2401To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, [26 August 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
Brigr. Gen. Wilkinson has the Honor to transmit Majr. Genl Hamilton, an original communication from the Officer commanding Fort Massac, near the Mouth of the Ohio River, which appears to Him to merit some attention. He sends the Original, because the retention of it, is important to the Brigadier, & may be most properly deposited with the Majr. General. The debauch & consequent absence of the...
2402To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 14 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit you a second Letter from Capt Claiborne of the 1st. Regt., and beg leave to second his views as far as may be consistent with your arrangements—I am assured here that he is no longer necessary to guard the Frigate, & that his Men are in the Way of the Builders & Riggers— With perfect consideration I am most respectfully Sir Yr. Obt Ser ( ALS , Hamilton Papers,...
2403To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 3 [July] 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By the inclosed you will see the state of the business with regard to the supply of the Soldiers of the 12th. Regiment with fresh Provisions— The Contractor declares by his Answer to me, that he will furnish fresh meat, but once in four days, instead of five days in Seven which your order directs. If I had not the feelings of a man , I should think it policy, and duty as an Officer, to rivet...
2404To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 1 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the Court-martial has proceeded untill there is no business before it— And am, With all consideration Your Obdt. ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2405To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 23 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your request, before ten OClock this morning, I saw Lieutentant Dwight at his Lodgings No. 28 Front, or Water Street: At the Sign of Ferdinand Reading—The Man is dead, but Mrs Reading, occupies the Home. I called him aside; expressed surprize at his not having yet gone to Camp. He said he should go on Monday next, having received your positive orders; although he had not received...
2406To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor, ’tho’ with much regret, to inform you, that the recruiting-Service is still greatly impeded by circumstances which I cannot controul—Captain Kissam is in such ill health as almost to be despaired of—His only Lieutenant is the Paymaster, & Cloathier, of the Regiment, who of course cannot leave town—Lieut. Ladley of the 2d Regiment, who has volunteered his Services, is at...
2407To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 26 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor this moment to receive your letter relative to the ill-treatment &ca of a Mr Lowrie from the recruiting party at Brooklyn— And as I hope “there is no man more sensible of the importance and necessity of preventing, and repressing injuries and outrages from the military to our fellow Citizens,” than my self, shall in person make enquiry this afternoon, and pursue every measure...
2408To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 8 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
When I last spoke to You about the Appointment of Lieutenant, William Laidlie, to a command in the twelfth Regiment, You went so far as to say You would consider of it. He accepted of an Appointment in the 2d. Regiment of a 2d Lieutenancy—but has not Yet recd a Commission. From the Sollicitations of his friends as well as other considerations, he would be very glad of a transfer to our...
2409To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 12 December 1799[–6 January 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 12, 1799 [ –January 6, 1800 ]. Has remained in New York to superintend the recruiting service following the departure of Lieutenant Colonel William S. Smith and the Twelfth Regiment for winter quarters in New Jersey. Complains of “absolute want of every article” of clothing for recruits and in postscript dated January 6, 1800, states: “that the men are destitute of Shoes ,...
2410To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 30 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
At our Rendezvous are Majr. Willcocks—Lieutent. Paymaster Smith—Lieut. Hoffman Lieut. Quarter Master Ludlow, Lieut. Wands—Adjut. Cox At Bedford, Capn. Courtlandt—At New York Capn Patterson—& Lt. Le Ro y L ivingston. At Brooklyn Lieut Laidlie, of th e 2nd R egt. Colonel Smith within three Miles of the Rendezvous— As to the three Deserters from Capn. Pattersons Company. I should suppose they...
2411To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks [16 April 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Business of much moment to me, (the risk of four thousand dollars) and which involves Colls. Troup, & Giles, requires my personal Attendance here for perhaps ten or fifteen days, exclusive of some considerations for my Younger Children—The Particulars if You please , I would detail at a personal Interview— If therefore it can be supposed, that the Regiment which from which I have been detached...
2412To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 27 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Immediately upon the receipt of your communication respecting the Affair with Mr. Lowrie at Brooklyn, I went over: and upon the examination of a number of Witnesses, found the Substance of the business to be as follows, That a Chimney Sweep of Mr Lowries had ran away—That he was taken up by the Sergeant; who kept and maintained him best part of a day and night; intending on the afternoon of...
