1From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 24 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of receiving, an hour since, your letter of the 22d instant, with the copy of one to you from Colonel Smith. I am happy to think that the question presented is on mere military principles a very simple one. The rule of promotion, by succession, does not in any service, as far as my knowlege goes, apply to a new corps, in its first organisation. Officers for such a corps, it is...
2From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 20 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The very obliging manner, in which you was pleased to assure me of the appointment of my nephew Philip Church , and the actual appointment of my relation Capta [ i ] n Hamilton to a Lieutenancy in the Navy, which I just learn from the Marine Department, are circumstances from which I derive much pleasure, which I consider as conferring upon me a personal obligation, and for which I beg you to...
3From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 1 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been repeatedly mentioned to me that you have, on different occasions, asserted the existence of a British Faction in this Country, embracing a number of leading or influential characters of the Fœderal Party (as usually denominated) and that you have sometimes named me, at other times plainly alluded to me, as one of this description of persons: And I have likewise been assured that of...
4From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 29 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall with pleasure obey the command contained in your letter of the 17th instant and shall accordingly inform the Governor that I am ready to proceed in the execution of the measure. With perfect respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Yr obed servant ALS , Adams Family Papers, deposited in the Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; ADf , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
5From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 24 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recommended to the Secretary at War, Mr Philip Church, my nephew, for the appointment of a Captain of Infantry. This young Gentleman is personally known to you; but your knowlege of him is too slight to render it useless to speak of his qualifications. To the advantages of a good education he adds a very discreet judicious mind and an excellent heart—duly animated by that laudable pride...
6From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 1 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The time which has elapsed since my letter of the first of August was delivered to you precludes the further expectation of an answer. From this silence, I will draw no inference; nor will I presume to judge of the fitness of silence on such an occasion, on the part of The Chief Magistrate of a Republic, towards a citizen, who without a stain has discharged so many important public trusts. But...
7From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 7 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson, who has been some weeks in the City, in consequence of an invitation having for object the readjustment of our Western Military affairs, is about to make a journey to Bra [ i ] ntree to pay his respects to you. On such an occasion, I hope it will not be thought improper that I should address you on the subject of this officer; since what I shall say will accord with what I...
8From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 22 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Col Toussard, who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is desirous of being appointed Inspector of Artillery. He has reason to hope that his wish is favoured by the Secretary at War—and seems to think that the intimation of my opinion may be useful to him. On the supposition that it accords with the views of the head of the War Department, I have no hesitation to add my...
9From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 24 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Not having recd. an acknowledgemt. of my letter to you of the 8th. inst. I send you a copy— You will please to direct Lt. Gibson of the Corps of Artillerists to repair to Fort Mifflin and take the orders of the Commanding Officer there till he shall be directed to join his Company. You will likewise detach the Artificers of Capt. Elliott’s Company to the same place With great consideration I...
10From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 8 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 8, 1799. “It is concurred to be expedient for some time to come to keep a body of troops in and near that district of Country in which the late insurrection existed. In this Service it is intended for the present to continue the troops now at Reading.… General McPherson recommended the occupying of three stations Reading, Allentown , & Easton . If the Corps of troops was more...
11From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 8 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will be pleased to inquire of un Capt. Shoemaker and Lieut. Boote whether they have any unexpended supply of money and cloathing for continuing the recruiting service; and report to me accordingly— With great consideration &c ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
12From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 23 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 23, 1799. “… I am not anxious that any part of your force should be stationed at Easton if you think it of importance to keep the whole united. It would however be a strong motive to the stationing of a small party at Easton if the recruiting service could be benefited by the measure. It is not convenient at present to reinforce your detachment, but as I am not apprehensive of...
13From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 29 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of war mentions to me that he has been informed by several respectable Gentlemen of Baltimore that there is enlisted with Lieut. Boote a person by the name of John Forysth of a very weak and feeble constitution—That the family of this person are extremely distressed on at his situation, and propose the furnishing offer to furnish an able substitute, or to advance a reasonable sum...
14From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 10 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Massey’s Company of Artillerists having been ordered from fort Mifflin you will immediately cause Capt. Irvin’s Compy. to proceed to that Fort to replace the other. For this purpose, you will take the proper arrangement with the contractor’s Agent for transportation and supply from Reading to Fort Mifflin. The Compy. will avoid going into Philadelphia With great consideration &c P.S. I...
