591From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have understood that the late Commander in Chief was forming some system to arrange the relative rank of the Field officers. I would wish you to inform me what progress he may have made, that the arrangement may be completed, and the rank of the Field officers, who are naturally very anxious on this Subject, be determined. I would wish to know, whether the regulations adopted by the...
592From 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...
593From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return you the papers inclosed in your letter of the 1st. I have carefully read the proceedings of the court martial on Ensign David Fero It will be necessary for the legislature at their next session to make some provisions for cases of standing mute. The best possible jurisprudence in this case in my opinion is, to order the refusal to plead, to be recorded & then proceed to tryal in all...
594From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 24, 1799. “I send you an extract from Col. Parker’s letter of the Fifteenth of this month. By this you will see the extremities to which the officers of his regiment are put from the want of money for recruiting purposes. I enclose likewise an extract from Major Rivardi’s letter of the twenty fifth of July. It would appear to be proper that the officers of the corps to which...
595From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you some extracts from Col. Bentleys letter of the twenty-sixth of August. I would recommend that the request of Col. Bentley be complied with as far as may be practicable unless they should be opposed by considerations of which I am ignorant. I enclose to you likewise the copy of a circular letter to the several Commandants—You will see from this that the authority given did not...
596From 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...
597From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 July 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I last Evening had the honor of receiving your letter of the 25 instant, announcing to me my appointment as Inspector and Major General. At a crisis like the present I esteem it my duty to obey the call of the Government. Feeling too, as I ought, the value of the high confidence which is reposed in me, I beg you to convey to The President my most cordial acknowlegements and the assurance of my...
598From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I am this moment favoured with your letter of the 18th. instant and thank you for the ideas personal to me. Mr. Laurance, somewhat abruptly, regrets that I promoted his son’s nomination, as it was his desire that he should continue to pursue his profession. As I could not divine this desire of his, he certainly had no cause of displeasure with me. In case Laurance’s name is witheld at the...
599From 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...
600From George Washington to James McHenry, 1 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
I find, by looking over my files, that your favours of the 14th & 24th of August have never been acknowledged. I now do, the receipt of them. I thank you, and through you, Governor Davie, for his “Instructions to be observed for the formations and movements of Cavalry” and would thank you to mention this to him, when you shall see him, which I presume must be soon. I pray you to direct Mr...
601From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 6, 1799. Quotes from Colonel Thomas Parker’s letter of June 30 concerning lack of clothing for recruits and states: “If any thing remains to be done to accelerate the arrival of the Cloathing I pray that it may be done and that inferior considerations may give way to the necessity of preserving contentment among the troops and maintaining in their eyes the justice and...
602From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Beware, my Dear Sir, of magnifying a riot into an insurrection, by employing in the first instance an inadequate force. Tis better far to err on the other side. Whenever the Government appears in arms it ought to appear like a Hercules , and inspire respect by the display of strength. The consideration of expence is of no moment compared with the advantages of energy. Tis true this is always a...
603From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 14, 1799. “… Information from different Regiments gives me to understand that my recommendations as to an advance of pay have not succeeded. As the troops are much discontented at the delay, it is my duty to renew the subject. And I must take the liberty to urge that by your interposition forms may be dispensed with so at least as to effectuate an advance of two months pay...
604From 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...
605From George Washington to James McHenry, 30 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 24th & 25th instant have been received. For the Stars, enclosed in the latter, I thank you. The amount of cost, Six dollars, is herein remitted. I preferred sending a Columbia Bank note for a dollar, to one of Silver (in a letter), as it can readily be exchanged for the latter, and the other Banks issue no notes under five dollars. For the Box which accompanied the letter...
606From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty fourth instant. I have reflected on the question proposed for my consideration, but am of opinion that the course heretofore recommended to be persued is the most proper. Should circumstances hereafter render it expedient to unite the two brigades the Division quarter Master would have a local situation, whereas the Deputy Quarter Master General whose...
607From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is very material to me to have without delay the distribution of the additional twelve Regiments and troops of horse among the respective States according to the organization or arrangement which is contained in the report made to you in December by the Commander in Chief. This is requested with reference to the appointment of recruiting rendesvouzes. With great respect I have the honor to...
