401From John Adams to James McHenry, 8 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters from Mr. Otis and Mr. Parkman, recommending Mr. William Williams to be a Capt. which I pray you to file and record for consideration. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
402From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Lt. Fergus who states to me that he has had been ordered by Captain McRea to join him at Alexandria in compliance with instructions received from me, that he had him applied to the Commander of the revenue Cutter which — had been going to the port in the port to take him round, but that the Captain as related not having authority for the purpose refused— Lt....
403From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Parker recommends for second Lieuts. in his Regiment, Uriah Blue of Berkley, and Robert Bell of Frederick I presume the recommendation to be well founded. He adds that Doctor Daniel Conrad offers to attend the Troops at Winchester for the stated allowance of surgeon’s pay without rations and a reasonable compensation for his medicines. You r will recollect that Winchester is the...
404From George Washington to James McHenry, 17 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are two letters of application for appointments in the immediate Army. One from John Smith, for a Lieutenancy, recommended by General Posey, and Captn Presley Thornton—the other a Recommendation of Richd Robey, by Captn Garnett Peyton and others, for the appointment of Cadet. Captn George S. Washington has requested that I would mention to you the name of John Stephens, of Berkley...
405From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
You will have observed in the list transmitted you the name of Mr. Jacob Morton as for a Majority. I understood him that he would accept it. But he now tells me he will take nothing less than a Regiment. This seems too much to begin with, if a competent person who has served can be found. Mr. Abijah Hammond who was in one of the N Eng Regiments during the War though not soliciting it would...
406From 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...
407From John Adams to James McHenry, 27 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters from Gen Lincoln Col Rice & Mr. Noble I am &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
408From George Washington to James McHenry, 3 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Private Dear Sir, Mount Vernon 3d April 1797 Your letter of the 24th Ulto has been duly received, and I thank you for the information given in it: Let me pray you to have the goodness to communicate to me occasionally, such matters as are interesting, and not contrary to the rules of your official duty to disclose. We get so many details in the Gazettes, and of such different complexions, that...
409From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, April 20, 1799. “… As I do not conceive the United States to be now at War in the legal import of that term (which I construe to be a state not of partial but of general , hostility) I consider it as beyond my power to approve or execute such sentences as by the Articles of War are referred to the President in time of peace. But while I think it my duty on this ground to transmit...
410From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Trenton , November 9, 1798. In a letter to Hamilton on November 10, 1798, McHenry wrote : “I received your letter of yesterday this morning at 5 o’clock.” Letter not found. ] H was on his way to Philadelphia to meet with George Washington, McHenry, and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney to discuss plans for the Army.
411From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have just received from Colonel Ogden—Your attention has been heretofore called to the subject of it, but I — think it proper again to submit to you my ideas— When vacancies happen the Officers next in order are entitled to fill them—Delay in promoting such Officers is a violation of their right—It is calculated also to impress upon their minds a most...
412From 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...
413From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter is from a very respectable Senator of our State, to a gentleman, whom you know to be as respectable as any of our best federalists. Application has been made to me by Dr. Hunt, another of our Senators and a man of the most worthy & independent character. Our North Hampton is the very reverse of its namesake in Pensylvania. It has produced some of our very best characters &...
414From 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).
415From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I some time since forwarded you a definitive arrangement of the Officers of the 11th. Regiment in which Captn. Bowman is placed as third Captain. In a letter of the 19th instant from Colonel Ogden states that Captn. Bowman was Lieutenant Last War when the Officers now — above him were only Ensigns, and recommends appears to favor his being placed as first Captain as well on account of his...
416From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I wrote some time ago to the Pay Master General on the subject of double rations. The section which relates to this point still appears to me to be full of obscurity. It would seem to involve a contradiction in principle to allow double rations to the commander of a single post whilst they are refused to the permanent commander of a number of posts. The...
417From George Washington to James McHenry, 10 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 1st instant is received. Whatever appearance, or shape, the Uniform intended for me, may take, by your direction, will be entirely agreeable to my taste. It being the commencement of a distinguishing dress for the Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States (whomsoever he maybe) and probably will be a permanent one—my wish (although as it respects myself personally...
418From 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).
419From 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...
