4701From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, [25 October 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fourteenth instant, and am apprehensive that the quantity of land contracted for will hardly furnish the timber necessary for hutting and fuel. It is not my intention however to give further directions on the subject, as you are acquainted with the local circumstances, and can therefore best determine. I have requested Mr. Miller the Assistant Quarter Master...
4702From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [5 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of March 31. I hope nothing in my last was misunderstood. Could it be necessary I would assure you that no one has a stronger convinction than myself of the purity of the motives which direct your public Conduct or of the good sense and judgment by which it is guided. If I have a fear (you will excuse my frankness), it is lest the strength of your feelings, the...
4703From Alexander Hamilton to Staats Morris, George Ingersoll, and Ebenezer Massey, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
All the Garrison Posts within the Vicinity of the Sea Board in the States of Maryland Delaware Pensylvania New Jersey and New York are placed under the command of Major Brooks. His general station will be at Fort Jay in the neighbourhood of this City. You will communicate with him and obey his orders. Your returns of every kind are to be made directly to him. But till he shall be at his...
4704From Alexander Hamilton to George Ingersoll, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your and opened your letter to Major Brooks of the twenty Second of January directed to my care. As the duties of the public Store Keeper of whom you Speak extend further than the post under your command it does not appear to me proper that he Should be put absolutely under your controul. When you are in want of our articles the regular course will be to address send a return...
4705From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Ellery, assistant to the Adjutant General, has taken his station in this City and has applied to me on the subject of to have him provided with Quarters. Independent of his personal accommodation, — — stands — need of an office for his business. This application has naturally brought the subject to my mind in reference its different relations to myself. The remuneration of professional...
4706From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 22 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
No one knows better than yourself how difficult and oppressive is the collection even of taxes very moderate in their amount if there be a defective circulation. According to all the phœnomena which fall under my notice this is our case in the interior parts of the Country. Again Individual Capitals & consequently the faculty of direct loans is not very extensive in the U States. The Banks can...
4707From 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...
4708From Alexander Hamilton to James Read, 15 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received a letter from Col. Smith in which he requests a guard with an orderly sergeant from the garrison to attend the President of the Court Martial. You will take the necessary measurer for the purpose, and confer with Col. Smith ———— fix with Col. Smith the number of the guard, and comply with his request. With much respect I am, Sir &c: &c: ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas...
4709From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Dexter, 8 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Major Rensselaer, who was the eldest captain of dragoons before the late augmentation of the army, was under that augmentation promoted to a major. He has some time since devoted himself to military affairs, as a profession for life, and is unwilling to quit. For my part I have conceived there was a discretion in the president on this subject, which may be exercised in favour of the major. A...
4710From 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...
4711From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 10 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 10, 1800. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Care of the sick after disbanding of the army.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at American Art Association-Anderson Galleries, March 4, 1932, Lot 63.
4712From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 2 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter is from certain prisoners of war who have omitted to mention to me the place where they are confined. I presume they are naval prisoners. As the honor character of the U States is concerned in the affair which is the subject of the letter I send it to you that you may do in it the case whatever shall appear to you proper— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
4713From Alexander Hamilton to William C. Bentley, 10 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The expence for fitting the hats will be defrayed by the Purveyor of Supplies (Tench Francis at Philadelphia) to whom an account must be sent certified by you—If any materials have been purchased on the public accounts vouchers of the Cost must accompany the Account. It is not determined by the Secy. of War how far the appointments of Cadets Shall at present proceed. But it will be agreeable...
4714From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the strength of the Representation, in the letter of which the inclosed is a copy I have taken the Liberty to request Coll. Stevens to procure and furnish the Article stated to be wanted; and to advise the Accountant of the department of War of the cost, that measures may be taken for deducting out of the pay of the Soldiers such part if any as may be extra —Not knowing at present where...
4715From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Cass, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will direct Lieutenant Hook to join Captain Claiborne, and take his orders— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4716From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 5 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are Proceedings of Courts Martial in the cases of Lt. Loring and Dwight—Also the Proceedings of a Court Martial held at Fort Jay on the twenty third of April, of which Captain Elliot Cochran was President, and Lieut. Hancock Judge Advocate— They have all been acted upon— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4717From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from Captain Williamson in which he states that assistance is necessary to enable him to execute the duties of his office. There is no doubt with me of the justice of this representation, and I would beg leave to call your attention to the subject. It appears to me to I think it would be inexpedient to call an officer from his station for the purpose performance of...
