1To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely obliged to you for your letter of the 8th and received the exposition of your motives as a fresh mark of that confidence with which you have so often favored me. I should indeed, if I know myself, be the last person in the United States, who on a public account would wish you to feel any other; and as it respects your personal fame, I beleive the first to regret their being...
2To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
Packet, No. 1. which is enclosed contains the last dispatches from General Wayne. The private letter included therein, is a duplicate of one not yet come to hand, which it would seem contains the papers to which it refers. Packet, No. 2. The last letters from Tennessee. Packet, No. 3. The proceedings of a Court Martial on a soldier who attempted to desert. With the greatest respect I have the...
3To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid Pension-Applicants, belonging to the State of New Jersey, who have been re-examined by Physicians agreably to a Resolve of Congress of the 18th of April 1796. I am with great respect / Sir / your obedient servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
4To 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...
5To George Washington from James McHenry, 9 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to submit for your inspection a draught of a letter to Lord Dorchester, made out agreeably to the idea presented in the attorney generals letter, which corresponds with the second draught I had the pleasure of reading to you on saturday, and yesterday morning. I beleive it is the safest ground to move upon, and the most correctly constitutional. I have shewn it to Mr Lee & Mr...
6To George Washington from James McHenry, 21 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received your favour of the 20th, and am truely sensible of the sincerity of your wishes that I should accept of the war office department. On my part I beg you to believe that nothing could give me more pleasure than to be near you for a few years independent of public motives or considerations. I must however pray you to allow me till monday to reflect on the offer and...
7To George Washington from James McHenry, 29 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I beg you to sign the within authority to borrow for the use of the City of Washington and to have it returned to me with a power signed by the three commissioners. You may recollect that the one sent me for a duplicate contained only the names of two of them vz. Mr Scotts & Mr Thorntons. The Willinks may consider that power as imperfect as the law and your authority have reference to three....
8To George Washington from James McHenry, 15 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
Since closing my letter of yesterday I have received the annexed from Majr Cushing whom I had previously directed to join the army. If he has made a fair statement of his case, some indulgence may be proper. If on the contrary, he has misrepresented it, he is unworthy of any and unfit for a soldier. At any rate, I presume that he has motives and reasons which he has not expressed. Should you...
9To 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...
10To George Washington from James McHenry, 9 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James McHenry, 9 Aug. 1793. In his letter to McHenry of 28 Aug. , GW acknowledged receipt of “your letter of the 9th instant.”
11To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to lay before you the proceedings and sentence of a court-martial on Lieut. Simon Geddis, and several papers and letters connected therewith. Lieut. Geddis having prayed for a new trial, I shall wave any remarks upon his case, and confine myself to the reasons which favour such an application. It is declared, in the articles of war, vz. Art. 1. for the administration of...
12To 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...
13To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
I resume the answer to your letter of the 20th which I acknowleged the moment after I received it. I cannot say that I have ever experienced so much hesitation between giving way to inclination, and attachment to you personally, and my own interest and ease, as has taken place during the two past days. It is now however all over, and it is right I should confess, that the soothing idea of...
14To George Washington from James McHenry, 20 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
Baltimore, 20 April 1791. Mr. Purviance has requested that his name be suggested for consideration for the vacancy occasioned by the death of the comptroller. “His chief reason for begging to be again brought to your mind is the small income of his present office, which last year produced only he tells me 801 dollars, and this year it is not expected to exceed 600. You who do not disdain to...
15To George Washington from James McHenry, 31 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
(private) Sir. Fayetteville [Md.] 31 March 1794. I have very often troubled you respecting others; will you excuse me for speaking a little concerning myself. My health which has suffered a considerable shock by an autumnal fever in 1792 & 1793, I am pretty well persuaded might be benefited by a change of climate for a short time. It has struck me that the new situation in which the United...
16To George Washington from James McHenry, 7 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Fayetteville, Md., 7 Mar. 1793. Wrote that “Mr Wallace the gentleman who is to deliver this letter, has resided lately in Baltimore. . . . He has been a captain in the British army and served in this country till the reduction of York Town where he was made prisoner, and some time after by your indulgence permitted to return to his friends on parole. I have understood that previous to his...
