From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Sim Lee, 21 August 1794
To Thomas Sim Lee
Philadelphia August the 21st
1974
Sir
I have the honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your letter to the Secretary at War1 of the 15 instant.
The President, to whom it has been communicated, considers the determination of the Council to furnish the detachment of Militia called for from your State2 with Musquets Bayonets and Cartouchboxes as a new proof of their zeal for the support of the Government and laws of the United States.3 It is understood that all other articles are to be provided and furnished by the United States.
With perfect respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient & humble servant
Alexander Hamilton
His Excellency
Thomas E. Lee esq
Governor of Maryland
ALS, Hall of Records of Maryland, Annapolis.
2. See H to Abraham Hunt, August 17, 1794, note 2.
On August 14, 1794, Thomas Sim Lee issued general orders calling up the militia of Maryland. His orders are printed in ,155–57.
3. In his letter to Henry Knox of August 15, 1794, Lee wrote: “… the Gentlemen of the Council have determined to furnish the whole detachment of Militia ordered from this State … with Musquetts Bayonets and Cartouch boxes … I have to repeat that the detachment will stand in need of every other Article of equipment and I have no doubt that the necessary provisions will be made by the General Government to complete the equipment…” (LC, “Council Letter Book, 1793–1796,” Hall of Records of Maryland, Annapolis). John Stagg, Jr., chief clerk in the War Department, informed Knox of the decision of the Maryland Council on August 23, 1794 (LS, Henry Knox Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston).