51To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letters were received to-day. I shall take the liberty to call for them to-morrow and to receive your orders respecting them or any of them. I have the honour to be with perfect consideration / Sir / your ob st. DLC : James McHenry Papers.
52To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a duplicate of the talk to the Cherokees, and to request, if approved of, it may be returned with your signature as soon as convenient. I shall leave this with my family to-morrow for Trenton, to which place you will be pleased to direct your letters for this department. with the greatest respect and attachment, I have the honour to be Sir—Your very hble St— MHi :...
53To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recieved a letter yesterday from Major General Pinckney, in answer to mine of the 30th a copy of which is inclosed. I have the honour to be Sir with the greatest respect and attachment / Your most obt. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
54To John Adams from James McHenry, 10 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter from the Quarter Master General dated the 21st ulto, and a copy of a letter from Brigadier General Wilkinson dated the 25th of July ulto. I have the honour to be with due respect Sir / your ob & hbe St. MHi : Adams Papers.
55To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit, to your consideration and disposal, a Report relative to certain alterations, in the military establishment, which to me appear, to be necessary, and proper. I am Sir / with the greatest Respect / your most obedient / and very humble servant MHi : Adams Papers.
56To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your several letters of the 28th & 31st of May, one of the 2d and two of the 5th of June inst. The proceedings of the court Martial in the case of Richard Hunt, being with you, and having no copy thereof, I cannot have recourse to and do not recollect the names of the officers composing it. I think it probable however, that some of them at least, were of the 12 new...
57To John Adams from James McHenry, 2 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I find myself indespenssibly compelled, altho’ with the most perfect deference and respect, to represent, that the greatest embarrassments and impediments, in conducting the business of, and well grounded complaints against, the Department of Government, with which I have the honour to be charged, have been occasioned by delays occurring in the office of the accounting officer, or refusals, to...
58To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully takes the Liberty to transmit to the President of the United States, a statement of his recollection of the substance and incidents of the Conversation which passed between them the evening preceding the Resignation of his office, committed to Writing immediately afterwards. He also transmits Copies of sundry papers having reference to certain parts of that...
59To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of two letters of the 24th and one of the 28th of June ulto, and two of the 1 July Inst. Inclosed are lists of names of candidates recommended to fill vacancies in the 9th. 10th. 14th. & 15th. Regiments of Infantry, all which are respectfully submitted. You will perceive that Mr. Benjamin Shaw of Marblehead is first named in the proposed...
60To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
As Secretary of the Department of War, a great constituent branch of the Government of the United States, I deem it incumbent upon me, not only to perform my particular duties, to the best of my judgement and abilities but to prevent if practicable that kind of conduct in Officers connected with the Department, which has a direct tendency, to embarrass its administration, and destroy the...
61To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
In compliance with the requisition of the President of the United States, of the 18th of October instant, the Secretary of War has the honour most respectfully to submit the following suggestions, relative to the information and advice, it may be proper and necessary to lay before Congress, at the approaching Session. That, without descending to particulars, such a general notice should be...
62To John Adams from James McHenry, 9 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose, the copy of a letter dated 8. July 1798 the original whereof, I have left with my chief clerk, to be sent by the first mail, to Brigadier General Wilkinson; also the letter from Governor Sumner, which you was pleased to put into my hands, on Saturday. With respect to Castle Island; It appears to me proper, that the cession, made of it, should be accepted, but...
63To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The within letters vz. two from Major General Hamilton dated the 7th & 22d of May, and two extracts from two letters from Lt. Col. Smith to Gen Hamilton dated the 16th of May & 18th of June inst. will shew that a misconception has taken place relative to Mr. Fowler, whose name was presented to you in my letter of the 9th of May ulto to fill the vacancy of Major in the 12th Regiment, in...
64To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit the Proceedings of a Court Martial on Joseph Perkins, a private in Capn. Ingersols company; also a letter from Major General Hamilton dated the 3d July inst; with two forms, one a pardon, and the other a warrant of execution. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, / your most ob. & hble. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
65To John Adams from James McHenry, 4 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The more I contemplate the detail of organizing the twelve regiments of Infantry, to be raised; the more I percieve the difficulty of effecting it, with a dispatch proportioned to the emergency, and to the Public expectation. If the course is to be, first to concenter information in this department, from all quarters of the United States; then to digest an arrangment, to communicate it to you...
66To John Adams from James McHenry, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter of the 14th on the 21st instant. After what has passed with, and the conceptions of General Washington, respecting the relative grades of Generals Hamilton, Pinckney & Knox; the order observed by the President in presenting their names to the Senate, and by the Senate, in advising to the appointments, I cannot help apprehending some disagreeable...
67To John Adams from James McHenry, 27 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive on the 26th inst. your letter dated Quincy the 17th, inclosing me a letter from his Excellency Governor Jay, and a copy of an act of the Legislature of N. York, with a copy of your answer to the Governor, and of your letter to General Hamilton, and requiring me to submit these papers to the consideration of the heads of departments and according to their judgements...
