591From 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...
592From 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...
593From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you some accounts an account which have has been forwarded to me by Captain McClellen. The Court Martial of which the Captain attended sat in this place, and the facts which form the basis of the account are true. I send you likewise some accounts of Lieutenant Leonard, and you will do with direct with respect to them what shall seem to you proper. Proceedings of Courts Martial in...
594From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I some time since sent you an estimate of the Cloathing requested for the Troops under my immediate Command for the ensuing year, proposing at the same time the materials should be forwarded so that the cloaths might be made up or altered during the Winter. I regret much that your arrangements could not answer my wishes, as the winter is far advanced, the time is approaching when some of the...
595From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am told, though I really have not seen the law, that one has passed suspending the Recruiting Service for the Twelve Additional Regiments. You are aware that an instruction from your Department ought to precede my agency upon that law. Yrs. truly ALS , Columbia University Libraries; ALS (photostat), James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress; copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton...
596From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a copy of a letter from Colonel Smith with my answer. You will therefore be possessed of all the facts which may enable you to judge of the propriety of allowing Compensation to Lieutt. Cocks for his extra duties— with great respect ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
597From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you Dr. Finley’s letter of resignation—omitted by accident to be sent on a former occasion With— ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
598From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the twenty seventh of February, and of the third of March. You mention that it will, probably, be thought expedient to suspend the filling of vacancies which may have been occasioned by staff appointments, or other causes. If, indeed, the disbandment of the additional regiments be an event which is expected very shortly to take place, the thing will be perfectly...
599From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Izzard has determined to accept the appointment of Secretary to Mr. Smith our minister Plenipotentiary at the court of Lisbon, but, is desirous of retaining the commission which he holds in the army of the United States. I would submit to you the propriety of gratifying his wishes in this particular. When an officer is absent on public service, and the situation of affairs at home is...
600From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed to you The enclosed certificate has just been handed to me by the widow of a soldier lately deceased. It was sent to the The Regimental Pay Master General, who returned it with this answer, that the widow must —— administer before she can be entitled to receive the money declines acting upon it untill there is a regular administration This is certainly true but a no doubt correct in...
601From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose some letters in recommendation of Mr. Van Renselaer as a Lieutenant in the corps of Artillerists & Engineers—You will perceive that the letters come from persons of respectability—By what I have learnt in other modes the young Gentleman is perfectly probably worthy of the post which he sollicits. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
602From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 7, 1800. States that the “law which provides for Brigade and Division Inspectors has made them no allowance for the article of forage.…” Quotes an order he has given to James Wilkinson on this question. Encloses extract of a letter from John F. Hamtramck on Indian affairs. Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. “An Act for the better...
603From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Ethan A. Brown has acted, for some time, in my office, in the character of Assistant Secretary; and I shall continue to have occasion for his services. It would therefore be gratifying to me if the President would bestow on him the appointment of second Lieutenant in the twelfth regiment. Mr: Brown has heretofore received a monthly salary. Should he be appointed to the office of Lieutenant...
604From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 [March] 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you the drawings and Uniform agreeably to the plan heretofore submitted for your approbation, with the — alteration in the Musician’s Coats — worsted lace with frogs, instea d — with gre at — P.S. A Letter from Richard Colonel Hunnewell of the 23. Feby. mentions that Mr David I Waters does not accept — of the appointment of Cadet ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip...
605From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Some ill health joined to much occupation has delayed longer than I wished the preparation of the Bills you desired. Herewith I send you one of them. I regret extremely the dismembrement of the School of the Navy from the rest. Clear I am that all ought to be united under the Director General who might himself be subject to the orders of the Secretary at War in relation to the three first...
606From 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...
607From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Major Hopkins on the subject of relative rank— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
608From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the seventh instant has been received. I have upon reflection, thought it expedient to order all the recruiting Officers of the additional regiments, with the men they may have enlisted, to their regimental rendezvouses; as it would be impossible to adopt any arrangements which would effectually prevent the enlistment of more men than are wanted to complete the old...
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 Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Smith states to me that Captain White, of the eleventh regiment, has acted as Judge Advocate of all the General Courts Martial which have been held since the second of November, at Union Camp, and enquires whether he is entitled to any thing for the performance of this duty. The subject of compensation to persons acting as Judge Advocates has been heretofore matter of correspondence...
611From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In reviewing your letter of February 27 I am doubtful as to the meaning of the following paragraph contained therein “With respect to the vacancies occasioned by the Staff appointments and other causes it is most likely it will be thought expedient to suspend filling them for the present.” I would wish to be informed whether it is your meaning that the vacancies occasioned by different...
612From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter dated February 25th. 1800 last month from Colonel Parker requesting a certificate of my having directed him to lay out the State of Virginia into districts. the certificate I have made out adding to it my knowledge of the orders he has received from General Washington respecting the cantonment at Harpers ferry. in executing the above orders he has incurred considerable...
613From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Artillery stations on the seaboard within my command are divided into two districts, each of which is under the superintendance of a Major. It appears to me very desirable that there should be an Inspector of Artillery to each of these districts charged with duties similar to those which belong to an Inspector of Infantry. I can appoint the Officers but have not power to give a...
614From 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...
615From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [17 March 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the draft of a third Bill. I shall quickly send you that of a fourth which will comprise whatsoever may remain. Yrs. truly ALS , The Sol Feinstone Collection, Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia; ALS (photostat), James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress. The draft has not been found, but this was the draft of a “bill relative to the articles of war.” See...
616From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckny has transmitted me confidentially the copy of a letter which he has written to you respecting the employment of the troops during the Ensuing Summer. I agree with him in the inexpediency of employing new troops in operations not military, as the digging of Canals &c and in the propriety of some extra compensation to any troops who may be so employed, as a douceur and a guard...
