401To 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...
402To Alexander Hamilton from George W. Kirkland, 29 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor to recieve a note from the Secy. of War, dated the 10th. inst. advising of my appointment as “a Captain of Infantry, in the Army of the United States.” An event so desirable, incited me, to express to him with promptitude, my acceptance. In a conference with the Secy. soon after, as to an appropriate rendezvous for recruiting—he observed, that every thing relative to that...
403To Alexander Hamilton from James Cochran, 29 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter was handed to me with a view that I should promote its object. I can only say that my Knowledge of the Country where Captain Kirkland wishes to recruit, induces me to believe that his request is a proper one. While I suggest my opinion to you on this subject permit me to recommend Captain Kirkland to your notice, in some of your Army arrangements. He is a young man with...
404To 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 ).
405To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, [31 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Mr Weston, who has been requested by the Corporation of your city to a conference on the Subject of supplying the city with water. Permit me to entreat your Attention to him. Mrs. Church writes me that you Suffer from want of exercise, that this and unremitted Attention to business injures your health. I believe It is difficult for an Active mind to moderate an...
406To 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,...
407To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Stoddert, 1 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Henry Seton—son of the late Wm Seton a very respectable man, wants to be made a Lieut in the Navy—a Story was some time ago in circulation, to the disadvantage of this young Gentleman, which I hope was unfounded—will you be so good as to let me know his Character if it be a good one—If otherwise, you need not trouble yourself to answer this letter. I have the Honor &c ( LC , RG 45, Naval...
408To 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.
409To 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...
410To 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...
411To 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...
412To 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...
413To 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...
414To 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...
415To 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:...
416To 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...
417To 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....
418To 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 ,...
419To 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...
420To 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...
421To 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...
422To 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...
423To 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...
424To 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).
425To 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 .
426To 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...
427To 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...
428To 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....
429To 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...
430To 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...
431To 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."
432To 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 &...
433To 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...
434To 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...
435To 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...
436To 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...
437To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 23 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I promised you to commit to writing what I think ought to be done, for the compleating the Defence of this City, and the neighbouring Islands; with some other observations incident thereon—and submit them herein, for your government. First. To compleat Fort Jay & build, another Barrack in that Fort. the ensuing Summer. second. For Government to purchase Ellis’s Island, and this state to cede...
438To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 23 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
On my return home last evening from Sussex Court, I found your favor of the 20th. instant, and in pursuance thereof, after a consultation with Major Shute, I beg leave to submit, to your consideration, the following division of the State of New-Jersey, into two districts , and six sub-districts or company rendezvouses , for the purpose of recruiting six companies. The first District , to...
439To Alexander Hamilton from Ray Greene, 23 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Division of the State of Rhode Island &c into three districts 1st. District— To be composed of the Counties of Newport and Bristol— } Head Quarters of Rendezvous Newport 2d. do. The County of Providence— Providence 3d. do. To be composed of the Counties of Washington and Kent— } East Greenwich Division of said State into four districts— 1st. district. To be composed of the Counties of Newport...
440To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 25 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
This morning I have recd. your favour of the 21st. We have all been shocked and grieved at the nomination of a minister to negociate with France. There is but one sentiment on the subject among the friends of their country and the real supporters of the President’s administration. Pains have been taken to ameliorate the measure by throwing it into a Commission: but the President is fixed: the...
441To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 25 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The comee. to whom was refered the Prests. message, nominating Mr. Murray, had a free conversation with him on saturday evening, under the protestation that it should not be mentioned in the report nor considered as a precedent. During the conversation he declared, repeatedly, that to defend the executive against Oligarchic influence, it was indispensable, that he should insist, on a decision...
442To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Varick, 25 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 25, 1799. On February 26, 1799, Hamilton wrote to Varick : “I last night received your letter dated Yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
443To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 25 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 15th instant. When the disposition was contemplated for assigning to Major General Pinckney and to yourself your respective districts of superintendence, I was of opinion (as you will see by the enclosed copy of a letter which I wrote to the Secretary of War on my way from Philadelphia to this place) that the whole of General Wilkinson’s...
444To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 25 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your private letter of the 16th. instant came duly to hand, & safe: and I wish you at all times, and upon all occasions, to communicate interesting occurrences with your opinion thereon (in the manner you have designated) with the utmost unreservedness, to me. If the augmented force was not intended as an interroram measure, the delay in Recruiting it, is unaccountable; and baffles all...
445To Alexander Hamilton from Dowe Fondey, 25 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving a Letter from the Secretary at War, dated the 10th. of January last the 23rd. Instant announcing my appointment as a Captain in the Infantry of the Army of the United States—and have signified my acceptance of it by Letter on the reception—I am duly sensible of the honor and confidence conferred on me in this appointment, I am convinced that every attention has...
446To Alexander Hamilton from Staats Morris, 25 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In obedience to your order of the 15 Inst. I have the honor herewith to transmit a Return of the public Stores at this post—and a Return of the strength of the Garrison. With regard to the works—they are in an unfinished state—three in number—a battery to prevent the approach of ships, of earth 15 feet through 8 feet high and 700 feet in extent, the whole faced on the inner side by a brick...
447To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Lloyd Moore, 25 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your favor of the 18th Instant informing me that the recruiting service for the additional regiments is committed to your superindence, and requiring of me to make a division of the State of Pennsylvania into three Districts, and those three, into thirteen sub-districts with a company rendezvous in each. I have attended to this subject, not having either of the Majors at hand, one...
448From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 25 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 15th instant. When the disposition was contemplated for assigning to Major General Pinckney and to yourself your respective districts of superintendence, I was of Opinion (as you will see by the enclosed copy of a letter which I wrote to the Secretary of War on my way from Philadelphia to this place) that the whole of General Wilkinson’s...
449From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 25 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir Mount Vernon 25th Feby 1799. Your private letter of the 16th instant came duly to hand, & safe: and I wish you at all times, and upon all occasions, to communicate interesting occurences with your opinions thereon (in the manner you have designated) with the utmost unreservedness, to me. If the augmented force was not intended as an interroram measure, the delay in...
450To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 26 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mount Vernon, February 26, 1799. “I received your letter of the 18th. instant yesterday. You refer me to enclosed letters for information on the subject therein mentioned. One letter only came, and that under a Seal to General Lee, which I shall forward, unopened, tomorrow by my Nephew Mr. Bushrod Washington, who is a neighbour of his.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; ALS ,...