151From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Every day must prove more and more to every body that it is impossible to serve two masters. I cannot be a general and a Practicer of the law at the same time without doing injustice to this Government and myself. Hence I am anxious to disentangle myself more completely than I have yet done from forensic pursuits. But to be able to do this I must call to my succour all the emoluments which I...
152From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the drafts of the proposed contracts sent me through Mr. O Hara, and have had some conversation with him concerning them. There are a few points some of which appear to me to require to be differently arranged, others to stand in need of explanation for the avoiding of Disputes. 1. In the proposed contract for the supply of the Western army, it is put in the option of the...
153From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I return you the papers of Mr. Williams which you sent me at his desire for perusal. The explanation and your final opinion of the affair have given me pleasure, as I should be sorry that any circumstance of improper conduct should have stood in the way of the employment of Mr. Williams. I regret extremely that obstacles should exist to the requiring of the resignation of Mr. Francis. You are...
154From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 19, 1799. Asks what “the rate of allowance to which officers are entitled for their retained rations” is and how the allowance is obtained. Agrees with McHenry’s decision to defer the appointment of cadets, but thinks that “in the meantime … it will be well to appoint two Cadets to each regiment … to act as ensigns.” States that he has received “Pressing applications” for...
155From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 16 instant respecting Cloathing for the Western army did not reach me till yesterday. It has been referred to General Wilkinson and no time will be lost in complying with its object. I have maturely considered the proposition in your letter of the 17th for stationing three Regiments at Carlisle in Pensylvania and I am of opinion that the measure is not expedient. Considering...
156From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will find herewith the copy of a letter from General Wilkinson relating to a supply of Cloathing for the troops on the Northern and South western frontiers. The return designates itself the quantity requisite for the present numbers of the troops and the portions for each post. I have no data for judging whether any additional quantity ought to be sent forward for arrearages. I agree in...
157From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 22, 1799. “… I send you … some extracts from Col. Hall’s letter of the fourteenth of this month. He … requests a supply of money for recruiting purposes. I must revive my request on this subject. I should wish a supply to be sent on sufficiently large to make up the complement of three fourths of the several regiments.…” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton...
158From 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...
159From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 24, 1799. “I send you an extract from Col. Parker’s letter of the Fifteenth of this month. By this you will see the extremities to which the officers of his regiment are put from the want of money for recruiting purposes. I enclose likewise an extract from Major Rivardi’s letter of the twenty fifth of July. It would appear to be proper that the officers of the corps to which...
160From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 25, 1799. States that the lack of a rule regarding “compensation to the members of Courts Martial and to persons acting as Judge Advocates” causes “some embarrassment.” Believes that an officer should be indemnified when “employed in objects or at places, not military posts, which oblige him to incur extra expence.” Requests “information in a particular case respecting the...
161From 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...
162From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A letter from Major Toussard of the 19 instant has the following paragraph “The commissioners at Fort Wolcott and Fort Adams have received by the last mail the copy of your general Order, transmitted to them from Boston by Major Jackson which lessens the allowance fixed by the regulation to be observed in the delivery & Distribution of fuel and Straw to the Garrisons on the Sea Coast. The...
163From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It would appear from the representations of G Wilkinson that the number of officers of the four old Regiments who have reported themselves to me pursuant to your notification bear no comparison to the number actually absent. The case seems to require some more decisive measure. I submit whether it will not be expedient for you to signify in the public papers throughout the States that all...
164From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 31, 1799. “I have lately received pressing applications from various quarters … for a supply of Horsemens Tents. On this subject I can only renew the urgent requests which I have so frequently made to you.…” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. These requests are in William S. Smith to H, August 15, 1799; Thomas Parker to H, August...
165From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A rule respecting the allowance of Barracks and Quarters is wanting. I submit to your consideration the following scale. To a Major General for himself four rooms, for each Aid one room, and a Kitchen. To a Brigadier General for himself four rooms, for his Aid one room, and a Kitchen. To the Inspector General in addition to his allowance as Major General two rooms for officers, and one for his...
166From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 29 instant is received. I shall conform to what I understand to be the spirit of the practice of which it gives examples. It is right not to make an extra allowance to officers for performing a military duty at a place where they are stationed or where they actually are resident, or where there is a military post at which they can be accommodated as usual except for...
167From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been lately honored with several letters from you down to the ninth inst. inclusively to all which due attention will be paid. I am on the point of setting out to accompany Mrs. Hamilton a part of her way on a visit to her father; with the expectation of being back in five days. My return shall be immediately communicated. The model of a Coat and vest for the Dragoons will be sent...
168From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 14, 1799. “… Information from different Regiments gives me to understand that my recommendations as to an advance of pay have not succeeded. As the troops are much discontented at the delay, it is my duty to renew the subject. And I must take the liberty to urge that by your interposition forms may be dispensed with so at least as to effectuate an advance of two months pay...
169From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In recurring to your letter of the 29th of August, I observe there are some points which for a clearer understanding require from me some observations. I shall make this preliminary remark, that in presenting with emphasis, as I am accustomed to do, deficiencies which appear to have existed—I am actuated by the sole and exclusive motive of shewing by particular instances that the past plan has...
170From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Part of the contents of your letter of the 10 of July last (which has happened to escape a definitive attention) being connected with the subject of that the 7 of Sepr., I shall reply to them together. Previous to the receipt of the last I had drafted rules relating to extra expences which after careful revision I send for your determination. They contemplate, it will be seen, a discretion to...