15From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 19 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 15th. inst. You will direct the Officers to make out returns of the deficient Articles for their troops, which you will forward to Colonel Ebenezer Stevens at this place who will take care to have them furnished— With great consideration &c ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
16From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have written to Captains Irvine and Shoemaker directing the first to put himself in readiness to march, and the last to proceed with his company to Pittsburg taking with him the detachment formerly under Lieut Boote but which is now annexed to his command. I have written to these Gentlemen in the first instance because I supposed, from some letter which I have received from you that you...
17From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 21 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not think it advisable to grant your request for a furlough without previously consulting Col. Ogden on the subject. I have accordingly communicated the request to that officer with the proper directions. With consideration I am, Sir yr. ob. sert. ( LS , The Andre deCoppet Collection, Princeton University Library; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
18From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 24 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter to Lieutenant Boote which you will please to have delivered. Should Mr. Boote be willing to repair to this place you will give him permission to do so. In that case you will annex his party of infantry to the other company of infantry which forms part of your detachment— With great consideration I am, Sir &c: &c: ( LS , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
19From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 26 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the receipt of this you will be pleased to send William Millard, Sergeant Lang, Francis Peters, Cullen, Hyland, Howard and Muirhead of the company of Captain Elliot to that officer at Philadelphia— With great considern. ( LS , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
20From Alexander Hamilton to John Allen, 31 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your favour of the 22d. inst, requesting that I would exert my influence in favour of Mr. Stone, candidate for an appointment in the Army, I must advise you to suggest the character to Col. Taylor, in order that he may express his opinion. The opinion of the Colo. of the Regiment in those respects is thought desirable With respect &c— (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown,...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Mathew Arbuckle, 9 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 25th of November. You will repair to Staunton in Virginia and take the orders of the Commanding Officer at that place ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
22From Alexander Hamilton to Mathew Arbuckle, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will repair without delay to Wilmington in the State of delaware for the purpose of being employed in the recruiting service—Upon you r arrival at that place you will report you r self to Major Cass and take his order— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
23From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Archer, 19 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Yr. letter of the 6th Inst. is come to recommendg Mr. Jas. Macleod as a candidate for an appointment in the Navy of the UStates is come to hand; & I have to inform you that I have with pleasure paid the requisite attention to the recommendation I have the honor to be &c. (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
24From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Archer, 12 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter the 3d. instant is received and the name of your son as a candidate for the appointment of surgeons mate in the Navy of the United States has been communicated to the Secy. of the Navy aided by with my support. I am Sir with great respect & Esteem yr. obedt. Servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). Acknowledges Archer’s letter of...
25Call for a Meeting, [4 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Card. The officers of the late army and navy of the United States are requested to meet at Gautier’s, on Tuesday evening, 7 o’clock, to consult on the subject of measures for the immediate security of our port and city. [New York] Argus. Greenleaf’s New Daily Advertiser , June 4, 1798. For background to this document, see the introductory note to H to James McHenry, June 1, 1798 . The report...
26Circular to the Artillery Field Officers, 15 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you for your information the arrangement which has been adopted for the organisation and disposition of the Regt. of Artillerists. You will perceive that the batalion which you are to command is to be stationed in You will do well to apprise without delay the officers who are to compose this batalion of the arrangement—so that such of them who may not at present be with their companies...
27From Alexander Hamilton to James Barnum, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 13th April has reached me, and your desire of entering the army as Major will be made known to the Secretary of War altho together with the favorable opinion expressed of you by Col Taylor, there is as yet no vacancy. with true consideration &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). Acknowledges receipt of Barnum’s letter of April...
28Circular to the Battalion Commanders of the Second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, 27 May[–1 June] 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore transmitted ⟨to⟩ you the arrangement of the second Regiment of ⟨Artillerists⟩ shewing the batalion which you are to command and its destination generally. Measures are taking to bring the companies not already there within the sphere of that destination. But you will immediately assume the command of all the fortified posts in the vicinity of the sea board within the States...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Sebastian Bauman, 1 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As an arrangement conducive to the public service I propose to you that the Postage of all letters which shall come addressed to me or the Adjutant General North or his Assistant Capt Ellery endorsed on public service should be charged in one account by whatsoever — and upon all letters going from either of us endorsed on public service and with our names should shall be charged in one...
30From Alexander Hamilton to James A. Bayard, 16 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I was glad to find my dear sir, by your letter, that you had not yet determined to go with the current of the Fœderal Party in the support of Mr Burr & that you were resolved to hold yourself disengaged till the moment of final decision. Your resolution to separate yourself, in this instance, from the Fœderal Party if your conviction shall be strong of the unfitness of Mr Burr, is certainly...