1From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
By yesterday’s post I received your letter of the 31 of December. I was just about to write to you on the principal subject of it. Nothing has given me so much chagrin as the Intelligence that the Fœderal party were thinking seriously of supporting Mr. Burr for President. I should consider the execution of the plan as devoting the country and signing their own death warrant. Mr. Burr will...
2From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry that you were not pleased with my not having consulted you before I used your name in my publication. It was my intention to have done it—but finding my self pressed in point of time I concluded to wave it and on this reasoning— “The nature of the transaction is such as dispensed Mr. Mc. Henry from any obligation of delicacy to conceal any part of it. No blame can therefore attach...
3From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You have seen my letter. You would think the close of it temporising. But the Fœderal Stomach would not bear a stronger dose. I regret that my early opinion was not pursued. All would then have stood better. The press teems with answers to my pamphlet. I may have to reply. If I do I shall reinforce my position by new facts. Assist me with such as you may possess. Did you yourself see the...
4From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Indeed, My Dear Mac, I have not enough the gift of second sight to foresee what N England will do. The mass of the people there are attached to Adams and the leaders of the second class pretty generally. The leaders of the first class pretty generally promote the joint support of Adams & Pinckney either because they dislike Adams or hate & fear Jefferson. Upon the whole I believe though not...
5From 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...
6From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In a late letter you informed me that a list of recent promotions was making out, and would speedily be transmitted. It has not yet been received. I am anxious to have it soon as the day appointed for disbanding the troops is near at hand. Will you be pleased to send it, if possible, by Tuesday next, addressed to me at N York for which place I shall set out tomorrow. Df , in the handwriting of...
7From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
There is a probability that the two Regts. of Artillerists can now be completed. According to the plan heretofore approved two battalions were to be reserved for the services of field —one to serve under the Command of Genl. Pinckney, the other to serve under my immediate command. These two Battalions, the additional Infy having been disbanded, may now be united in a Camp of instruction, and...
8From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter which I have received from Lt. Lewis of the first regiment— On the expediency of making compensation to officers charged with the performance of extra duties; and the right of the Executive to do it I have already very fully expressed my opinion—I can add nothing to what I have heretofore said, but that Lt. Lewis in this particular case Lt Lewis ought to receive...
9From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Kirkland of the twelfth regiment, from straightened pecuniary embarrassments circumstances and zeal for the service attachment to military life, is willing to accept a first Lieutenancy with in one of the old regiments of Infantry, or a second Lieutenancy in one of them with the prospect of speedy promotion to a first. From information received lately from your department, and from the...
10From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an extract of a letter which I have just received from Colonel Rice— It was my intention to have caused the regiments to be provided with bands of music, and this I doubt not will hereafter be considered as an useful arrangement—from this circumstance, and the particular situation of things I think it advisable that the U States should take the Musical instruments procured by Col....
11From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
An order was received from you some time since, as you will recollect, directing enlistments to be “for and during the existing differences with France,” or for the term of five years at the pleasure of the government. The number of men enlisted under these conditions is inconsiderable, and an expectation appears to have been entertained among them that they would not be separated from their...
12From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed the Paymaster General to send to his Deputy with General Pinckney, bounty money sufficient to recruit two companies of Infantry, in addition to those mentioned in my letter to you of the twenty third instant. The first direction was given from memory. The present is founded on the enclosed Statement. I have made allowance for the recruits that may be obtained in Kentucky, & the...
13From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
If Lieut. Peyton’s resignation is not definitive, I request that the acceptance of it may be suspended—He has written me a letter for which it is indispensable that he should be arrested. I request to be inform’d without delay as to his situation— with great respect &c Send me if you please a copy of Lt. Peyton’s letter which I forwarded in mine of the 18th. ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan...
14From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 24, I can only say that I have referred the Papers relative to extra Services to the Secretary of the Treasury who has not yet reported. That I cannot determine any Thing on Major Tousard’s Claim nor Mr. Dinsmores till some general rule is settled,—Major Tousard however and Mr Dinsmore will have Justice done them. If you approve of the Measure you may send a...
