To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 16 July 1800
From John J. U. Rivardi1
Fort Niagara [New York] July 16, 1800. Complains of delays in the payment of quartermaster drafts,2 the delays in orders sent to him, the lack of experienced officers, and the reduction in troop strength. States that the British garrison3 has been reinforced. Thanks Hamilton for “the promises … respecting the Brittish Surgeons”4 and for “the assurance … respecting the Court of Inquiry.”5
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Rivardi, a native of Switzerland and a resident of Pennsylvania, was a major in the First Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers and the commanding officer at Fort Niagara.
This letter is incorrectly addressed to H as inspector general of the United States Army, a position he no longer held. See H to Ebenezer Stevens, July 1, 1800, note 3.
3. The British garrison was located at Fort George on the Niagara River.
4. See Rivardi to H, February 6, May 8, 1800; H to Rivardi, June 5, 1800.
5. H had ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate charges which Captain James Bruff had brought against Rivardi. For these charges, see Rivardi to H, March 21, 1799, note 13. See also Rivardi to H, May 8, 1800; H to Rivardi, June 5, 1800.