591From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have a letter for Lieut Seymoore Rannix of Moorefield, and would thank you to inform me where the place is. The letter was sent to Connecticut but the Postmaster of Hartford has returned it saying that he knows of no such place in the state. With great respect I am, Sir ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
592From 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...
593From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If Meade was here he would tell you there never was an Irishman but would now and then discover the potatoe in his head I did not mention the particulars you cite in the case of the Hollander , because the very necessity of troubling you on the subject implied that he was not naturalised and was without the letter of the regulation . Agreably to your permission I shall give a special authority...
594From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Andrew Van Wort, for whom you have enclosed to me a letter of appointment as Second Lieutenant in the first regiment of Infantry, is dead. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
595From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Campbel Smith has made a representation to me on the subject of some claims which he has pending in the Accountant’s Office, and has requested the interposition of my opinion. Thinking it due to him as an Officer now under my command I trouble you with this letter. He states that he has claims of two kinds—One for services rendered for more than two years as judge advocate previous to the...
596From 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...
597From 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...
598From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Oliver Emerson Cadet acknowledges the receipt of his discharge of the twenty eighth of April— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
599From 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...
600From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 17, 1799. “Your letters of the 15th. and 16th. are duly come to hand.… Tomorrow I shall leave this place for Philadelphia. Several things will best be settled by personal conference which in future will be mutually convenient & will promote the service.” Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
601From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have ——— Major Ford to give the detachment directed Major Ford to take the command as you suggested, The Detachment did not proceed yesterday as I intend and to open a correspondence with you and General McPherson. Your letters of the 16 and 18th. of March are just received. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your Obed Ser ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
602From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to you a letter of this date to Caleb Swan Esquire which is left open for your perusal— With gt. resp— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
603From 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...
604From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are some letters in recommendation of Mr Samuel Welsh who in anxious to obtain an appointment in the army. Mr. Welsh states to me that he has been in debt, but has settled with his creditors and obtained a discharge— This fact I should supose ought to be well ascertained before an apppointment is bestowed W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
605From 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...
606From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Major Shute relative to the application of David Jones which you sent to me some days since. You will perceive from the statement that given that the application of this Gentleman is a very improper one ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
607From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 2, 1799. “I have received yours of the 30 April. and your directions will be immediately complied with.…” Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
608From 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.,...
609From 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...
610From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 5, 1799. “… As yet I have to regret that I am without the needful assistance to enable me to keep pace with the various objects of service—which occasions more delay in respect to the less urgent than is agreable to my plan. Measures are in train to obtain efficient aid and I hope ere long the whole Machinery will be in complete operation.…” Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan...
611From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have finally determined upon the course which the inclosed copy of a letter to Major Adlum of this date indicates— With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. Obed Ser ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
612Enclosure: 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...
613Enclosure: Charles Lee to James McHenry, 10 February 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Relative to the claim of Lt Smith, who was appointed Judge Advocate to the Army by the Commanding Officer Genl Wilkinson in general orders, and who for sometime as it is stated to me rendered services in that capacity to the United States it is my opinion he is equitably entitled to compensation for those services. Though Genl Wilkinson does not in my opinion possess the power of appointing...
614From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Presly Thornton, who is appointed a Captain in one of the Virginia Regiments, and in the list of Officers handed to you, is placed the first Captain in Colo. Bentley’s Regiment, and designated of Northumberland, informs me there has been a mistake in your office with respect to him; as a Relation of his, bearing the same names, & living in Caroline County, is understood by you to be the person...
615From George Washington to James McHenry, 17 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your confidential and interesting letter of the 10th instant, came duly, and safely to hand. With the contents of which I have been stricken dumb; and I believe it is better that I should remain mute than to express any sentiment on the important matters which are related therein. I have, for sometime past, viewed the political concerns of the United States with an anxious, and painful eye....
616From 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...
617From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Doctr Brown (of Port tobacco) to Doctr Craik, was this day put into my hands by the latter; who speaks favourably of the Medical abilities of the former. I wish to be considered in no other light than as a Vehicle of the application to the President, through you; for of Doctr Brown I have no knowledge, and of his fitness I can say nothing. One thing however, merits...
618From George Washington to James McHenry, 9 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Monsr Augustus de Grass, requesting an appointment in the Corps of Engineers; which I forward to you, as I have done all letters of a similar nature. I received, this morning, under a blank cover from the War Office, a letter for myself from Govr Rutledge of So. Carolina, and one for Brigadier Genl Washington, which I have forwarded so as to get to his hands before he...
619From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 July 1797 (Washington Papers)
By the last Post I was favoured with your letter of the 3d instant and thank you for its enclosure, although, on the same day, I had, myself, transmitd a copy thereof to the Secretary of State. I had doubted a while, whether to forward it to your Office or that of State, but finally resolved to send it to the latter, as it seemed more properly I thought, to belong to that Department. If the...
620From George Washington to James McHenry, 21 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of the Presidents letter to me, which I request may be, with this letter, burnt as soon as they are read, & no more said respecting the contents than might be proper for him to hear repeated again; Otherwise, a knowledge that the contents of my letters to, and from him, are in possession of others, may induce him to believe, in good earnest, that intriegues are carrying on,...
