201From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you two extracts from Col. Bentley’s letter of the twentieth of October. As the directions for the this new arrangement of rank proceeded from became necessary in consequence of transactions in your department I have doubt with respect to my power of giving it a sanction; but I could wish that it might speedily receive the proper ratification from your department the executive. There...
202From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I would thank you to inform me whether Mr. Brown has been appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned in Col. Taylor’s regiment by the non acceptance of Mr. Chew. If this has not been done I would recommend that the place be filled by the senior first lieut. according to the regular principles of Military promotion. Col. Taylor, in his letter of the second of October mentions to me that Austin...
203From 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...
204Enclosure: General Wilkinson’s Proposed Arrangement of Officers, [31 October 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
First Regiment Field & Staff John F. Hamtramck Lieut. Col. Commandant Thomas Hunt 1st Major – – – – – – 2d. Major Lieut. Robert Semple Adjutant Lieut. Yelverton Peyton Paymaster Lieut. Joshua S. Rogers Quarter Master John Elliott Surgeon – – – – – –
205From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon examination I find that it is Mr. Richard Taylor and not Captain Edmund Taylor to whom Col. Parker refers in his letter of the twenty fifth instant. This gentleman is a Lieutenant—I must trouble you for the requisite information Enclosed are the inaccurately dated commissions &c With perfect respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
206From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the original letter of Captain Kissam offering a resignation of his commission. The health of this officer has been much impaired, and I should be glad to have it in my power to inform him that his resignation is accepted. With great Colonel Smith has represented to me in strong terms the merits of Captain Kirkland. This provides an alteration in the relative rank of the officers of...
207From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson has furnished me with the inclosed estimates of the cost of the Water Battery Barracks & Magazine, which have been undertaken at Loftus’s Height. And he gives it as his opinion by analogy, but without detail, that the cost of the fort proposed to be erected at the same place will about equal the sum of these Estimates say 16000 Dollars. I send you an estimate, which I have...
208From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Parker, in his letter of the twenty fifth of September, mentions to me that he has never heard from Captain Taylor of his regiment. I would thank you to enable me to give to Colonel Parker the requisite information on this subject. Enclosed are the arrangement of relative rank for the company officers of the eighth regiment, the accounts of Mess. Tennison and Burk, and some letters in...
209From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letters, from Genl Morgan and Captn G. S. Washington, recommending the Revd Mr Hill, as Chaplin to the Troops about to be stationed at Harper’s Ferry, have come to my hands, and are now forwarded for your inspection. I do not observe in the “Act for the better organizing the Troops of the U.S. &c.” that any provision is made for Chaplins. Whether they are provided for in any other...
210From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter which I have just written to Captain Elliot as I know not what measures you may have taken on in consequence of my last communication on the subject. With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
211From 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...
212From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the proceed gs of a Court Martial lately holden at Fort Fayette of which Major Stevenson was President to be submitted to the President of the U States for his decision. No peculiar circumstances appear in it. I can only observe that it probably proceeded from some knowlege of personal character in the Court & from the conviction of the necessity of some examples....
213From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It was not my intention, in my letter of the twenty third instant, to represent the application of Captain Elliot to you as irregular, but merely to intimate that it would be imprudent inconvenient to give effect to such an application in derogation from a general arrangement. You will perceive from the enclosed letter the order which has been given addressed to the commanding officer of Fort...
214From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 24, 1799. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Refers to ‘the evils which attend the delay of money—Among the rest the keeping of the Troops out of Winter Quarters to suffer the rigours of the advancing season.… If the contentment and attachment of the troops are to be aimed at, there must be a material change in the plan which has hitherto been...
215From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 23, 1799. “… I am induced to think, that the recruiting Service for the Sixth and Seventh Regiments will be promoted by leaving them to take their Winter Quarters within their respective States. I submit this observation. It is not for me to judge, as to these Troops, whether there are reasons for adhering to the primitive plan which outweigh the consideration just...
216From 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...
217From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In the creation of new Corps some irregular expences will happen. That which is the subject of the inclosed extract of a letter from Col: Bentley is an example. You will observe the impression which has been excited. The character of Col: Bentley induces attention to his feelings. In cases of a similar kind the dissatisfaction arising from a strict — adherence to rule may be more important...
218From 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...
219From 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).
220From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears to me very adviseable to remit to the Pay Master General of the Western army bounty money for a Regiment complete for the double purpose of reinlisting those men whose times of service are expiring and of recruiting in addition men equal to four companies as I am informed may probably be effected without much difficulty. The inlistment of men within the scene has the double...
221From John Adams to James McHenry, 18 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
As a few Weeks only intervene between Us and the Meeting of Congress I request the favour of you to turn your Thoughts to the subject of Communications both of Information and Advice necessary to be made to that Body at the opening of the session and in particular to prepare a summary of the Rise Progress , declension and suppression of the Rebellion in Pennsylvania. Every Thing in the Indian...
222From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [14] October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the necessity of careful inquiry for a fit character previous to an appointment, I still remain with only one Aid. Of course I have not all the regular assistance which the establishment allows to me; but the extent of my correspondence rendered it indispensable for me to find a substitute. I could not with propriety have drawn an officer from the troops without additional...
223From 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...
224From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is indispensable that persons as Pay Masters shall be promptly constituted for the first and second Regiments of Artillerists. The first has a pay Master who being at the Natches cannot officiate for the Regiment. Lt. House has been favourably mentioned to me by the Pay Master General and others. If you approve I will appoint him to act as Assistant Pay Master. In this case he will expect...
225From 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...