608From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 7th April 1799 When your letters of the 30th & 31st Ulto were brought here, I was on a Survey of some land I hold in the vicinity of Alexandria; on which, as I was informed, & as the fact proved, considerable trespass had been committed. To complete this business I was employed near three days; and now, company will allow me to do but little more than to...
609From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an account which has been sent me by Mr. Dayton the Contractor for New Jersey. The object of this account received my sanction previously to it’s being carried into effect. I presume there will be a difficulty in allowing it—as was nothing in the execution but what was proper. As to the amount, Mr. Dayton, I suppose, will produce vouchers to shew that, it is not unreasonable the...
610From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your favour of the sixth and approve of your determination to make out the Commissions in the order of Knox on the first day, Pinckney on the Second and Hamilton on the third. This being done you may call Generals Knox and Hamilton into Service as soon as you please. Your request to be informed, whether I attach any portion of the Intrigues, which I alluded to, if any have been...
611From John Adams to James McHenry, 19 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I recd last night your favour of the 11 and thank you for the Copy of General Macphersons Letter and the List of his Prisoners. The Generals Conduct has been prudent and Successfull, and will terminate in the permanent tranquility of the People. I return you Reeders Letter and Jacksons Address. Have these Democrats, a morality of their own? or have they none? Do they really believe that lying...
612From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you copies and extracts of letters from Colonels Taylor and Smith and from Major Willcocks. These shew that further advances of money will be speedily necessary and that there ought to be increased exertion in the business [of] the supplies. It is my duty to observe that the dilatory and incomplete manner in which supplies are furnished, if not corrected, will quickly have an effect...
613From 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...
614From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the rules transmitted in your letter of the 2d. instant relative to rank & promotion. They appear to me founded on just principles nor do I know that they can be improved. I will however present to your consideration some observations on two or three points. It seems to me questionable whether the preference given to full Colonels of the deranged Officers over Lt Col Comts.,...
615From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
The Messenger that carried my letters of the 10th to the Post Office brought me your favour of the 6th—and yesterday I received that of the 8th. It gave me sincere pleasure to find by the latter, that you had suggested to the President, prompt & decisive measures for Organizing and recruiting the twelve Regiments of Infantry, &ca; and the propriety also of requiring the Services of the...
616From John Adams to James McHenry, 3 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I pray you to put on the list of captains of infantry, Mr. Philip Church of New-York, who is very handsomely recommended by Gen. Hamilton, & whom from a personal accquaintance with him, I believe to be well qualified. I enclose to you also a letter & documents from his Excellency Governor Jackson of Georgia, which I pray you to consider, and answer according to those arrangements, which you...
617From 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...
618From John Adams to James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 29th of April and have considered the subject of it with as much attention as will be necessary to agree in general to your principles. Merit however I consider as the only true scale of graduation in the army. Services & rank in the last war or any other war are only to be taken into consideration as presumptive evidence of merit & may at any time be set...
619From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is now time to take measures for the establishment of the additional Regiments in Winter Quarters. It has been already determined to dispose of them in four bodies and the positions generally have been designated. These positions will of course be adhered to, unless alterations shall become expedient from considerations relative to the comparitive prices of rations at different places. It...
620From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 5, 1799 . “I recur to your letters of the 31st of January 4th 15 21. 22 23 & 27 of February, for the purpose of doing whatever may remain to be done in relation to their contents. “… the complete formation of the several corps and their subdivisions which includes the appointment of the full complement of Officers is so essential to order that delay in this respect is very...
621From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A letter from Major Toussard of the 19 instant has the following paragraph “The commissioners at Fort Wolcott and Fort Adams have received by the last mail the copy of your general Order, transmitted to them from Boston by Major Jackson which lessens the allowance fixed by the regulation to be observed in the delivery & Distribution of fuel and Straw to the Garrisons on the Sea Coast. The...
622From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As the season advances fast, when it will be proper to give effect to the new disposition for the Western Army—and as the arrangement of the Officers regimentally is a necessary preliminary to that Operation, I have recurred to your letter of the 15 of November last respecting the arrangement ⟨w⟩hich was submitted to you upon the plan of Brigadier General Wilkinson. A material object of the...
623From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [1 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Our citizens are extremely anxious that some further measures for their defence should take place. Do me the favour to inform me confidentially what means are actually in the disposition of your department for this purpose when & how they will be applied. Yrs truly A Capt Hacker formerly of our Navy is desirous of being employed. One or two good men have recommended him to me. It seems however...
