[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 4, 1780 . Approves Smith’s decision to take the place of a retiring lieutenant colonel. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Smith was a lieutenant colonel in Spencer’s Regiment. In January, 1781, he became adjutant and inspector on the Marquis de Lafayette’s staff.
2From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday, and have given orders to Capn. Read to furnish from the garrison the guard and the orderly sergeant which you request to attend the President of the Court Martial. I presume the different members of the Court have, before this time, arrived. With great consideration I am, Sir &c: &c: ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
3From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fourteenth instant with it’s enclosure—It appears from the statement given that the application of Mr. Jones is a very improper one—Matters will therefore continue as they are. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will discharge the soldier to Enclosed are some papers relative to the age of a soldier in the eleventh regiment—You will enquire into the case, and if the statement proves correct, discharge the person to whom they it relates. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
5From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith [13 January 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Whilst Colonel Ogden sh all continue in the particular service — —— he has been destined you he will still superintend, as far you he shall think proper fit, the interior police of his regiment ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
6From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you some papers from which it would appear that Lieutt. Laidlie, who is now connected with your regiment, has dismissed a soldier from pecuniary considerations; at least that he has committed a great impropriety in discharging a man whom he had regularly enlisted. I request that you will make immediate enquiry into the case, and report the circumstances to me as soon as possible. With...
7From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have ordered Lt. Dwight the bearer of this letter to repair to Union Camp Brigade that he may be tried by a Court Martial which be immediately ordered to convene W— P.S. You will on Lt Dwight’s arrival at the Brigade put him under Arrest— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
8From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 17 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Andrew White of your Regiment has made application for the appointment of Brigade Inspector, being an officer who has seen service he has considerable pretensions. I would wish you to observe him and give me your opinion of his military talents and fitness for that appointment— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
9From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The resignations of Captain Patterson and Lieutenant Cuyler of the twelfth regiment have been accepted— You will inform them accordingly— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
10From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a list of Articles sent me by Mr Dayton—He represents them to have been procured by your orders—Upon examining my letters I find that the articles — marked are not included with in any of the direction general or special which I have given. You will inform me whether these have been procured, and also upon what grounds they have been were added to the list of articles directed by...
11From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the second instant, and have directed the Adjutant General to prepare and forward the charges against Lieutenant Dwight. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
12From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has directed me to inquire whether Capt. Justus B Smith Lts. Thomas Thompson & Jacob C Ten Eyck have mean to accept or decline their appointments. If known to you, you will please to inform me, if not known, you will then ascertain & communicate to me what may be the fact With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed St ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
13From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 15, 1799. “I have received your letter of the 13th instant and thank you for the suggestions contained therein.…” Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Library of Congress.
14From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 7 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish I have concluded that Colonel Ogden should shall be detached this Winter from the Brigade for the purpose of assisting the Adjutant General in framing regulations for the army. I request therefore that you will take the necessary steps to meet this arrangement give him permission to be absent with true consideration I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip...
15From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 11. instant with its inclosures. I would wish Hill to be tried by a Court Martial previous to my granting him his pardon The Court may probably recommend him to mercy, should that however not be the case; your recommendation with that of the Officer’s of your regiment shall be treated with the meet with proper respect attention with true consideration Sir (...
16From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will please to cause to be detailed for members of the Court Martial of which Major Wilcocks is appointed President, seven Officers of your Regiment of whom as many as practicable to be Captains You are apprised that the Court is to convene on Wednesday. With great consideration & esteem I am Sir Yr Obed St. ( Df , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
17From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 12th inst. and am happy to find that your — difficulties are in a fair way to be removed. all the difficulties which you had to encounter The spirit of the troops, the harmony of among the Officers, and the good understanding between the soldiers and the citizens afford give me great real pleasure— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
18From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 23 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 20 instant just reached me at this place. The information given you by Major Wilcocks is correct—To obviate possible difficulty on the part of Col Fish, I write to him by the post which carries this letter—to deliver over the money to your Regimental Paymaster The letter herewith answers your concluding enquiry with great consideration I am Sir Yr. obed servt. (Copy, in the...
19From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 28 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the twenty sixth instant with their enclosures— With great consideration I am, Sir &c. &c. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
20From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 2 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of yesterday is received. I am glad to find that matters are in so good a train; and take particular interest in the favorable appearances respecting Lt. Cocks With great consideration & (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
21From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The S of War has just informed me that the President accepts Dr. Finleys resignation—You will inform Dr. Finley accordingly— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
22From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Brown, one of my Secretaries is the bearer of this letter—he goes before me to take possession of my quarters. You will have a Subaltern’s guard at those quarters on Wednesday next. With great consideration Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For H’s visit to the troops at Scotch Plains, New Jersey, see H to Aaron Ogden, May 8, 1800, note 1 .
23From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 10 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter sent to me by the Secretary of War—you will make enquiry into the case, and if the representation proves to be just, have the person discharged—The circumstances you will report to me— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
24From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 5, 1799. On June 12, 1799, Smith wrote to Hamilton and acknowledged “the receipt of your Letter of the 5th. inst.” Letter not found. ]
25From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Governor Jay—You will make immediate enquiry into the subject of it, and report to me— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
26From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Letter not found. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
27From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I request that you will call the attention of the different Paymasters to those men who may have been confined by the Sentences of Courts martial to hard labor, they being entitled to their pay— With &c. ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
28From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the twenty eighth instant with their enclosures— The winter quarters of the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth regiments will be on Green brook in the vicinity of the Scotch Plains. Preparatory measures are now taking for the purpose. I shall be particularly attentive to the wish which you express in the case of Mr. Fowler. With great considerat I am, Sir ( Df ,...
