101From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The contracts which have been made for the supply of the troops on the sea board have contemplated a small scale of issues, where to be worth the undertaking, the price must be high. Accordingly in most of the States the price is much greater than it ought to be. It has occurred to me as possible to reduce it. It is in the option of the Government to station its troops where it will. It is not...
102From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have given directions, with the precaution you contemplate, respecting the subject of your letter of the 16th. In respect to the provision for the supply of recruits at Lewis Town—I observe that in fixing the limits of a subdistrict and a particular place of rendezvous within it, I consider that place as a head Quarters for all the recruits inlisted within the subdistrict; but that...
103From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Rice proposes Mess Joseph Stickney and Edward Le Britton Wilson as Cadets in his Regiment, and I would recommend that they be immediately appointed. The Col. mentions that they can not recruit a man from the want of cash money— With great ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
104From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed the Pay Master General to deliver to his Deputy with General Pinckney, bounty money for four companies of Infantry. To Lieut. Richmond bounty money for four companies of Infantry, To Lieut. Woolstencraft bounty money for six companies of Artillerists. This I consider as a sufficient provision for completing the two Regs. of Artillerists including the additional battallion as...
105Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from New York, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 1 Nathaniel Paulding West Chester would prefer Artillery Mr . Hale refers to me speaks hyhly A probably a good Lieutantnt AH 2 John Treat Irving would prefer Artillery B Mr. Hale 3 Timothy Shalor Albany County
106From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose two letters one for the commanding Officer at Fort Mifflin the other for Major Adlum their Objects will appear on perusal. perhaps you may think it expedient to give some Special direction to the Quarter Master General, for assisting the conveyance of Masseys Compy. If you see no objection you will please to forward the letters. The arrangement as relative to this...
107From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
There are many officers in Town who have entirely worn out their Uniforms, and are anxious to procure new ones, their uncertainty as to the Plan however prevents them; fearful of being led into expence which would be very inconvenient by not adopting the proper one. Let me urge your immediate determination on this subject. with great respect I am Sir Your obed Sevt. Df , in the handwriting...
108From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you a summary of the recruits for the Additional regiments as they appear on returns which were received at the Adjutant General’s Office. On the back is an estimate from better information of the probable numbers to the end of the month— With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
109From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I feel it as a mark of consideration for my recommendation, that notwithstanding the force of the difficulties, which in your view operate against further advances not founded upon the prescribed forms, you are pleased to declare that you will once more give your sanction to the measure. I must entreat you even to go a step further and to order that it be without fail done. For Symptoms...
110From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a construction of the law warranted by usage that the President shall appoint the requisite number of Lieutenants & leave three of them to be designated for Quarter Master & Pay Master in the manner practiced in the late army. But if this is supposed not to be a good construction the end may be produced by making it a rule that recommendations shall come through the described Channels to...
111From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 9, 1800. “Enclosed are … instructions relative to certain objects of incidental expenditure.…”
112Enclosure: Uniform of the Army of the United States, December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Uniform for the Army of the United States For The Commander In Chief A blue Coat, without lappels, with lining Collar and Cuffs of Buff, yellow buttons and gold epauletts of double bullion tag with fringe, each having three stars. Collar Cuffs and pocket flaps to have full embroidered edges, and the button holes of every description to be full embroidered. The fashion to be in other...
113From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
If, My Dear McHenry, your retreat is from any circumstances painful to yourself I regret it with all the sincerity of a real friend; otherwise I congratulate you. It is impossible that our public affairs can proceed under the present chief or his Antifoederal rival without loss of reputation to all the Agents. Happy those who are released from the fetter. But my friend we are not to be...
114From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit you an extract from Major Hoop’s letter of the thirtieth of August. “I am informed by Lieutenant Fergus under date of 25th of June that he could not move without the assistance of some carriages to convey the utensils for cooking &c, and that he had applied to the agent of the war Dept. who told him he could not do any thing in it without the orders of the Secretary of War.” It is...
115From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25[–27] May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 25 [ –27 ] 1799 . “I recur to two of your letters of the 9th. & 10th. instant. The reflections in the first respecting the inlistment of foreigners intirely accord with my impressions, as you have heretofore seen. I adhere to the opinion, that none but natives or naturalised citizens ought to be engaged. Of the latter, residence in this Country anterior to our Revolution to be...
116From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will see my Dear friend in the case of Capt. Frey the evil tendency of correspondence by the head of the War Department with inferior officers, when there is a superior. For a thousand good reasons it cannot be too carefully avoided. Perhaps a sudden emergency where the superior officer is in a situation that recourse to him might defeat the object is the only exception. Yrs. truly ALS ,...
117From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The unascertained situation, in which I have been, since my acceptance of the Military appointment, I now hold, has been not a little embarrassing to me. I had no sooner heard of the law creating the Office than I was told by members of the Congress that I was generally considered as the person designated by circumstances to fill that office and that the expectation of those who most actively...
