.” Second letter of October 25 not found. ]
24From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your several letters of the twenty third of September and of the fourth and eighth of October. No particular rules were laid down for the government of the Colonels and Majors in the arrangement of relative rank as it was supposed that they wod. naturally take into consideration all circumstances which, in a military point of view, give one man the preference to another. Former...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 11 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the twenty fifth and twenty sixth of October with their enclosure. Mess. Stickney and Wilson have been nominated to the Secret of War as Cadets in your regiment, and have received my support. I enclose to you an arrangement of relative rank formed on the basis of the one which you transmitted to me. The appointments of some of the persons mentioned in your list...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the sixth and ninth of this month. You will have perceived from a letter which must have arrived before now, that the arrangement of relative rank did not meet with my approbation. The list which I transmitted you is not to be considered as definitive, but as referred back for revision. Taking the principles which I have heretofore stated for your guide...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 20th and 25th of November. A Judge Advocate General it is expected will be appointed, but permanent appointments of an inferior kind are not provided for by law. Of course only occasional appointments can be made on special occasions, and to these no compensation can be annexed. I am satisfied with what you have done on the subject of the Court Martial; But...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 6 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of Decr. 17th. It was not my intention that the relative rank of your officers should have been finally determined on, and made known to them unless you had arranged it according to the list I forwarded, but as your motives have no doubt been just in so doing, I shall sanction the arrangement. The Gentlemen of your regiment who have received subsequent appointments,...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have received from Captain McKay of your regiment. You will perceive in it a request of absence for the space of six months. The time is very long, and, as a precedent, might involve inconvenience; but the reasons on which the request is founded appear to be peculiar, and dispose me to go as far as the service of the regiment will, in your opinion,...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 25th of February. The employment of the men in cutting and hauling their own wood was certainly proper in itself, as well as consistent with the usage of service. Their conduct therefore was very atrocious and demanded decisive measures. The direction which I some time ago gave you to refer to me for the appointment of a General Court Martial proceeded...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 11 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received two letters one from Major Lynde the other from Lieutt. Lull, both requesting leave of absence for a few weeks. All applications of that kind ought to be made through the Commanding Officer of the post where they may be. I refer to you the propriety of giving them a furlough which you will do should it not upon enquiry appear to you detrimental to the Service. with true...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 14 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fourth instant. I have sent the commission and letter of Lt Spring to the Secretary of War. The result, as soon as known, shall be communicated to you. With respect to the filling of vacancies, I have no intimations on the subject from the Secretary of War and therefore conclude that they will be filled at least in the way of promotions. The ultimate...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War informs me that the resignation of Lieut W. Church of the fifteenth regiment is accepted. You will make this known to Col. Hunnewell that it may be communicated to Lieut. Church. You will inform me of the date of the notification to Mr. Church. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See H to James McHenry, March 11, 1800 ; McHenry...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The proper measure of the pace is a matter of primary importance in the Tactics of the Infantry. The establishments of different Nations differ in this particular. For example—Our pace is two feet English measure. That of the French is two feet French or about 26 Inches English. That of the English is 30 of their Inches, measuring in each case from heel to heel. This is rather capricious. The...
35From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter dated 14th. instant from Major Walker requesting a furlough for five or six weeks. You will, if you deem it expedient and for the good of the service grant him leave of absence for the whole or any part of the time he requires. with true consideration &c Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. John Walker to H, March 14, 1800...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 22 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The resignation of Lieut Spring is accepted, and will be considered as taking effect on the 31st of this month. The following is from a letter of the S of War—“Doctor Barron is to be considered as temporary Surgeon’s mate from the time he commenced to render service in the fourteenth regiment. Col. Rice’s letter does not give the date of the commencement of his doing duty. When informed...
37From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 24 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the sixteenth instant with it’s enclosure. The letter and commission of Lieutenant Flagg have been sent with the necessary observations to the S of war. An officer is certainly not out of service untill his resignation is accepted by the President. The Secretary of war is the organ thro which the acceptance is made known. Certificates given to contractors should...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a plan of the Formation of a Regiment for Exercise or Battle, of which I request your mature consideration, and that you will favour me as early as may be with the result of your reflections. The more careful and particular your criticism, the more will it oblige me. ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In the margin of this letter H wrote: “Two copies as in the original...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Oliver Emerson, Cadet in the fifteenth regiment, has applied to me for a discharge from the service. You will deliver the enclosed to him accordingly. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How and H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Emerson to H, March 19, 1800 (listed in the appendix to this volume).
40From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the enclosed letter of Captain Tillinghast, and you will act in the case as the good of the service may require. It is proper that Officers should apply to me thro their commandant. Having then his remarks I shall be better able to judge of what is proper to be done. You will take care that this be made known. It is very desirable that the Officers should be with their regiments...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 1 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of March 23rd and have forwarded to the Secretary of War Capt: Babbits resignation the acceptance of which I shall no doubt be shortly enabled to inform you of. The Post[s]cript of your letter has been communicated to the Deputy Paymaster General; he informed me that the delay in sending on the money was occasioned by some perplexity as to the mode of remittance,...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 8 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Flaggs resignation has been accepted of which you will please to notify him, informing me of the time he receives your notice. with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Sevt. Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. James McHenry to H, April 7, 1800 (listed in the appendix to this volume). See also H to Rice, March 24, 1800 .
43From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 8 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Deputy Pay Master General, in a conversation which I have just had with him, stated to me that altho near three thousand dollars were due to the fourteenth regiment on the thirty first of October, yet pay and muster rolls were not received by him untill the close of January when no time was lost in taking the necessary measures for a settlement. He further states to me that pay and muster...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 3rd. instant with the inclosures respecting Henry Collins. It has been my rule to grant those Soldiers a discharge who may have been inlisted under the age of eighteen, and who at the time of the application for their discharge have not attained that Age. Should you on further examination find Collins to be thus situated, you will cause him to be discharged...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 18 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Captain Ashmun requesting permission of absence. Applications of the kind should always come thro’ the commanding officer accompanied with his opinion. You are at libery to grant Captain Ashmun a furlough till some time in May. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Phineas Ashmun’s letter has not been found. See “Circular to...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 21 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The resignation of Captain Babbit is accepted, and his pay and emoluments will cease on the fifteenth of May next. You will inform him accordingly. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See Rice to H, March 23, 1800 ; H to Rice, April 1, 1800 ; H to James McHenry, April 16, 1800 (listed in the appendix to this volume); McHenry to H, April 19, 1800...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice and William S. Smith, [23 April 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
It appears by a Report of the Dy P M G that no return has come from the 12 Regiment of the Cloathing on hand as required by the general order of the 11th of March. Considering the time which has elapsed since the issuing of that order if there are any articles of Cloathing in the possession of the Pay Master of that Regiment he has been guilty of very great neglect for which he ought to be...
48From 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...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 6 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty fourth of April. At present things will continue as they are, a guard continuing to be furnished from the Artillerists at New Port. It is not improbable that the brigade under your command will be removed to Rhode Island before long. In that case the Artillerists will be releived agreeably to Major Jackson’s request. With great consideration I am Sir...
50From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 10 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The President has accepted the resignation of Captain Thomas Chandler, expressing, at the same time, his regret that circumstances should render it necessary for him to retire from the army. You will inform Captain Chandler accordingly. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See Rice to H, March 16, 1800 ; H to James McHenry, May 5, 1800 (listed in the...