68To John Adams from James McHenry, 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Among the last acts of my official situation, I pray leave to present the Case of Major Lewis Tousard, of the first Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. This officer, from his knowledge as an Engineer, and the necessity of the case, in a service and country which afford few Engineers, has been much employed in proceeding from place to place on the Seaboard, to view and determine on...
69To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
The extra allowance to officers detached on service, so as to be obliged, to incur expences on the road, and at places where there are no military posts, occasions frequent references to the Secretary of War, which interfere much, and will still more, in the event of augmenting the army of the United States, with the most important business of the Department. The officers claiming such...
70To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured with your letter dated the 18th inst. and have in conformity with your desire transmitted commissions to the several gentlemen therein named: vz. To Ths. Denny A Captains, to Nathan Felton a first Lieutenants and to Enoch Flagg a second Lieutenants. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, / your most obt. St. MHi : Adams Papers.
71To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
An Act of Congress, passed the 4th of May, 1798, entituled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to procure Cannon, Arms & Ammunition, and for other purposes,” provides—Section 1. “That a Sum not exceeding Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars shall be, and hereby is appropriated, and shall and may be paid out of any Monies not before appropriated, under the direction of the President...
72To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter under date of the 15th of this month on the 20th inst. In conformity with your desire therein, that I should commit to writing such things as I might judge necessary to be communicated or recommended to Congress at the opening of the session I beg leave to report as follows. It does not appear to me from any thing that has come to my knowlege, that...
73To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully reports, to the President of the United States, the enclosed List of Names, in part, for Officers to the regiments directed to be raised, by an Act passed the 16th. day of July last— The names on this List, were selected by Lieutenant General Washington, and Major Generals Hamilton and Pinckney, in pursuance of authority derived from the President. The...
74To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the last letters which I have received from and written to Brigadier General Wilkinson viz From General Wilkinson 2. July 7. 1797 1. July 29. 1. July 30. 1. 2d. August To General Wilkinson Copies of the 21. and 25. July and 11. August. From David Henley. one of the 1. August with its references and one from Lieut Piercy Smith Pope of the 28. June with two papers...
75To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit the inclosed list of names of candidates recommended to fill vacancies in the 6th Regiment, and to be with the greatest respect, / Sir / Your most obt. / & hble St. MHi : Adams Papers.
76To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from Major General Pinckney expresses his wish and respecting an appointment in the army for Thomas Pinckney junr. the son of his brother Major Pinckney. If you think it proper to appoint the young gentleman a Lieutenant in the 1st. Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers I have no doubt but it will be pleasing to both father & brother. Mr Pinckney is a student at Princetown...
77To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Indians on the North Western frontier give indications of their desire to remain at peace and under the protection of the U. States, notwithstanding the various efforts that have been made to debauch them. They have consented that the line of limits should be run, (with an exception by Little Turtle) agreeably to the Treaty of Greenville and the...
78To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your several letters under date of the 13th 14th 17th and 21st of September and also of the 4th. 5th. 10th & 12th of Octbr. instant. I shall give the earliest consideration to the objects suggested in your letter of the 10th (which came to hand yesterday) and write you thereon as soon as possible. With respect to this sickness at Philadelphia, that may as well...
79To John Adams from James McHenry, 14 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
William Hossack is recommended by Major General Hamilton, who inclosed me, the within letter to him, from Cap McClellan, on the same subject, to the office of Lieutenant in the first Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. Staates Rutledge, having declined his appointment of Lieutenant, Mr Hossack is respectfully submitted to supply the vacancy created thereby. I have received this morning a...
80To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I think it was mentioned to you, some time last winter, by the Secretary of State, in consequence of a letter he had just received from Mr. King, that Count Rumford intended to visit his native country, at which you seemed pleased, and expressed yourself favourably of his talents. Mr. King has renewed the subject to the Secretary of State, and in a letter to me, which I have the honour to...
81To John Adams from James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured with your letters of the 19th & 27th, and this morning with that of the 29th of April ulto. The inclosed list of names to fill up the vacancies in the 16th Regiment of Infantry, and the vacancy of Major in the 12th Regiment is respectfully submitted. The recommendations which governed in forming the list for the former Regiment are also inclosed. With respect to the...
82To John Adams from James McHenry, 12 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here yesterday evening and delivered your letter to the General. I have had much conversation with him, and have now the pleasure to inform you, that I expect to bring you his acceptance of the appointment with the proviso that he is not to be called into activity till such time as in your opinion circumstances may render his presence with the army indispensible. He appears to me to...
83To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you the Copy of a letter from General Macpherson dated the 18 April & which was received on the 20. instant and also a Copy of my answer thereto— I have the honor to be / with the greatest respect / Your obedient Servant MHi : Adams Papers.
84To John Adams from James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully submits the enclosed Draught of a Letter to General William Shepherd, General Warham Parks, and Justine Ely Esquire, and the Documents connected therewith to the President of the United States, for his Determination & Orders. MHi : Adams Papers.