624From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the drafts of the proposed contracts sent me through Mr. O Hara, and have had some conversation with him concerning them. There are a few points some of which appear to me to require to be differently arranged, others to stand in need of explanation for the avoiding of Disputes. 1. In the proposed contract for the supply of the Western army, it is put in the option of the...
625From George Washington to James McHenry, 25 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
You will not only consider this letter as a private one, but as a friendly one, from G: W. to J: M. And if the sentiments which you will find in it, are delivered with more freedom and candour than are agreeable, say so; not by implication only, but in explicit language; and I will promise to offend no more by such conduct; but confine myself (if occasion should require it) to an Official...
626From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [13] January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Some of the maxims which obtain with the Officers at the seat of Government, charged with the adjustment of the accounts of those Agents who have to furnish supplies and make disbursements for the Military service are of a nature to produce much perplexity & inconvenience. To me they appear mistaken, such as are to be found no where else, and such as must render it impracticable to discharge...
627From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Part of the contents of your letter of the 10 of July last (which has happened to escape a definitive attention) being connected with the subject of that the 7 of Sepr., I shall reply to them together. Previous to the receipt of the last I had drafted rules relating to extra expences which after careful revision I send for your determination. They contemplate, it will be seen, a discretion to...
628From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Ought it not to be a rule to forward from your department to the Major Generals, as they are passed, copies of all laws respecting the military establishment? At any rate you will oblige me by sending those of the session just finished. I observe in the 5 § of the Recruiting Instructions, filled up in Manuscript, the term of inlistment is five years. The law for augmenting the army § 2 directs...
629George Washington to James McHenry, [13 December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my arrival at this place I have been closely engaged, with the aid of Generals Hamilton and Pinckney, in fulfilling the objects of your letter of the 10th of November. The result is now submitted. The two first questions you propose, respecting the appointment of the Officers and men of the troops to be raised in virtue of the act of Congress of the 16th. of July last among districts and...
630From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 21st instant came to hand by the post of to day. There are some points in it respecting the recruiting service which demand immediate attention. “1. The Stations of the recruiting rendezvouses or the stations in each state where it will be proper to provide rations and send the Cloathing.” My letter of the 19th designated these stations in the five States, in which it is...
631From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated to Col Bentley your resolution as expressed in your letter of the 30th of Augt in respect to the late appointments for his Regiment. But the occasion claims from me some remarks, as due to my own opinion of propriety and the good of the service. I cannot doubt that the practice of your Department, as to the filling of vacancies in new corps, previous to your coming into it,...
632From George Washington to James McHenry, 15 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 2d, and three of the 5th instant, came duly to hand. Those of the latter date, were received late in the evening preceeding my visit to the Federal City, where I was detained several days on business; and is the cause of their remaining unacknowledged so long. In the former, you ask if I am acquainted with characters, who have talents and acquirements to fit them for the...
633George Washington to James McHenry, 13 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall now present to your view the additional objects alluded to in my letter of this date. A proper organisation for the troops of the UStates is a principal one. In proportion as the policy of the Country is adverse to extensive military establishments ought to be our care to render the principles of our military system as perfect as possible, and our endeavouring to turn to the best...
634From 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...
635Enclosure: Henry Knox to James McHenry, 5 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recieved your letter dated on the 25th. ultimo, informing me that the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, had been pleased to appoint me a Major General in the Army. Impressed as I am with the conviction, that our Country, is about to enter into a Contest in which its existence as an independent nation will be involved, I should promptly...
636From 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...
637From George Washington to James McHenry, 15 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 3d instant, with the papers accompanying it, did not get to my hands ’till the 11th—At the same time I received a long letter from Genl Hamilton, with voluminous references, to which he requested my immediate attention, and the communication of my sentiments thereon. These circumstances will account for your not having received an answer before this time. The Rules which...
638From 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...
639From 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...
640From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 5th July 1798. I am perfectly satisfied that the duties of your Office were not diminished by the business thrown upon it in the course of the present Session of Congress; and far was it from my wish to add to the trouble of them. I expected no more than a simple acknowledgment of my letters, and with respect to the proposed Arsenal at the confluence of the...