151From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Read proposes Doctor Roger Cutler as Surgeon, Mr. Francis Blake as Cadet, and Lieut. Abner Paster as Quarter Master to his regiment. I would recommend that these Gentlemen be immediately appointed. Col. Read is particularly anxious for the appointment of a Surgeon. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
152From 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...
153From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Pursuant to an instruction some time since received from you, I have now the honor to offer to your consideration a new plan for the uniform of the army. You are too sensible of the influence of good appearance, in point of dress and equipment, upon the spirit and Temper of an army, to make it necessary to illustrate its importance. The present uniform is materially defective in this respect....
154Enclosure: 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...
155From 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...
156From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore submitted to you a scale for the allowance of servants to the different grades of Officers with some supplementary ideas. I beg leave to add another suggestion in relation to this subject. The detaching from their corps soldiers, as servants to the various Officers of the general Staff, is productive of material inconvenience by withdrawing altogether from military service a...
157From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you two letters in recommendation of Doctor Foster as for a medical appointment. I have confidence in the Gentlemen who have recommended Dr. Foster— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
158From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you some letters in recommendation of Mr. Hedgeman Thom whom Col. Parker wishes to be appointed an Officer in his regiment— The Colonel is very anxious that the vacancies in his regiment be filled, and I would recommend very much wish that it be done as speedily as possible— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
159From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Smith strongly recommends Mr. Nathaniel Baldwin as a Cadet in his regiment, and I would propose that an appointment be immediately bestowed— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
160From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will recollect that the arrangement of the Officers of a Artillery attached to the Western Army into companies was referred to Colonel Burbeck—Enclosed is a list of the Officers in the order in which the Col. has placed them—This arrangement has received my sanction— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). There is an illegible, badly damaged note...
161From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Having some private business of importance to transact at Philadelphia, and there being several objects of a military nature which perhaps may be facilitated by a personal interview with you, it is my intention to leave this city on Monday next for the seat of government. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir yr. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
162From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send for your information an extract from Col. Rice’s letter of the 20th of November. Col. Rice strongly recommends, Moses Breckett as a Cadet in your his regiment— I know Two persons have already been proposed as Cadets in this regiment, and it is not contemplated I know to appoint more than two at the present juncture—But the merits of Mr Breckett can be considered when the period arrives...
163From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1799. “I take the liberty to request of you information whether the claims of old Soldiers who served in the Revolution war, are still admissible. I make this inquiry to Serve an old Soldier who has consulted me on the subject.” Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In MS this word is “Served.”
164From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 3, 1799. “… In conformity with your letter of the 25th of November I have written to Colonel Hamtramck requesting him to point out the individual officers whose ignorance is so strongly spoken of in his letter of the 5th of October. The remark of the Colonel did not appear to me to be directed particularly against late appointments but to embrace all appointments for the...
165From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a copy of a letter from Mr. Wilson who formerly belonged to the army If the wish which he expresses could be complied with consistently with the interests and rules of the service, it would give me pleasure. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
166From George Washington to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing a letter from Colo. Parker to Mr Lear, in which he requests that I will write to the proper department, to have arrangements made for the payment of two thousand one hundred & seventy five dollars and one third, being the amount of the purchase of one hundred and ninety six acres of land, bought, for the United States, adjoining the public ground at Harper’s...
167From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are some letters in recommendation of Mr Samuel Welsh who in anxious to obtain an appointment in the army. Mr. Welsh states to me that he has been in debt, but has settled with his creditors and obtained a discharge— This fact I should supose ought to be well ascertained before an apppointment is bestowed W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
168From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The preparation of a good system for the Tactics and police of the different portions of our Army is probably the most valuable service which it may be in my power to render the UStates in my present station & there are urgent reasons why this should be accomplished in the course of the present winter. To do it at all would in every situation require the aid of others; since I do not pretend,...
