301From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclosed you Lieutenant Moseley’s bond who is is the bond of Lieutenant Mosely appointed Pay Master to the Regiment commanded by Col: Taylor, his the Colonels recommendation of him is strong, and I have no doubt am confident well founded. with true consideration &c— ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
302From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the copy of a letter of the 4th instant from Col Taylor. It presents a picture of which the similitude has too frequently come under my observation. I must be permitted to observe that nothing can be more injurious to the service than that pecuniary embarrassment should be occasioned to officers, in reference to services duly performed and expenditures...
303From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
An absence from the City, upon some urgent avocations, prevented my receiving ’till yesterday your letters of the 10th & 11th instant. I observe the suggestion which you have made to the President, towards calling General Knox and myself into immediate service. If he shall approve, I stand ready to execute in the best manner I shall be able, whatever business, may be confided to me. But I must...
304From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Quarter Master General has sent me Regulations expressed to me it as his opinion that the “Regulations to be observed in the delivery of fuel and straw to the Garrisons on the Sea Coast and recruiting parties” dated the twenty sixth of December 1797 apply to the Western Army—The Commanding officer at Pittsburg Col. Hamtramck has expressed an opposite opinion— The Regulations would appear...
305From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an extract of a letter which I have just received from Colonel Rice— It was my intention to have caused the regiments to be provided with bands of music, and this I doubt not will hereafter be considered as an useful arrangement—from this circumstance, and the particular situation of things I think it advisable that the U States should take the Musical instruments procured by Col....
306From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 17, 1799. “Power has been given to the Inspector General to appoint a Secretary. For some time I have employed in this Capacity a person, who is a mere copyist, with an allowance less than the law authorises to be given to the Secretary. But I have now appointed as permanent Secretary, Thomas Y How of Trenton in New Jersey. The Kind of person required for this station, and who...
307From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 15, 1799. “… A letter from General Washington of the 10th. instant has this passage ‘Not an officer in this state has yet received his Commission to the great dissatisfaction of all and relinquishment of many, who would no longer remain in a state of suspense and idleness.’ There is a strong impatience in the officers every where to have their commissions. It seems to me that...
308From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose for your information some extracts from letters of Col. Parker which have just been delivered to me. You will find that the Col. repeats his observations on the appointment of —— and Stephens as first Lieutenants certain officers to higher grades than were expected. I have written to you on the subject but have not received an answer. It would be very satisfactory to me to be enabled...
309From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored with your several letters of the 21. 22. 26. 27 and 28 instant. All necessary directions have been given towards the commencement of the business of Recruiting in the states of Connecticut New York New Jersey Pensylvania & Delaware the moment the necessary supplies of bounty money and cloathing shall have been furnished, and towards the preparation for it in the other...
310From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for the military figures you have sent me. Tactics you know are literally or figuratively of very comprehensive signification. As people grow old they decline in some arts though they may improve in others. I will try to get Mrs. Hamilton to accompany in games of Tactics new to her. Perhaps she may get a taste for them & become better reconciled to my connection with...
311From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The state of my health and of the Weather yesterday and to day must prevent my communicating the result of the consultation intended to be had with the Gentlemen I mentioned in my letter of Yesterday. I answer your inquiry Thus far according to the data which I previously possessed. It cannot be expedient to keep men on such of the Islands as the winter shall find without fortifications in a...
312From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It being urgent that the Two Regiments of Artillery should be organised into companies and disposed of to the several destinations which you have contemplated it results that a very inconvenient delay would attend the making of that arrangement in concert with General Pinckney as suggested in your late letter. As, likewise, this arrangement is mere matter of organisation, the distribution of...
313From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose to you two letters one for the Pay master General, the other for Lt. Rogers— Should you see the intention you will see on perusal—should you approve the measure you will please to forward them; if not you will I request that they may be returned them to me with a communication of your objections With great respect & ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown and H,...
314From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A late letter from you suggests some doubts whether in the case of the Serjeant, who was convicted of Destertion and Embezzlement, the form in which the proceedings were at first transmitted ought not to prevent the execution of the sentence. My first impression was to defer a reply till the proceedings had been acted upon by the President; but on further reflection I have concluded to submit...
315From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I now send you a cursory answer to certain questions. They are imperfect & probably will come too late. But court avocations and distress in the family have prevented any thing better. General Schuyler has been critically ill though now as I hope out of danger. My Brother in law Mr. Rensselaer has just lost a favourite Daughter one & the Eldest of two Children without a prospect of more. The...
316From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 26, 1791. On May 3, 1791, McHenry wrote to Hamilton : “I did not receive your letter of the 26th till the morning of the 2d.” Letter not found. ] McHenry, who had served as George Washington’s secretary during the American Revolution, had attended the Constitutional Convention and the Maryland Ratifying Convention. He was a member of the Maryland Assembly from 1788 to 1790.
