51Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 2 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] May 2, 1794 . “The Secretary of State submits to the Secretaries of the Treasury and War, whether any, and what step can be taken upon the inclosed memorial of John Leamy.” LC , RG 59, Domestic Letters of the Department of State, Vol. 6, January 2–June 26, 1794, National Archives. Leamy was a Philadelphia merchant. His memorial has not been found.
52From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The letter from General Wayne to you, of the 10th of March, I have perused. The Contractors who supplied the articles of Hats & Shoes to the Army, which he complains of, or the person who inspected them—or both, ought to be called to a severe account for such abuse of public confidence. The ideas communicated in the above letter, relatively to long & short Coats are not, I conceive, bad....
53Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 26 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order B. Dandridge sends the enclosed letter &c. from the Govr. of No. Carolina to the President, to the Secretary of war. The President wishes the Secretary to inform him what has prevented a final settlement of the business respecting the Sloop L’Amie Marguirette, & what is necessary to be done in order to an ultimate decision relatively thereto. ADf , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW...
54From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have considered your report of the 15th instt relatively to the Frigates which are to be built; and as soon as the important points on which the master builders have differed, is settled by the expedient you have had recourse to; and you can obtain the means for carrying the law into effect, it is my desire that the work ⟨may be entered upon⟩ without delay; in the manner, and at the places...
55Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and William Bradford, 14 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The President wishes your opinion, as to the step, proper to be taken, upon the inclosed address. To send to congress, what the President thinks unfit for himself, will be unkindly received; being uncivil in itself. To acknowledge the body, as such, is in every view inadmissible. So that the question seems to turn upon this; whether it be better to treat the paper with unqualiffied and silent...
56From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Consider, and report such an answer to the letter herewith enclosed (from the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania of this date) as the contents in your judgment may require. Given at Phila. this 14th day of April 1794. ADfS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . For the enclosed letter and Knox’s reply to Thomas Mifflin of 15 April, see Mifflin to GW, 14 April , and n.3 .
57From George Washington to Henry Knox, 12 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your report, dated the 11th instt, respecting the defence of Miro district is approved, and the Governor of the South Western Territory may be authorized to carry it into effect. Given at Philadelphia this 12th day of April 1794. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Knox included the defensive measures suggested in his letter to GW of 11 April in a letter to William Blount of 14 April ( Carter,...
58From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
After giving the application contained in the Memorial of Doctr White (herewith returned) all the consideration it deserves, you will report what you think can & ought to be done for the protection of the District of Mero under present circumstances. I am &c. Df , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . On the memorial presented by James White, which requested federal assistance in the defense of the Mero...
59From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your letter of yesterday, I observe, that to fortify Annapolis is, in my judgment, a very proper measure. But I do not see that the Executive of the U. States can take any steps towards it until the result of the motion, now pending in the House of Representatives, be known. It is my desire that you would examine carefully the Speeches which have been made in this City, &...
60From George Washington to Henry Knox, 7 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
If the number of recruits in the Atlantic States, can afford a detachment of fifty men to the southward without too great an exposure of more important objects, it will accord with my opinion that that number should be sent thither. And they may be designated for Charleston or Savannah, as shall appear most eligible to you from the information that is to be obtained. Yours &c. Df , DLC:GW ; LB...
61Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 5 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of inclosing for the consideration of the Secretaries of the Treasury and of War and the Attorney General of the United States, the papers in the case of the British Ship William, a prize to a French vessel of war. The Secretary of State is of opinion, that it is not proved, that she was taken within the protection of our Coasts, and therefore that she...
62From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of this date, enclosing one from Captn Williamson, is received. I have never entertained any doubt myself of the genuineness of the Speech which is published as Lord Dorchester’s; nor of the intentions of the B—— Government to keep this Country in a state of disquietude With the Indian nations; and also to alter the boundary between them and us, if, by any means, they can effect...
63Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 30 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of War the Letter herewith enclosed from the Govr. of Pennsylvania—dated the 28 instant—together with its enclosures, numbered from 1 to 7. The President requests the Secretary to take into consideration the Act No. 1—for raising four defence companies—and if he should entertain any doubt with respect to the...
64Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 28 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to inform the Secretary of War that the President thinks the fortification of New York much more difficult to be accomplished than that of any other place intended to be fortified—he therefore thinks it proper that the most skilful of the engineers should be selected for that purpose. ADf , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . On the proposed fortification...
65Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 15 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has it in charge from the President of the United States, to request the attendance of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, and the Attorney General, at his Room on Monday next 11. o’Clock. The following, among other subjects, will be submitted. 1. Whether it be expedient to send, to England with the complaints of spoliation, some agent to manage them,...
66Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 13 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I had a personal interview with Mr. Fauchet yesterday; and endeavoured to satisfy him of the difficulty, and, as I conceived, the impracticability of advancing the million of Dollars, which he requested. He described his distress, produced by the various draughts of the French Consuls, with great force, and in strong colours; and begged, that he might be permitted to state it on paper. This of...
67Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 6 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to transmit herewith enclosed, to the Secy of War a letter from the Governor of North Carolina, to the president; and sundry papers respecting the Spanish brig St Joseph. The President requests the Secretary to do with them what may be thought proper. ADfS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The letter from Richard Dobbs Spaight to GW of 16 Feb. , and...
68Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 5 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to return to the Secy of War the letter of mr Seagrove of the 25 Decr 93 with its enclosures. Some parts thereof appearing to require particular attention, the President requests the Secretary to consider what is proper to be done in relation thereto. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed letter from Indian agent James Seagrove to Knox,...
69Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 24 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to transmit the letters herewith enclosed, from the Govr. of North Carolina to the President, to the ⟨Secry⟩ of War. The President requests the Secry to inform him if, in his opinion, any thing is contained in them, that requires the President’s particular attention; if not, to take such measures thereupon as to the Secry shall seem fit. ADfS...
70From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Phila. Feby 15th 1794. You mentioned in the conversations, which I have lately had with you on the subject of Mr Jay and Mr King’s letter to me, of the 27th of last month, and particularly in what passed between us on thursday, that they had repeatedly declared, that they never considered that letter, as an official one; that on the contrary they had intended it, as a mere...
71Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 13 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to return to the Secretary of war the letters and enclosures from Gov. Blount which have been submitted to the Presidts perusal; and to enclose, at the same time, a Letter from the Gov. of Pennsylvania to the President, with a request that the Secretary will report to the President his opinion on the subject thereof. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB ,...
72From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 12 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you will find the copy of a letter from Mr. Habersham of the 16th ultimo. The bearer of it (who is mentioned in it) informs me that from the month of June last till he left Georgia, there had been kept on foot from a thousand to twelve hundred Militia and that arrangements appeared to be going on for encreasing the number. The expense you will perceive, has been out of all proportion...
73Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 11 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
B. Dandridge has the honor by the Presidents order, to send the enclosed Proceedings of the Senate, on the subject of the Treaty with the Wabash & Illinois Indians, to the Secretary of War for his information. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosure has not been identified, but it contained a copy of the resolution passed on 9 Jan., in which the Senate refused, by a vote of 21 to 4, to give...
74Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 2 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just taken the oath of office, which reminds me that I am brought into a nearer relation to your department than hitherto. While official men are under no less an obligation than others, to live in harmony; there are too many opportunities for misconception and misrepresentation to interrupt it. I have therefore prescribed this rule for myself: that if anything, supposed to be done in...
75From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you a resolve of the Senate of the United States of the 31. Ultimo, and request you would state what measures have been taken relative to the subject alluded to. Df , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . After the draft was written by a clerk in the War Department, Knox enclosed it for GW’s approval in his letter of 4 Jan. to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr. The Senate resolved “That the Senate will, on...
76From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 30 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I am content that the Post of Fort Franklin be supplied with Whiskey for the time mentioned in Major Craigs letter on the account of the Contractors and upon the terms mentioned. My Letter of the 28 instant marks out generally the plan to be pursued with regard to the supply of the army with Whiskey. You will perceive that the places of Deposit are Forts Washington Steuben & that lately...
