1To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The quantum and kind of defensive force necessary at this juncture, and which it appears to the Sery of War, Congress ought to make immediate provision for, may be calculated, 1st with reference simply to France; and 2dly with reference to France and Spain united. This force, calculated with reference to France only, will have for objects; the protection of our commerce; the securing our...
2To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
Conceiving it proper that you should be informed of the arrangements, regulations and instructions, relative to the most important objects in the department of War, I have caused the same to be copied, and herewith respectfully submit them— With the greatest respect / I have the honor to be / Sir / Your obed servant MHi : Adams Papers.
3To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War, in conformity with the desire of the President as expressed in his letter of the 14th instant has the honour to submit the following suggestions. 1st Question. It is difficult to fix the precise point at which indignity or affront from one state to another ceases to be negotiable without absolute humiliation and disgrace. For the most part it is a relative...
4To John Adams from James McHenry, 5 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit the reflexions which have occurred to me on the questions contained in your letter of the 14th ulto. With respect to your letter of the 15. I shall give it as early an answer as circumstances will permit, and intreat that you will ascribe the delay to the pressing business of the office and importance of the subject. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be...
5To John Adams from James McHenry, 5 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War in conformity with the orders of the President has the honour to offer the following observations and suggestions relative to the objects of the Presidents letter of the 15th Ulto. With respect to the speech. It appears adviseable that it should be chiefly if not wholly confined to the foreign affairs of the country giving to these with France the primary and prominent...
6To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
In conformity with the request contained in your letter of the 30th relative to an augmentation of artillery & cavalry and arrangements for a provisional army, I have the honour to subjoin the following observations and statements. In order to have a fair view of the subject it may be proper to premise what is the force on the present establishment, and the how it is distributed. It may...
7To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
The President is requested to return the inclosed letter &c after having perused it to the Secy. of War. Israel Chapin is agent for Indian Affairs. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir / Your most obt. DLC : James McHenry Papers.
8To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Indians on the North Western frontier give indications of their desire to remain at peace and under the protection of the U. States, notwithstanding the various efforts that have been made to debauch them. They have consented that the line of limits should be run, (with an exception by Little Turtle) agreeably to the Treaty of Greenville and the...
9To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the last letters which I have received from and written to Brigadier General Wilkinson viz From General Wilkinson 2. July 7. 1797 1. July 29. 1. July 30. 1. 2d. August To General Wilkinson Copies of the 21. and 25. July and 11. August. From David Henley. one of the 1. August with its references and one from Lieut Piercy Smith Pope of the 28. June with two papers...
10To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
Since my letter of this morning which inclosed the last dispatches I had from General Wilkinson and others, I have thought it proper to write to the General relative to the subject of Mr. Powers’s mission, to prevent should any thing have delayed Cap Guion at Massac, any misconceptions on his part. I submit a copy of it. As I had sent off the original to which this letter refers, it is...
11To John Adams from James McHenry, 5 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
The recent death of Doctor Way has left the office of treasurer of the mint vacant, to which Mr John Knap a native of Maryland, but for some time an inhabitant of Philadelphia wishes to be appointed. This gentleman some time since produced to me recommendations from the Governor of Maryland, the Chancellor and one or two private gentlemen of that State in whom I have confidence, which bore...
12To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received at this place your letter of the 1st of Sepr. instant with its several references. I have been attacked here with a bilious fever from which I am getting slowly better, a restoration to my former state of health being impeded by the business I have been obliged to attend to and having no assistant to copy for me except a youth my nephew. The inclosed papers from No. 1 to No. 5...
13To John Adams from James McHenry, 3 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed dispatches from Brigr. General Wilkinson were received the 28th of Sept. ulto. The next day I thought it proper to write a letter to Capt. Guion (a copy of which is annexed) to prevent him from mistaking his duty or misunderstanding any longer the instructions I had sent him, which to me had appeared sufficiently explicit. He seems however to have got tired of one thing, I mean,...
