4401To Alexander Hamilton from George Ingersoll, 18 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In obedience to your order 30th. Ulto. enclosed are the Returns, of the Men, Clothing, Arms and Accoutrements, & Camp equipage. The articles in the Quarter Masters Store, with Inspection Returns of the four Companies of Artillerists and Engineers under my Command. With a Return of the Artillery for the use; and the practice of the troops. It being the Generals order, to give a full; and...
4402To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel L. Mitchell, 15[–16] February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In estimating the requisites for a Course of Chemistry, regard should be had not merely to the Time employed by the Professor in giving his public Instruction to an audience, but also to the employment of Time in preparing, arranging and conducting experiments . Many of these require much Care and vigilance day after day to manage them properly & make them conduce to the desired end. In...
4403From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 16 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Different reasons have conspired to prevent my writing to you since my return to New York —the multiplicity of my avocations, an imperfect state of health and the want of something material to communicate. The official letter herewith transmitted will inform you of the disposition of our military affairs which has been recently adopted by the Department of War. There shall be no want of...
4404To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, [16 February 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I have risen from a Sleepless Bed, with a Mind too distracted to Write to you. Whilst my memory still serves to mention to you certain Circumstances relative to my Accounts with the United States, and the Situation of my Family I wish to see you. How long this will be the Case God only knows!—he is a better Judge of what I am than Man, and at his Tribunal only I Expect Justice. The Sympathy...
4405From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is very material to me to have without delay the distribution of the additional twelve Regiments and troops of horse among the respective States according to the organization or arrangement which is contained in the report made to you in December by the Commander in Chief. This is requested with reference to the appointment of recruiting rendesvouzes. With great respect I have the honor to...
4406To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter to General Wilkinson yesterday in time to go into the mail for Knoxville, Tennessee, from whence it will immediately pass to the General by express I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir Your most Obt Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4407Circular to the Commanding Officers in Northern and Western United States, 15 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 15, 1799. “A Letter from the Sec of War places under my Superintendance the Posts and Troops under your immediate Command. All further Communications therefore respecting them, including Reports and Returns, are to be addressed to me, not as heretofore to the Sec. of War.…” Copy, Chicago Historical Society. This letter is the same as “Circular to the Commanding Officers at...
4408From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 15 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary at War has communicated to me the following disposition with regard to the superintendence of our Military forces and Posts. All those in States South of Maryland in Tennessee and Kentucke are placed under the Direction of Major General Pinckney: those every where else under my direction—to which he has added the general care of the Recruiting service. The commencement of the...
4409To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information copies of letters (viz) one from Captn Frye dated Fort Jay, Feby 2nd 1799, one from Captn Stoddard dated Portland Jany 27th ’99 one from Lt Hancock dated Kempsville Jany 26th 1799 and one from Captain Bruff dated Indian Queen 15th Jany enclosing certain charges against Major Rivardi With respect to the letter from Captain Frye, Colo Stevens was instructed on the...
4410From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you open for your perusal a letter for General Wilkinson dated yesterday. If there be nothing in it which you disapprove, you will oblige me by causing it to be forwarded without delay. I am as fast as possible putting other objects in train. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. very Obed Ser ( ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
4411From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 12 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The survey of this port to the narrows inclusively has been executed and the expence defrayed out of the funds of the Corporation. But it is interesting to the question of the defence of our port to have a survey of the bay below the narrows to Sandy Hook. There are sand banks critically situated which merit consideration as proper sites for fortification. Such a survey was made under the...
4412From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 12 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
After a plan for fortifying our port shall have been settled, the execution of it with energy & dispatch will demand a very great portion of the time and attention of a competent character as Superintendant. This task I cannot undertake consistently with my other occupations. Col Burr will be very equal to it and will I believe undertake it, if an adequate compensation be annexed. He would...