15From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of 23 of this month relative to Col. Smith’s Letter: your letter of this 26th relative to appointments for Major Tousard: Your letter of this date. I shall omit appointing any officer in the Artillery at present excepting Mr: Robins Chamberlain. Your Letter also of this date inclosing a Petition from Robert Gilmore, Esqr: Chairman of the Committee, &ca. All these...
16From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you the enclosed papers, in order that you may see what grounds I gave my Sanction to the Expenditures made by Capt. Ellery. be apprised of the subject of them. I request that you will add your Sanction if lest the want of it should be an obstacle with the comptroller— With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. ob. Servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown...
17From John Adams to James McHenry, 24 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read and considered your report of yesterday & concur with you & the other gentlemen at the heads of department in the propriety of appointing a qualified person to visit & examine into the actual state of the garrisons—Indian trading houses or factories & other public property in the North Western territory on the Missisippi & on the frontiers of Tennesee & Georgia. It has been...
18From John Adams to James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your note of this date & have read all the papers. This whole business is so entirely new to me, that I have read the documents with great surprize. I highly approve of the proposed enquiry & of your letter to Messrs Shepherd Parks & Ely I am Sir with great esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
19From 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...
20From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter with the inclosed came to hand the day preceding my leaving the City for this place. The hurry of the first moments here prevented my sending it sooner. Oh mad! mad! mad! Yrs. Affecly. ALS , The Sol Feinstone Collection, Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia. McHenry to H, first letter of May 20, 1800 . See H to Aaron Ogden, May 8, 1800, note 1 .
21From John Adams to James McHenry, 22 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President requests the candid opinion of the Secretary of War, upon the project in the inclosed letter of Col Smith. Whether his request can be granted in whole or in part consistent, with military & political justice & propriety without favor or affection. The P. prays Mr. McHenry to return Smith’s letter. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
22From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your two letters of the 20th instant have come to hand. The disbandment of the six additional troops of Cavalry has been announced in General Orders. The General and other Staff were not included in those Orders, not only because it might as conveniently be communicated by letter, but because it will be necessary that their power be considered as existing after the troops shall have quitted...
23From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the proceedings of a General Court Martial in the case of Capt. Courtlandt of the 12th. Regt. to be laid before the President for his decision. Tho’ this Officer would soon be out of Service by the operation of the law for disbanding the troops; yet it is, in my opinion, very important, in point of example, that for such outrageous conduct, he should be sent from...
24From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 20, 1799. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Original draft of a letter with attestation by his son John C. Hamilton.” Letter not found. ] ADf , sold at Goodspeed’s Book Shop, Boston, Catalogue 129, Lot 997.
25From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have transmitted to the Pay Master General an abstract of the numbers of the Twelve Additional Regiments and have urged him to make an estimate of the sums which will be due including the three months extra pay, and without delay to remit adequate funds. I beg you to send for him and to second by your authority the instruction I have given. I am this particular because without great exertion...
26From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the sixteenth instant, and shall take immediate measures for giving effect to the directions of the President. Nothing is said in the directions relative to the six troops of Light Dragoons. I mention this least there should have been some unintentional omissions. If it be so it is proper that I should receive immediate information. Df , in the handwriting of...
27From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to call recall your attention to my letter of the 10th inst mentioning the resignation of Lt. Blake acting Pay & Qr. Mas to the detachment at Wilmington under Major Cass and proposing Lt. Jacob Wilson as a substitute. I understand from Major Cass that the bounty money deposited in the hands of the different recruiting officers has been withdrawn by order of the PM General—This puts...
28From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the enclosed letter from Lt. Peyton and recommend as he has made the rect offer a condtn of continuance in service that his resignation be accepted— I would thank you to inform me and Major Cass who is at Wilmington of the decision in the case as soon as possible of the decision in the case. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
29From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosing are letters from Captain Jordan and Lieutenant Soper offering a resignation of their commissions Col. Hunnewell urges strongly that they be accepted— Enclosed is an extract of a letter from Major Rivardi which I send you for your information. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
30From John Adams to James McHenry, 15 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I request you to transmit copies of the law for reducing the twelve regiments which passed yesterday to Major Generals Hamilton & Pinckney & also to the commandant of brigades with orders to the Major Generals to make immediate arrangements, for reducing those regiments on the fourteenth day of June I pray you also in concert with the Secretary of the Treasury to make seasonable preparations...