14To John Adams from James McHenry, 20 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received by yesterdays mail your dispatch of the 20 September Ult. Major Lovell sent it from Pittsburg and expected to be here in a few days. The Spaniards it seems have thought proper to make a new move on the Chessboard and fall down the Mississippi. I shall offer no opinion as to its object: It is enough that it serves to discredit them among the Northwestern Indians who will find some...
15To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit the following letters and copies of letters and to request that the originals may be returned with such orders as you may think proper. vz. No. 1. Copy of a letter dated the 16th of Octbr. to Brig. Gen. James Wilkinson. No. 2. (a) Instructions to Capn. Pierce dated 16 Octbr. (b) Instructions to a detachment expected from Tenessee at Massac. (c) Instructions to Majr....
16To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter under date of the 15th of this month on the 20th inst. In conformity with your desire therein, that I should commit to writing such things as I might judge necessary to be communicated or recommended to Congress at the opening of the session I beg leave to report as follows. It does not appear to me from any thing that has come to my knowlege, that...
17To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed copy of a letter to the Accountant for the department of War, dated the 11th: instant, with his answer of the same date, is respectfully submitted for your consideration. I have been induced to make this representation from the Accountant’s having refused to countersign a Warrant drawn by me agreeably, as I conceived, to my powers, and the practice of the Office; of the general...
18To John Adams from James McHenry, 30 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War begs leave to sub mit to the president certain facts and considerations which respect the situation of his department. 1. That the appropriation for the Salary of Clerks in the War Office is Four thousand and forty Dollars. 2. That this Sum was for a certain time thought sufficient for Seven Clerks. 3. That finding it inadequate to their support it became necessary in...
19To John Adams from James McHenry, 15 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to the request of the President the Secry. of War respectfully submits the following observations, on the subject of his reference of the 24th of Jany. ulto. It is an undoubted fact, that there is a very general indisposition to war in the minds of the people of the Untied States, and that there is a considerable part of them still peculiarly averse to a war with the French...
20To John Adams from James McHenry, 14 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secry. of War, respectfully submits the following result of his reflexions, on the questions propounded yesterday by the President. Q. Will it be advisable to present immediately to Congress, the whole of the communications from our ministers in France, with the exception of the names of the persons employed by the minister Talyrand, to exhibit and enforce his requisitions for a bribe,...
21To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a report, and documents, in the case of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Rochfontaine Commandant of the Corps of Artillerists, and Engineers. I am Sir / with much the greatest respect / Your most Obedient / Humble Servant— James McHenry War Department 6th: April. 1798— To the President of the United States. The Secretary of War respectfully reports. That certain Charges...
22To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War will immediately be called upon, to furnish instructions, to the commanders of the armed vessels, destined to the protection of our coast, and to act as convoys to our trade. It becomes in consequence his duty, to suggest such circumstances, as require the most serious deliberation, and are connected with this subject. The power of the President, must be considered as...
23To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here yesterday about 7 O’clock a.m. and after breakfasting visited Governor Island Bedlow & Oyster Islands. I intended to have devoted to-day to the Narrows, the East and west bank and Sandy Hook, but have been prevented from executing my purpose by the rain. I shall therefore occupy part of t-day in preparing some questions for the consideration of the New York military committee,...
24To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit, the enclosed papers Nos. 1. to 4 inclusive relative to my proceedings at New-York. I am Sir / with the greatest respect / your most obedient / humble servant. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
25To John Adams from James McHenry, 9 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose, the copy of a letter dated 8. July 1798 the original whereof, I have left with my chief clerk, to be sent by the first mail, to Brigadier General Wilkinson; also the letter from Governor Sumner, which you was pleased to put into my hands, on Saturday. With respect to Castle Island; It appears to me proper, that the cession, made of it, should be accepted, but...