4413From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 12 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The interesting incidents, which have latterly occurred in our political situation, having rendered it expedient to enlarge the Sphere of our military arrangements, it has, in consequence become necessary to regulate the Superintendence of our military force, in its various and detached positions, in such a manner, as while it will serve to disburthen the Department of War of details...
4414From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 11, 1799. “I have this moment received your letter of the 4th instant to the contents of which I shall pay particular attention.” Copy, in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
4415To Alexander Hamilton from Adam Hoops [11 February 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor to call on you to day to present the enclosed memorandum. The number of men now in quarters I know from the information of Capt Read, To whom I shewed the Statement after I had made it. It is I believe sufficiently correct to act upon. I am Sir with high Respect Yr. Mo Ob Sert ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing "Memorandum of Quarters at Fort Jay" ( AD ,...
4416To Alexander Hamilton from George Ingersoll, 11 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your order of the 30th. Ulto. came to hand last evening advising me of the order of the Secretary of War, placing under your superintendence the Post & Troops of my immediate Command and directing all future communications including Reports and Returns as heretofore to the Secretary of War to be addressed to you. As soon as the Returns and Reports of what is under my immediate Command, can be...
4417To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Osborne, 11 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On Friday noon (8th. Inst.) I received your note of the 6th. This is the sixteenth day since my arrest, which confines me to the Island and as it yet remains uncertain when a Court can be convened; I request the limits of my confinement may be extended to the City. Should there be no impropriety in this request being granted I beg Sir you will give me the indulgence I am Sir respectfully Yr...
4418To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 9 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The law prohibiting intercourse with the French Dominions is renewed, and extended to the 3d of March 1800. The material variation from the former law consists in the authority given to the President to open the intercourse with any part of those dominions when the safety and interest of the U. States will admit of it. This authority is comprised in the 4th section, a copy of which I inclose....
4419From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 9 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am this moment favoured with your letter of the 9th instant. I shall immediately reflect on the most important point & tomorrow give you the result. The provision in the law is ample. But in this My Dear Sir, as in every thing else we must unite caution with decision. The UStates must not be committed on the Independence of St Domingo—no guarantee no formal treaty—nothing that can rise up in...
4420To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your public letter of the 6 and another (private) dated also on the 6th. The latter this morning. Your instructions are and have been some days with the President. The moment he is pleased to decide so as to enable me to proceed you shall have them. I spoke to him yesterday, on the subject: he had not considered them, and seemed to insinuate the affair need not be hurried. I...
4421To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, February 8, 1799. “I have the honor to inclose your instructions and shall send you the schedules and regulations referred to in them as soon as the same can be made out.” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For these “instructions,” see McHenry to H, February 4, 1799 , which was enclosed in the letter printed above. On March 30, 1799, McHenry wrote to George Washington:...
4422To Alexander Hamilton from Adam Hoops, 8 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received Captain Church’s note of the 6th. Inst. My not writing on the Subject of the Quarter master proceeded from my desire to connect with that other Subject, which I have not found it in my power to Embrace—I will as soon as possible make to your excellency particular communication of the state of things within my command as specified in your letter of the 2nd Inst. My...
4423To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 7 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the pleasure, my dear sir, the day before yesterday to receive your favor of the 2nd. With regard to the conduct of Virginia & Kentucky—The moment I came into town I applied to the apparent leaders in the house of Representatives, & stated to them my opinion of the measures which to me seemed expedient to be adopted—That it was necessary to preoccupy the ground—that, for this purpose it...
4424From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, 6 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Mr. Isambard Brunell French by birth, but Anti-Jacobin by principle, and by necessity an Inventor of Ingenious Machines. He goes to England to endeavour to obtain a patent for one, which he has contrived for the purpose of copying. He has a passport from Mr. Liston and I believe our Secretary of State. This letter is to ask for him such patronage as in your...
