1To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I sincerely condole with Mrs. Hamilton and you on the loss which you have sustained in the death of your beloved son Philip. I can well conceive of the distress this event has occasioned, and the tender recollections that his memory must long continue to excite. I lost my eldest child, a daughter, after she had discovered whatever can promise to flattter parental expectations. Is there ought...
2To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 4th inst on Saturday last. After giving as much consideration as I could to the subject of the election of a President, which I perceived from conversation with some of the members of Congress who were here at christmas was likely to assume a serious form, it appeared to me that the proper line for the federal party to pursue in the case, was, to acquiesce with a...
3To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. a letter from Mr. W. this morning in which he says. “I have made enquiry respecting the declaration of Mr. Adams while in London in Nov. 1783—it seems he thought negociations could be better conducted there than in a foreign country, and observes—‘Here with the most perfect politeness to ministers we may keep them in awe; a visit to a distinguished member of opposition, even...
4To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
What is past and cannot be amended between friends had better be forgotten. Let it be so if you please. I am content. I have since your last reflected upon the policy & necessity of your replying to the answers to your animadversions on the character & conduct of the President, and incline to beleive that it would be wiser to suspend, for the present any further publication on the subject....
5To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 November 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 13 inst yesterday evening. [Altho’ I am not pleased at the facts attached to my name, in your letter to the President, having been brought into public view, without my consent, I can conceive nevertheless what might have prevented you from not requesting it. This supposed reason has weight if the facts could be considered of consequence, still however, in a case...
6To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Wolcott informed me by a letter recd yesterday evening that he was to leave the seat of Government (on a visit to his family) to day. He goes by way of Lancaster & I expect will pass through to New York in which case I pray you to give him the inclosed letter. If any accident should prevent his seeing you, be pleased to send it to him. It will shew you what I think of things here and my...
7To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I recd. this morning your letter dated the 27 Ulto. with the one at first intended for Major Jackson. I sincerely beleive that there is not one of your friends who have paid the least attention to the insinuations attempted to be cast on the legitimacy of your birth, or who would care or respect you less were all that your enemies say or impute on this head true. I think it will be most...
8Enclosure: James McHenry to Philemon Dickinson, [3 September 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
In Maryland from causes which you will easily comprehend it will be extremely difficult, if at all possible to bring the federalists generally into vigorous action, in favour of Mr. Adams, and yet from the force of the impulse which has been given to the people before the subject could be understood, it is likely, whether the electors be chosen by the people, or the Legislature, that Mr. Adams...
9To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Do you possess enough of the second sight to tell me what our friends have done and intend doing to the Eastward? God forgive me, if I make false calculations about them or deliver myself up too easily to dreams and reveries. I see nothing ex cathedra in that division of Country from which I can augur a determination adverse to the election of the present chief. Johnson says somewhere, in his...
10Enclosure: James McHenry to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 22 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Have our party shewn that they possess the necessary skill and courage to deserve to be continued to govern? What have they done? They did not (with a few exceptions) knowing the disease , the man and his nature, meet it when it first appeared, like wise and resolute patriots: they tampered with it, and thought of palliations down to the last day of the late session of Congress. Nay their...
11To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 2 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I placed Mr. Stoddert (who acts as Secretary of war under a temporary commission) this morning about 11 o’clock in the chair I have usually occupied; I then formally laid upon his head eight volumes of the “code militaire” by Briquet with Caesars commentaries in French; kept them upon it ’till he was nearly stupified, when I pronounced him duly installed and as well qualified to discharge the...
12Enclosure: 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...
13Enclosure: James McHenry to John Adams, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I respectfully take the Liberty to state to you my recollection of the substance and incidents of the conversation which passed between us on the evening (the 5th instt) preceding my Resignation of the Office of Secretary for the Department of War. I dined on the same day with Mr Nicklin, and was at table when informed that my Servant waited at the door to see me. He brought me a Note which...
14To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to your care a number of letters for General Wilkinson, which you will be pleased to deliver to him, in case he should arrive at your quarters, previously to your leaving the Army. I am Sir with great respect Your obedient servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
15To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 27. instant. On the receipt of your letter of the 18. instant enclosing one from Lieutenant Yelverton Peyton, a letter of which the enclosed is a Copy was written and transmitted agreeably to your request to Major Jonathan Cass of Wilmington— Enclosed is the Copy of Mr. Peytons letter to you of the 15 May I am Sir with great respect Your obed servant ( LS ,...
16To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are copies of two letters, which you will be pleased to return. They will convey to you my opinions on some recent propositions. Mr Stoddert who will after the 1st of June, exercise the duties of Secry. of war, asked me to day—if I had directed you & Gen Pinckney to thank the troops or say any clever things to them in the name of the President, on announcing to them the order for...