226From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the plan which is conceived to be proper for the disposition of the four Regiments of the permanent establishment. It is the result of communications with General Wilkinson and the Commander in Chief —and accords with the opinion of the latter. The principal objects of this plan are 1 The distribution of the troops by corps in contiguous or relative positions;...
227From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is now time to contemplate the distribution of the Troops of the UStates into Divisions and Brigades. The arrangement which appears to me expedient for the present is this—“That the four old Regiments shall form One Division and two Brigades the twelve new ones Two Divisions and four Brigades.” The very great sphere of action to which the former are destined, including important and...
228From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Parker, in his leter of the sixth of November nominates Mess. Tennison and Burke as Cadets in his regiment—I would recommend that these Gentlemen be immediately appointed— With great res ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). H’s note on the cover reads: "Pay Master General Money —for Park er’s companies of Artilly Particular Officers Acceleration."
229From 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,...
230From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Lieut. This will be handed to you by Lieut. Rogers, of the first Regiment who is on the way to D’Etriot to join his regiment. for which purpose He wishes to procure his pay, of which he has never yet received any part. I should be glad Sir if you will facilitate the means of his receiving it. With great consideration & ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown and H, Hamilton Papers,...
231From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this is Doctor Brown of the first regiment of Artillerists who has been ordered by his the commanding officer of the western Army to repair to the service of his regiment in this quarter. He goes to Trenton for the settlement of his accounts—after which it will probably be most expedient to attach him to the battallion destined for the field under Major Tousarde. With great...
232From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Read informs me that he had not heard from those of his officers whose names are subjoined. You must be able to tell probably know where these Gentlemen reside, and whether they have accepted or declined. I would be much obliged to you if you would signify to Such of them as have accepted the propriety of joining their Commandant at Raleigh. But should you decline this if you will...
233From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from Colonel Ogden, and request that the necessary funds may be immediately forwarded to him he may be immediately furnished with the necessary funds to complete the payment for the land I address myself to you on this subject as the thing does not belong to the Pay master’s department, and the department of the Quarter Master is not yet completely organized. I have...
234From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose to you two letters one for the Pay master General, the other for Lt. Rogers— Should you see the intention you will see on perusal—should you approve the measure you will please to forward them; if not you will I request that they may be returned them to me with a communication of your objections With great respect & ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown and H,...
235From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The following arrangement as to Hutts appears to me expedient. Each hutt to be fourteen by Sixteen feet for all but the field officers. One hut for Twelve privates or Eight non Commissioned Officers. One hut for each Captain and each of the Regimental Staff. One hut for every two subalterns. A hutt for a Lt Col of 14 by 24 feet and for each Major of fourteen by 22 feet. One hutt as a Kitchen...
236From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an extract from Col. Hunnewell’s letter of the seventeenth of September on the subject of Cadets. “I now beg leave to offer Mr. Oliver Emerson of York in the county of York in this State, a young gentleman about nineteen years of age—He has a good education, and good connections, a very steady firm young man—He has been a Clerk in my office for some time, and has always conducted...
237From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In a letter from Col. Stevens I am informed that there is no white Cloth to be had for the purpose of woolen overalls for the of the soldiers—If there be not a sufficient supply of the article on hand it will be necessary to purchase Cloth of a different color as the season is at hand has arrived when woolen overalls are necessary to the troops—I wish to hear from you on this subject as soon...
238From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Letter not found. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
239From 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).
240From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I wait for your instructions concerning the regulations proposed to you with respect to objects of extra expence. As soon as I receive your direction I shall issue orders for having the regulations carried into effect. With great respect I am, Sir If it shall be agreeable to General Pinckney to whom I have written on the subject, it is my wish to employ Major Tousard during the winter, in...
241From 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...
242From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enquiry has been made of me by the Commandants of the several regiments with respect to the construction of the last resolution in the Appendix to the Articles of War. They wish to know whether this resolution gives a reward to parties of soldiers who may apprehend deserters. I would thank you for your opinion on the subject. Of the expediency of giving a reward to parties of soldiers that may...
243From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter that I have written to the Superintendant of Military Stores. I wish to be informed whether it will be agreeable to you that I should instruct Col. Parker to have divisions made in the knapsacks of which he complains speaks. With great respect I am, Sir ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
244From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I regret that I did not find in your letter of the 23 instant some assurances, as to the future, which would have enabled me to tranquillize the minds of those Officers, who may have been rendered uneasy by the appointments which have been in discussion between us. Had this been the case, I should have gladly left the subject at rest; for certainly I have no inclination to animadvert on the...
245From 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...
246From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an extract from Col. Parker’s letter of the sixteenth of this month. "No officer has yet been appointed to fill the vacancy of John C. Williams, nor have I heard anything of Richard Taylor who was appointed vice wells—The companies suffer considerable inconvenience from the want of their compliment of officers." He has been directed to write to Mr. Taylor if he can discover his...
247From 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,...
248From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to the authority Contained in your letter of the third inst. I have concluded upon a station at Green Brook for the Winter Quarters of the 11th. 12th and 13th regiments, and shall immediately instruct Col Ogden to finish the purchase of the fee simple at the price last mentioned, (50 dollars pr. acre) disembarrasse d if possible of the right of preemption which is Claimed by the...
249From 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).
250From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the first perusal of your letter respecting Winter Quarters at Harper’s ferry I supposed it to be your intention that I should take definitive measures on the subject. Under that idea I wrote to Col. Parker the and Genl. Washington the letters which you will find enclosed. But I see observe, upon reading your letter a second time, that you have instructed me to take only preliminary...