4425From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 6, 1799. “… I perceive that it will be useful for me in the progress of the trusts, which I am and shall be charged to execute, to have an accurate statement of the Officers of the corps of Artillerists and Engineers, and the distribution of them which has been heretofore made among the different portions of this Corps.…” Copy, in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton...
4426From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In one of your letters you desire me to think of the Distribution of the States into recruiting districts. I have accordingly turned my attention to the subject. But the result is that it will be best to assign to each Regiment its district and to charge its commanding Officer with the arrangement into subdivisions. If you approve this idea you had better write me an official letter, briefly...
4427To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Stoddert, 6 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a paper containing the circumstances, & all the circumstances, connected in the relative rank of Captains Truxton, Talbot & Dale. It appears to me, that Talbot & Dale, cannot now be placed above Truxton, but by dismissing the latter from the Service. Dale who has permission to make an East India Voyage, is reconciled to what He conceives unavoidable, to rank after...
4428From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Osborne, 6 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary at War has transmitted me the copy of a letter from you to him of the 29th. instant of January with instruction to act upon the subject. It is only proper for me to apprise you of this, and to add that as soon as circumstances will permit a General Court Martial will be convened for your trial, which it will be my aim to compose as well and as impartially as shall be practicable....
4429To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant General Washington having declined agreeably to the condition upon which he accepted of his appointment, any Command whatever of the Army of the United States u⟨ntil⟩ such time as his presence in the Field shall be required for actu⟨al ope⟩rations, or his Services demanded by peculiar and urgent circum⟨stances⟩ it is therefore proper to make such arrangements respecting the...
4430To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Walker, 3 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Utica [ New York ] February 3, 1799. States: “Judge Cooper has written me that you are about setling the matter respecting his claim on the black river Land and he wishes me to give you my ideas on the business.…” Gives his version of this land dispute which involved Walker, Cooper, and others. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see H to Walker, William...
4431To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel C. Brent, 2 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
City of Washington, February 2, 1799. “The following is nearly a correct copy of a letter which I wrote to you on the 16th of July 1798.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
4432To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 2 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Fort Wayne [ Territory Northwest of the River Ohio ] February 2, 1799 . “It will no Doubt be Surprising to you to See an officer of my Rank, and of twenty one years service—make an application so incompatible with the profession of arms; But Sir the Military Establishment of the united States is So unsettled and so changeable, that a promotion frequently proves more injurious than advantageous...
4433From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, 2 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
What, My Dear Sir, are you going to do with Virginia? This is a very serious business, which will call for all the wisdom and firmness of the Government. The following are the ideas which occur to me on the occasion. The first thing in all great operations of such a Government as ours is to secure the opinion of the people. To this end, the proceedings of Virginia and Kentucke with the two...
4434To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Stoddert, 1 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Henry Seton—son of the late Wm Seton a very respectable man, wants to be made a Lieut in the Navy—a Story was some time ago in circulation, to the disadvantage of this young Gentleman, which I hope was unfounded—will you be so good as to let me know his Character if it be a good one—If otherwise, you need not trouble yourself to answer this letter. I have the Honor &c ( LC , RG 45, Naval...
4435From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Lewis, Senior, 31 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 31, 1799. On the back of the letter Hamilton received from Lewis, dated January 28, 1799, Hamilton wrote : “Jany 31 Answered & Rect. sent.” Letter and receipt not found. ]
4436To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, [31 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Mr Weston, who has been requested by the Corporation of your city to a conference on the Subject of supplying the city with water. Permit me to entreat your Attention to him. Mrs. Church writes me that you Suffer from want of exercise, that this and unremitted Attention to business injures your health. I believe It is difficult for an Active mind to moderate an...
4437From Alexander Hamilton to George W. Kirkland, 31 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Letter Not Found. ( LS , sold at Anderson Galleries, October 19, 1926, Lot No. 159). Letter not found.
4438From Alexander Hamilton to James Cochran, 31 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Letter Not Found. ( LS , sold at Anderson Galleries, October 19, 1926, Lot No. 159). Letter not found.