617From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter is left open for your perusal— It has appeared to me proper to issue this order as the troops ought not to be entirely destitute of ammunition. An order has been lately given at Harper’s ferry for a guard to conduct — French prisoners. A guard is now furnished from the troops at Harper’s ferry to take care of some French prisoners at Frederick Town—This guard ought to carry...
618From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 14th. instant enclosing Regulations respecting certain Supplies and objects of special and extra expence has been delivered to me. I have likewise received Regulations respecting Quarters and servants to officers, and shall do whatever may depend upon me towards carrying them into effect. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
619From 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...
620From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are the Proceedings of a General Court Martial held at Union Camp of which Major Fondy was President— With great respect I am, Sir, ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
621From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Cases, every day, occur to shew the immense inconvenience of being obliged to resort, for all articles of military supply, to the seat of government. The good of the service appears to me indispensibly to require the establishment of magazines in the great military districts with a small supply of the articles of constant necessity. This would obviate many difficulties, and produce, as I see,...
622From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter which I have received from Mr. Titcomb Cadet in the second regiment of Artillerists & Engineers. Major Jackson speaks very favorably of this Gentleman, and, I doubt not, you will consider the letter as a handsome not an ill specimen of his abilities. The occasional appointment of Cadets to vacancies that occur is necessary to the end of their establishment. Without it...
623From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Though from repeated reflection and action upon the subject my opinion was well made up when I received your letter of the 19th. yet I thought it proper once more to review the matter before I complied with your request. The principle of the doctrine advanced by the accountant will go much farther than the position which he now avows; namely, “that no authority short of Congress can make...
624From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the eighteenth instant, and written the enclosed, in consequence, to Major Rivardi— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
625From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a letter from Mr Samuel Davis, and request your instructions respecting the answer to be given. Should he by his delay in the acceptance of his appointment, not be entitled to it, his loss will be of no great detriment to the Service his loss, will serve judging from his letter, will not perhaps be unfortunate for the service. with great respect Sir ( Df , in the...
626From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
the enclosed letter and papers were sent me by General North I am induced to consider the charge of Major Bewell for double rations as irregular, since Fort Lernoult is part of the Fortification of Detroit, and can not be called a distinct for post. The rations of the Act in this case This case is totally different from that of officers commanding districts which contain a number of...
627From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Frequent applications are made to me concerning the relative rank of the Field Officers. It is very desirable that this should be universally settled & promulged without delay. I shall submit to you, before long, some ideas respecting the relative rank of the company officers of the different regiments. Enclosed are the commission of Lieutenant Flagg and a letter in which he offers to resign...
628From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty first instant enclosing the petition of a soldier for his discharge. The principle on which the petition is founded would apply to the whole almost all the married men who have enlisted or may be disposed to enlist. This being the case I do not think it would be proper to grant a discharge— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
629From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just recd. the enclosed Inventory from Capt. Ingersol. The Contents he states to have been sent forward to you in boxes, (of one of which the enclosed is the key) by the direction of Major Toussard; from which I conclude that the Major’s direction was given in consequence of your order. I have the honor to transmit the Inventory is therefore transmitted to you that you may judge of the...
630From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are I have the honor to transmit the proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Lt. Leybourne I have strongly disapproved the sentence of the Court W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing the proceedings of John Leybourne’s court-martial, February 22, 1800, signed by James Read ( DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
631From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
After reading the enclosed confidential letter you will please return it. I remember what the General states. The idea was that the relative position between first and second Major in the interior of the Regiment should be fixed & selection was made with this view. Similar inconvenience will attend the 15th. Regiment. Major Walker was intended to be first. By the same construction he will be...
632From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Thompson, of the fourth regiment, having resigned, — Mr Campbell Smith, standing first on the list of Lieutenants, is of course entitled to receive fill the vacancy. Immediate promotion in cases of this nature, except where there are serious objections to the individual, is enjoined both by duty right justice and policy. The individual Officer next in grade is entitled to the vacant...
633From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to you, enclosed, the proceedings of the General Court martial held at Portland whereof Lt Leonard was Presidt. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
634From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a copy of a letter I have received from Captain Bishop. You will concur with me, I presume, that the soldiers ought not to suffer from the want of faith in agents employed by the government—This is an thing arrangement in which they have had no concern have no concern— The loss, therefore, in such cases, ought not to fall upon them, but upon the public. I would thank you for your...
635From John Adams to James McHenry, 31 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, requests the Secretary of War to send him without delay a list of the officers of the army who were appointed during the last recess of the Senate of the United States, that the President may be enabled to make their nominations as the constitution requires. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
636From John Adams to James McHenry, 31 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States requests of the Secretary of War, immediate information, whether the commissions have been sent to all the officers of the army or not, and if not, how many remain to be sent. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
637From 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...
638From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall doublly bear in mind the Intimation of Mrs. Adams—and shall take great pleasure in fulfilling her wish if there shall be occurrences which shall render it not incompatible with the good of the Service. On the disposition of the troops for the ensuring summer I shall ere long make you an official communication. Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
639From John Adams to James McHenry, 10 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed resolution of the Senate of the 9th of this month is referred by the President of the United States to the Secretary of War, who is requested to report to the President, to be laid before the Senate, conformably to their request as early as possible. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
640From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you three letters of resignation. One from Captn. Patterson, and one another from Lieutenant Cuyler, both Officers of the 12. Regiment. the third from Lieutt. Robinson of the 1st. Regiment. There appears no particular reasons why the resignations of these Officers should not be accepted, if you are of the same opinion you I will thank you to inform me of it as soon...