371From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the 6th & have examined the list of officers & read all the recommendations. In the fourteenth regiment I think John Hastings must be appointed Capt and if he refuses Beale. I am glad to find the gentlemen on the list have so good recommendations. I own however I have some doubts whether, Beale and Shaw have not superior pretensions to Mackay, notwithstanding the...
372From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The contracts which have been made for the supply of the troops on the sea board have contemplated a small scale of issues, where to be worth the undertaking, the price must be high. Accordingly in most of the States the price is much greater than it ought to be. It has occurred to me as possible to reduce it. It is in the option of the Government to station its troops where it will. It is not...
373From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to submit to you the inclosed copy of a letter from Col: Ogden of the 12th. Inst. contg. a letter of appointmt letter with my opinion that it would be best his request should be granted— With great respect &c PS. The inclosed extract of a letter from the same quarter contains information not agreable— (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
374From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 11, 1799. Quotes from Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Parker’s “letter of the 3d Inst.” concerning the shortage of clothing and states: “You see how the delay works & how necessary it is to apply an instant remedy.” Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
375From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Ogden mentions to me that there is a Hollander desirous of enlisting in his Regt. who has served an Apprenticeship in this Country and who is of a character worthy of trust. I should not deem it inconsistent with the Spirit of the regulation to permit the inlistment of every such person. If you are of the same opinion it shall be done With great respect &c. (Copy, in the handwriting of...
376From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 10, 1799. Quotes from Josias Carvel Hall’s letter of June 25, 1799 , concerning the shortage of clothing and states: “I trust that … the deficiencies complained of have been obviated. The continually increasing catalogue is very embarrassing.” LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
377From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 10, 1799. “I send you an Extract of a letter of the 20th June from Col: Hunewell, recommending Eli Forbes Esqr. for Captain in place of Capt. Philips. It was an idea talked of between us though not settled, that the routine of promotion should take effect in ⟨ea⟩ch regiment as soon as the places of field Officers were ⟨ac⟩tually filled. If this rule is to govern it would be an...
378From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Why, My Dear friend, do you suffer the business of providing to go on as it does. Every moment proves the insufficiency of the existing plan & the necessity of auxiliaries. I have no doubt that at Baltimore N York Providence & Boston additional supplies of Cloathing may promptly be procured & prepared by your Agents & it ought to be done though it should enhance the expence. Tis terrible at...
379From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 9, 1799. “I have the honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your letter of yesterday with the list of some new appointments, in the 7th, 8 & 9 Regts which will be communicated to the respective commandants.… On this subject of Cadets it may be proper to fix some rule. I doubt the present expediency of appointing more than two to each Regiment of Infantry. But it is believed to be...
380From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the rules transmitted in your letter of the 2d. instant relative to rank & promotion. They appear to me founded on just principles nor do I know that they can be improved. I will however present to your consideration some observations on two or three points. It seems to me questionable whether the preference given to full Colonels of the deranged Officers over Lt Col Comts.,...