101To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I wish you ⟨to⟩ state to me 1st. The rule which in your opinion will be the least exceptionable, whereby to determine the relative rank of the Field Officers of the new regiments, and the reasons for prefering the rule. 2d. Whether any objections have occurred to you, which ought to induce any alteration in the general rules of promotion suggested by the General Officers in the Commander in...
102To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday your two letters of the 18. and 21. instant. You will see by the enclosed schedule No. 1. the quantity of Clothing Arms accoutrements &c. which has been ordered for the several regiments. Money for the recruiting service and pay and forage for the Officers has been forwarded as is mentioned in Schedule No. 2. It is to be understood that the whole Clothing for no one...
103To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 1. instant Dr. Samuel Davis of Ballstown was on ye. 14 September last notified of his appointment as Surgeons Mate in the twelfth Regiment of Infantry no information of his acceptance has been received at this Office. I enclose you an appointment which has been made out for Doctor William McIntosh as an additional Surgeon’s Mate you will perceive that he has...
104To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose a Warrant, under the signature of the President, and the seal of the War office of the United States, for the execution of Richard Hunt, a Serjeant in a Company of the Second regiment of Artillerists, and Engineers, commanded by Captain James Stille, who was tried on a charge of desertion, and also of carrying away the money for their pay entrusted to him, by the men of his company,...
105To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of the 2d. instant. An appointment of Surgeon to the Sixth regiment of Infantry was, sometime since, made out for Doctor Roger Cutler and forwarded under Cover to Colonel Read. I have no objection to the appointment of Mr. Pasteur as Quarter Master to that regiment. The Cadets of the Artillery have been considered as intitled to...
106To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The following papers are transmitted for your information vz.* I have the Honour to be with great respect &c *Copy of a letter from Govr St Clair to the Secy of War dated Cincinnati 22 July 1799. Extract of one do to do dated Cincinnati 5 Augt 1799. Copy of one do from Govr St Clair to the Chiefs of the difft. Nations of Indians, on the Mississippi & Wabash—3 Augt 1799 Copy of a letter from...
107To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 18. and 19. instant— Upon examination I find that Captains Stoddard and Gates have received the following sums on account of the recruiting service—viz Captain Stoddard From the War Office ........... 400 From Major Jackson ........... 200 600. Dollars. Captain Gates. From the War Office ........... 400 From Major Jackson ........... 392 792. Dollars....
108To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter you sent me has been confined to myself; but the other letters you have written on the same subject, has in your successor at least created some unpleasant feelings. Where opinions clash, and where superiority is made too apparent something a little like envy will come into play especially should a suspicion take place that pains are used to gain proselites. I have this moment...
109To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I omitted to inclose to you yesterday the annexed schedule upon which my letter was a commentary. The General in Chief has mentioned to me in explicit terms that it is a part of his plan to decline the occupations of the office unless, and until his presence in the field should be required for actual operations or other imperious circumstances should require his assistance. That persevering in...
110To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 25 instant enclosing one from Major Huntington in which he offers the resignation of his Commission. You will be pleased to inform Major Huntington that the President accepts his resignation, but at the same time regrets that any circumstances should deprive the Army of his services. I have not yet received the arrangement of the relative rank of the Captains...
111To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of a letter from the Accountant of the War department dated 18th. instant (with the several papers therein referred to) stating that it appears from the accounts of the Contractor for the State of New York that Captain Andrew White of the 12. United States regiment had granted to the Contractors Agent at Stillwater a Certificate for 3. or 400. rations...
112To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received this morning your letter of the 16~ instant inclosing extracts from Lieutt. Coll. Smiths letter to you of 7~ instant. I cannot doubt the correctness of the Colonels representation relative to the state of the muskets. It is probable the old stock, long since provided, from which the delivery to his regiment may have been made is generally as he has represented. The muskets which...
113To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the 22nd instt. In answer I have only to observe that I presented on the 9th of May, instant, to the President in a list of nominations, the name of Theodosius Fowler to fill the office to which Major Hutton had been appointed: that I supported the nomination by what you had written to me on the subject; and that I have received this morning, the...