118From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 January [1800] (Hamilton Papers)
It has been enquired of me whether Cadets are entitled to Clothing. As they are non Commissioned officers the twentieth section of the “Act for better organizing the troops of the U States, and for other purposes,” appears to me to apply to them. I should suppose them to be entitled to the Clothing of a Sergeant Major I would thank you to enable me to answer the enquiries that have been made...
119From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I find that there are the following officers on furlough of the first and second Regiments—of the first, Meriwether Lewis first Lieutenant Charles Smith Charles Blake Thomas J Laurance Peter Robinson Eli B Clemson second Lieutenants—of the second Andrew MClary Captain James Richmond first Lieutenant William Laidlie and John Wilson second Lieutenants— I propose that those of the first should be...
120From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from Major Huntingdon of the thirteenth regiment in which he offers a resignation of his commission. I regret the cir that circumstances should have lead led the Major to this step, but as the matter is situated, you will, I trust, see the propriety of accepting I presume you will think it proper to accept the resignation. I request an answer on this subject to know...
121From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A complete revision of the Articles of War is desireable, as they require amendment in many particulars. But this would be so serious a work, that I fear it is not likely to be undertaken with a prospect of being speedily finished. Waving the expectation of such a revision, there are some things which could be done that would be important improvements. You are aware of the great obscurity...
122Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from Vermont, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 5 Marmaduke Wait Windsor ☞ 25 year Payne Young Gentleman heretofore recomd by Morris & himself pretty good 2 Morris —education common morals good active enterprising Cadet 9 John H Brownson Father Brigadier General Lyon Nothing
123From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to submit to you the inclosed copy of a letter from Col: Ogden of the 12th. Inst. contg. a letter of appointmt letter with my opinion that it would be best his request should be granted— With great respect &c PS. The inclosed extract of a letter from the same quarter contains information not agreable— (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
124From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to apologise for not having repleid sooner to your letter transmitting one to you from the Accountant of the War Department dated the 6th of July last. The affair of Lt. Leonard stands thus—It having been determined to have his party innoculated for the small pox at Bedlows Island, it became necessary to make some repairs to the — buildings there which had been used as Hospitals and...
125From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon looking over the letters which I have received of from Col. Bentley I find in one of them Mr. Call recommended, in one of them, as worthy of a Lieutenancy. No mention is made of Mr. Hall— I presume It appears therefore that but one person has been nominated, and that the person name of that person is Call— With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
126From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col J C Hall informs me that he has recommended for appointment to Lieutenancies — his Regiment Thomas Hewit and Benjamin Nowland. I beg to second the recommendation, if no preferable characters have been presented. It is very desireable to complete and keep complete the corps of Officers. Col Rice writes me that he has spoken to Mr. J. Jackson on the subject of transportation of articles; who...
127From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 July 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. instant, inclosing one from General Washington came to hand this day. The object you suggest in it is one, which no doubt deserves a primary attention; and it will be paid to it. But it will be useful, that I should shortly confer with you fully on a variety of subjects, and after receiving an official communication of my appointment, I shall without delay, repair to...
128From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letter speaks for itself. I think upon the whole unless there are objections of which I am not aware it will be expedient to place Mr. Wilson in the new Batalion so as to reinstate him fully in the situation in which he would have been if he had not left the service. He appears to me a genteel sensible young man—and as to his morals has been well spoken of. You best know if there...
129From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It give[s] me pleasure to learn from your letter of the 16 instant, which was received yesterday, that the leading principles and objects of the plan communicated in mine of the thirteenth are approved. In every disposition of the troops in the Western Country the primary views of the government as indicated by you will be carefully attended to. The surmise as to leaving an additional batalion...
130From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter is left open for your perusal— It has appeared to me proper to issue this order as the troops ought not to be entirely destitute of ammunition. An order has been lately given at Harper’s ferry for a guard to conduct — French prisoners. A guard is now furnished from the troops at Harper’s ferry to take care of some French prisoners at Frederick Town—This guard ought to carry...
131From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 27, 1799. “I have reflected on the idea of furnishing the Regimental Quarter Masters with money to procure Quarters Transportation &c for the Recruits. It is a service which in an extensive State (New York for example) he cannot execute personally. If he employs substitutes at the different Stations, as the Contractor must do so likewise for his objects, it will either, by...
132From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a letter of this date to Col: Stevens—I do not whether I have mistaken or not your aim in the reference to me. But on sufficient reflection the course marked out in my letter appear’d to me the only way of getting out of the little embarrassment which has arisen with propriety— Adieu yr. truly (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
133From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson has mentioned to me that the second and third regiments are destitute of surgeons, and particularly recommends the James Boyd Junr. and Samuel Boyd Hayes as mates . These young gentlemen have been mentioned to the General by persons whom I know to be worthy of confidence. I could wish that the appointments be made immediately as the young gentlemen are now ready to set out, —...
