51To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [19–23 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Knowing that I was apt to lose letters out of my pocket, and recollecting that you are a little subject to lose them by not putting them into yours, I thought it best that we should burn them. I can therefore answer to your inquiry (reced. last night) only from memory. I think I, as mere intelligence, mentioned to you the names of some of our candidates for Congress and subjoined some sketch...
52To George Washington from James McHenry, 11 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inclose you a letter just received from Gen. Wilkinson with sundry returns and papers shewing the state of the army. With the greatest respect I am Sir your Excellencys Most ob. St ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed documents have not been identified. McHenry may have enclosed James Wilkinson’s letter of 10 Feb. (not identified). A summary by McHenry of Wilkinson’s...
53To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1796–January 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 1796–January, 1797. At this time, McHenry “suggested to Hamilton the establishment of a permanent navy yard, and enclosed a draft of his departmental report in which he tried not to censure his predecessors.” Letter not found. ] Steiner, James McHenry Bernard C. Steiner, The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry (Cleveland, 1907). , 180, note 1. Although Steiner dates this...
54To George Washington from James McHenry, 12 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to subjoin to the names furnished Nicholas Hammond atty at law East Town & Mr Wm Hemsley. The latter possesses mercantile knowlege, is a man of respectability and long standing. The former a good lawyer of great integrity and well esteemed. The inclosed paper respecting the Frigates is that which I mentioned last night. If the letter to Chapin herewith submitted meets your...
55To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Well knowing how employed you must be at this moment I had not calculated on hearing from you till after the meeting of Congress. The Commissioners of the federal City have not applied to the legislature, but the Potomack company have to interest the State in a certain number of shares which I hope and expect will be taken. Mr Lear is with us. Mr Pinckney a man of real talents and genius and a...
56To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 [September] 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been confined by a fever to my bed ⟨for⟩ 17 days. Yesterday and to-day I have sat up a little. I have just recd your letter of the 10th Ulto. which arrived du⟨ri⟩ng the hight of my illness after having gone to Fayettville in N. Carolina and back to Philada. I expect a visit from Bishop Carroll on his return to Balt. which may be next week. I have thought if I shewed him a paragraph in...
57To George Washington from James McHenry, 11 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
A treaty of peace between the United States and the Regency of Algiers being completed gives operation and effect to the 9th section of the “act to provide a naval armament” which section, enacts “that if a peace shall take place between the United States and the Regency of Algiers that no farther proceedings be had under this act.” As this event produces a virtual repeal of that act, it...
58To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honour to inclose you the directions given to Mr Fox one of the clerks of the department of war, and well skilled in the quality of ship timber and construction of vessels of war relative to an examination of the materials on hand and such a disposition of them as may comport with the safe keeping of such as may be useful in future, and such as may be fit for the vessel...
59To George Washington from James McHenry, 12 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to lay before you a letter from Mr Seagrove which I received this morning, and one from Mr Price, the factor or agent for the trading house at Colerain with a draught of answers thereto. If you can spare time to look over them, I can receive your instructions at Any hour as the vessel is to sail to-day. I have the honour to be with the most perfect respect Sir Your most ob. & hble...
60To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilkinson continues to heap charges upon Wayne; is condensing them into a consistent form, and I perceive will urge them in such a manner as may oblige the Executive, to determine whether a commander of the army can be tried by a court martial, or the affair examined by a court of inquiry, or if neither can be done by what authority the case is cognizable. Will you take the question into your...
61To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
If you have a few minutes to spare I could wish you to examine the within conditions for a new contract for cannon. The old contract was too defective to serve as a model or guide in any one respect. The public must be a considerable looser by it; and the cannon which we shall be obliged to recive by no means to be relied on. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir your most ob....
62To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
My not writing has been owing to two causes. I was confined to my bed by a fever (remittent) the 5th instant, which left me there till the 20th. I had little hopes of a recovery but it has pleased god that I should get the better of it. I am now convalescent and may soon be as well as heretofore. The other reason is that I have only had Mr Hammonds answer which is against a removal. Mr...
63To Thomas Jefferson from James McHenry, 1 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall communicate to the merchants of Baltimore your official letter addressed to them which I have reason to believe will be very welcome agreeable and satisfactory. I shall also recommend to them to appoint a committee of their own body to extend its contents to those whom it concerns and to carry the object it contemplates into effect. The french fugitive from St. Domingo whose...
64To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Mr John Kirwan has renewed to me his request upon learning of a vacancy in the office of Marshal and collectors office at Annapolis to mention him again to your Excellency. I can safely assure you that Mr Kirwan has talents competent to the discharge of the duties of either office, and I dare say should he be appointed to either will give full satisfaction. He has been an unfortunate man in...
65To George Washington from James McHenry, 20 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
Before my setting out for the springs which will be on wednesday permit me again to bring into your recollection Mr George Salmon whose worth and qualities as a citizen has been the cause of my having heretofore ventured to solicit you in his behalf. I am very sensible to the difficulties attendant on your situation and the serious embarrassments you must frequently experience in deciding...