169From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from your letter of the twenty eighth, and have informd Major Huntingdon that the President accepts his resignation. The arrangement of relative rank of the Captains and Subalterns of the thirteenth regiment is not definitively settled. As soon as it shall be settled I will communicate it to you. I am just informed by Major Hunt that Captain Daniel Britt died at...
170From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Taylor informs me that he has recommended Doctor John Orton as Surgeon’s Mate in his regiment in place of Doctor Spaldin who declines serving in that capacity. From the manner in appearance of this Gentleman, and from manner in which Colonel Taylor speaks of him this Gentleman, I should suppose him to be perfectly worthy of the post— With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas...
171From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send for your information an extract from a letter of Major Walker on the subject of relative rank. It The thing seems to be a matter of some doubt whether there is to rest on the point whether there is a substantial distinction between the first and second Majors of regiments. The application of Major to pretensions of Major Walker rest upon this point, W— ( Df , in the handwriting of...
172From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
From information which I have occasionally received it would appear that abuses are, from time to time, committed by particular officers, involving the irregular expenditure of money, that can appear only at the office of the Accountant of the War department. The thing seems to me to be sufficiently important to engage your attention, and I should suppose it would be proper to di[r]ect the...
173From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You have been apprised of the very s erious charges which were preferred by Capt. B ruff against Major Rivardi. They were of a nature to render an inquiry indispensable. There did not exist at Niagara nor could be spared from any of the Posts nearer than D’Etroit a sufficient number of Officers to form the Court, and there might have been some difficulty as to adequate intelligence and...
174From 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...
175From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The near approach of a Session of Congress will naturally lead you to the consideration of such measures for the improvement of our military System as may require legislative Sanction. Under this impression, I am induced now to present to you some objects, which appear to me very interesting, and shall take the liberty to add, hereafter, such others as shall have occurred. One which I have...
176From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 22, 1799. “I have just been honored with your letter of the twentieth instant. The explanation that I entered into in the letter to which this is an answer was founded on a principle of caution, and did not proceed from the supposition that censure had been cast upon my conduct. I can readily assent to the position that in ordinary cases, where [no pressing exigencies...
177From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from General Wilkinson which has just been delivered to me. It was a brought by the Gentleman whom the General recommends. His appearance is much in his favour, and I do not hesitate to advise that the wish of General Wilkinson with respect to him be complied with. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
178Enclosure: William Bingham to James McHenry, [18 November 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
It Surely must have escaped Genl Hamilton’s Recollection, that the Papers he alludes to, never were deposited with me. After reading the publication, in which he mentioned this deposit being thus made, I was Surprized at the omission of which, in Case I had been applied to for a View of them, I Should certainly have reminded him—under any other Circumstances, it would not have been delicate to...
179From George Washington to James McHenry, 17 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your confidential and interesting letter of the 10th instant, came duly, and safely to hand. With the contents of which I have been stricken dumb; and I believe it is better that I should remain mute than to express any sentiment on the important matters which are related therein. I have, for sometime past, viewed the political concerns of the United States with an anxious, and painful eye....
180From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from Captain McRea of the second regiment of Artillerists who is recruiting at Alexandria in the state of Virginia. He informs me that he has already enlisted ten soldiers, and expects shortly to — enlist more; but that there is no Contractor at in the place from whom to procure supplies. I have therefore to request that you will be pleased to take arrangements,...
181From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have mislaid the lists of Officers in the fifth and Sixth regiments—You will much oblige by me by sending new lists ones— With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
182From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 14, 1799. On November 18, 1799, McHenry wrote to Hamilton : “I recd two hours ago your letter of the 14th.” Letter not found. ]
183From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Rice proposes Mr. John Radford as a Cadet in his regiment, and I would recommend that he be immediately appointed. Enclosed is a letter to Mr. Swan which I have left open for your perusal. With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
184From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 12th instant has Your le In all the cases in which no time day has been mentioned as the place & time when persons proposed as Cadets began to render service to the respective regiments I have received no information from the several Commandants. You It will therefore be pleased proper to have the Warrants dated on the day that they are issued. With ( Df , in the handwriting...