31From 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...
32From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed The enclosed are a copy of a letter from Mr. David Thompson to whom the enclosed papers relate is not an officer of the army. It is therefore, in my opinion, indispensible proper that he receive a compensation for his services. If you concur with me, you will be pleased to give the necessary directions in the case— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library...
33From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Col. Rice relative to an issue of Clothing to the troops under his command previous to the expiration of the year—From the Movements in Congress which indicate a speedy disbandment of the additional regiments I have not thought proper to issue an order in the case without your sanction— Unless it is very certain that the If the troops will should not be...
34From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Lieutenant Philemon C. Blake offering a resignation of his commission. If it is accepted, it will be necessary to appoint another person to act as Pay & Quarter Master to the detachment under the command of Major Cass—The Major strongly recommends Lieut. Jacob Wilson for the purpose—I request your sanction to the nomination— It appears from a letter which I have just...
35From 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.…”
36From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Brooks, of the Artillery, has, been continued as Agent for the payment of the troops at Staunton, it being very desirable that they should receive their dues before they rerout for their destination at Pittsburg and elsewhere— The following is from a letter of the PMG. on the subject. “The expences of the Agent employed will probably be of an extraordinary nature, and I presume that Mr....
37From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Col. Smith relative to Joseph Cross a Private in the eleventh regiment— I do not think it proper, on the statement given, to order a discharge. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
38From 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).
39From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [8] May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the seventh instant enclosing copies of the Contracts entered with William Colefax, Robt. Colefax, and Alexr Richards for the year eighteen hundred. Upon looking thro’ the bundle of Contracts, I find that there have I find upon a reexamination that they have never before ben sent to me ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
40From John Adams to James McHenry, 7 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the sixth day of this month, & consider the requests contained in it as very reasonable. They are readily agreed. I as Sir with much esteem / your most obedient & humble servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
41From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read with attention, and duly considered, your letter of the 1st. of this month, and all the papers inclosed with it, and am of opinion that the public interest, and service requires that the proposed site and Ore be purchased at the best terms, which can be obtained, and a National Foundry for casting Cannon, shot and shells established, and I authorize you, in conjunction with the...
42From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have given orders to the two Brigades under the command of Colonels Smith and Rice to prepare for encamping. Returns of the articles wanting for this purpose have been called for and will soon be completed. It is hoped that Mr Hodgsdon will be provided for meeting the requisition of the Deputy Quarter Master General without delay. It is now time to decide what shall be the disposition of...
43From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the copy of a letter of the 4th instant from Col Taylor. It presents a picture of which the similitude has too frequently come under my observation. I must be permitted to observe that nothing can be more injurious to the service than that pecuniary embarrassment should be occasioned to officers, in reference to services duly performed and expenditures...
44From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Major Tousarde. I think this It is probable that this officer can now be employed in superintend with more advantage to the public in superintending the fortification of this harbour, than in any other occupation service. As And as he is the oldest officer of Engineers, except Col. Burbeck now in the Western country, there is a propriety in his being...
45From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Rice mentions to me, in a letter of the twenty first of April, that he had that day informed Lieutenant Flagg of the acceptance of his resignation. Enclosed is an extract from Col. Rice’s letter on the subject of double rations— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
46From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Captain Ths. Chandler to Col. Rice relative to a resignation of his Commission— Upon reviewing my files for December I do not find any letter on the subject— From the circumstances stated you will, I presume, think it proper to accept the resignation—I would thank you to inform me without delay, of the Decision in the case ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How,...
47From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Doctor Hubbard offering requesting that his resignation may be accepted I would thank you to inform me without delay of the decision in his case— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
48From 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).
49From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an extract of a letter from Major Freeman—It is very important that the vacancies spoken the of should be filled without delay. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
50From 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...