4718From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 30 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I again take the liberty of troubling you, to forward the inclosed letter to Colonel Parker— With great regard, I am Sir Yr. obedt. servt. ( LS , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4719From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you an abstract of the returns of the Troops under my command so far as they have been received. They are not complete & from the imperfection of the forms very far from satisfactory. In some instances it is not possible to distinguish with certainty to what regiments the men belong which has prevented the abstract being digested regimentally. This will be remedied as...
4720From 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...
4721From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Capt Bruff of the first Regiment of Artillery will arrive here in a day or two on his way to Maryland, where as you are informed, he will be employed in Recruiting a Company. I request that for this purpose he may be furnished with money Cloathing Knapsacks Camp Kettles & Canteens— ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4722From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 [September] 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a Statement of Ammunition which I think it will be expedient to furnish for the use of the Artillery intended to be forwarded to Fort Adams. It is far short, of the quantity requisite for a six months siege; but considering, that there must be more or less of danger in the mode of Conveyance, and the general State of our supply, it is supposed best not to exceed for the quantity...
4723From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Parker, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of February 25th. and have forwarded the certificate you requested to the Secretary of War with true consideration &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4724From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas R. Gould, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Delays arising from occasionned by the bad health of Capt Kirkland and a pressure of business on my part have prevented my — acting definitively on upon the application of Mr. Gridley. The orders whi The inquiry which has been made by my orders has produced a statement of the business essentially different from that contained in the affidavits of Gridley and Egleston. Doctor Douglass who m...
4725From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 25 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Sister Peggy has gradually grown worse & is now in a situation that her dissolution in the opinion of the Doctor is not likely to be long delayed. The Lt Governor sends the bearer to bring home his Child. I have not time to add more. Adieu My Eliza ALS , Mr. Andrew Joyner, Greensboro, North Carolina. H was in Albany attending the New York Court of Errors. See H to Elizabeth Hamilton,...
4726From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In recurring to your letter of the 29th of August, I observe there are some points which for a clearer understanding require from me some observations. I shall make this preliminary remark, that in presenting with emphasis, as I am accustomed to do, deficiencies which appear to have existed—I am actuated by the sole and exclusive motive of shewing by particular instances that the past plan has...
4727From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from Col. Powell in recommendation of Mr. Wyllys Silliman—Col. Parker, in his letter of the twenty eighth of August again urges the appointment of Mr. Robert Little heretofore recommended to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Jon. C. Williams by him as an officer in the eighth regiment. With great respect I am Sir & & ( Df , in the handwriting of...
4728From 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...
4729From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter dated 14th. instant from Major Walker requesting a furlough for five or six weeks. You will, if you deem it expedient and for the good of the service grant him leave of absence for the whole or any part of the time he requires. with true consideration &c Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. John Walker to H, March 14, 1800...
4730From 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...
4731From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 7 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received My Dear Sir Your letter of the 17th of January. Accept my thanks for the remarks it contains on the plan for a Military School. We were extremely alarmed yesterday by the intelligence coming from Philadelphia of an accident to you at a Review. But an arrival here has greatly relieved us. We earnestly desire a contradiction. Affectly & truly yrs. ALS , Pinckney Family Papers,...
4732From Alexander Hamilton to John McClallen, 22 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore verbally informed that you that you are to proceed on the Recruiting service. The Counties of Albany, Saratoga & Rensselaer within this state are to be the scenes of your operations; the town of Albany your rendezvous. Inclosed are the instructions by which you are to govern yourself. I have written to the Secy of War requesting that he will cause to be transmitted to Col...
4733From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 29 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
An order was issued, 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. It appearing probable that the number of men enlisted under these conditions is very inconsiderable, and an expectation having been entertained among them that they would not be separated...
4734From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Taylor, [5] October [1799] (Hamilton Papers)
A spot has been selecte d — winter Quarters of the 11th. 12th. and —— on the Stream of called Green Brook in the Sta te of New Jersey, distant from Elizabeth Tow n and from Amboy twelve. They are there to hutt. You will send thither under the charge of a Major — part of your Regiment as shall have —— their Regimental Rendezvous—to be foll —— the remainder as they shall be —
4735From Alexander Hamilton to William Simmons, 24 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am very glad to be able to infor to comply with the request contd. in your letter of the 21st. Instt. by informing you that Mr. Swan the Postmaster Paymaster General some time since has had Orders to Repair to the Seat of Government—that he was making an arrangment for the purpose and may shortly be expected at Phila. Thank you for the printed Copies of the regulations With consideration &c....