114To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Officers have been appointed for six additional companies of cavalry. It is not however deemed expedient, at present, to enlist for, or mount the Cavalry. I submit it, to your consideration, whether these Officers, may not be usefully, and properly employed, untill called into their appropriate service, by being attached to the Infantry companies, as well to assist in recruiting, as in...
115To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 6 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information copies of several letters (viz) one from Captn Miller dated Fort Washington March 9th 1799—one from Capt Edd D Turner, dated Fort Fayette 26th April 1799 one from Colo Butler dated Belle Canton April 15th 1799 and copies of recruiting orders given by Colo Butler to Major Bradley and Captain Bird dated 15th April 1799 I have the honor to be, with great respect,...
116To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14. instant I have no objections to the appointment of Lieutenant House — as paymaster to the first regiment of Artillerists and Engineers—or to that of Lieutenant Memminger as Paymaster to the Second regiment—You will be pleased to give orders to have the Bonds required by law executed and transmitted to the Accountant of this department— I am Sir with great...
117To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [7 August 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd and read the enclosed. I think the advice contained in the last paragraph ought to be adopted. Mr J—— will say to Dawson “that inasmuch as you have expressly told Mr M—— that in your opinion his motives were malignant and conduct dishonorable, that he would advise you against throwing it into a more formal challenge, it resting with Mr Munroe to submit it to the expressions or...
118To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will have seen by the News-papers that governor Mifflin has been required to hold in readiness to march certain companies of Cavalry, to assist in quelling the insurrection existing in the State of Pennsylvania. Govr. Howell has also been called upon to hold 8 companies of Cavalry in readiness to March for the same purpose. Would it interfere with your arrangements or be throwing the...
119To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The sun begins to shine. I reced. this morning from the President a letter dated the 30th ulto. containing the following words. Sir. Inclosed are the commissions for the three generals signed and all dated on the same day. I am Sir your ob sr This is a Regal letter, and at the same time a loyal proceeding. Hasten the military regulations. I shall, I expect, soon call upon you. Burn this...
120To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 1. October instant I inclose you copies of the Contracts for supplying the Troops in North Carolina for the present Year. You will find that they contain a provision for transportation. I cannot therefore think that the application has been made to the Contractor who certainly has received no instruction whatever from me. I suspect it has been to the person who...
121To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 6 June 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I had reckoned upon the immediate arrival of the Secry. of Marine when I wrote you that I should leave this City for New York to-day. He will not be here before Friday. I cannot of course set out sooner than monday. I have requested Lt. Col. Doughty to join me at Brunswick, and will bring with me one Hill who possesses information which may be useful. Yours sincerely ADfS , James McHenry...
122To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
As it may be attended with very great inconvenience to add any new buildings this season to the Barracks on Governors Island, or to add new ones on Bedlows, or Oyster Islands, to accomodate the men at present on two of these Islands, I submit to your decision, whether it would not be best, after retaining such a number of the troops as can be comfortably wintered at Governors Island, to remove...
123To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of 22d. Inst., in which you inform me that Lt. Rogers had declined the appointment of Paymaster to the Cavalry; and that you propose Lt. Simmons to be appointed in his stead. I have no Objections to Lieut. Simmons; he may therefore enter upon the duties of that Station as soon as he has executed the Necessary Bond. I am Sir, with great respect Your Obedient Servt. (...
124To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is represented to me that there are Barracks, and other public Buildings, heretofore used as Stores, and Work-Shops, but capable of being converted into Barracks, near the Borough of Carlisle in the State of Pennsylvania, which would commodiously quarter three Regiments. Repairs were ordered to the Roofs of these buildings some time since, to save them from premature decay. I purpose...
125To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Joseph Brock of the 4. regiment of Infantry who is now recruiting at Fredericksburg has written to me for a supply of Clothing arms and accoutrements. Previously to my taking order thereon I request you would inform me whether it is your intention to continue Mr Brock on the recruiting service or to order him with his recruits to join his regiment in Tennessee— I am Sir with respect...