77From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 28 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 28, 1793. On December 30, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Knox and referred to “My Letter of the 28 instant.” Letter not found. ]
78From George Washington to Henry Knox, 23 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have read the proposed message to the “Sachems, Chiefs and Warriors of the Six Nations” and approve of it, except that I question whether the 8th and the 11th paragraphs are expressed quite strong enough. The 8th gives too much ground, in my opinion, to expect a compliance with their request in its full extent; and the 11th although the sense is plain, seems hardly decisive enough for Indian...
79Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 13 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the Presidents command Bw Dandridge has the honor to send to the Secretary of War—a Letter from the Govr of North Carolina, of 26 Nov. 93 to the President, covering depositions respecting the Spanish prize carried into Wilmington by Capt Hervieux—& to inform the Secretary that the President wishes him to take such measures thereupon as may seem to him adviseable. ADf , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW...
80From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 10 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
An arrangement has been made in consequence of your representation to the comptroller of the Treasury, of the 13th of August last, for discharging at the office of the accountant such part of the pay due to the Commissioned officers of the Army as they may desire to have paid here. The following plan has been devised for the purpose: Let the officers who wish to be availed of the arrangement,...
81John Jay and Rufus King to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 26 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
You will recieve herewith enclosed a Publication by Mr Genet denying his having declared that he wd. appeal from the President to the People —a publication by us that we would shortly proceed to state the Evidence and Circumstances relative to that Transaction, and also our manuscript address to the public containing such Statemt. We think it more expedient as well as more delicate with...
You will recieve herewith enclosed a Publication by M r Genet denying his having declared that he w d . appeal from the President to the People— a publication by us that we would shortly proceed to state the Evidence and Circumstances relative to that Transaction, and also our ^manuscript^ address to the public containing such Statem t .— we think it most ^more [ illegible ]^ expedient ^^[...
83From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, with Jefferson’s Note, 15 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson, with his respects to Genl. Knox, has the honor to inclose for his examination and amendment a letter to Mr. Hammond on the subject of the Roehampton, which has already been examined and approved by the Secy. of the Treasury and Atty. genl. Should Genl. Knox propose no amendment, Th:J. will be obliged to him to stick a wafer in the cover, and send it on to the post office. Should...
84From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 15 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to Genl. Knox press copies of his letters to the Attornies of Pensylva. and Delaware. Also the original of Mr. Kilty’s report. RC (Gilder Lehrman Collection: Knox Papers, on deposit NNP ); addressed: “The Secretary at War.” Not recorded in SJL . Enclosures: (1) Enclosure to TJ to George Hammond, 14 Nov. 1793 . (2) Texts of TJ to the District Attorneys, 10...
85From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 10 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to General Knox, and sends him some papers received last night by the President from the Govr. of North-Carolina, respecting the money and vessel taken from the Spaniards by the sloop l’Amée Marguerite (formerly the British sloop Providence prize to the Vainqueur de la Bastille, armed in the US.). It would seem from this as if both vessels should be given...
86From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, [6] November [1793] (Jefferson Papers)
I have received from the representatives of Spain here information that the French privateer the Vainqueur de la Bastille one of those unlawfully constituted in these states, and therefore ordered to depart, has taken and brought into a port of North Carolina a Spanish brigantine bound from Carthagena to Cadiz, richly laden with money and merchandize, that Hervieux the commander proceeding to...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 6 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
As it is possible that the measures complained of by the representatives of Spain as meditated to be pursued by La Chaise and others for attempting hostilities from Kentuckey against the Spanish settlements, may require the employment of military force by the Governor of Kentucky, I have the honor to inclose you my letter to the Governor, stating the facts handed me by the Spanish gentlemen,...
88From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
The violence with which (from all accounts I have received) the contagious fever in Philada continues to rage makes it still more necessary than ever that the meeting of the Heads of Departments which I requested you to attend in a letter of the 25th Sept: should not fail to take place by the first of November that, among other things measures may be taken for security of the public offices &...