66To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Being obliged to attend our Legislature the first of next month it will be out of my power to collect examine and prepare the necessary facts relative to your queries, at least till after the end of the session; and as a majority of the house of delegates is said to be antifederal I can form no judgement of its duration. Be assured I was not only made exceedingly happy by your appointment but...
67To George Washington from James McHenry, 28 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your late indisposition which has alarmed me not a little makes me more desirous than ever that you should have some person near you who is well acquainted with your constitution and who has been accustomed to your confidence. This leads me to take the liberty to remind you of old Doctor Craik whom I well know, unless he is greatly changed cannot be very happy at a distance from you. I think...
68To George Washington from James McHenry, 3 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
Private. It strikes me, as among the first measures arising out of the proceedings of the Creek commissioners, that of a letter to the Governor of Georgia, somewhat in the stile of the inclosed. It would prove a considerable saving to the U.S. could the defence of the frontiers be carried on by regular troops without the aid of militia. It would give more consistency to military operations...
69To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. I inclose you a rough draught of a talk to the Cherokees and instructions to agent Dinsmore, containing a plan for promoting their civilization and rendering the management of them easier and more economical. If you think favourably of it I will revise and correct it and have Mr Dinsmore dispatched to his station. You will find it to contain little more than a mode for executing the...
70To George Washington from James McHenry, 29 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
It appears from the conferences between the representatives of the Creek nation at Coleraine, and Commissioners of the U.S. that the former have required and the latter promised, that the President would send into their country, within four months from the date of the treaty, a person instructed upon the following points. 1. To fix upon proper scites for trading houses & posts, and explain to...
71To George Washington from James McHenry, 12 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
In addition to the suggestions in my letter of monday I would beg leave to submit the following considerations. With respect to the running of the Cherokee line. On Mr Dinsmore’s arrival from that nation I questioned him concerning the fittest persons to be employed on the part of the U.S. He said, that Gen. Pickens would be more agreeable to the Cherokees than any other person: that he knew...
72To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I mentioned Mr. Carroll as proper to be brought forward to oppose a man whom I expect the antifederal interest will unite in supporting in case of an opportunity. I calculate that Mr. Carrol will not succeed; but it may produce more votes in this State for some man who ought. I mean also that it should operate to detach Mr. C.l. from Mr. Jeff. whose politics have in some instances infected...
73To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 23 in the order of the mail, and yesterday yours of the 27th. With respect to the former I have made no use of the quoted paragraph and hesitate between shewing it to the Bishop or the principal himself. Altho I think I may trust the Bishop, and am certain that it would be communicated yet if I shew it to the latter it may be in less danger of getting abroad and...
74To George Washington from James McHenry, 11–12 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
I received the inclosed letter from Mr Hendricks on the 9th and that from Mr Clymer the 6th inst. One of these gentlemen you will perceive thinks another negotiation indispensible to prevent war; the other, that an augmentation of the regular force is absolutely necessary to the preservation of peace. Both, of course, meet in the opinion, that there is serious ground to apprehend hostility on...
75To George Washington from James McHenry, 30 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I am much to blame. I have neither congratulated you on your recovery from a dangerous illness, nor yet sympathized with you in those many and perplexed labors in which you have been involved during the late important session of Congress. I will tell you the truth. Every sorrow and consideration whatever has been swallowed up or diminished in the depth of affliction I felt on the loss of my...
76To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. I made a visit yesterday to Chevr Freire, and to-day he called to let me know, that his secretary had seen Mr Listons Secretary, who told him that Mr & Madam Liston would set out for Mount Vernon on friday, and that he and Madam Freire would follow on the 18th inst. Seeing that these ministers will avail themselves of your politeness, may it not be proper to be a little more...
77To George Washington from James McHenry, 16–17 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. I have just reced your private letter of the 13th inst. I am sorry and vexed, that what I said in my letter of the 7th should have conveyed an idea that the least avoidable delay had taken place in the arrangements for the Algiers frigate; nothing like which was intended. But the inclosed papers will shew you that every thing has been done which the case required. You will see by Mr...
78To George Washington from James McHenry, 8 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
The situation of the Garrison at West Point has for some time past attracted a considerable share of my attention. I had scarcely entered upon the duties of my Office, before I discovered those materials that soon after gave occasion to the Court of Inquiry upon the Commandant, and produced the Resignation of Capt. Wadsworth (a very valuable Officer) which followed that event. You will...
79To George Washington from James McHenry, 7 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. Since I had the honour of writing you, the Chevalier Freire’s Secry has called to inform me, that the extreme heat of the weather had induced Madam Freire, to induce Chevalier Friere to postpone the projected visit to Mount Vernon till September. You will not therefore I presume have the pleasure of seeing them. Mr Pickering has mentioned to me, that such of the materials as are not...
80To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the Command of the President as conveyed in his letter to the Secretary of War dated 1. July Ulto requiring the opinion of the heads of departments upon certain charges exhibited against General Wayne by Brigadier General Wilkinson, as relative to “the measures necessary to be pursued to do justice to the public, the accused, and the accuser,” the Secretary of War submits the...
