101To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter dated the 23rd: instant advising me, that you entertain doubts, whether you can act upon, (by approving or otherwise) Sentences of Courts Martial, referred to you, from the Department of War, in cases, in which the Court has been instituted by that Department, through other organs than yourself. That there is a peculiar delicacy in inflicting punishment upon...
102To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The services of Captain Elliott, who is with a Company of Artillery drawn from Fort Mifflin, and now in Northampton County, being indispensable to make draughts for Cannon and to superintend a laboratory, which it is intended to commence without loss of time, I pray you to direct Capt McClellan, or any other Captain of the Corps you may think proper, to relieve him as soon as possible—Captain...
103To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A question has arisen, respecting appointments, to a part of the Army establishment, on which I have to request your opinion, as soon as convenient, viz: Is it within the authority of the President, to appoint, the Officers, to the additional batalion, to the second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, directed to be raised by “an act, for the better organizing of the troops of the United...
104To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose, for your consideration, a copy of a letter from Peleg Wadsworth Esqr. dated Portland April 19th. upon which you will please to give such directions as you shall deem proper I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most Obd Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing Peleg Wadsworth to McHenry, April 19, 1799 (copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
105To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, April 27, 1799. “I have considered the arrangement and distribution of the two Regiments of Artillerists and Engineers submitted to me … and approve of the same. You will be pleased to cause the said arrangement and distribution so far as it relates to your command to be carried into immediate effect.…” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H to McHenry, first letter of...
106To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Cap Willing has informed me that he has addressed you with a view to obtain leave of absence from the U.S. for 1 2 months, and proposed to relinquish his pay and emoluments during his absence, and to leave his letter considered as a resignation in case the service should require his office to be filled at any time before his return. When Cap Willing spoke to me some time since upon this...
107To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are the proceedings of a General Court Martial which has already been the Subject of reference and transmitted for a Decision by this Department. The several Sentences contained in the said proceedings being confirmed you will be pleased to cause them through the organ of the appropriate Officer to be promptly executed, and the proceedings returned to this Office. I am Sir, with...
108To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Has it struck you, that it will be proper, notwithstanding the Commander in chief of the army has formally declined taking any agency or responsibility in its affairs until a certain state of things shall occur, for you to correspond with him, as the Chief, and give him such information from time to time relative to your comand as will enable him when he may enter upon actual service to...
109To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information a copy of a letter from John Wilkins Junr Esqr. dated Pittsburg 19th April 1799 I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most Ob H S ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing John Wilkins, Jr., to McHenry, April 19, 1799 (copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
110To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department [ Philadelphia ] April 30, 1799 . “The Governor of the North Western Territory Arthur St. Clair Esquire being ex-officio , Superintendant of Indian Affairs within the said Territory he is to be respected as such by all military Officers within the sphere of his Jurisdiction, you will be pleased therefore to direct the said military Officers to respect him as such, and to cause...
111To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you an appointment for Pearson Titcomb as a Cadet in the Second regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, He is at present attached to Captain Lemuel Gates’s Company at Castle William near Boston. You will be pleased to forward this appointment to the proper Officer with directions to have it delivered to Mr. Titcomb I am Sir with great respect Your obedient servant ( LS , Hamilton...
112To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter this morning addressed to Col. Hamtramck, relative to the destination of the Galley Senator Ross, and take the liberty to detain it until I can hear from you upon the subject. Should it be thought proper, to create a depot of troops artillery &c at a place the best calculated to guard against invasion from the Missisippi, and the Ohio; or to secure our territory...
113To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 3, 1799. “… The cloathing for New York, New Haven & Trenton is packed up and will be immediately forwarded.… That for Pennsylvania is also ready to be delivered. To guard against a failure in the quantity of coats wanted for Massachusetts, I have obliged the Purveyor … to get made up in the most expeditious manner 640 Infantry coats … to be divided equally between the two...