134From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I write you herewith an official letter. Your private one of the 13th is before me. I regret that you have been unwell and rejoice that you are better. The affair of General Knox perplexes me. I wish him to serve. I am pained to occasion to him pain, for I have truly a warm side for him, and a high value for his merits. But my judgment tells me, and all I consult confirm it, that I cannot...
135From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Accordg to the returns from Detroit, there ought to be added to the quantity of Powder there One Tun and a half to complete what would be an ordinary supply in proportion to the Artillery. And if the Stock of Powder in the UStates be ample, that quantity ought to be forwarded. The stock however should govern. Not possessing sufficient information on this head, I have concluded to state the...
136From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have declined, upon the principle, mentioned to you stated in a former letter, I have declined taking any to take measures with respect to the Hospitals on Goat or Rose Island, not having received in the mean new any fresh instructions from you on the subject. I think it proper to mention this that there may be no misapprehension as to the situation of the business. It appears from your...
137From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from the Paymaster General inclosing one from Lt. Wm. C. Rogers declining the appointment of Pay master to the Cavalry. I would I have therefore the honor to propose that Lt. Simmon s may be appointed in his place— With great respect &c— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
138From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a copy of a letter I have received from Captain Bishop. You will concur with me, I presume, that the soldiers ought not to suffer from the want of faith in agents employed by the government—This is an thing arrangement in which they have had no concern have no concern— The loss, therefore, in such cases, ought not to fall upon them, but upon the public. I would thank you for your...
139From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have maturely considered the questions raised by your letter of the 21 of January with the aid of such lights, as memory or inquiry could furnish with regard to usage. The truth is that the articles are so obscurely worded as to preclude a very clear construction. The second article of the 18th section of the original code seems to me to be repealed by the first resolution of the 31 of May...
140From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Major Hoops being in arrest in consequence of some for some events which took place in consequence of the trials of Doctor Osborne and Capt. Frye, and the Judge Advocate for those trials being out of town I requ es t you will Send me the whole of the proceedings therein Which I have transmitted you, by tomorrow’s post With great respect &c P.S. The Court Martial is to meet on Wednesday— ( Df ,...
141From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith is a letter with for Capt Bruff with recruiting Instructions, which I beg you to have forwarded to him. You will observe, that the term of Inlistment, which is inserted, is three years. If this is not right you will oblige me by having it altered and me informed of the authority for the alteration—I mention this because in the model you sent me five years are inserted and in looking...
142From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If — I presume — I am lead to believe that my letter to Col. Read relative to Captain Taylor must have miscarried as I find no acknowledgment of the receipt of it. The necessary measures have now been taken — matter has now been committed to the management of General Pinckney With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
143From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you the arrangement which has been proposed by General Wilkinson and approved by me; subject to a negative from your Department, previous to his Departure. This mode has been adopted to accelerate his return. In a few instances, transfers of Officers from one Regiment to another are made in order to avoid as much as possible the separation of Officers from men. But...
144From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Application has been made to me on the Subject of Chaplains. I find by recurrence to the laws that four of these characters are provided for. This will furnish one to each brigade. I doubt not you will feel with me strong motives which recommend the speedily going into these appointments. The Revd. Mr. Hill has been proposed by Col. Parker and I now offer him to you as a Candidate. It appears...
145From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson has just returned to this city, and will set out together with myself for Trenton on Monday in order to settle definitively with you the requisite arrangements for the Western Army. With great respect I am Sir Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. James Wilkinson had been on a trip to New England. See H to George Washington,...
146From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been yesterday & this morning honored with your several favours, three of the 11th and two of the 12th instant. The injunctions respecting the Indian boundary line will be carefully & promptly attended to. Speedy attention will also be paid to the affair of proclaiming Martial law at Detroit. At present I am not aware how the authority for it is found. But this as well as its expediency...
147From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 19th instant with the copies of letters from General Wilkinson mentioned therein. This communication reminds me that it will be necessary for me to peruse at large all that part of the correspondence of General Wilkinson, which relates to permanent or unfinished objects, in order that I may know how to direct in regard to the...
148From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday your private letter of the 16th, with its inclosures, now returned. It was essential for you to take a decisive course & to leave the blame of further delay at some other door. There can be no doubt of the propriety of combining the aid of General Officers. But Pinckney being now arrived, it seems to me very proper & necessary that he also should be called upon. You will...
149Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from Pennsylvania, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
LIEUTENANTS & ENSIGNS John S Porter McPherson Probably good Ensign Philadelphia Francis Johnson Inquire of Chester David Denny perhaps Lt. Young & writes a good hand & good English Archibald D Davis Lancaster Young Dennis Wheelen David Denny do Elija Griffiths Richard Thomas
150From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckny has transmitted me confidentially the copy of a letter which he has written to you respecting the employment of the troops during the Ensuing Summer. I agree with him in the inexpediency of employing new troops in operations not military, as the digging of Canals &c and in the propriety of some extra compensation to any troops who may be so employed, as a douceur and a guard...