81To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
In the event of a new arrangement in the judiciary department I beg leave to suggest to your consideration the present chief justice of this State, at the same time I would remark (having had no conversation with Mr Chase) that I do not know whether he would incline to relinquish the office he now holds for one that would be attended with greater fatigue. Among the inducements I feel for...
82To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
Without pursuing any official form, (with which I cannot say I am yet acquainted), I take the liberty to submit the thoughts that have occurred to me on reading the letters you were pleased to put into my hands on saturday last. Were you to conform to the dictates of friendship and receive publicly into your family the son of Mr La Fayette, it might be productive of certain political...
83To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
With the view of keeping you informed of the course of the most important business of the war department I here inclose, packets No. 1. which contains the last letters I have received from Gen. Wayne. vz. one private of the 27 June and one of the 28, with copies of two letters to the general and one to the Quarter master general. No. 2. Contains the last communications from the commissioners...
84To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
It may give you some pleasure to know from one who cannot be supposed to have any interest in concealing disagreeable circumstances from you, that all your late public acts, and the arrangements which respect your household meet with universal approbation. Men of different political sentiments have united in your praise. The unfriendly to the constitution have only ventured to observe “that...
85To George Washington from James McHenry, 8 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you an exposition of the principles of a new bank proposed to be established in Baltimore, designed to be laid before our Legislature at Annapolis of which I beg your acceptance and perusal. The thing having been composed at the Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County and the authorities added since my return (which was only monday week) you will make allowance for some of its defects...
86To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I was in the Secy of States office with Mr Wolcott when he recd your letter containing queries to be submitted to the heads of departments. On my return home I committed the inclosed observations to paper relative to the power of the President to remove a foreign minister. Having gone so far I have determined to send it as explanatory of my reasons for signing the paper which will be forwarded...
87To George Washington from James McHenry, 28 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Indian Chiefs named Mus-qua-ca-nokan or Red pole, Wey-a-pur-sen-waw, or Blue Jacket, She-me-kum-ne-sa or soldier, Ase-me-the, and Muc-ca-te-wa-saw or Black chief, stiling themselves the representatives of the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanoes Ottawas, Chipwas, Putawatimes, Miamis, Eel River, Weas, Kickapoos, Piankashaws, and Kaskaskias have informed the Secretary of War in a talk delivered by...
88To George Washington from James McHenry, 4 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you Mr Tilghmans determination which I received only to-day. I had informed him that you had intimated to me a desire to appoint him to the vacant office of District Attorney if it could be ascertained that he would remove to Baltimore which the nature of the business made necessary. After visiting this Town to examine and investigate prospects in the way of...
89To George Washington from James McHenry, 26 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with your note of the 25 instant I beg leave to submit the following opinions on the queries it proposed. 1. Whether the house of representatives hath or hath not a right to call upon the President of the United States for certain papers relative to the negociation of the treaty with Great-Britain. 2. Whether if it does not possess the right, it would be expedient under the...
90To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 February 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
What shall I say to you? Convince you that though I have been a long time silent I have not therefore ceased to love you nor for a moment felt any abatement of my friendship. You remember my last letter was an answer to yours respecting Perry. He was much disappointed and I had some reason to participate in it, for I had contemplated no opposition to the slender office with which he seemed...
91To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I here inclose a dispatch received on saturday from the Southward, containing a letter of the 27th ulto from James Seagrove; one of the 30th from Benjn Hawkins; and one of the 1st instant from the commissioners for treating with the Creeks, with a copy of the treaty concluded at Coleraine on the 29th of June ulto and a protest by the Georgia commissioners. I shall on the papers being returned...
92To George Washington from James McHenry, 26 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
The agent of the department of war in Tenessee having requested that the vacant office of deputy paymaster and store keeper might be filled up; and it appearing, that Mr Henley the agent cannot go through the business himself; and if he could, that it would be improper, inasmuch as it would center in one person, 1st. the keeping and distribution of stores, and 2dly the power to determine the...
93To George Washington from James McHenry, 16 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to recieve your letter of the 13th yesterday. The business of the maritime court as you remark requires that the district attorney should be a resident of Baltimore. With respect to Mr Tilghman and Hammond both stand extremely fair in politics, and would either settle here would be acceptable. The former will sooner yield to transient circumstances than the latter who as far as...
94To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to submit several letters & papers from the Governor of the State of New-York for your information and further directions. As the Government of the State of New-York is desirous that a treaty should be authorised to be held with certain chiefs of the Cohnawagas or seven nations of Canada, now at New York, for the purpose of enabling the State to purchase from them a right or...
95To George Washington from James McHenry, 27 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22d instant with its references. No. 1. here inclosed contains the documents respecting the meditated loan for the use of the federal City. No. 2. The last letters received from Brigadier General Wilkinson with copy of my letter of the 7. May referred to in his instructions to Colonel Hamtramck. General Wilkinson you will...
96To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have been requested by Dr Allison to mention to you Mr Robt McRea who removed some time ago from Alexandria to Wilks’s County State of Georgia as a very worthy person and well qualified to discharge the office of Marshal which he understood was vacant by the death of Major Forsyth. It appears also by information I have received from other persons that Mr McRea is a good man who has...