17To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have laid your letter dated Head Quarters Plainfield May 23d. instant, before the President. It is thought proper and expedient to suspend raising the Battalion of Artillerists additional to the second regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. You will therefore be pleased to attend to this instruction in the orders you shall issue relative to recruiting for the old establishment. The other...
18To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
There is no fact more evident to my mind, than the truth of the position, that it is impossible that our public affairs can proceed under the present chief or his antifederal rival without loss of reputation to all the agents. You are right in observing happy those who are released from the fetter. I feel so notwithstanding the wound my personal feelings received in dissolving the chain. The...
19Enclosure: James McHenry to John McHenry, Junior, 20 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will no doubt be somewhat surprised to hear that I resigned the office of Secretary of war, the resignation to take effect on the 1st of June, on the 6th instant, and may feel perhaps a momentary regret at my leaving the administration before you had closed your political career. I will mention to you some general circumstances inducing to this event, reserving a more particular detail...
20To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The six additional troops of Cavalry are certainly intended by the Law, transmitted to you, to be disbanded, as well as the twelve additional regiments of Infantry, and would have been mentioned in my letter of instructions, had the Law itself been before me—but the certified copy thereof, was sent, to have a few printed copies struck off. You will please include in the orders, and measures,...
21To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 10 May instant. You will be pleased to inform Lieut Blake that his resignation has been accepted and that his pay and emoluments will cease on the last day of this Month— I have no objections to Lieut Wilson being Paymaster to Major Cass’s detachment or to Lieutenant Wollstonecraft being Paymaster to the Second regiment of Artillerists and Engineers—You will...
22To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recieved the following directions from the President of the United States —“I request you, to transmit copies of the Law, for reducing the twelve regiments to Major Generals Hamilton and Pinckney, and also to the Commandants of Brigades, with orders to the Major Generals to make immediate arrangements reducing those regiments on the 14th day of June.” In compliance therewith, I do...
23To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter dated the 5th inclosing a Copy of a Letter to you dated the 4th instant from Colo. Taylor, stating that delays & embarrassments arising from what appears to have been a reluctance in the proper Officer to take up the Business, have prevented a final settlement for monies expended for public Service by the Officers of the 13th Regiment whilst on...
24To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you an appointment for Nathaniel Baldwin as a Cadet in the twelfth Regiment of Infantry—A Warrant was sometime since forwarded to him dated in December last. But he having produced Certificates of his having done the duty of Cadet since the first day of July last, it has been thought proper to issue the enclosed. You will direct him to transmit his former appointment to this Office—...
25To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honour to communicate to you, that on the 6th instant, I requested of the President of the United States permission to resign the office of Secretary for the Department of war. To the above request, I added a proposition, that my resignation be considered, as to take place on the 1st of June next, in order that I might be for a short time in a convenient situation, to explain to...
26To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Pusy I presume is known to you by an introduction from the Marquis de la Fayette, of course he needs none from me. I mention him to you for the purpose only of bringing him to your recollection. He is in my opinion the best informed and best instructed Engineer in the U.S. and highly qualified, by his attainments and actual experience to give the soundest ideas relative to the most proper...
27To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of a Contract entered into by Elijah and Simon House for ye supply of rations in ye. State of Connecticut— I am Sir Your obed Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing Army contract with Elijah and Simon House, October 4, 1799 (copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). A note on the cover of the LS from James McHenry reads:...
28To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 5th. instant respecting the resignation of Captain Thomas Chandler of the 14. Regiment of Infantry. On recurring to the files of ye Office I find a letter from you of the 9. January Ulto. on ye same subject which in the hurry of business was omitted being attended to— You will be pleased to inform Captain Chandler that the President has accepted his...
29To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you copies of Contracts entered into with William Colfax Robert Colfax and Alexander Richards for the supply of Rations in the States of New York Rhode Island Massachusetts Vermont and New Hampshire—the Connecticut Contract shall be forwarded to morrow— To the best of my recollection they have been twice before sent— I am Sir Your obed Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
30To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you two letters from E. B. Dayton to his brother the senator. It would seem, from the representations made to me, and these letters, that the demands of Col. Smith greatly distract the contractor; that he is kept in a state of uncertainty how long any orders requiring the issue of fresh or salt provisions is to be continued, that consequently it is out of his power to make...
31To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 2d. instant enclosing the resignations of Lieutenants Noyes and Hinman of the 13 Regiment of Infantry— You will be pleased to inform them that their resignations have been accepted, and that their pay and emoluments will cease on the 15th. instant. I am Sir with great respect Your obed servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
32To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Gentleman to whom the within letter is addressed was in March 1799. appointed a Second Lieutenant in the first regiment of Infantry. No information of his acceptance or non acceptance has been received at this Office. It appears that he was recommended by you and Mr. Egbert Benson. Be pleased to have this letter conveyed to him I am Sir Your obed servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Libary of...