17To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
This inclosed letter has been procured by Dr Williamson who knows the hand writing. It is written by a Msr Cole Montflorence, a french man who held a commission under the State of North Carolina early in the revolution war. The letter to Governor Blount by the same person I understand is gone to Tenessee. It would seem that Montflorence had his information at Paris. The reflexions which he...
18To John Adams from James McHenry, 17 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid Pension-Applicants, who have been re-examined by Physicians, agreably to a Resolve of Congress of the 18th day of April 1796. I am with great respect / Sir / your obedient servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
19To 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...
20To 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...
21To 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...
22To George Washington from James McHenry, 8 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letters of the 1st and 3d instant. The inclosed packet No. 1. contains the opinion of the Attorney General on the power of the President to pardon military offences previous to the late act of Congress; and the form of a pardon for Lt Geddis for your signature. No. 2. contains the last dispatches from General Wayne, and copy of a letter which I have sent to General...
23To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secry of the Treasury has mentioned to me this morning the substance of a communication, which he said he had imparted to you some time since. It respects certain instructions given by Mr Adet to persons who are on their road to the Western Country which affect and may bring into danger the peace and safety of the U.S. I inclose you papers containing matter apparently connected with this...
24To George Washington from James McHenry, 11 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have received to-day the following information from a quarter that may be depended on which I think it my duty to communicate. The French minister has made a requisition upon the French merchant fleet in this harbour for 600 seamen to rendezvous at Philadelphia, and has ordered the consul here to furnish each volunteer with five dollars. So far is certain. The requisition has been complied...
25To George Washington from James McHenry, 31 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a draught of a letter to Colonel Stevenson which if approved of may be sent to him to-day. If you are not using the plans of the Forts Detroit and drawings of the lakes &c. in that quarter which Gen. Wayne left with you I will be much obliged to you for them to correct and complete a map which is in hand for the war office. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir...
26To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The electors of the Senate of Maryland have chosen me one of the Senate of our State legislature, and many of my friends are urgent that I should accept. As yet I have given no answer. If you still entertain the project you mentioned to me when in Philadelphia it may somewhat influence my determination. Perhaps the complexion of several European powers, as it respects France, and the claims...
27To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Mr Eiclberger of this place informs me that he has petitioned for surveyor or other appointment in the customs, and begs that I would mention him to your Excellency. I think he served about three years in the late army, since which he has carried on a retail trade with a very fair character. He is a Dutch man and not without influence among his countrymen which he has always used like a good...
28To George Washington from James McHenry, 19 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
It having been intimated to me that two of the commissioners for the federal City intended soon to resign, and that Major Davidson of the Council of this State was desirous to devote his time to the duties of that trust if appointed, I beg leave at the request of the gentleman who gave me this information to state, that Mr Davidson has been a member of the council for several years, and...
29To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Though exceedingly mortified and hurt at Mr. Perry’s being refused that inspectorship I did not once think of blaming you. I ascribed it to the peculiarity of your situation and the enmity of those who were near you, originating in the part that gentleman had taken against them. The Tilghmans I believe influenced Coxe. Coxe made the thing an object and you had those of greater magnitude to...
30To George Washington from James McHenry, 26 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
Mr Liston has this moment favoured me with the inclosed letter. If you have time to look over the draught of the letter to Capn De Butts, and can return it to-day I shall endeavour to get him dispached to-morrow. I have the honour to be Sir with the highest respect Your most ob. st ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The docket reads “May 27th 1796” on the ALS , and the letter-book copy shows the...
31Enclosure: James McHenry to Anthony Wayne, 27 August 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I here transmit the arrangement of the legion and Cavalry which you will please to have promulged and carried into execution. You will perceive by adverting to the table of Regiments and Rank that the President has been guided by the rule of Seniority and that the Officers with a few exceptions remain attached to the Men which they have been accustomed to command. For example the First Sub...
32To 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...