317From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I think I heretofore mentioned to you that to avoid the chance of difficulty with the President, I had written or would write to him urging the appointment of Mr. Philip Church to a Captaincy. I have just received a very obliging letter from him, and in which he assures me of his willingness to appoint him to that grade, and that he would write to you accordingly. Thus is all difficulty on...
318From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are the proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Lieutenant Hoffman. I presume there will be no doubt with the President as to the propriety of giving his sanction to the sentence of the Court. You will perceive that that part of the Articles of War which relates to the publishing of the offender is recommended to be dispensed with; and I could wish that this recommendation...
319From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are the Proceedings of a General Court Martial held at Union Camp of which Major Fondy was President— With great respect I am, Sir, ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
320From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is an Extract of a letter from Col: Read of the 6th. Regt. respecting Majors. I do not at this moment recollect to have been advised of the appointment of those Officers for that Regiment. If it remains to be done it is very desirable that it may not be longer delayed. Neither do I recollect to have been advised of the appointment of any Officers for the fifth Regiment—though it is...
321From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed my Dear Sir was written on the idea that though the Troops in Tennessee are annexed to the command of General Pinckney as far as a distinct supervision on the sea-board is concerned, yet they remain a part of the Western army and are subject to the general superintendance and direction of The Commander of that Army . This connection seems necessary to the due course of service in...
322From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Reid informs me that Lieutt. Walker has been nominated as Paymaster to his regiment, and I would recommend a confirmation of the choice. Raleigh has been fixed upon as the rendezvous for the sixth regiment, and I have to request you to give such further instructions respecting the transmission of Clothing and other Articles to that place as circumstances may render necessary. With great...
323From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 January 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received on Saturday two letters from you desiring that your different propositions might be thrown into two Bills & suggesting the idea of an Incorporation of the several existing laws into one system. This idea is a good one, but to accomplish it with sufficient correctness would require several days to examine carefully and prepare with accuracy. Besides this, I incline to the opinion...
324From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Kirkland of the twelfth regiment, from straightened pecuniary embarrassments circumstances and zeal for the service attachment to military life, is willing to accept a first Lieutenancy with in one of the old regiments of Infantry, or a second Lieutenancy in one of them with the prospect of speedy promotion to a first. From information received lately from your department, and from the...
325From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are the Commission of Captain Babbit with a letter from him to Captain Col. Rice offering a resignation of the same—You will please to inform me as soon as may be convenient of the decision in the case— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
326From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By a letter just received from Lt Leonard of Vermont he mentions that he has made the necessary preparatory arrangements for proceeding to Albany but cannot do it for want of money. He does not specify the sum be wants nor the object. I have no previous knowlege to guide me. You can judge and will forward the requisite supply. All I know is that the Public Agent at the Place wil l furnish...
327From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will recollect that the arrangement of the Officers of a Artillery attached to the Western Army into companies was referred to Colonel Burbeck—Enclosed is a list of the Officers in the order in which the Col. has placed them—This arrangement has received my sanction— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). There is an illegible, badly damaged note...
328From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 24, 1799. “On the subject of Winter Quarters my attention will of course be confined to my own district. Doubtless attention is paying by others to the troops which will be stationed within General Pinckney’s district.” ADfS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For H’s views on winter quarters, see H to McHenry, first letter of August 13, 1799 . See H to Aaron Ogden, August...
329From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Some ill health joined to much occupation has delayed longer than I wished the preparation of the Bills you desired. Herewith I send you one of them. I regret extremely the dismembrement of the School of the Navy from the rest. Clear I am that all ought to be united under the Director General who might himself be subject to the orders of the Secretary at War in relation to the three first...
330From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter which I have just received from Col Bentley. In transmitting him the list of new appointments for his Regiment I did not advert to what they were; but took it for granted that all was in conformity with what had been before established and with the recommendations of the commanding Officer of the Regiment. I find that the reverse has happened in this case as well as in...
331From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have digested some alterations in and additions to the Recruiting Instructions which I now send for consideration and decision. The nature of each will announce its motive so as to render little comment necessary. A few remarks will be seen in the margin of some of the clauses. I shall be glad of a determination as soon as may be in order to the transmission of the instructions that they may...
332From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In one of your letters you desire me to think of the Distribution of the States into recruiting districts. I have accordingly turned my attention to the subject. But the result is that it will be best to assign to each Regiment its district and to charge its commanding Officer with the arrangement into subdivisions. If you approve this idea you had better write me an official letter, briefly...
333From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is urgent that arms for the troops to be raised be at the respective Regimental rendezvouses as speedily as possible. Military pride is to be excited and kept up by military parade. No time ought to be lost in teaching the Recruits the use of arms. Guards are necessary as soon as there are soldiers and these require arms. When I came to see the hats furnished for the Twelveth Regiment, I...