29From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed warrant for Nathaniel Baldwin as Cadet in the 12th. regiment has just been sent to me by the S of War. You will direct Mr. Baldwin to transmit his former appointment to the War Office. (two drafts, both in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
30From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 18, 1799. “… I have not the smallest objection to the Officers being taught the use of the sword by the French gentlemen of whom you speak, nor to any measures of the kind which you may think proper to adopt that will not involve an actual expence to the public.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Smith to H, November 15, 1799 .
31From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the twenty third instant. Those officers who have been appointed since the adoption of the arrangement of relative rank for your regiment will rank stand on the list take rank according to the dates of their appointments. Where two or more persons have been appointed on the same day, the precedence will be determined by lot. ( Df , in the handwriting of...
32From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 6 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a copy of a letter from the secretary of War announcing the appointment of Mr Walter B Voorman as a Lieutenant in your Regiment. Mr Voorman’s appointment has been forwarded to him. You will therefore make such a disposal of him as you may think proper with true consideration ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing James McHenry...
33From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 21 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 21, 1800. On March 5, 1800, Smith wrote to Hamilton : “I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of two letters of the 21st.… ulto.” One letter not found. ] The second letter of this date is listed in the appendix to this volume.
34From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 25, 1800. On March 5, 1800, Smith wrote to Hamilton acknowledging “the receipt of two letters of the … 25th. ulto.” One letter not found. ] The second letter of this date is listed in the appendix to this volume.
35From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 19 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the eighteenth instant— General Stevens left here this place yesterday for camp in order to settle yo with you such further arrangements as may be necessary— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
36From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secr. of War informs me that the resignation of Captain Cole is accepted and that his pay and emoluments are to cease on the 20th instant—You will have this communicated to Captain Cole thro’ the Commandt. of his Regt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
37From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter of appointment for Mr. James Rhea as second Lieutenant in the first Regiment of Infantry, which you will deliver send forward to him accordingly. He will is to be instructed to proceed, as soon as possible to Harper’s ferry, and put himself under the orders of Major Cass. With great consideration I am Sir Yr. ob. Servant ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown and H,...
38From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 2 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed were sent to me by the S of War. You will enquire into the case, and if the statement proves correct, have the person discharged— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
39From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 21 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I p er ceive by the public prints that — a disturbance of an unpl ea sant tendency has taken place between two Officers of your regiment and the inhabitants of Elizabeth Town. I re quest you to investigate minutely into this affair & report to me accordingly with true consideration &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
40From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 4 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Read has informed me that there are at Fort Jay 3 deserters belonging to your the 12th regiment, viz. Wm. Hebron, Jas. Dando, & Dl. Crook. He has been directed to convey them to Elisabeth town by Thursday next when you will take care to have a proper guard ready to receive & convey them to camp, to be tried in the General Court martial lately ordered— With great consideratn & ( Df , in...
41From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 17 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 17, 1799. On December 23, 1799, Smith wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your Letter of the 17th.” Letter not found. ]
42From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter respecting Lt. Hoffman . The incident gives me great concern. It is a delicate affair and must be treated with very great circumspection. Inclosed is a letter which has been written to me by his accuser Lt. Livingston . Several respectable Characters (among these Doctor Charleton) have spoken to me of the Character of the accused in high terms—They represent him as...
43From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 25 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received Your two letters of the twentieth instant have been received. Neither remarks on the price of the wood contracted for I had not the smallest intention of finding fault with the part you had acted in the business—On the contrary I am well convinced that, as far as your agency was concerned that there was due care exercised—I am still however of opinion that the price is too high...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice and William S. Smith, [23 April 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
It appears by a Report of the Dy P M G that no return has come from the 12 Regiment of the Cloathing on hand as required by the general order of the 11th of March. Considering the time which has elapsed since the issuing of that order if there are any articles of Cloathing in the possession of the Pay Master of that Regiment he has been guilty of very great neglect for which he ought to be...
45From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 20 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have understood that the relative rank of the Officers of your regiment has not yet been communicated to them; as you may probably withold it from an idea of its not having yet received my final approbation, you will view the arrangement upon which we formerly agreed as decisive, with the single alteration, of Captain G. Kirkland’s being placed next in rank to Captain A. White with true...
46From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 17th. instant, with its enclosures has been received. I am, for my own part prefectly satisfied with the representation given by the Major, of the conduct of your officers in the affair at Elisabeth town—but as an account of it has made its appearance in the public papers, which has represented the matter to their disadvantage, I think you are interested for the honor of...
47From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 30 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Major Tousard has arrived here for the purpose of recruiting six companies of Artillerists. I request you to give facility to the accomplishment of the object. The men enlisted will not leave their corps untill the time of their disbandment. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see H to James McHenry, first letter of May...
48From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the nineteenth instant with its enclosure— Were this a time of war I should not be embarrassed by your enquiry, but, in the present state of things, we must rely for a remedy — of the evil of which you complain on the influence of strict discipline up on the troops themselves. Where stores are erected near a high way you can place a sentinel on to prevent the...
49From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 5th and 7th instants. As some of the subjects were discussed in conversation with you the other day it will not be necessary to repeat the remarks that were then made. On the subject of wood I have written to Col. Ogden. I can not say any thing relative to the claim of Captain White, having never been able to obtain from the S of War a definitive rule on the...
50From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The returns of Medicine wanted for the Brigade under your command were im forwarded sent immediately to the S of War, but no answ and the forwarding of a supply without delay urged in strong terms. No answer has, however, been received. I requested you to point out art a few articles of pressing necessity in order that they might be procured, and forwarded from this place— This does not appear...