114To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you an extract of a letter just received from Colonel Thomas Butler dated Belle Canton April 8. 1799— and am Sir with great respect Your obedient Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing Thomas Butler to McHenry, April 8, 1799 (extract, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
115To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a letter from Captain Amos Stoddard dated Portland Feby 6th requesting that the Fort at that place may receive a name, and have informed Captain Stoddard that you are authorized to cause it to be called Fort Sumner after the present Governor of the State of Massachusetts, which you will please to do accordingly I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most...
116To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 6 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter, dated New-York the 3d. instant, enclosing a letter for Captain Bruff, with recruiting instructions, which you request me, to have forwarded to him. You observe, that the term of enlistment, you have inserted in Captain Bruff’s instructions is three years ; that the form of instructions sent by me to you, had five years inserted in it; and enquire what authority or...
117To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 6 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information copies of several letters (viz) one from Captn Miller dated Fort Washington March 9th 1799—one from Capt Edd D Turner, dated Fort Fayette 26th April 1799 one from Colo Butler dated Belle Canton April 15th 1799 and copies of recruiting orders given by Colo Butler to Major Bradley and Captain Bird dated 15th April 1799 I have the honor to be, with great respect,...
118To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States, having been pleased, to grant his pardon, to Casper Wright (a soldier), and Tisdale Attwood, a serjeant, severally tried for desertion, and sentenced to be shot to death, by a General Court Martial, held at Detroit, by order of Lieutenant Colonel Strong, on the 22d. August, and continued by adjournment until the 10th. September 1798—I enclose two Warrants,...
119To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your three letters of the 3rd instant, and one of the 5th. containing a letter for Colo Carrington, one for Colo Parker, one for Major Ford, one for Major Freeman, one for Captain Cochran, and one for the commanding officer at Fort Mifflin. I also received, enclosed in two of your letters of the 3rd, a letter for Captain Bruff, and a Bond of Lt Moseley, paymaster to the...
120To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 9 May 179[9] (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 9, 179 [ 9 ]. “I have this morning received your letter dated the 7th. instant.… I shall direct a list of the Officers of the Regiment of Cavalry, to be made out, and sent to you. I desired Mr. Francis to inform Coll. Stevens, that I intended he should be allowed at the rate of 1000 dollars per annum for his services. This is the Salary of the Storekeeper in this City, who...
121To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A foriegner (an irishman) was lately enlisted at Lancaster, by Captain Matthew Henry of the tenth regiment of Infantry, and shortly after deserted. This occurrence has led me to reflect, that it will be well, to avoid as much as possible, the enlistment of foriegners. The third article of the rules and regulations, for the recruiting service, expressly gives a preference to natives, for...
122To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 10, 1799. Encloses a letter from William Macpherson “relative to the positions proper to be maintained … by the regular troops, in the Country late the scene of insurrection and disaffection.” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see McHenry to H, March 13, 1799, note 12 , March 15, 1799 . Macpherson to McHenry, May 3, 1799 (copy,...
123To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 10, 1799. “… I should prefer for the present, to continue the distribution of the command of the troops of the United States, as declared in your instructions dated the 4th. of February ultimo. If hereafter, without reference merely to the Artillery, and upon general considerations, it should be found convenient to annex Maryland to General Pinckneys district it will be...
124Enclosure: [List of Cavalry Officers], [10 May 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
John Watts Colonel Virginia Solomon Van Rensselaer Major New York John Taylor ditto Virginia James Taylor Captain James V. Ball ditto Richard Willing ditto Pennsylvania Benjamin Williamson ditto New Jersey John B. Armistead
125To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
If the new recruiting instructions have not been forwarded to the several Officers who are inlisting men for the regiments of Artillery and four old regiments of Infantry, whose names & places of rendezvous are contained in the list some time since sent you, I would suggest the propriety of your transmitting them as early as possible together with the law making an alteration in the ration....