33To 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...
34To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The friends of Pierson Green a private in Captain Henrys Company in the Second regiment of Artillerists and Engineers having applied to me for his discharge on account of his being disqualified for active service I directed him to be examined by Doctor Gillasspy formerly Surgeon of the 3d Regiment of Infantry who has given the following Certificate: “Philada. April 24. 1800 I certify on...
35To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 15 August last I received from you the proceedings of a Court Martial in the case of Lieutenant Kreemer of the first regiment of Infantry; the sentence of which was a dismission from the service of the United States. These proceedings were accordingly laid before the President who on the 18 September approved of the Sentence and directed the same to be carried into effect If I recollect...
36To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Samuel Annin and sundry depositions tending to prove that Joseph Cross a Private in Captain Faulkners Company 11. Regiment was under the age of 18. Years at the time of his enlistment—You will take such order therein as to you may appear proper. I am Sir with great respect Your obed servant— ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). There is an "X" mark in the...
37To 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...
38To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16 instant enclosing the Commission of Captain Erasmus Babbet. You will be pleased to inform him that his resignation is accepted and that his pay and emoluments will cease on the 15: May next— I am Sir with great Respect Your obed Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
39To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I understood from you some time since, that you had directed the suspension of the recruiting service for the 12 new regiments, and ordered all recruits and officers thereto belonging to their respective Regiments. Col Moore, I find, has not yet received these orders, and it would appear that some of the Regiments Southerly are still recruiting. I mention this to bring the ⟨subject⟩ to your...
40To 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,...
41To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the ——— ultimo enclosing the Commission of Samuel Flagg Junr. a first Lieutenant in the fourteenth regiment of Infantry—You will be pleased to cause it to be notified to Mr. Flagg that his resignation has been accepted—and inform me of the time he retires from the regiment. I enclose you a letter from Daniel Jones soliciting the discharge of Henry Fonnemore, his...
42To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Adams at her drawing room yesterday evening took occasion to mention to me, that she had understood, one of the regiments now in Jersey were to be removed to Rhode Island, perhaps to assist in completing the fortifications, that if so, and it did not break in upon any fixed disposition of the force, it would give her great pleasure could it be the Regiment commanded by Lt. Col. Smith....
43To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I believe, from the opinions entertained of Beal, and disfavorable to Hopkins, that the former is the preferable officer; but can we upon such ground depart from the rules which have been laid down to govern in cases of relative rank. It strikes me, fewest inconveniences will be experienced by an adherence to them than we should find, were we once to admit mere relative merit to decide such...
44To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Here is what the committee have reported. They would not go further, and I wish Congress may go as far. You forgot, when you thought to combine interests, that the little passions are great intermeddlers in the most important affairs. Yours truely ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; ADfS , James McHenry, Library of Congress. For an explanation of the contents of this letter, see...
45To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a private letter to me from Col. W. S. Smith in which he has stated at large his claim to rank. This I apprehend is done with a view that he may stand as the first or oldest Lieutenant Colonel of the 12 Regiments. I have not time to examine the merits of his pretensions and request you to undertake it, and in case you are of opinion that he should stand before Col. Hall to advise...
46To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 18 and 25, instant. I herewith transmit you the relative rank of the field Officers of the twelve additional regiments of Infantry as made out by the late Commander in Chief together with Copies of his letters and of the several papers referred to him. The letter from Colonel Read herein enclosed was not received until after the papers were returned by...
47To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit you a petition from a Soldier of the 10th Regiment, praying for a Discharge from the Service: if it can consistently be granted, you will be pleased to take the necessary Order to that effect. I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedt Servt. ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
48To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 7th. one of the 10th. two of the 11th. 3 of the 12th. one of the 13 and one of the 14. instant. Agreeably to the rule approved of by the late General Washington relative to the order of rank among field Officers and the documents in this Office Major Hopkins will take rank of Major William D. Beale. The rule prescribes that as to all such of the field...
49To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I received last night your letter inclosing the draught of a bill relative to the articles of war. I made out two draughts of bills for the military academy, one on the most enlarged plan with limitations which ensured against any extension beyond the Fundamental School and school of Engineers and Artillerists until an appropriation for the purpose. The committee have preferred the other bill...
50To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Chapin, Agent for Indian Affairs, has informed me, under date of 6th ulto, that “the Tuskarora Nation, residing near to Niagara, complain of Major Rivardi, (or his people under his command) of killing three of their Horses, & on finding proof to that effect he has refused to make them satisfaction.” This complaint is of a serious nature: you will be pleased to take such order upon it, as...