4439From Alexander Hamilton to John Lillie, 31 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 21st Instant expressing your surprise at your application being withdrawn, which was really so, altho’ I cannot recollect the source of the information. I shall pay particular attention to your request of being considered as a Candidate for a Majority. Let me assure you of the pleasure I shall take at all times of manifesting to you my esteem and regard...
4440To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter to my Chief Clerk from Captain Stille of the 2n regiment of artillerists and Engineers praying to be disencumbered of a Lieutenant that temporarily was attached to his Company. I incline to think the recommendations upon which Carmichael, the officer, in question was appointed, were framed without due consideration. They presented him as possessed of the mathematics,...
4441From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [26–30 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 25th. Various circumstances have prevented my being ready to make the Report you desire. The Survey of the Port made while I was at Philadelphia was but partial; not extending beyond the Narrows. A survey of the lower part of the Bay, which presents some objects worthy of Consideration, was effected by some of the Commanders of the British Army—And is in the...
4442Circular to the Commanding Officers at New York and West Point, 30 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A letter from the Secretary at War, of yesterday, places under my superintendence the Posts and troops under your immediate command. All future communications therefore respecting them, including reports and returns, are to be addressed to me; not as heretofore to the Secretary at War. It is my wish as soon as possible to receive a full and particular communication of the state of things...
4443To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter just recd. from Doctor Osborn touching the object of his arrest. With great respect I have the honour to be Sir your ot St ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing Samuel Osborne to McHenry, January 29, 1799 ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress ).
4444To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, January 29, 1799. “Until your instructions can be made out defining the extent of your Command you will be pleased to require the proper reports to be made to you by the Garrisons at New York and West point and to exercise such superintendance over the same as may consert with military rules and usage and to make from time to time the necessary communications to this...
4445To Alexander Hamilton from George W. Kirkland, 29 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor to recieve a note from the Secy. of War, dated the 10th. inst. advising of my appointment as “a Captain of Infantry, in the Army of the United States.” An event so desirable, incited me, to express to him with promptitude, my acceptance. In a conference with the Secy. soon after, as to an appropriate rendezvous for recruiting—he observed, that every thing relative to that...
4446To Alexander Hamilton from James Cochran, 29 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter was handed to me with a view that I should promote its object. I can only say that my Knowledge of the Country where Captain Kirkland wishes to recruit, induces me to believe that his request is a proper one. While I suggest my opinion to you on this subject permit me to recommend Captain Kirkland to your notice, in some of your Army arrangements. He is a young man with...
4447To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Lewis, Senior, 28 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, January 28, 1799 . Encloses a “Draft for four hundred and ninety six dollars and seventy Cents, on the Branch Bank at New York—the balance (forty dollars) I have paid into the hands of the Secy of War—the whole amounting to five hundred and thirty six dollars and seventy Cents, agreeably to a Warrant issued from the War Department on account of your Pay Subsistence and Forage...
4448To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, [27 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
[ London, January 27, 1799. Letter not found. ] Letter listed in “Memorandum of Private Letters, &c., dates & persons, from 1796 to Augt 1802,” owned by Mr. James G. King, New York City.
4449From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Van Rensselaer, 27 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I ought to beg your pardon for not having before answered your letters of the 12th. of Novemr and 11th instant. You know the multitude of my engagements. Added to them, my health for a considerable time past has been very indifferent. Be indulgent. I left a memorandum with the Secy at War respecting Mr. Tisdale. As to an Insolvent law, these are my ideas. There is a serious doubt whether any...
4450From Alexander Hamilton to Harrison Gray Otis, 26 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will recollect that I reserved for a future answer part of a letter which I had the pleasure of receiving from you some time since. These are my ideas on that Subject. I should be glad to see, before the close of the Session, a law impowering the President, at his discretion, in case a negotiation between the United States and France should not be on foot by the first of August next, or...