701To 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.
702To 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...
703From 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...
704To 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...
705To 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...
706From 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...
707From 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...
708From 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...
709To 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...
710From 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....
711To 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...
712To 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...
713To 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:...
714To 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...
715To 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....
716From 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...
717From 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.
718To 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 ,...
719To 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...
720To 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...
721From 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...
722From 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...
723From 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...
724From 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).
725Circular 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...
726From 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...
727To 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...
728To 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...
729From 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...
730To 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...
731From 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...
732To 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).
733To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, 18 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 18, 1799. The summary of this letter reads: “Hamilton’s sympathy buoys him somewhat.” Letter not found. ] Letter listed in “Calendar Summary of Philip Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton Papers,” Personal Miscellaneous, Box 6, Schuyler, MS Division, New York Public Library. Wolcott to H, September 19, 1798 .
734From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 18 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letter to Colonel Parker will explain to you the plan upon which it is deemed expedient to pursue the recruiting service within the State of Virginia. It would be very pleasing to me, if you could yourself make it convenient to digest the arrangement which is referred to the Colonel. In this case, the letter need not be sent to him, unless you think his cooperation may be useful...
735From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 18 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Unwilling to take the liberty to ask you to give yourself any particular trouble on the subject I have written the enclosed letters. I beg you to dispose of them as you suppose will best answer the end in view—that is to obtain a speedy distribution of the State into Districts and sub-districts. With the truest attachment I have the honor to be My Dear Sir Your obed servant ALS , George...
736To 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...
737Circular on Recruiting Service, [18–19 February 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
The recruiting service, as connected with the duties of Inspector General, has been committed by the Department of War to my superintendence. It is expected that it will shortly commence for the additional troops which are intended to be raised. [Two Regiments of Infantry are] assigned to Massachusettes. It is conceived to be expedient that for the purpose of recruiting them the state shall be...
738To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 19 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The President yesterday, sent the Senate a nomination of Mr Murray to be appointed Minister plenipy. to the french republic, accompanied by a letter, from Talleyrand to the Secy. of the french legation at Amsterdam. By this letter it appears, that for some time, communications have been made to Mr. Murray, of the friendly dispositions of the french Govt. towards this Country, & it contains...
739To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, [19 February 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
Messrs Ten Eyck and Williams are to meet at my house half past ten. If you will be so good as to have the thing signed by Troup and Mr. Church he will endeavor to get some other subscribers by Saturday. Mr. Pendleton will subscribe if you send it to him. He attended at the meetings and recommended this mode &c &c. Yours &c Would not Mr. Harrison subscribe if your clerk carried it to him....
740From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the strength of the Representation, in the letter of which the inclosed is a copy I have taken the Liberty to request Coll. Stevens to procure and furnish the Article stated to be wanted; and to advise the Accountant of the department of War of the cost, that measures may be taken for deducting out of the pay of the Soldiers such part if any as may be extra —Not knowing at present where...
741To 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...
742To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 20 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I wrote you on the 9th (which you acknowledge in a short letter, promising further communications) Dr. Stevens has been appointed Consul General of St. Domingo, and will probably embark before the close of next week. If you have written further to me in answer to my letter of the 9th the letter has miscarried, for I have recd. nothing. I must frame Dr. Stevens’s instructions in a few...
743From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 21 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The multiplicity of my avocations joined to imperfect health has delayed the communication you desired respecting St Domingo. And what is worse it has prevented my bestowing sufficient thought to offer at present any thing worth having. No regular system of Liberty will at present suit St Domingo. The Government if independent must be military—partaking of the feodal system. A hereditary Chief...
744From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, 21 February 179[9] (Hamilton Papers)
The step announced in your letter just received in all its circumstances would astonish, if any thing from that quarter could astonish. But as it has happened, my present impression is that the measure must go into effect with the additional idea of a Commission of three. The mode must be accommodated with the President. Murray is certainly not strong enough for so immensely important a...
745To 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."
746To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 22 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to yours of the 19th. —The gentlemen from Massa. have been together, I mean such as I requested, & have agreed on the following as the most eligible division of that state for the purpose of recruiting in your plan. Maine a district—four places of Rendezvous, Portland, Wiscasset, Augusta & custine. The Counties of Essex, Suffolk, Bristol, Dukes county, & Nantucket Barnstable &...
747To 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...
748To 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...
749To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Livermore, 22 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I should divide New hampshire as followeth, The County of Rockingham to be one district for the recruiting service and Portsmouth or Exeter to be head quarters. The county of Hillsborough one district, & Amherst the head quarters. The county of Cheshire one district, & Keen the head quarters. The countys of Strafford & Grafton to be one district, & Plymouth or Gilmantown the head-quarters. I...
750To Alexander Hamilton from Staats Morris, 22 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving a letter from you of the 15th Inst. directed to the commanding officer of Baltimore and its dependencies. I am happy to learn that the post and the Troops under my command have been placed under your superintendance. The communication you have ordered, shall be made with as little delay, and in as full and particular a manner as I possibly can, and I shall at...