621George 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...
622From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letters, from Genl Morgan and Captn G. S. Washington, recommending the Revd Mr Hill, as Chaplin to the Troops about to be stationed at Harper’s Ferry, have come to my hands, and are now forwarded for your inspection. I do not observe in the “Act for the better organizing the Troops of the U.S. &c.” that any provision is made for Chaplins. Whether they are provided for in any other...
623From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have considered, with attention, the Rules adopted by the President of the U.S. relative to rank & promotion in the Army, which were enclosed in your letter of the 2d inst. wherein you request me to suggest any alterations which may appear proper, to make them more perfect. These Rules meet my full approbatn, and I see no inconvenience that can arise from the establishment of them unless it...
624From 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...
625From George Washington to James McHenry, 25 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed will say as much as I can, in favour of the applicant; except that I have heard him exceedingly well spoken of by others. Being a young man of Education; a Gentleman’s son who was able to give him little besides it; and sound in his Politic’s, notwithstanding the example of his nearest relatives; who are, I believe, without exception, in the opposite scale, I think he, and all...
626From George Washington to James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private Dear Sir Mount Vernon 14th Sepr 1799 I feel much obliged, and accordingly thank you, for your kind intention of ordering me two months pay; and I shall not suffer false modesty to assert, that my finances stand in no need of it; because it is not the time, nor the attention only; which the Public duties I am engaged in require; but their bringing upon me Applicants—recommenders of...
627George 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...
628From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th ultimo, with it’s enclosures, has been duly received. And, agreeably to the arrangements made for the meeting of the General Officers on or about the 10th inst., I intend setting out tomorrow for Trenton; but, as I shall have some business in the Federal City which may detain me for a short time, and shall travel with my own Horses, which must necessarily be slower than...
629From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 12th ultimo—and am much obliged by your kind attention to the business which I desired McAlpin to execute for me. Enclosed is a letter from Mr Alexr A. Peters requesting to be appointed Surgeon or Lieutt in the Army—also one addressed to yourself which came to my hands by the last Mail. I am dear Sir, with due respect & esteem, Your mo. ob. st...
630From George Washington to James McHenry, 22 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been desired by Mr Saml Love, of Loudoun County, in this State, to mention to you his wish to contract for furnishing Horses for the Army. I have informed him that I am unacquainted with the mode in which it is contemplated to obtain Horses, leaving the business of contracts & supplies to the departments to which they are assigned; but that I would mention his name to you in the way he...
631From 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...
632From 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...
633From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letters of the 11th, 19th and 21st of last month, with their inclosures. Referring to my letter of the 13th ultimo for the reasons which prevented my having a personal knowledge of such Characters in Virginia, as may be proper to be selected for Officers in the eventual or provisional Army—and having shewn therein the difficulties which would arise from the...
634From George Washington to James McHenry, 23 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 23d April 1799 Six days do I labour, or, in other words, take exercise and devote my time to various occupations in Husbandry, and about my Mansion. On the seventh, now called the first day, for want of a place of Worship (within less than nine miles) such letters as do not require immediate acknowledgment I give answers to (Mr Lear being sick & absent). But...
635From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
At the earnest request of General Hamilton, that I would give instructions for having the eighth, ninth and tenth Regiments of Infantry provided with Winter Quarters, which it was very desireable should be at Harper’s Ferry, I have departed from the resolution which I had formed, not to take charge of any military operations, unless the Army should be called into the Field, so far as to Order...
636From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
I observe by the concluding paragraph of your letter of the 10th instant that you contemplate conferences between the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury and myself, for the purpose of obtaining auxiliary information from their departments—Several of the questions which you state seem indeed to require such information. But on reflection, it has occurred to me as most regular, that you...
637From George Washington to James McHenry, 16 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Major Lawrence Lewis requires explanation, and it is the purpose of this letter to give it. He had, it seems, been making Overtures of Marriage to Miss Custis some time previous to the formation of the Augmented Corps in November last, at Philadelphia; without any apparent impression, until she found he was arranged as a Captain in the Regiment of Light Dragoons, and...
638From George Washington to James McHenry, 1 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
You will be at no loss to perceive, from my private letter to you of the 16th ulto, extracts from which you sent to the President of the United States; and from my representation to him, dated the 25th following, the rough draught of wch was enclosed in my last, what my determination is, if he perseveres in his Resolution to change the order of the Major Generals, and to disregard the...
639From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 2d Instt, covering your dispatches of the 10th Ultimo, was brought to me by the Messenger who carried my letters to you (of the 5 & 6th) to the Post Office in Alexandria. That no time might be lost in carrying the Presidents Plan, and the request contained in your letter of the 10th Ult., into effect, I have solicited the aid of Generals Morgan, Lee, & Marshall; & the...
640From George Washington to James McHenry, 28 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
Knowing that the War Office has an Agency in the Western Lands, I take the liberty of putting the enclosed letters to General Putnam and Colo. Sargent under cover to you, open. By doing so, it supercedes the necessity of a repetition of what is therein mentioned. Another reason for giving you this trouble, is, that if Mr Massey is a Surveyor in the Northwestern Territory, it is highly probable...