51From 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...
52From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are letters from Lieus. Noyce and Hinman offering to resign their commissions. You I would thank you to inform me without delay whether they of the acceptance of the resignations will be accepted . ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
53From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an extract of a letter I have just received from Colonel Smith. I entirely concur in all the ideas it contains—On the subject of promotion to vacancies that occur, I have already written to you, more than once, in Strong terms, and can not but feel extreme regret that a System different from the one recommended should appear to have prevailed. In making this observation I allude...
54From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an extract of a letter from General Wilkinson, dated the twenty fifth of February, which I send you for your information. Enclosed also is a letter from Captain Miller sent me by Col. Hamtramck, and the observations of the Colonel upon it—I know not from what authority the instructions, relative to a stoppage offer, proceeded. If you have any information on the point I would thank...
55From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are copies of a letter from G North of the fifteenth instant, and of the General order of the eleventh of March. From these it would appear that the continuance of the recruiting service in the corps under the command of General Pinckney has proceeded from some misapprehension of my intentions. I have written however to the General on the subject mentioning that it was expected he...
56From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Major Shute relative to the application of David Jones which you sent to me some days since. You will perceive from the statement that given that the application of this Gentleman is a very improper one ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
57From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
A letter just received from General Wilkinson contains the following—“I beg you to bear in mind that my continuance here will depend much on the Secretary of the navy, for I can not in prudence hazard my family on the gulph without a convoy which he has engaged to me for the tenth or twentieth of the ensuing month.” I beg you to confer with the S of the navy without delay, in order that it may...
58From 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,...
59From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckney, in a letter of the tenth instant, writes to me as follows “I will be obliged to you to enable me to answer without delay the enclosed letter from Col. Parker; the fifer mentioned therein is of very great service in instructing the other”. The following is a case of Enclosed is the letter from Col. Parker mentioned above— It appears to me proper that the fifer spoken of should...
60From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you enclosed, for your information, a Copy of a letter which I have written to Colonel Ogden. With Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H to Aaron Ogden, April 15, 1800 .
61From 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).
62From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckney will send from the district under his command in the course of the Spring upwards of seven hundred about four Companies of Men for the reinforcement of the Western Army. The General states to me that the requisite funds are not in the hands of the Deputy Quarter Master General his Division Quarter Master. It is very material that these should be supplied that there may be no...
63From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have just received from Colonel Ogden—Your attention has been heretofore called to the subject of it, but I — think it proper again to submit to you my ideas— When vacancies happen the Officers next in order are entitled to fill them—Delay in promoting such Officers is a violation of their right—It is calculated also to impress upon their minds a most...
64From John Adams to James McHenry, 10 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed resolution of the Senate of the 9th of this month is referred by the President of the United States to the Secretary of War, who is requested to report to the President, to be laid before the Senate, conformably to their request as early as possible. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
65From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you three letters of resignation. One from Captn. Patterson, and one another from Lieutenant Cuyler, both Officers of the 12. Regiment. the third from Lieutt. Robinson of the 1st. Regiment. There appears no particular reasons why the resignations of these Officers should not be accepted, if you are of the same opinion you I will thank you to inform me of it as soon...
66From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall doublly bear in mind the Intimation of Mrs. Adams—and shall take great pleasure in fulfilling her wish if there shall be occurrences which shall render it not incompatible with the good of the Service. On the disposition of the troops for the ensuring summer I shall ere long make you an official communication. Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
67From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have given Colonel Ogden the necessary instructions for supplying the Troops in the district allotted to him with the articles specified in the agreeable to the Regulations of the War Department dated the 1st of March 1800. It will therefore be proper, especially as he has for the reimbursement of what he has monies already advanced money for the use of the Government, as well as for the...