26To John Adams from James McHenry, 12 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here yesterday evening and delivered your letter to the General. I have had much conversation with him, and have now the pleasure to inform you, that I expect to bring you his acceptance of the appointment with the proviso that he is not to be called into activity till such time as in your opinion circumstances may render his presence with the army indispensible. He appears to me to...
27To John Adams from James McHenry, 4 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The more I contemplate the detail of organizing the twelve regiments of Infantry, to be raised; the more I percieve the difficulty of effecting it, with a dispatch proportioned to the emergency, and to the Public expectation. If the course is to be, first to concenter information in this department, from all quarters of the United States; then to digest an arrangment, to communicate it to you...
28To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a duplicate of the talk to the Cherokees, and to request, if approved of, it may be returned with your signature as soon as convenient. I shall leave this with my family to-morrow for Trenton, to which place you will be pleased to direct your letters for this department. with the greatest respect and attachment, I have the honour to be Sir—Your very hble St— MHi :...
29To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received, on the afternoon of the 10th last, from Mr. Elisha Hall secretary to the commissioners for holding a treaty with the Cherokee nation, the following enumerated dispatches viz, 1st a letter dated Tellico 14th July 1798 signed A Moore, George Walton, and John Steele. 2nd a letter dated 16th July 1798 signed George Walton. 3rd the Journal of the proceedings of the commissioners...
30To John Adams from James McHenry, 17 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have just received the enclosed letter and address. General Badgley of Hampton, lives near Baltimore, is one of the wealthiest men in the state of Maryland, and at the same time, influential and respectable. With the sincerest attachment / and respect, I am Sir / your faithful & / obt. st. Perhaps you may remember my putting an address into your hands the day before you left Philada to which...
31To John Adams from James McHenry, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter of the 14th on the 21st instant. After what has passed with, and the conceptions of General Washington, respecting the relative grades of Generals Hamilton, Pinckney & Knox; the order observed by the President in presenting their names to the Senate, and by the Senate, in advising to the appointments, I cannot help apprehending some disagreeable...
32To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a patriotic address from the Brigadier general, and field officers of the third Brigade of Maryland Militia with a letter which accompanied the same from Brigadier General J. Swann, to the Secretary of War. The characters of most of the Gentlemen who have signed this address are known to me to be valuable and influential. I am, Sir, with the / Sincerest attachment...
33To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge your letter of the 18th instant. The communication respecting the cession of Castle Island was, I believe, made by the governor of Massachusetts to the Secretary of State. You referrd it to me, and I returned it previous to my visit to New York, with an opinion, that it would be proper to accept of the cession, but that it would be right the convicts should be...
34To John Adams from James McHenry, 4 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your dispatches of the 15, 20. 21 & 23d of Augt. ultimo, with their respective inclosures. The 28th of Augt. ulto. I transmitted by Mr. Hall, to Geo. Walton Esqr. & Lt. Col. Ths. Butler additional instructions, of which the inclosed is a copy, with a commission to the latter gentleman, and on the 30th a duplicate of the instructions by post. No. 1 is a letter from...
35To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a letter, and table therein referred to addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury and dated the 3rd instant. The object of this communication is, to apprise him of the sums of money which will be wanted in this department for the execution of the Laws; and, of the periods at which, in my opinion, they ought to be furnished. I shall make you...
36To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to recieve by this mornings mail your letter dated Quincy Augt. 29 Ulto. In making out the commissions for General Knox Pinckney & Hamilton, I shall follow the order you prescribe, and date Gen. Knox’s on the first day, General Pinckney’s on the second, and General Hamiltons on the third. You observe to me “There has been too much intrigue in this business, both with General...
37To John Adams from James McHenry, 10 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter from the Quarter Master General dated the 21st ulto, and a copy of a letter from Brigadier General Wilkinson dated the 25th of July ulto. I have the honour to be with due respect Sir / your ob & hbe St. MHi : Adams Papers.
