51To 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...
52To 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...
53To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
You will see by the enclosed, the steps I have taken, and the information and the aid which I expect to derive from the Major Generals in case it is approved. I know not how all this is to end, and feel perfectly tired of the uncertainty in which so many important measures are kept fettered and involved. I hope you will approve of this exposition, and the propriety of my fortifying or...
54To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of the 19th instant. You will see by the enclosed copy of a letter to Colo Stevens dated 21st of august the instructions which respect the fortifications on Governors, Bedlows and Ellis’s Islands. In conformity with your opinion I have directed Col Stevens to contract for the necessary additional barracks on Governors Island, and to have such buildings as...
55To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [10 November 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of yesterday this morning at 5 o’clock. mr wolcott will send instructions by the express to secure the powder provisionally for the public. We do not absolutely want the article, and could go on for some time without it. I think it right however that it should not leave the country. Yours affectionately ADf , James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found....
56Enclosure: James McHenry to George Washington, 10 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears by a letter from the President, dated Quincy Octr. 22. 1798, that it will not be in his power to be in Philadelphia ’till near the time fixed upon for the meeting of Congress. In order however to prevent any injury to the public service, as it respects officering the troops, directed to be raised by the late acts of Congress, he has written to me as follows: “If you, and the...
57To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received this moment your two letters of the 16 & 17th instant, and have read them over cursorily tho’ not without fully understanding them. I intend that the recruiting service shall be wholly confided to you and shall send you the printed instructions and a copy of the English system on which they are founded. It cannot however be entered upon immediately or until our cloathing is in...
58Enclosure: Regulations Respecting Extra Allowances to Officers, [19 December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
In all cases where officers are detached on services, which oblige them to incur expences on the road , and at places where there are no military posts , except where the law has specifically provided for travelling expenses, the following regulations are to govern in the settlement of their accounts. I. Every officer detached as aforesaid, besides his legal pay and emoluments shall receive a...
59To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received two letters from you under dates of the 20th & one dated the 26th. The President desired the list of nominations to be submitted to the heads of Departments for their observations; and I have not yet been favoured with these observations. I mean from all of these gentlemen. I expect them to day, and that the nominations will be made on monday. Col Smith’s name will...
60To 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...
61To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 9 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter dated the 7th. instant. The President has directed me to signify to you that he considers you in service from the first day of November 1798 in consequence of your being summoned by letter bearing date the 15 October to attend at Philadelphia or Trenton as soon as possible and in all events by the 10 November. Your pay and emoluments will therefore take date from...
62To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 9 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The official letter of this date fixes the commencement of your pay and emoluments. I shall as soon as possible define your duties and command. In the mean while I should be glad to have your own ideas on the subject. You will proceed on your report for a system of tactics & discipline. You will also endeavour to ascertain the best positions for your recruiting parties and general rendzvouses...
63To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you on the to request you to prepare a bill conformably to the propositions contained in my report of the 24th of Decr. ulto to the President. This morning Gen. Gun of the Committee of the Senate to whom this report has been committed waited upon me with a request from the Committee that I should prepare and furnish them with a draught of two bills, one comprising whatever in the...
64To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me in addition to what I said yesterday to request, that laying aside other business you will occupy yourself on the two military bills only. The session is short, and but little of it to come. If possible let me have the bills by mondays mail or at furthest tuesdays. I have not been able to ascertain what part some of our friends in the house mean to take respecting the appropriations...
65To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, January 21, 1799. Encloses the “Proceedings of two Military Courts, held on Governeurs Island, one a General Court Martial on the 5th of September, the other a Garrison Court Martial on the 25. of the same month” and discusses “certain irregularities … of the said Proceedings.” Asks “Two Questions affecting the Legality of the General Court Martial.… 1st Can the Commandant of a...
66To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Inclosed Schedule shews 1st Certain names contained in the list made out by the Generals, not sent to the Senate. 2d The names of those postponed by the Senate & 3d One name negatived by the Senate. I have not had an opportunity of learning from the Senators their reasons for putting a negative on the nomination of Nathaniel White. Bradbury Cilly declined. Caleb Gibb’s was seriously...
67Enclosure: [List of Nominations for Senate Approval], [21 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
† Nathaniel White Lt: Colonel New Hampshire. O Bradbury Cilley Major ditto. O Caleb Gibbs Lt. Colonel Massachusetts. O John Hobby Major ditto. O John Chipman ditto Vermont. O James Sawyer Captain ditto. O George Woodward Lieut:
68To 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...
69To 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...
70To 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 ).
71To 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,...
72To 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...
73To 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...
74To 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:...
75To 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...
76To 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).
77To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16th inst. this morning. It is out of my power to send you the distribution you ask for, as contained in the report made to me in Decmbr. ulto. by the Commander in chief. The instructions My instructions dated the 4th inst. contains whatever the commander in chief has said on this subject. His answer to my queries omitted entirely assigning any stations to 4...
78To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit for your information a copy of a letter from Major Tousard, dated New-Port 10th Feby 1799 I have the honor to be with great respect Your most Obd Hbl ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing Lewis Tousard to McHenry, February 10, 1799 (copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). An endorsement on the cover of the LS from James McHenry reads: "answd. March 5. 1799."
79To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, first letter of 22 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a letter from Captain Gates dated Castle William Feby. 13th 1799 I have the honor to be with great respect your most Obd Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing Lemuel Gates to McHenry, February 13, 1799 (copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). On verso of the LS from James McHenry, H wrote a draft of his reply: "Wrote to Secy. The letter...