68From John Adams to James McHenry, 31 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, requests the Secretary of War to send him without delay a list of the officers of the army who were appointed during the last recess of the Senate of the United States, that the President may be enabled to make their nominations as the constitution requires. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
69From John Adams to James McHenry, 31 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States requests of the Secretary of War, immediate information, whether the commissions have been sent to all the officers of the army or not, and if not, how many remain to be sent. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
70From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a copy of a letter I have received from Captain Bishop. You will concur with me, I presume, that the soldiers ought not to suffer from the want of faith in agents employed by the government—This is an thing arrangement in which they have had no concern have no concern— The loss, therefore, in such cases, ought not to fall upon them, but upon the public. I would thank you for your...
71From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to you, enclosed, the proceedings of the General Court martial held at Portland whereof Lt Leonard was Presidt. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
72From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
After reading the enclosed confidential letter you will please return it. I remember what the General states. The idea was that the relative position between first and second Major in the interior of the Regiment should be fixed & selection was made with this view. Similar inconvenience will attend the 15th. Regiment. Major Walker was intended to be first. By the same construction he will be...
73From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Thompson, of the fourth regiment, having resigned, — Mr Campbell Smith, standing first on the list of Lieutenants, is of course entitled to receive fill the vacancy. Immediate promotion in cases of this nature, except where there are serious objections to the individual, is enjoined both by duty right justice and policy. The individual Officer next in grade is entitled to the vacant...
74From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just recd. the enclosed Inventory from Capt. Ingersol. The Contents he states to have been sent forward to you in boxes, (of one of which the enclosed is the key) by the direction of Major Toussard; from which I conclude that the Major’s direction was given in consequence of your order. I have the honor to transmit the Inventory is therefore transmitted to you that you may judge of the...
75From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are I have the honor to transmit the proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Lt. Leybourne I have strongly disapproved the sentence of the Court W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing the proceedings of John Leybourne’s court-martial, February 22, 1800, signed by James Read ( DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
76From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Frequent applications are made to me concerning the relative rank of the Field Officers. It is very desirable that this should be universally settled & promulged without delay. I shall submit to you, before long, some ideas respecting the relative rank of the company officers of the different regiments. Enclosed are the commission of Lieutenant Flagg and a letter in which he offers to resign...
77From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty first instant enclosing the petition of a soldier for his discharge. The principle on which the petition is founded would apply to the whole almost all the married men who have enlisted or may be disposed to enlist. This being the case I do not think it would be proper to grant a discharge— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
78From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Though from repeated reflection and action upon the subject my opinion was well made up when I received your letter of the 19th. yet I thought it proper once more to review the matter before I complied with your request. The principle of the doctrine advanced by the accountant will go much farther than the position which he now avows; namely, “that no authority short of Congress can make...
79From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the eighteenth instant, and written the enclosed, in consequence, to Major Rivardi— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
80From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a letter from Mr Samuel Davis, and request your instructions respecting the answer to be given. Should he by his delay in the acceptance of his appointment, not be entitled to it, his loss will be of no great detriment to the Service his loss, will serve judging from his letter, will not perhaps be unfortunate for the service. with great respect Sir ( Df , in the...
81From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
the enclosed letter and papers were sent me by General North I am induced to consider the charge of Major Bewell for double rations as irregular, since Fort Lernoult is part of the Fortification of Detroit, and can not be called a distinct for post. The rations of the Act in this case This case is totally different from that of officers commanding districts which contain a number of...
82From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter which I have received from Mr. Titcomb Cadet in the second regiment of Artillerists & Engineers. Major Jackson speaks very favorably of this Gentleman, and, I doubt not, you will consider the letter as a handsome not an ill specimen of his abilities. The occasional appointment of Cadets to vacancies that occur is necessary to the end of their establishment. Without it...
83From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Cases, every day, occur to shew the immense inconvenience of being obliged to resort, for all articles of military supply, to the seat of government. The good of the service appears to me indispensibly to require the establishment of magazines in the great military districts with a small supply of the articles of constant necessity. This would obviate many difficulties, and produce, as I see,...