2413To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 2 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have taken the Liberty and with very great diffidence to represent, that Lieutenants Smith, and Ludlow, who were members of the General Court marital of which I was Presidt. in consequence of their respective departments in the Staff, were to my knowledge exposed to, & actually did make a number jaunts by order, to the Rendezvous at the Bronks, at which place Lt. Smith had a considerable...
2414To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 7 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In the case of Peter Mildeberger, I can only report, that to my knowlege the facts stated in his Petition are true—I believe he has never been out of his bed, since he went first into it— That he has labored under a constant internal Hemorrage I conclude to be true, from the information of his nurse and the information, and certificate, of the attending Physician— As to the future result, I...
2415To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 14 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Head Quarters, Broncks [ New York ], August 14, 1799 . States that in the absence of Colonel William S. Smith he commands the regiment. Asks what procedures to use in filling out payrolls. States that the officers “complain heavily” of the delay in receiving their pay. Adds that the men, who are “next to a state of mutiny,” are stealing vegetables, and because of a lack of “platters or...
2416To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The very sudden disbandment of the Regiments, has placd a number of Officers in a most embarrassed situation. Of this description is Lieutenant Wands—It is by his sollicitation, and the most cordial acquiessence on my part, I take the liberty, to beg of the Commander-in-chief, if he knows, or should know, of any vacancy, of Quartermaster, or Lieutenancy in one of the old Regiments, that he...
2417To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, [19 February 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
Messrs Ten Eyck and Williams are to meet at my house half past ten. If you will be so good as to have the thing signed by Troup and Mr. Church he will endeavor to get some other subscribers by Saturday. Mr. Pendleton will subscribe if you send it to him. He attended at the meetings and recommended this mode &c &c. Yours &c Would not Mr. Harrison subscribe if your clerk carried it to him....
2418To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 27 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the Court martial of which I am President, considering all circumstances, Do recommend a remission of the punishments adjudged in the Cases of Josep Harding and Joseph Hustead— I am, With the highest Respect, Your Obdt Servt ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2419To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 16 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
To my great Surprize Captain Church this morning informed me that Lieutenant Schuyler, was still engaged in the recruiting-Service. On the very day that I received Colonel Smiths orders for the Suspention of that business, I wrote a circular letter to every Officer in that duty, inclosing a copy of my orders received, on the Subject, (a copy of which is inclosed) and with my own hand put them...
2420To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 12 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ East Chester, New York ] June 12, 1799 . “… I take the liberty … to report to you … that … it is probable that in a few days, the Recruiting Service, will be obstructed for the want of Bounty money, independent of all other occasions.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Willcocks, a veteran of the American Revolution, was a New York City attorney. In 1794 he was a Federalist member...
2421To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 30 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
We have in custody three Deserters from Captain Pattersons Company—May they be tried by a Regimental Court-martial? I take this Opportunity also to inform you that we have a number of Soldiers at our Camp in their Shirt Sleeves—there being no uniform Coats—niether are there any more Stocks. The bearer waits for a line in Answer, if You please— With the highest respect I am Your Obedt. ( LS ,...
2422To Alexander Hamilton from Marinus Willett, 30 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Jelles A Fonda has signified a desire of receiving an appointment in the army—He served under me a Captain in the New York State Troops with much reputation—I know no man who I think more likely to do honor to a Military Commission than Mr Fonda— I am Sir Your very humble Servt ( ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library).
2423To Alexander Hamilton from Henry A. Williams, 31 March 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 31, 1798. “I am again necessitated to write you from this gloomy place (Viz. the Goal) where a trifling sum … holds me. You will therefore I hope excuse me for Troubling you and as Imediately as possible take the Necessary Steps to Recover that Money.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. When he was not in jail, Williams was a grocer at 102 Broad Street in New York...
2424To Alexander Hamilton from Henry A. Williams, 26 April 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 26, 1798. “I am much supprized by being informed by my Wife that you cannot find either my papers or any way of Coming at the property so long withheld from me.… Exert yourself & not lett me Linger Longer in this Bastile while my family are Sufferring at home.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see Williams to H, March 31, 1798 . An...