4736From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 10 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter sent to me by the Secretary of War—you will make enquiry into the case, and if the representation proves to be just, have the person discharged—The circumstances you will report to me— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4737From Alexander Hamilton to Mathew Arbuckle, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will repair without delay to Wilmington in the State of delaware for the purpose of being employed in the recruiting service—Upon you r arrival at that place you will report you r self to Major Cass and take his order— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4738From Alexander Hamilton to James Bruff, 27 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
This letter will be delivered to you by Major Hoops and Captain Stille who are about to leave this place for Niagara in order to form the Court of Enquiry which has been ordered to sit on the charges exhibited by your agt. Major Revardi. Should that officer present any charges against you the same Court, if the thing shall prove agreeable to you, will investigate them. I have but a single...
4739From Alexander Hamilton to James Miller, 13 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an account sent me by to me by Lieutenant Hooke. He mentions that the account was forwarded thro’ your advice, and that, you had informed him that similar charges had been allowed. I have supposed that an officer, upon receiving his appointment, bears the expence of repairing to his station—Afterwards, if he is detached on service, travelling expences are allowed him—However, if a...
4740From 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...
4741From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday with it’s enclosure. I have recommended Mr Vereker to the Secretary of War for the post of cadet, and shall consider the suggestions in Lieut. Claiborne’s letter relative to the recruiting service. In consequence of a communication which I received from Col Hamtramck I had written to him on the subject of his request to pass the winter at...
4742From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 11 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
A recruiting party was, some time since, established under at Salisbury in N Carolina under the direction of Captain Bird It appears from the representations that have been made to me that this party is to destitute of the service has not proceeded from the want of Clothing. You will therefore have a sufficient quantity forwarded for a complete company—This is to be in addition to the Clothing...
4743From Alexander Hamilton to John S. Dexter, 4 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received yours of the 30th April with the inclosed letter from Captain Tillinghast, to both of which particular attention will be paid. with true consideration I am Sir Your— ( ADf , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). Acknowledges receipt of Dexter’s letter of April 30, 1799. Letter not found.
4744From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Christian name of Mr. Hill heretofore recommended proposed as Chaplain is William—I would recommend that this Gentleman be speedily appointed. Major Jackson informs me that Mr. Tillinghast Surgeon’s mate to , in the garrison of Fort Woolcot has resigned his commission, and proposes Walter Hunnewell as to supply his place—As it must be expensive to have recourse to ordinary practising...
4745From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 16, 1799. States: “… the recruiting service … is … now in a course of execution in all the states from Massachusetts inclusively to Virginia inclusively. Thus the necessity of expedition in regard to the supplies becomes more & more urgent.…” ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
4746From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an extract from a letter of the ninth of this month which I have just received from Colonel Rice. Representations of the kind [have successively come to me from various Quarters.] They give me both pain and mortification. The delay in transmitting the necessary supplies of money [is attended with every disadvantage. It has become a subject of special Inquiry by the Commander in...
4747From Alexander Hamilton to James Scanlan, 25 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 21. instant and as soon as I can fix upon the person, shall direct a Surgeon to repair to Fort Mifflin McHenry that you may be enabled to join some part of your Regiment. In doing this, I am far from being induced by do not yield to the force of the reasons contained in your letter. as You It seems to me that the situation of the sick as described by you,...
4748From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 3 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your three letters in compliance with my request. They contain what I desired. But as they mingle the fact, respecting the communication of my letter to you to Lord Grenville, which I always understood to be confidential, I will thank you to send me a certificate of the sentiment which you recollect to have been given by me, and I will beg you to let it be as full and as...
4749From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith you have the draft of a Bill respecting the Corps & Engineers & Artillerists. I vary in mode but not in substance from your report by defining the Regiment of Artillerists at its Complement (say four batalions &c.) and I suspend the organizing & raising of one batalion. This comes to the same result & appears to me most correct & systematic. I leave a blank for the privates, supposing...
4750From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 9 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am this moment favoured with your letter of the 9th instant. I shall immediately reflect on the most important point & tomorrow give you the result. The provision in the law is ample. But in this My Dear Sir, as in every thing else we must unite caution with decision. The UStates must not be committed on the Independence of St Domingo—no guarantee no formal treaty—nothing that can rise up in...