126To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant General Washington in a letter dated the 28th. of January ultimo observes— “In speaking of the Cavalry I must observe, that in specifying their uniform it was intended that their breeches should be of leather and consequently buff instead of white. This I doubt not will strike you as being most proper on every account, and in that case no time should be lost in correcting the error...
127To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter from his Excellency Governor Jay, dated Albany 7th May ’99, respecting the appointment of John T. Bentley in the army. This letter is accompanied by one from Mr Bentley himself and a recommendation signed by Hosea Moffitt, Eleazer Grant and John W Schermerhorn. When you have considered these letters with a view to the vacancies to be filled up in the regiment commanded...
128To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 10th. instant, I have to observe; That the first section of “An Act to Augment the Army of the United States, and for other purposes” provides, that the President of the United States may, in his discretion, appoint and distribute such additional number of surgeons mates, and for such length of time, as the exigencies of the service may require. Whenever I have...
129To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a letter from Mr. Francis Mentges suggesting that certain artificers now with Captain Elliotts Company which I think could be very usefully employed at Fort Mifflin as also Lieut Gibson— Lieutenant Gibson has already discovered mechanical ability in the line of his profession and will be very necessary at Fort Mifflin to superintend the construction of Gun carriages for...
130To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 18, 1799. “The enclosed papers are, No 1 a copy of a letter from Major D. Bradley, No 2 a copy of a letter from Colo Hamtramck, No 3 a copy of a letter from Colo Strong No 4 the Speech of Kesas, Nanqui, Okia, Abeeway & Machibas Kisegan, lately returned from Philada., and Cotowaso, pesoto, and peswas chiefs of the Chippiewa, Ottawa, and Potowatomie nations, No 5 My answer to...
131To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 21, 1799. “The house of Panton and Leslie, of Pensacola, had several trading establishments, for supplying the Indians with goods, within that part of the territory of the United States, lately evacuated by Spain, agreeably to Treaty. As these Gentlemen established, and carried on their trade with the Indians, under the protection of Spain, they expect their agents, will be...
132To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday your two letters of the 18. and 21. instant. You will see by the enclosed schedule No. 1. the quantity of Clothing Arms accoutrements &c. which has been ordered for the several regiments. Money for the recruiting service and pay and forage for the Officers has been forwarded as is mentioned in Schedule No. 2. It is to be understood that the whole Clothing for no one...
133To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The President thinks it highly expedient, that no time should be lost in selecting proper characters to officer the twenty four regiments of Infantry, the regiment and Battalion of Riflemen, the Battalion of Artillerists and Engineers and the three regiments of cavalry which may be raised in pursuance of the act giving eventual authority to the President of the United States to augment the...
134To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the 22nd instt. In answer I have only to observe that I presented on the 9th of May, instant, to the President in a list of nominations, the name of Theodosius Fowler to fill the office to which Major Hutton had been appointed: that I supported the nomination by what you had written to me on the subject; and that I have received this morning, the...
135To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Letters similar to the enclosed have been transmitted to the Senators of each State from New Hampshire to Maryland, and to Generals Washington Pinckney and Davie for the States of Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia. Messrs Watson and Lawrence find it difficult, if not impracticable to co-operate in the object of this letter from the distance of their places of residence from each...
136To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 25, 1799. “I enclose you the Proceedings of two Garrison Courts Martial.… The rules and Articles of War, do not it is supposed, require, a reference to the Secretary of War, or to the President in any instance, of the proceedings of a Garrison Court Martial, for approval or otherwise. It is only the Sentence of a General Court Martial, when capital, that is to be with the...
137To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 25, 1799. “… I transmitted last Tuesday by a Mr: Jones (lately appointed Consul at Orleans) a Duplicate of your letter to General Wilkinson.… For the present I should not incline to give the Indians any encouragement on the subject of their illegal Sales, or respecting the possibility of a treaty to repurchase &c. Let us see a little more of the development of the plot of...