89From George Washington to Henry Knox, 25 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Mount Vernon Sep. 25th 1793 I have duly received your letters of the 15th & 18th instt and as the last announces your intention of setting out for Boston the next day I shall add nothing in this letter on business—but shall thank you for the information you have given me—as well private as public; and observe that, it appears to me highly necessary that the heads of...
90From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Packet herewith sent, I fd at the Post Office in Alexandria, as I passed through that Town on Saturday after noon. The letter from the Minister of the French Republic, dated the 7th instt, in answr to one he had received from Govr Clinton of the 3d preceeding, breathes (as far as I can understand it from Mr Dandridge’s translation) the same language as all others do which have been...
91From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 10 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed memorial of Alexandr. S. Glass praying the exertion of the publick force to deliver to him his sloop the Betsey, prize to the Citoyen Genet, belonging to your department, I have the honor of inclosing it to you, & of being with great respect, Sir, Your most obedt. servt P.S. I inclose the letter of Mr. Soderstrom, who communicated the papers to me. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text:...
92From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dr Sir, Philadelphia Sepr 9th 1793. It was the opinion of the Gentlemen at their meeting on Saturday last if I mistake not, that Mr Wolcott should be desired to request Mr Webster to substantiate the language of the Minister of the French Republic as related by him in the enclosed letter. Colo. Hamilton’s situation—for which I feel extreme regret—does not permit his having any agency...
93From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 29 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from the Comptroller of the Treasury of this date of which the inclosed is a copy. The practice therein mentioned, illustrated by the papers to which it refers, is directly in the face of law and instructions—absolutely inconsistent with order and due responsibility in the public expenditures—and consequently both inadmissible and inexcuseable. I must therefore request...
94Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 28 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of War the enclosed letter & papers from the District Attorney of New York⟨.⟩ and the draught of a letter consequent thereof to Governor Clinton. And to inform the Secretary that the President thinks the letter proposed to be written to Governor Clinton a proper one for the Occasion; yet as it is the first of the kind...
95From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from the Governor of the State of Delaware dated the 23d instt came to hand this moment. The occasion requires something to be written, or done in consequence of the information. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . GW enclosed Joshua Clayton’s first letter to him of 23 Aug. 1793, which has not been found. According to GW’s executive journal for 26 Aug., the date of this letter’s...
96Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [24 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Th. Jefferson submits to the Secretaries of the treasury & War & the Atty Genl. some sketches of Notes to be signed for the President. As they are done from memory only, they will be pleased to insert whatever more their memories suggest as material. Particularly, the final conclusion as to the express-vessel will be to be inserted, which is most accurately know to the Secy. of the Treasury....
97From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 22 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received information that the ship Ann and Susan belonging to William Nelson & Co. citizens of New York with about 400 passengers on board, bound from Ireland to Philadelphia has been taken by the French armed vessel the Little Democrat and is brought into Newcastle in the state of Delaware. This capture was made on the 19th. inst. and consequently is within the rule which provided...
98From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 22 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received a letter from Mr. Hollingsworth attorney of the district of Maryland with information that the Sans Culottes, fitted out at Charleston had taken and sent into Baltimore the Brigantine Maxwell of Kirkcudbright, commanded by Thomas Milrae. As the date of the information renders it probable that the case comes within the rule of restitution, I take the liberty of inclosing to...
99From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 11 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to General Knox, and being entirely uninformed where Judge Symes should be directed to in Jersey he asks the favor of General Knox to put his direction on the inclosed, and his advice how it may be conveyed.—He has reflected on the proposition for publishing the rules of Aug. 3. and thinks the inserting them in the newspapers with some such preface as the...
100George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [3 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Fresh occurrences, but communicated thro’ private channels, make it indispensable that the general principles which have already been the subject of discussion should be fixed, & made known for the government of all concerned, as soon as it can be done with propriety. To fix rules on substantial ground, conformably to treaties & the Laws of nations, is extremely desireable. The verdict of the...