185From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to you a letter of this date to Caleb Swan Esquire which is left open for your perusal— With gt. resp— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
186From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you an extract from Lt. Cla Captain Claiborne’s letter relative to Mr. Vereker, and would recommend that he receive the appointment of Cadet. I have this moment informed Captain Kissam that his resignation is accepted, and it is my opinion that the resignation should take effect from the date of the notification— With grt— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
187From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am this moment honored with your letter of the 8th instant. Considering the nature of my agency, in respect to the subject of it, I must understand the Remarks which are made as not applying to what I have done, but to the previous measures of General Wilkinson. It is known to you that the project was adopted and acted upon long before I was in command, that agreeing in opinion with General...
188From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the ninth instant, and have to observe that I do it does not appear to me important that a company should be stationed at Easton. I have therefore repeated the order to Captain Shoemaker to march for Fort Fayette— With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
189From 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).
190From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are extracts from letters of Colonel Hamtramck. I would thank you for a supply of the articles of War, and of the regulations for the — discipline of the troops— With great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
191From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By the contract with James OHara Esquire, it appears that on the South East side of the Ohio within the State of Kentucke the ration is Ten Cents and two milles, on the North West side, at Cincinnati, thirteen cents, and that nothing is settled between that point and Massac. If the matter should remain as it is, the reserve force must be stationed on the South East side; for the difference of...
192From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send enclose to you a letter from Lt. Wands who bears in his regiment the character of an useful officer. He has been particularly serviceable in the recruiting business. Unless there be something — or a special interposition in his favour improper I think it would be attended with advantage to the public If it is not thought that the precedent would be an inconvenient one I think the...
193From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Parker Hall proposes Wm. Barton Browner and William Cary as Cadets in his regiment. Enclosed are recommendations which have been transmitted to me in favor of these Gentlemen. I would advise that they be immediately appointed. Col. Parker recommends Mr. Hill for the place of Chaplain, and speaks of him as a man of excellent character. If there were any a provision for Chaplains in the law...
194From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an account of Major Toussard, for the rent of a house in New Port. It appears to me to be high, but as no quarters were provided at the fort, it became necessary that they should be furnished in some other mode. no regulation having been established on the subject of Quarters, it is of necessity that Officers should exercise a discretion, and unless you consider the present case as...
195From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Bentley, in his letter of the twentieth of October, strongly recommends Reuben Beale and Samuel Simmons as Cadets in his regiment, and I would advise that they be immediately appointed— With perfect respect I am ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
196From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit you the arrangement of relative rank which has been established for the fifteenth regiment. Mess. Rudberg and Barret have been heretofore recommended to you as Lieutenants. Colonel Hunnewell is anxious that they receive should receive Appointments. Oliver Emerson and George Blake are proposed by Coll. Hunnewell as Cadets in his regiment and I woul d recommend that the nomination be...
197From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
At the earnest request of General Hamilton, that I would give instructions for having the eighth, ninth and tenth Regiments of Infantry provided with Winter Quarters, which it was very desireable should be at Harper’s Ferry, I have departed from the resolution which I had formed, not to take charge of any military operations, unless the Army should be called into the Field, so far as to Order...
198From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I find by your letter of the thirtieth of August that Hezekiah W. Bissel one of the a Surgeon’s Mate has been particularly directed to obey my commands—It is not mentioned where he resides—I woul d thank to give me the information immediately as I wish to send him — to a distant command quarter— With g ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
199From 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).
200From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Ogden has again requested the appointment of Cadet in his regiment for Mr. Josiah Wright. No other This young gentleman has been assisting in the recruiting business from since the fifteenth of May, and has rendered considerable service. It is therefore the wish of Col. Ogden that his appointment and emoluments shou ld be considered as com having commenced at that time. I request that...