38To John Adams from James McHenry, 15 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your letters of the 3d 4th and 5th of this month. It is somewhat difficult, I imagine to please the governor of Georgia. I thought I had been attentive both to himself and the State. There has been ordered to Georgia, on the 3d. of May 2 brass 6 pounders; 2 brass 3 pounders with carriages and impliments & 4 Iron 24 pounders with a sufficient quantity of...
39To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I inclose commissions for the Major Generals and Inspector of the army of the United States dated agreeably to your orders. At the instance of Mr. Wolcott, I have ventured to delay forwarding the Commissions, for a short time, to give him the opportunity of drawing up and presenting to you a respectful representation on the subject of the generals of the army. I have the honour to be, with the...
40To John Adams from James McHenry, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 13th instant, for which I sincerely thank you. It has not only relieved me from some painful impressions, but afforded me ground to expect, I shall be able, when I have the pleasure of again seeing you, to satisfy you more fully that I exceeded, in no particular whatever, the line pointed out to me by your Instructions. Having acted, both...
41To John Adams from James McHenry, 15 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter of the 30th of Septr. ulto. inclosing commissions for the three Major Generals of the army of the United States, signed and dated on the same day. In contemplating the communications which may be expected from this department, at the time of presenting his commission to each of the Generals, I found myself embarrassed respecting the course you meant I...
42To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your several letters under date of the 13th 14th 17th and 21st of September and also of the 4th. 5th. 10th & 12th of Octbr. instant. I shall give the earliest consideration to the objects suggested in your letter of the 10th (which came to hand yesterday) and write you thereon as soon as possible. With respect to this sickness at Philadelphia, that may as well...
43To John Adams from James McHenry, 27 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive on the 26th inst. your letter dated Quincy the 17th, inclosing me a letter from his Excellency Governor Jay, and a copy of an act of the Legislature of N. York, with a copy of your answer to the Governor, and of your letter to General Hamilton, and requiring me to submit these papers to the consideration of the heads of departments and according to their judgements...
44To John Adams from James McHenry, 30 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter dated the 22d inst. this morning. Inclosed are copies of letters from me of this date, to generals Washington & Pinckney, also copies of letters to me from Generals Hamilton & Knox the one dated the 19th inst. and the other the 23d. It is with sincere sorrow I received the information respecting Mrs. Adams’s low state of health, and your own distressing...
45To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recieved a letter yesterday from Major General Pinckney, in answer to mine of the 30th a copy of which is inclosed. I have the honour to be Sir with the greatest respect and attachment / Your most obt. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
46To John Adams from James McHenry, 19 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
There is a very great desire among a number of citizens & gentlemen composing the volunteer companies & City militia, to know as near as may be the day and hour at which you may be expected to arrive here. As I think it would not be right to disappoint their laudable zeal—I pray you to be so obliging as to drop me a line from New York to enable me to satisfy their inquiries, and afford them an...
47To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
It must be, well know to you, that the pressure of business, upon me, at Trenton, which could not be neglected; the derangements consequent upon the removal of the office, to Philadelphia; the necessity, of making some arrangements, for my family, in the first moments of their return; and the almost constant attention, I have been obliged to give, to the objects, refered to the general...
48To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
The extra allowance to officers detached on service, so as to be obliged, to incur expences on the road, and at places where there are no military posts, occasions frequent references to the Secretary of War, which interfere much, and will still more, in the event of augmenting the army of the United States, with the most important business of the Department. The officers claiming such...
49To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I inclose the warrants, for holding two military courts, one, a General Court Martial on Captain Thomas Lewis, the other, a court of Inquiry, on the conduct of Captain Edward Miller, together with the proceedings, sentence, and opinion of the Court. At a period, when the army is to be greatly augmented, it is desireable to establish, the best principles for its police; I was therefore induced,...
50To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit, to your consideration and disposal, a Report relative to certain alterations, in the military establishment, which to me appear, to be necessary, and proper. I am Sir / with the greatest Respect / your most obedient / and very humble servant MHi : Adams Papers.