2425To Alexander Hamilton from John Williams, 7 June 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
We shall be this day be engaged on the Subject of Regulating the Arming of Merchantmen. A dificualty ariseth with me respecting the Construction of our Treaty with France. Our Vessels will Claim a right as the Treaty with France expresseth. The French will exact the Decree of 2d March last —hence both will be Authorized by their respective Nations and which will be diametrically Oposite each...
2426To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As your favour of the 20th June did not require an immediate reply, I have defered it till I could send the enclosed sheets of my translation: The tables are not yet all printed, but if the plates could be ready, the whole might appear in a fortnight. The Essay on military fireworks, which does not require plates, will soon be published in a separate Pamphlet. Nothing could be more gratifying...
2427To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 3 September 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Mount Pleasant [ near Philadelphia ] September 3, 1797 . “I took the Liberty when I saw you last in New York to intimate a wish to be employed in the treasury department, and you were so kind as to offer your aid in this respect whenever a specific object should be pointed out. The Death of D Way having left a vacancy in the mint, I have been induced to make application to be appointed...
2428To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 17 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 17, 1799. Encloses “a pamphlet on Fortification with six plates, and 122 pages of a Treatise on Artillery with twenty four Tables.” States: “the remainder of the latter Work shall be forwarded as soon as it can be obtained from the Printer.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This is a reference to Williams’s translation of Alexandre Pierre Julienne de Belair, The...
2429To Alexander Hamilton from Leonard Williams, 31 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
A considerable property lately left me by the will of an Uncle very much requires my presence for a short time in Vermont. This induces me to request a furlough for a few weeks; and I am prompted to ask it at a time when my absence will be the least injurious to the service. At this Season no extraordinary duty occurs; and two Offi cers besides myself are now on the Garrison to — . I...
2430To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Williamson, 9 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
When I accepted the Appointment of Deputy Paymaster General, I flattered myself, that the Business was of so simple a nature, that I should be able to go thro’ the duties of my Office without Assisstance. I find however that in prosecuting the same, that it requires much more — & attention than I had contemplated, which together with the Cloathing business, now attached to it, obliges me to...
2431To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Williamson, 14 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that, I forwarded on the 1st. April last, returns of Cloathing wanted for Captains Eddons, Reeds & Stille’s Companies of the 2d. Regt. of Artt. & Engrs.—to Samuel Hodgdon Esqr. Superintendant of Military Stores at Philadelphia, and on the 1st of M ay other, similar, returns and at same time not having received any information of the Cloathing on the former...
2432To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Williamson, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I did myself the Honor of calling yesterday about two o Clock but from an unlucky inaccuracy of my watch, missed seeing you. That I may tresspass as little as possible on your time, I beg the liberty of being allowed to state to you the circumstances that gave rise to what had been stated by Mr. Wadsworth. Tho’ early attached to a military life, yet with the rank I held it appeared to me so...
2433To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Willing, 30 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
My duty commands me, to announce to you, my arrival, at this place, on the twelth instant from Canton. The furlough, you were so good, to grant me expires, with this day, and I hasten to make known, my most sincere acknowledgements for the favor. I remain Sir, with the most perfect respect your obedient Servant ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
2434To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Willing, 24 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Having consented to the wishes of my friends, to make a voyage to Canton, I beg leave, to request, a furlough for one Year from the first of May. If you should deem it proper, to grant my request, I should consider, my pay and emoluments, as relinquished, during my absence, and also, if the service should require, my appointment, to be filled up, and the Government should do so, in that Case,...
2435To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan R. Wilmer, 18 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Altho’ I am not honored with your personal acquaintance, I have suggested to myself the liberty of asking your opinion relative to the political sentiments of the Legislature of New York. The information we have received has been so tinged with party spirit, that we can draw no accurate conclusions. If They should be Federal , and can be calculated on with certainty; it will supercede the...
2436To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Wilson, 1 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to orders from the Secretary at War—which have just come under my Eye—I have to report myself to you, Am now in the Borough of Reading, County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania—Where I arriv’d a few days Since from the Southward where I travell’d for my Health which is now restor’d— I Am ready to march at a moments warning to any place, you may think proper to order me to— I am Sir...