33To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
You may think I have neglected you from my long silence, but I can assure you I have never forgot you. Having withdrawn myself from every thing of a public nature, this has led me to endeavour to reduce my pleasures as much as possible to a small compass, and this to neglect many correspondents for whom I entertain the liveliest affection. That I love and esteem you, I know you will believe...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr McHenry begs the President will do him the honor to accept a small parcel of asparagus sent by the stage. It is carefully packed up in dry earth, and if delivered according to directions Mr McHenry hopes it will be found to have lost but little of its vegetable properties ALS , DLC:GW . Tobias Lear replied to McHenry on 31 Jan. 1791: “The President of the United States has received Mr...
37To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
We have scattered in air the long string of amendments that had been proposed to be incorporated into our constitutution by those who were no friends to the U.S.’s constitution, so we remain a free people and a tolerably virtuous people. There are three or four bills before the house and to come before the house in which I feel an interest and which will detain me here perhaps two weeks. I...
38To 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...
39To John Adams from James McHenry, 27 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit to the Senate reports on the petitions of Mary Hibborn and Michael Van Hleeck. With the greatest Respect I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most obedt servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
40To 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...
41To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
The annexed packets contain the most essential letters received since my last. No. 1. Gen. Wilkinsons letters of the 11th, 16, 17th ulto. I have not thought it necessary to send the continuation of his charges which came by the same mail. No. 2. Is copy of a letter to Major Gen. Wayne resulting from Gen. Wilkinsons information relative to Fort Miamis. No. 3. A dispatch from Mr Seagrove and...
42To George Washington from James McHenry, 27 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inclose you Adjutant General Beckwiths answer to my dispach to Lord Dorchester of the 10th of last month. I inclose, likewise, copy of the orders for the evacuation of the posts of Fort Miamis—Detroit and Michilimackinac the originals of which will leave this to-morrow morning at 5 o’clock by express. Capn Lewis delivered the orders requiring the evacuation of Oswego &...
43To George Washington from James McHenry, 17 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
The letter you did me the honor to write which I had not received when I had the honor to see you was handed me the day after. It has the Philadelphia post mark of the 11th and was they tell me overlooked by the post-master here or rather his assistant when my letters were called for. I thought it proper to mention this particular to you that the cause of its detention might not be...
44To Thomas Jefferson from James McHenry, 14 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
If I may intreat you to take the trouble to read the inclosed memorial you will see how greatly I have been injured by the French marine minister’s non-compliance with an engagement with the late house of John McHenry & Co. It gives me sensible pain to be obliged to make use of this mode of solicitation for attaining so clear a piece of justice, but I do it because I know of no other likely to...
45To 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...
46To George Washington from James McHenry, 4 April 1790 (Washington Papers)
About two years ago Mr Copeley an English manufacturer did himself the honor to pay his respects to you at Mount Vernon: Being about to return to his own country he wishes to renew his homage and respects, and has intreated me to recal him to your remembrance by another introduction. I pray you to excuse this liberty, and am with the greatest and most sincere respect Sir your most devoted and...
47To George Washington from James McHenry, 6 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
In conformity with your Commands of the 1st instant, I have transmitted to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, letters of which the inclosed is a Copy. In the mean while I shall turn my attention to the subjects on which you have desired my report, which I shall make as soon as the unavoidable duties of the Office will permit. With the greatest respect I am Sir Your most...
48To 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...
49To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with the Presidents commands the Secretary of War lays before the President the points that have been submitted for consideration, in the Secretarys letters, bearing date the 8th & 10th of Octtober ulto. Will the President think proper, that detachments be made from West Point to complete the garrisons at Governors Island, Mud Island, Baltimore, Norfolk and Charlestown, to one...
50To George Washington from James McHenry, 3 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
I ought to have mentioned in the letter which I took the liberty to write to you a few days since what I had then chiefly in my mind abstracted from the personal consideration of health. I thought that perhaps it might come within your view at this juncture to send a commissioned person to Vienna to solicit the release of Mr la Fayette with powers to proceed to France on a like errand in favor...