1To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 12 September 1804 (Adams Papers)
During a Conversation which I had the Honor to hold with you, soon after your Inauguration in the Year 1797., I mentioned the circumstance of our little army being at that period, without an Established Uniform for the officers; you expressed surprise at the irregularity of the Fact, & to remedy the defect, directed me to make the necessary regulations.— I think it probable that an incident so...
2To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 12 September 1804 (Adams Papers)
I rely on your goodness to pardon me for this intrusion, which springs from my solicitude to preserve inviolate, as far as may be in my power, the sound principles by which Military institutions are governed. A single Officer (Col. Butler) not long since, resisted an order for regulating the Uniform of the Head; standing alone in apposition to his Brethren & the universal practice of armies,...