334From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The persons whose application is enclosed have been employed to suppl by the agents of this State to supply it’s military stores with cannon balls and bombs; and from the information I have received I have good reason to beleive that their means are competent, and that they have given satisfaction to their employers. With great consideration I am, Sir, &c: &c: ( Df , in the handwriting of...
335From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not know what is the practice in nominations, as to annexing Counties to names; but I do know that to annex them to the military nominations about to be made will be likely to lead to error. In several cases it was somewhat uncertain what County was the place of residence, and if I recollect rightly there is certainly a mistake in this respect in at least one instance in the state of New...
336From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Adjutant Gener of the eleventh Regt. has been attached to Colonel Ogden in his Capacity of Deputy Qur. Master General—It is necessary to select Some Character for the post which is vacant in consequence, and Colo. Ogden recommends Lt. Samuel S. Voorhis as well qualified to fill it. I request your Sanction to the nomination— With & (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers,...
337From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I hear of no Cloathing arrived. The recruiting service is now actually begun here and elsewhere. I trust that the cloathing and other articles will certainly reach the Regimental rendezvousses before any of the men are there. It will be a discouraging omen if it proves otherwise. I beg you to appreciate the importance of having the articles forwarded as soon as they can be, even to those...
338From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed to you The enclosed certificate has just been handed to me by the widow of a soldier lately deceased. It was sent to the The Regimental Pay Master General, who returned it with this answer, that the widow must —— administer before she can be entitled to receive the money declines acting upon it untill there is a regular administration This is certainly true but a no doubt correct in...
339From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 7, 1800. States that the “law which provides for Brigade and Division Inspectors has made them no allowance for the article of forage.…” Quotes an order he has given to James Wilkinson on this question. Encloses extract of a letter from John F. Hamtramck on Indian affairs. Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. “An Act for the better...
340From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the arrest of Doctor osborne, which suspended his functions, it became necessary to employ a substitute to take care of the Garrison. Doctor Davis was engaged for this purpose by Major Hoops; —— upon what terms will appear from by the — inclosed copy of a letter from that officer. Doctor Davis claims strenuously —— a compensation equivalent to that which is allowed to a...
341From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the sixteenth instant, and shall take immediate measures for giving effect to the directions of the President. Nothing is said in the directions relative to the six troops of Light Dragoons. I mention this least there should have been some unintentional omissions. If it be so it is proper that I should receive immediate information. Df , in the handwriting of...
342From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Letter not found. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
343From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favour of the 15th. is received. I am very glad you have determined on changing the Purveyor. I think it likely that Mr. Williams will be a good substitute. As the subject of the Qr. M G’s removal to the seat of Government began with you—I think it best that you should write the definitive order. My instruction to Major Toussard only communicated his eventual destination. It was my idea...
344From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [2 November 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 15 of October came duly to hand and an answer has only be[en] delayed through extreme hurry. My views on the point you mentioned cannot have changed and I am glad to know how you stand. All that confidence or attachment on my part could dictate will be employed. But nothing is certain. And nothing ought to be suspended on the event. Indeed I cannot perceive how the one thing...
345From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30[–31] May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 30 [ –31 ] 1799 . “… I have this moment recd. your letter of the 29th. instant. I intirely agree with you on the subject of Apprentices & shall instruct accordingly. Indeed I ⟨th⟩ought it was universally to be understood that they were not to be enlisted.… The Court Martial at West Point being a Nullity it is my first impression that I can with propriety order another to try...
346From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a good while My Dear Mac since I have either written to or received a line from you. I embrace the first moment I have been really able to spare to say some things to you which have for some time “lain heavy on my mind.” I have been conscious that I owed you an explanation concerning the issue of a certain Inspectorship and I have meditated it ever since that issue took place. In giving...
347From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [15 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I find I cannot have ready for this days post the bill for the Provisional army. Inclosed are some additional clauses relating to organisation consequently to be inserted in the Bill sent by yesterdays post. You will easily determine their proper position there. They are necessary to systematic propriety. General provisions of this kind will prevent continual repetitions in every new law...
348From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Doctor Hubbard offering requesting that his resignation may be accepted I would thank you to inform me without delay of the decision in his case— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
349From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the original letter of Captain Kissam offering a resignation of his commission. The health of this officer has been much impaired, and I should be glad to have it in my power to inform him that his resignation is accepted. With great Colonel Smith has represented to me in strong terms the merits of Captain Kirkland. This provides an alteration in the relative rank of the officers of...
350From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been reflecting on the subject of an arrangement for the command of the 2d. Regiment of Artillery and for the Inspectorship of Artillery. I believe on the whole you can do nothing better than appoint Tousard , who I understand is next in rank after Burbeck, to the command of the Regiment and Major Hoops to the Inspectorship. Confidence, by halves is seldom wise. Toussard is in the...