420From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have duly received the letter you transmitted me mentioning from Capt Gates of the 13th. of February mentioning among other things the want of Cloathing and Blankets which I had have taken for granted were forwarded. Inclosed is the form of the oath to be taken by officers entering the army of the United States with great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your obed Servt. ( Df , in the...
421From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
Knowing nothing of Mr John Parker (whose letter I enclose you); of his fitness for the work he contemplates; or the utility of it when done; except bringing all these matters into a connected view; which indeed might be useful. But knowing as I well do, that many men when they want money, and do not readily know how else to come at it, are too apt to set projects of this kind on foot, to...
422From 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...
423From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 8, 1799. “The Commander in Chief having approved the idea of calling the Pay Master to the Seat of Government, I send you inclosed by his direction an order for him to repair to the seat of Government.…” ADfS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. George Washington to H, March 25, 1799 . H to Caleb Swan, April 3, 1799 .
424From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the proceedings of a Court Martial lately held at Baltimore. The sentences have been approved and ordered to be executed. The Accountant of your Department will no doubt be instructed to see to the due execution of the pecuniary parts of them in the future disbursements— With great consideration respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. Obed Sr ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
425From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 February 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your two letters, both dated the 1st instant, came to hand yesterday only. I thank you for giving me the perusal of their enclosures; and as I am upon the point of setting out to a meeting of the Stockholders of the Potomack Navigation, and may be from home two or three days, I return them without delay. I had, it is true, entirely forgot my old Coach until reminded thereof by Mr Small; upon...
426From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit you the enclosed letter which I doubt not you will consider as a handsome specimen of the talents of the writer—In addition to the inferences in his favor which may be drawn from it I have to — mention that he has been strongly recommended to me by very respectable characters. When If there should be a Lieutenancy which could be had with propriety be given him, I have no doubt but...
427From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letters from Fisher Ames, John Allen and Nathaniel Smith and John Allen, recommending Characters for Commissions in the Army, deserve our particular attention. I accordingly recommend them to yours. You know the Writers and their great Worth and Merit. I have the Honor to be / Sir your most humble Servant DLC : James McHenry Papers.
428From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have given Colonel Ogden the necessary instructions for supplying the Troops in the district allotted to him with the articles specified in the agreeable to the Regulations of the War Department dated the 1st of March 1800. It will therefore be proper, especially as he has for the reimbursement of what he has monies already advanced money for the use of the Government, as well as for the...
429From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return the inclosures in your letter of 29th May. I know of no reason why Lt. James Sterit should not succeed to the vancy created by the death of Capt Demlar. The other papers, which I have read with pleasure require no comment from me. With great regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
430From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore mentioned to you Lieutenant Leonard Williams as Quarter Master to the second regiment of Artillerists. This Gentleman is well recommended to me— I have to request that he may be appointed your sanction to the nomination— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
431From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I return you the papers of Mr. Williams which you sent me at his desire for perusal. The explanation and your final opinion of the affair have given me pleasure, as I should be sorry that any circumstance of improper conduct should have stood in the way of the employment of Mr. Williams. I regret extremely that obstacles should exist to the requiring of the resignation of Mr. Francis. You are...
432From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I perceive it would be agreeable to the Commander in Chief to receive frequent communications from you and particularly to understand the state of public supplies, that is the quantities on hand & the measures in execution to procure others. I give you this hint as a guide & would advise to have a full statement made out with notes of what is further doing & send it to him. Yrs. truly ADfS ,...
433From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [21 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the draft of a Bill for regulating the Medical Establishment (I avoid purposely the term department which I would reserve for the great branches of Administration). You will see that nothing but an organisation with a general outline of duty is provided for. Detail-regulations will properly come from the President and the Departments, and the less these are legislated upon, in such...
434From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of——came safe, and in due time; for the information contained in it I thank you; your request was immediately complied with, as every one of a similar nature shall be. A Report is circulated in Alexandria and its vicinity, transmitted (it is said) in private letters from Philadelphia, that a correspondence has been discovered, or more properly, letters have been intercepted from...