80To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, second letter of 22 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed papers, are transmitted, and submitted to your consideration, that you may take, such immediate order, on the subject of them, as it shall appear to you, to demand. No. 1—A copy of a Letter, from the Accountant of the War Department, dated the 20th. instant stating, that he had been insulted, by Samuel C Vance, Captain in the 3d. United States regiment, while in the execution of...
81To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed papers are first the petition of John Hubbard, second a certificate from Mr Sprague dated 27th Feby 1799 and third a certificate of the Accountant of this Department If, upon such investigation as you think proper to give this subject, it shall appear that the Samuel Richardson mentioned in the Muster roll is the same allud ed to by Mr Hubbard and is his servant as alledged you...
82To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Certain inconveniences hitherto experienced relative to the pay of the troops induced me to recommend a Section to be adopted in the Bill for the organization of the Army which having passed into a law is now transmitted. As the greatest part of the Army will be on or near the Sea-board I can perceive considerable advantages of a public nature which would result from the Pay Master General...
83To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your private letter of the 10th inst. last night. The mode in which the laws are published prevents me from receiving any of them sometimes for six weeks or two months after their being inacted, unless I take copies of them from the originals lodged with the Secry. of State and get them printed. This is what I have done with the organization and eventual army acts, and shall as soon...
84To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a report received this morning from the Purveyor, relative to the quantity of Clothing, which, in his opinion, he will be able, under his arrangements, to turn weekly in to the public store &c &c I have the honor to be, with great respect your most Obdt Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
85To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed you have a copy of a letter from Captain Frederick Frye dated 9th March 1799 respecting the arrest he is now under, together with a copy of the charges exhibitted against him Not knowing that the whole of the circumstances detailed in the enclosed papers may have come under your cognizance, I have thought it best to communicate them, and to rely upon you to give such relief in the...
86To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A Proclamation of the President of the United States, a Copy of which I enclose, will inform you that a combination to defeat the execution of the Laws, for the valuation of lands, and Dwelling houses, have existed, in the Counties of Northampton Montgomery, and Bucks in the State of Pennsylvania, and proceeded in a manner subversive of the just authority of the Government, and that certain...
87To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter just received from Captain John McClallen, which you will be pleased to take such order on as you may judge proper I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing John McClallen to McHenry, March 11, 1799 ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
88To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 15 instant with alterations and additions proposed to be made to the recruiting instructions. These have been considered, generally adopted, and with some further alterations will be put into the hands of a printer to day, and a sufficient number of Copies sent you as soon as they shall be printed. With great respect I am Sir Your obedient servant LS ,...
89To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, March 19, 1799. Encloses “copies of two Letters from General Wilkinson, one dated Novr. 6, the other Decr. 6, 1798.…” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In this letter James Wilkinson wrote in part: “It is impossible for me to ascertain the Fact, but I have cause to believe that Governor [Manuel] Gayoso [de Lemos], notwithstanding his professions … has held connivance...
90To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter dated the 5. March on the 11. instant and would have replied sooner to its contents had it been possible to have furnished you with the necessary information & documents required. The enclosed schedule A exhibits the appointments which have been made conformably to the list of names presented by the General Officers with the exceptions noticed in my letter of the 21 of...
91To 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...
92To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, March 22, 1799. “I transmit for your information copies of several letters, viz, one from Captain Wm Littlefield dated Fort Wolcott 2nd Feby 1799 and one from General Hamtramck dated Fort Wayne 21st Jany 1799, together with a letter from Edward Livingston Esq. dated New York 9th March, one from John Dover dated Novr. 24th. 1798 directed to Mr Livingston and one from the...
93To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 26 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received this morning your letter of the 23d inst. I shall write to day or to morrow to a Mr. Timothy Phelps a Merchant in New Haven Connecticut to know whether he will undertake to store and deliver the Cloathing to the Quarter Master for the 1. and 2d. District formed in that State and if he will I shall send the apportioned quantity to him as soon as it comes into the public store. I...
94To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter to the Adjutant General informing him that his presence and aid is considered essential to the due performance of the duties to be fulfilled by you, and placing him under your Orders. On looking over your letter of the 23rd: and my reply, I find I have omitted to approve formally, the numbers which you proposed to designate the new Regiments by. The arrangement of the...
95To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Mr James Steel, dated Randolph 5th March 1799 soliciting the discharge of Joseph Kneeland, for whom I —— discharge in order that you may take such measures in the business as you shall judge proper I have the honor to be with great respect, your most Obd Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing James Steel to McHenry, March 5, 1799 ( ALS ,...
96To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge your private letters under date of the 14, 18 & 19th inst. All I intended by the observation in my public letter relative to the regimental Paymasters &c. was, that as these were to be Lieutenants, and the 3 additional lieutenants described in the late law, under these characters, had not been, it was proposed they should be appointed. I have no objection to the custom...
97To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed two parcels of Cloathing nearly equal to your requisition of the 19th. Instant, for the Connecticut and New York Recruiting Districts, one addressed to Col. Stevens, the other to Timothy Phelps Esq of New Haven, with directions that they shall be delivered and forwarded agreeably to your Orders. Considering that April is a good month for Recruiting, and that circumstances...
98To 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...
99To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed I transmit you a letter from Major Rivardi dated Niagara March the 4th and one from Ensign Andrew M Lusk dated Fredericksburg March 24th. the former of whom has been directed to correspond with you in future. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, your most Obd Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing John J. U. Rivardi to McHenry, March 4, 1799 (...
100To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Mr. Allen respecting Litchfield as a good recruiting rendezvous and Lt. Beebe as a good recruiting Officer to be employed in that place. Will you give the request your attention in making your arrangements. I am D Sir Yours ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing John Allen to McHenry, March 25, 1799 ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).