2437To Alexander Hamilton from John Wilson, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment recd. your favour of the 20 Ultimo in which I am directed to repair Immediately to Bennington in the state of Vermont to be there employed in the recruiting Service. I should not hesitate a moment in complying. But my present circumstances Will not permit so Soon as is expected. the reason I will inform You. some time in June I was requestd by Capt Turner to join him at Fort...
2438To Alexander Hamilton from William Wilson, 16 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Being for a long time in an ill state of health, which disqualified me from performing the regular duties of an officer, I was compelled to relinquish a station to which ambition prompted me accept and pride made me anxious to undertake, I herewith inclose you my letter of resignation which will shew what was my wish and feelings at the time I was compelled to offer it, I have by a change of...
2439To Alexander Hamilton from John A. Winans, 9 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg you will once more excuse the liberty your young friend takes in addressing you, it is I assure you owing to the great anxiety of mind I labor under respecting my appointment I have seen Col: Odgen since you left Town and find from his conversation that I am as far distant from receiving my Commission in his Regiment as ever, I believe he has given the preference to some other Person, I...
2440To Alexander Hamilton from John A. Winans, 10 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is with due respect I once more take the liberty of addressing you on a Subject so very dear to me, and which has kept me in suspence these four tedious Months, with anxious, expectations, of receiving an appointment. Since my application there has been many Appointments , and for what reason I am neglected, I am not able to say. I have done all in my power to procure for your Satisfaction,...
2441To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 4 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
As you feel interested in favr. of any reasonable indulgence to Mr. Robertson, I think proper to inform you, that the propositions made by Colo. Burr & reduced to writing by him in my presence were agreed to &—that with the exception of Mr. R. there appears to be no sincere desire to come to an explanation—we have lost two years, in fruitless negotiations. Mr. Robertson appeared to be...
2442To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 7 July 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the residue of the pamph[l]et. I am astonished at the villany of Munroe—a more base, false, & malignant suggestion than is contained in his Note of Jany 2d 1793. was never uttered. I am yrs ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see the introductory note to Wolcott to H, July 3, 1797 . Wolcott enclosed pamphlet No. VI by James Thomson Callender....
2443To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 1 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your favour of September 26th. and have made a few notes, which I will revise and send to you to morrow. The style & temper is excellent, no observations occur to me upon the first part of the Draught. You will judge of the expediency of sending the Letter, from the information which you possess of the public opinion. I have no lights beyond those which I suggested as from...
2444To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 31 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your Letter of March 30th. and I consider it as a great acquisition. It developes the origin of a circumstance which came to my knowledge at the close of the last session which filled my mind with inexpressible surprize. To you I will say but in the most perfect confidence that the President had determined on instituting a Commission, but it would not have been composed as you now...
2445To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 7 June 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 7, 1797. On June 8, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Wolcott : “I have received your two letters of the 6th and 7.” Letter of June 7 not found. ]
2446To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 19 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall send by this Post a Letter to Keeper of Debtors apartment in New York granting the priviledge recommended in your Letter of yesterday. As there are probably many persons ⟨liable⟩ to be held in close confinement, ought not the Governor, State Judges, and District Judges to direct the removal of the Prisoners to some Gaol in the Country? I am acquainted with the state of a delicate...
2447To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 7 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your favour of the 1st. instant. I have some knowledge of the circumstance referred to in Genl. Schuylers Letter. It is a fact that Mr. Shoemaker has either seen such a Letter from Mr. Jefferson as is described, or recd. such evidence that a Letter of the kind existed, as made a strong impression on his Mind. It has I know been proposed to make application to Mr. Smith’s son...
2448To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to you, the copy of a Letter from the Surveyor General of the United States in Answer to my enquiries respecting the time when and the place where the troops required to assist in marking the Indian boundary line would be wanted. The opinion of the Surveyor General in relation to this business, confirms the expediency of directing the Commanding Officer in...
2449To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [13 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 13, 1797. On April 22, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Wolcott and referred to “your letter of the 13th instant.” Letter not found. ] Printed in this volume.
2450To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 21 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 20th. with Twenty Dollars. The sum I lent you was Thirty Dollars. Yesterday I sent you a small bill which you forgot to pay. No Consul can be recd. at present. The result of all the enquiries which I have been able to make is, that a small sum, might be raised by the gradual sale of 7½ ⅌ Cent Stock at par but that there can be no certainty, that a Loan would...