435From John Adams to James McHenry, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I transmit you, an address from a Corps of Horse in Warren, North Carolina,—I have some difficulty about accepting for a Company so small a Number as forty and also about lending the Arms, I pray you to detirmine These Points in this Case as you have done and mean to do in others and transmit them an answer.—I am, Sir, / Your Most obedient MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
436From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Ogden mentions to me that there is a Hollander desirous of enlisting in his Regt. who has served an Apprenticeship in this Country and who is of a character worthy of trust. I should not deem it inconsistent with the Spirit of the regulation to permit the inlistment of every such person. If you are of the same opinion it shall be done With great respect &c. (Copy, in the handwriting of...
437From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you the return of the Army of the UStates which you lately required and which was delivered to me this morning. It is accompanied by a letter from the Adjutant General which furnishes some necessary explanations. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. McHenry to H, January 6, 1800 . William North to H, January 9, 1800 .
438From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed proceedings of a General Court Martial were transmitted to me by Col. Hamtramck. Information from various quarters continues to prove the necessity of vigorous measures for suppressing the spirit of desertion. I am lead led to beleive that the example which was given at Fort Jay has produced a salutary effect. Yet —— It will be prudent to distribute the examples which it may be...
439From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 5th May 1799 Your private letter of the 29th Ulto was received yesterday, and requires but a short reply. From an observation of yours, in answer to my letter of the 23d Ulto, I perceive my meaning with respect to the settlement of relative Rank, has been misunderstood; or, if taken properly, I must adhere to the opinion I gave of the injustice which would be...
440From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I conclude from your letter by todays post, that your own opinion in regard to the raising of a Troop of horse is made up and that you only delay a determination from the necessity of a reference elsewhere. This is a point, which I have so much at heart that I should be sorry any thing should be risked about it. If you think there is the least danger of disappointment, I will write to the...
441From John Adams to James McHenry, 20 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed address and offer of service as a volunteer corps of a troop of horse in the county of Warren N Carolina has been by me unaccountably overlooked. I pray to you answer it without loss of time & send the officers their commissions. I am &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
442From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed commission and letter have been sent to me by Colonel Rice who mentions, as the principal motive of Lieutenant Spring in offering to resign, the very uncertain ground on which the military establishment, at present, stands. I would thank you to enable me speedily to inform this Gentleman of the decision in his case. Enclosed are the Proceedings of a Court Martial held convend at...
443From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckney, in a letter of the tenth instant, writes to me as follows “I will be obliged to you to enable me to answer without delay the enclosed letter from Col. Parker; the fifer mentioned therein is of very great service in instructing the other”. The following is a case of Enclosed is the letter from Col. Parker mentioned above— It appears to me proper that the fifer spoken of should...
444From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon a careful inspection of the Articles of War I entertain doubts, whether I can act upon, by approving or disapproving sentences of Courts Martial referred to me from the Department of War, in cases in which the Courts have been instituted by that Department through organs other than myself. As there is peculiar delicacy in inflicting punishment upon questionable authority, I shall be glad...
445From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of a letter to Captn. Leonard. You best know from the previous situation, what to direct in regard to supplies. Albany is a point from which his subsequent motions can be conveniently regulated as circumstances may require. Inclosed is also the Copy of a General Order in relation to the sentence of the Court Martial which tried Captain Vance— You will likewise find herewith...
446From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the inclosed papers as they came to me from the Pay Master General. It appears that the account of Capt Ellery, after having travelled backward and forward between the offices of the Pay Master and Accountant, has found no person who could adjust it. I cannot presume, that it has been finally rejected, because there is no evidence of a definitive application to you. If there are any...
447From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you copies of letters which I have written to Col. Wilkins and Mr. James Miller. From these you will see the orders that have been given with Respect to the clothing. As Your cooperation may be necessary to the — procuring of an armed vessel, I must beg leave to request your attention to the subject. General Wilkinson requires—see enclosed letter in General Hs handwriting— ( Df ,...
448From 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...
449From John Adams to James McHenry, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
The talk of Methlogee & the answer of Mr Seagrove, copies of which were inclosed in your favors of the 22d had been before transmitted to me by the Secretary of State, & returned to him with some of my sentiments upon them. Mr. Seagrove’s answer is so unanswerable, that the Indians unless determined on War at all events, must be satisfied with it. The French officer in the Spanish service, who...
450From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed address and petition from the Hudson independent rangers should have been transmitted to you sometime ago; but in my distress it has been omitted. You will please to give them such an answer as our rules and circumstances will admit of. I am &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.