138To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you several returns from the officers of different recruiting parties viz, a return of the recruits of Captain Saml Eddens at Richmond to the 18th May. One of those under the command of Lt. Leybourne at Fort Green—one of those under Lt Deveaux I have the honor to be with great respect, your most Obt Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
139To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter from David S. Jones declining his appointment in the established army, and requesting one in the provisional army, and your letter recommending him These letters you will please to return when you have completed the list which you have been requested to furnish I have the honor to be with great respt Sir Your Ob Hb St ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
140To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] May 27, 1799 . “I have this moment recd. your letter of the 24th and several enclosures, among the latter a letter to Lt Col. Hamtramck which I return for your reperusal. You will recollect, that the troops in Tenessee and on the Georgia Frontier are within Genl Pinckney’s command. Your letter to Hamtramck extends his authority to the troops in Tenessee. Will you be pleased to...
141To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honour to inclose you copy of a letter this moment received from the Secry. of the Navy, by which it appears, that the Company of Artillery destined for Charlestown may be accommodated with a passage on the Frigate United States. I have the honour to be Sir your most ob St ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing Benjamin Stoddert to McHenry, May 27, 1799 (copy,...
142To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, May 28, 1799. “I have received your letter dated 25th instant. The experiment of enlisting none but native citizens or naturalized foreigners at present in our army, I am much disposed to have fully made. The criterion of the latter to be either a residence in this country anterior to the revolution to be proved to the satisfaction of the recruiting officer, or a certificate of...
143To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have transmitted to the President, the Sentence of a General Court Martial, held by your order, at New York, on the 16th. day of April ulto. in the case of Richard Hunt, a Serjeant in Captain Stille’s company of the 2d. regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, charged with the crimes of desertion and a breach of trust, in carrying off with him, two hundred dollars, and upwards, being monies...
144To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Complaints having been made, relative to the enlistment of apprentices, for the army of the United States, I have been led to reflect on the propriety, or even general policy of such enlistments. Young men of respectable families, and handsome properties, are not infrequently bound apprentices, to learn a profession, or be initiated in some lucrative trade, art or mystery, it could only be in...
145To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are three letters which I received yesterday from Brigader Genl. Wilkinson—vz. two of the 3 & 21st of March and one of the 10th of April ulto. The Sketches of the coast and Country, and report on the death of Cap Demlar alluded to have not been received. I have the honour to be Sir your most ob St ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing James Wilkinson to McHenry,...
146To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Joseph Brock of the 4. regiment of Infantry who is now recruiting at Fredericksburg has written to me for a supply of Clothing arms and accoutrements. Previously to my taking order thereon I request you would inform me whether it is your intention to continue Mr Brock on the recruiting service or to order him with his recruits to join his regiment in Tennessee— I am Sir with respect...
147To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Troops in Tenessee have never been considered as forming any part of the North Western army, or the Commander of the Western army as having any controul over them. It was necessary to the success of the objects to be accomplished in Tenessee, and the quick transmission of orders that this should be so. There is no position, which it is possible for a general to assume in the North Western...
148To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
There are about twenty five recruits at Kempsville in Virginia, under the command of Lieutenant John Hancock, who require the attendance of a Physician at the pay and emoluments of a Surgeons Mate. As it does not appear that there has been many recruits engaged for this some time past I would suggest the propriety of ordering Lieut. Hancock to repair with them to Norfolk about Six Miles...
149To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 29 instant this morning. On the 22d instant I presented the following names to the President for appointments in the 13 Regiment commanded by Lt. Colonel Taylor vizt. Capt. John Brown of Preston vice Coleby Chew who it is said will not accept. 2d. Lieut. Austin Ledyard ... vice Peter Richards declined Do. ... Nathaniel Noyes. Stonington ... vice Ebenezer Learned...
150To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose a letter to me from M. Barton, Captain of a Company of Volunteer Infantry who associated at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offered their Services to the President, were by him accepted, and their Officers commissioned for the Provisional Army, stating that Captain Henry who is recruiting at that Borough for the Regular Army, had enlisted Joseph Forrest a Drummer, and one of the Associates...