126To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are the proceedings of a General Court Martial which has already been the Subject of reference and transmitted for a Decision by this Department. The several Sentences contained in the said proceedings being confirmed you will be pleased to cause them through the organ of the appropriate Officer to be promptly executed, and the proceedings returned to this Office. I am Sir, with...
127To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter dated the 23rd: instant advising me, that you entertain doubts, whether you can act upon, (by approving or otherwise) Sentences of Courts Martial, referred to you, from the Department of War, in cases, in which the Court has been instituted by that Department, through other organs than yourself. That there is a peculiar delicacy in inflicting punishment upon...
128To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
My dear Sir. I answer to yours (just rcd.) of the 25th inst. It will be agreeable to me to see a troop of horse completely organised, that we may ascertain, as far as it is practicable, with so small a model, the improvements of which cavalry are yet susceptible. You may write therefore an official letter on the subject proposing it, and request my final directions. I shall give them. General...
129To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed Lt Leonard to fall down to New York there to receive your orders, and instructions. sent him — I presume you will find it necessary to furnish his men with appropriate officers. I have ordered cloathing to be forwarded to Col. Stephens for such of his men as may stand in need of it. You will give all necessary orders respecting his route to Easton or Bethlehem in Pennsylvania...
130To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you letters of appointment for Samuel Finley as Surgeon—John H. Douglas and Samuel Davis as Surgeons Mates and Israel Loring, Joseph Herkemer Jacob Mancius, Nathaniel Smith, Conrad Kip and Tobias V. Kuyler as Second Lieutenants in the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry— You will be pleased to have them forwarded to those Gentlemen respectively— I have no information respecting the...
131To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States, having been pleased, to grant his pardon, to Casper Wright (a soldier), and Tisdale Attwood, a serjeant, severally tried for desertion, and sentenced to be shot to death, by a General Court Martial, held at Detroit, by order of Lieutenant Colonel Strong, on the 22d. August, and continued by adjournment until the 10th. September 1798—I enclose two Warrants,...
132To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 25, 1799. “I enclose you the Proceedings of two Garrison Courts Martial.… The rules and Articles of War, do not it is supposed, require, a reference to the Secretary of War, or to the President in any instance, of the proceedings of a Garrison Court Martial, for approval or otherwise. It is only the Sentence of a General Court Martial, when capital, that is to be with the...
133To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I now have the Honour to transmit to you a Copy of my circular Letter to Colonels Moore, J. Smith, Read, Bentley, Hall, Parker, Ogden & W S. Smith, in consequence of the Bill which passed the House of Representatives on Friday last, to suspend enlistments for the six additional Companies of Cavalry & the twelve Regiments of Infantry. You will please to issue such further orders as to you shall...
134To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of my report. To give facility to the committee I think it would be proper that you should forthwith throw the 17 propositions it contains into the form of a bill, and send me the same as soon as possible. I shall write you on Monday if possible relative to preparatory steps for commencing early the recruiting service. I expect daily a report from Mr Francis shewing the...
135To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of the 4. instant. Dr. Hezekiah W. Bissell does not belong to any particular regiment, he is an additional Surgeons Mate appointed in pursuance of the powers vested in the President by the first section of the act to augment the Army of the United States. You will therefore order him to such place as you may think will be most...
136To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A foriegner (an irishman) was lately enlisted at Lancaster, by Captain Matthew Henry of the tenth regiment of Infantry, and shortly after deserted. This occurrence has led me to reflect, that it will be well, to avoid as much as possible, the enlistment of foriegners. The third article of the rules and regulations, for the recruiting service, expressly gives a preference to natives, for...
137To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 10 instant, enclosing the resignations of Captain Patterson and Lieut Cuyler of the twelfth regiment and Lieutenant Robinson of the first. You will be pleased to inform those Gentlemen that their resignations have been accepted. I enclose you a Copy of a letter from Lt. Col Butler dated the fourth instant. I am Sir with great respect ( LS , Hamilton Papers,...