85To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The pressing solicitations of Major Tousard oblige me to represent to you, that the Season is now arrived for prosecuting with activity the Defences contemplated at Rhode Island, and other places to the Eastward. That without the funds he expects to derive from a settlement of his accounts for former extra Services as an Engineer—it will be impracticable for him to meet the expences,...
86To John Adams from James McHenry, 1799 (Adams Papers)
Answer to Questions proposed by the President of the U States— To the first. It is difficult to fix the precise point at which indignity or affront from one state to another ceases to be negotiable without absolute humiliation and disgrace. It is for the most part a relative question—relative to the comparative strength of the parties—the motives for peace or war—the antecedent relations—the...
87To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a patriotic address from the Brigadier general, and field officers of the third Brigade of Maryland Militia with a letter which accompanied the same from Brigadier General J. Swann, to the Secretary of War. The characters of most of the Gentlemen who have signed this address are known to me to be valuable and influential. I am, Sir, with the / Sincerest attachment...
88To John Adams from James McHenry, 12 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
In the hurry of copying my letter of the 2d. instant, which I had the honor of delivering to you yesterday, I find an error escaped my notice, in the 22d. page 14th. line from the top—the word four being inserted instead of the word six —which was intended. I am Sir / with the greatest respect / your most obedient / humble servant DLC : James McHenry Papers.
89To John Adams from James McHenry, 21 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, bearing date the 23d. and 30th. of Augt. and 9th 13th & 14th of Septr. inst. I find on recurring to the case of Augustus de Grasse, that he was left out of service for two reasons. 1st upon information, that he spent in gaming &c whatever he received from the government. 2. Because he could not be made useful in the office of...
90To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
The fever threatening this City with similar ravages to what took place in the years 1793, 1797 & 1798 has induced to the measure of removing the offices to Trenton where I expect to be on Monday next. Altho’ the personal inconveniences attending upon this removal are very great, I lament it yet more on a public account. With the greatest respect, I / have the honour to be, Sir, / Your most ob...
91To John Adams from James McHenry, 27 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Wolfs–friend, if not the head, one of the most considerable Chiefs of the Chickasaw Nation is now in the City, at the instance and request of Brigadier General Wilkinson, who has intimated to me the expediency of securing his future good will and friendship to the United States by promising him an annual stipend. It may be proper to observe on this occasion: 1st That there are in the...
92To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to request, that I may be permitted to resign the office of Secretary of the Department of war, and that my resignation be accepted, to take place on the first day of June next. Explanations may be desired of some parts of the business of the War Department, while under my direction, which I shall be very ready to give, and can more conveniently do so by continuing in an...
93To John Adams from James McHenry, 11 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inclose, the proceedings and sentence, of a general court martial, held at Loftus’s heights, on the 11th day of April last, by order of Brigadier General Wilkinson. At this Court Lieutenant Jacob Kreemer, of the first Regiment of Infantry, was tried and sentenced. The sentence conformably to the 18 section of “an act to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the...
94To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit, the enclosed papers Nos. 1. to 4 inclusive relative to my proceedings at New-York. I am Sir / with the greatest respect / your most obedient / humble servant. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
95To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War will immediately be called upon, to furnish instructions, to the commanders of the armed vessels, destined to the protection of our coast, and to act as convoys to our trade. It becomes in consequence his duty, to suggest such circumstances, as require the most serious deliberation, and are connected with this subject. The power of the President, must be considered as...
96To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter intended for General Wilkinson, and draught of a reply to the Chickasaw Chiefs. I did myself the honour to wait upon you with them, but not finding you at home, I beg Gen Wilkinsons letter may be returned if approved, in time to put it into the mail which closes at sun down. With the greatest respect / I have the honour to be Sir / your most ob. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
97To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge your letter of the 18th instant. The communication respecting the cession of Castle Island was, I believe, made by the governor of Massachusetts to the Secretary of State. You referrd it to me, and I returned it previous to my visit to New York, with an opinion, that it would be proper to accept of the cession, but that it would be right the convicts should be...
98To John Adams from James McHenry, 19 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
There is a very great desire among a number of citizens & gentlemen composing the volunteer companies & City militia, to know as near as may be the day and hour at which you may be expected to arrive here. As I think it would not be right to disappoint their laudable zeal—I pray you to be so obliging as to drop me a line from New York to enable me to satisfy their inquiries, and afford them an...
99To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
It must be, well know to you, that the pressure of business, upon me, at Trenton, which could not be neglected; the derangements consequent upon the removal of the office, to Philadelphia; the necessity, of making some arrangements, for my family, in the first moments of their return; and the almost constant attention, I have been obliged to give, to the objects, refered to the general...
100To John Adams from James McHenry, 5 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit the reflexions which have occurred to me on the questions contained in your letter of the 14th ulto. With respect to your letter of the 15. I shall give it as early an answer as circumstances will permit, and intreat that you will ascribe the delay to the pressing business of the office and importance of the subject. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be...