84From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have understood that the late Commander in Chief was forming some system to arrange the relative rank of the Field officers. I would wish you to inform me what progress he may have made, that the arrangement may be completed, and the rank of the Field officers, who are naturally very anxious on this Subject, be determined. I would wish to know, whether the regulations adopted by the...
85From 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).
86From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [17 March 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the draft of a third Bill. I shall quickly send you that of a fourth which will comprise whatsoever may remain. Yrs. truly ALS , The Sol Feinstone Collection, Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia; ALS (photostat), James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress. The draft has not been found, but this was the draft of a “bill relative to the articles of war.” See...
87From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckny has transmitted me confidentially the copy of a letter which he has written to you respecting the employment of the troops during the Ensuing Summer. I agree with him in the inexpediency of employing new troops in operations not military, as the digging of Canals &c and in the propriety of some extra compensation to any troops who may be so employed, as a douceur and a guard...
88From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter is left open for your perusal— It has appeared to me proper to issue this order as the troops ought not to be entirely destitute of ammunition. An order has been lately given at Harper’s ferry for a guard to conduct — French prisoners. A guard is now furnished from the troops at Harper’s ferry to take care of some French prisoners at Frederick Town—This guard ought to carry...
89From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 14th. instant enclosing Regulations respecting certain Supplies and objects of special and extra expence has been delivered to me. I have likewise received Regulations respecting Quarters and servants to officers, and shall do whatever may depend upon me towards carrying them into effect. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
90From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed commission and letter have been sent to me by Colonel Rice who mentions, as the principal motive of Lieutenant Spring in offering to resign, the very uncertain ground on which the military establishment, at present, stands. I would thank you to enable me speedily to inform this Gentleman of the decision in his case. Enclosed are the Proceedings of a Court Martial held convend at...
91From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Artillery stations on the seaboard within my command are divided into two districts, each of which is under the superintendance of a Major. It appears to me very desirable that there should be an Inspector of Artillery to each of these districts charged with duties similar to those which belong to an Inspector of Infantry. I can appoint the Officers but have not power to give a...
92From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Smith states to me that Captain White, of the eleventh regiment, has acted as Judge Advocate of all the General Courts Martial which have been held since the second of November, at Union Camp, and enquires whether he is entitled to any thing for the performance of this duty. The subject of compensation to persons acting as Judge Advocates has been heretofore matter of correspondence...
93From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
In reviewing your letter of February 27 I am doubtful as to the meaning of the following paragraph contained therein “With respect to the vacancies occasioned by the Staff appointments and other causes it is most likely it will be thought expedient to suspend filling them for the present.” I would wish to be informed whether it is your meaning that the vacancies occasioned by different...
94From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter dated February 25th. 1800 last month from Colonel Parker requesting a certificate of my having directed him to lay out the State of Virginia into districts. the certificate I have made out adding to it my knowledge of the orders he has received from General Washington respecting the cantonment at Harpers ferry. in executing the above orders he has incurred considerable...
95From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the seventh instant has been received. I have upon reflection, thought it expedient to order all the recruiting Officers of the additional regiments, with the men they may have enlisted, to their regimental rendezvouses; as it would be impossible to adopt any arrangements which would effectually prevent the enlistment of more men than are wanted to complete the old...
96From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is an account which has been sent me by Mr. Dayton the Contractor for New Jersey. The object of this account received my sanction previously to it’s being carried into effect. I presume there will be a difficulty in allowing it—as was nothing in the execution but what was proper. As to the amount, Mr. Dayton, I suppose, will produce vouchers to shew that, it is not unreasonable the...
97From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Major Hopkins on the subject of relative rank— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
98From 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...
99From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith you have the draft of a Bill respecting the Corps & Engineers & Artillerists. I vary in mode but not in substance from your report by defining the Regiment of Artillerists at its Complement (say four batalions &c.) and I suspend the organizing & raising of one batalion. This comes to the same result & appears to me most correct & systematic. I leave a blank for the privates, supposing...
100From 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...