138To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, has represented to me, in a letter dated the 20th. March ulto., that a Party of Troops, heretofore ordered, to be detached, to assist the Surveyor General in marking the Indian boundary line, conformably to the Treaty of Greenville, had utterly failed to cooperate, and that in consequence, the Northern line has been marked in no other manner, than the boundaries...
139To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [19 June 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote a letter yesterday to the Secy. of the Navy respecting the propriety of being alert at our port, knowing that the French fleet is at sea, and the expediency of the measure suggested. Something will be done; but not much partly through want of means. All these things help forward the army, and the army and the expences attending it, are not to all views equally desirable. The Secy. of...
140Enclosure: James McHenry to John Adams, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of war respectfully takes the liberty to transmit to the President of the U. States, a statement of his recollection of the substance and incidents of the conversation which passed between them the evening preceding the resignation of his office, committed to writing immediately afterwards. He also transmits copies of sundry papers having reference to certain parts of that...
141To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honour to inclose your Commission as Major General in the army of the United States, and to request your attendance at Trenton or Philadelphia as soon as possible, and in all events by the 10th day of November next. The object of this request is to obtain your advice and assistance in concert with General Knox, and perhaps General Washington, in forming preliminary arrangements...
142To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are Regulations respecting certain Supplies and respecting objects of special and extra Expence. I request you will be pleased to take such order relative thereto as will tend to facilitate their due execution. I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your obedt. servant. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Regulations respecting certain supplies and respecting...
143To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In my letter of yesterday it was stated, that on the 15 day of October last Major Jackson was furnished with one thousand dollars on account of the recruiting service, of which there remained a balance in his hands of three hundred and ninety eight dollars and six Cents. As he was charged, under the old instructions, with superintending the recruiting service and furnishing money to these...
144To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a further request on the subject of the paper communicated to you in my last, that you may have the whole before you and that you may aid me with your talents and experience. It strikes me that, it will be proper for the Pres. to state to Congress the species of defensive force necessary for the occasion, and consider it an essential attribute of negociations I had given him in...
145To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, January 17, 1800. “I have received this morning your three letters dated the 15 and 16 instant. It being presumed that Lieutenant Baldwin will do duty until it is known that his resignation is accepted he may be informed that it is accepted.… The uncertainty which hangs over the new regiments as it respects their being continued on the establishment has hitherto prevented me...
146To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the repeated representation of Judge peters to the Secretary of State for a Guard of Regular Soldiers to be stationed over certain State prisoners confined in Norristown Goal, and his request for an immediate order to Major Adlum for the purpose, I directed a letter to that Officer of which the enclosed is a copy. I return your letter to Colonel Moore received yesterday, that it may...
147To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Captain John Bishop dated the 9 instant, with a copy of my answer thereto. You will be pleased to take such order respecting its contents, as to you may appear expedient. I need not observe, that when cloathing or other articles are wanted for any portion of the army, there must be a regular requisition for them, by the proper officer, founded upon returns. I have...
148To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been represented to me by several respectable gentlemen of Baltimore, that there is a certain John Forsythe inlisted with Lt. Boote, of the third regiment, who is of a weak constitution, and very feeble, that he has a wife and an infant child, and nothing but his pay to support them; that his family are exceedingly distressed on account of his situation, and propose to furnish an able...
149To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By referring to a list of appointments to the old regiments of Infantry, sent you some time since, you will find the names of the Captains to the respective Companies directed to be added to each of these regiments by the “Act to augment the army of the United States and for other purposes” passed 16. July 1798. I also transmitted to you the 8th. of March Ult. a list of the names of all the...
150To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of two letters from you dated the 25th. two the 26 and one of the 27 of February Ulto. The circumstances stated relative to Captain Bowmans pretensions to rank first Captain in the Eleventh regiment of Infantry readily induce me to give my sanction to his being so placed in the arrangement It would be perfectly agreeable to me that the Troops had their...