To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 14 May 1815
From Alexander J. Dallas
14 May 1815
Dr. Sir.
I am anxious to make our Army arrangement satisfactory, without taking too great a latitude in the discretion left to the Executive. I am afraid Genl. Jackson will be mortified, if Major Butler and Major Hayne are not noticed in some part of our arrangement; and I think we can manage the matter safely, by allowing an Adjutant General (Major Butler) to be provisionally retained for the Division of the South; and another (Major Hayne) to be provisionally retained for the Division of the North. The appointments are essential, in the first movements to organize the peace establishment; and it is clear that Congress must provide more effectually for a General Staff. If you approve of this alteration; my only remaining desideratum, will be an honorable subsistence for the gallant, and unfortunate, McPherson.1 Something will, perhaps, occur in the civil line, to gratify us in his case. I am, Dr Sir, most respectfully & faithfully, Yrs.
A. J. DALLAS
RC (CSmH).
1. For the case of Maj. Robert H. Macpherson, see Tench Ringgold to JM, 16 Feb. 1815, 8:594 and n. 1.