171From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated to Col Bentley your resolution as expressed in your letter of the 30th of Augt in respect to the late appointments for his Regiment. But the occasion claims from me some remarks, as due to my own opinion of propriety and the good of the service. I cannot doubt that the practice of your Department, as to the filling of vacancies in new corps, previous to your coming into it,...
172From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I feel it as a mark of consideration for my recommendation, that notwithstanding the force of the difficulties, which in your view operate against further advances not founded upon the prescribed forms, you are pleased to declare that you will once more give your sanction to the measure. I must entreat you even to go a step further and to order that it be without fail done. For Symptoms...
173From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 26, 1799. Encloses extract of Lieutenant Colonel John F. Hamtramck’s letter of July 1, 1799 , concerning his failure to be repaid for expenses incurred for the First Regiment. States: “I would request your particular Attention to this subject. You will be so good as to inform me whether the payment will be made, or if there are any special objections to the measure...
174From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I regret that I did not find in your letter of the 23 instant some assurances, as to the future, which would have enabled me to tranquillize the minds of those Officers, who may have been rendered uneasy by the appointments which have been in discussion between us. Had this been the case, I should have gladly left the subject at rest; for certainly I have no inclination to animadvert on the...
175From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enquiry has been made of me by the Commandants of the several regiments with respect to the construction of the last resolution in the Appendix to the Articles of War. They wish to know whether this resolution gives a reward to parties of soldiers who may apprehend deserters. I would thank you for your opinion on the subject. Of the expediency of giving a reward to parties of soldiers that may...
176From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I wait for your instructions concerning the regulations proposed to you with respect to objects of extra expence. As soon as I receive your direction I shall issue orders for having the regulations carried into effect. With great respect I am, Sir If it shall be agreeable to General Pinckney to whom I have written on the subject, it is my wish to employ Major Tousard during the winter, in...
177From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The following arrangement as to Hutts appears to me expedient. Each hutt to be fourteen by Sixteen feet for all but the field officers. One hut for Twelve privates or Eight non Commissioned Officers. One hut for each Captain and each of the Regimental Staff. One hut for every two subalterns. A hutt for a Lt Col of 14 by 24 feet and for each Major of fourteen by 22 feet. One hutt as a Kitchen...
178From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson has just returned to this city, and will set out together with myself for Trenton on Monday in order to settle definitively with you the requisite arrangements for the Western Army. With great respect I am Sir Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. James Wilkinson had been on a trip to New England. See H to George Washington,...
179From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the plan which is conceived to be proper for the disposition of the four Regiments of the permanent establishment. It is the result of communications with General Wilkinson and the Commander in Chief —and accords with the opinion of the latter. The principal objects of this plan are 1 The distribution of the troops by corps in contiguous or relative positions;...
180From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is now time to contemplate the distribution of the Troops of the UStates into Divisions and Brigades. The arrangement which appears to me expedient for the present is this—“That the four old Regiments shall form One Division and two Brigades the twelve new ones Two Divisions and four Brigades.” The very great sphere of action to which the former are destined, including important and...
181From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [14] October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the necessity of careful inquiry for a fit character previous to an appointment, I still remain with only one Aid. Of course I have not all the regular assistance which the establishment allows to me; but the extent of my correspondence rendered it indispensable for me to find a substitute. I could not with propriety have drawn an officer from the troops without additional...
182From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears to me very adviseable to remit to the Pay Master General of the Western army bounty money for a Regiment complete for the double purpose of reinlisting those men whose times of service are expiring and of recruiting in addition men equal to four companies as I am informed may probably be effected without much difficulty. The inlistment of men within the scene has the double...
183From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It give[s] me pleasure to learn from your letter of the 16 instant, which was received yesterday, that the leading principles and objects of the plan communicated in mine of the thirteenth are approved. In every disposition of the troops in the Western Country the primary views of the government as indicated by you will be carefully attended to. The surmise as to leaving an additional batalion...
184From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 23, 1799. “… I am induced to think, that the recruiting Service for the Sixth and Seventh Regiments will be promoted by leaving them to take their Winter Quarters within their respective States. I submit this observation. It is not for me to judge, as to these Troops, whether there are reasons for adhering to the primitive plan which outweigh the consideration just...
185From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 24, 1799. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Refers to ‘the evils which attend the delay of money—Among the rest the keeping of the Troops out of Winter Quarters to suffer the rigours of the advancing season.… If the contentment and attachment of the troops are to be aimed at, there must be a material change in the plan which has hitherto been...
186From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Campbel Smith has made a representation to me on the subject of some claims which he has pending in the Accountant’s Office, and has requested the interposition of my opinion. Thinking it due to him as an Officer now under my command I trouble you with this letter. He states that he has claims of two kinds—One for services rendered for more than two years as judge advocate previous to the...
187From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson has furnished me with the inclosed estimates of the cost of the Water Battery Barracks & Magazine, which have been undertaken at Loftus’s Height. And he gives it as his opinion by analogy, but without detail, that the cost of the fort proposed to be erected at the same place will about equal the sum of these Estimates say 16000 Dollars. I send you an estimate, which I have...
188From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to send you the arrangement which has been proposed by General Wilkinson and approved by me; subject to a negative from your Department, previous to his Departure. This mode has been adopted to accelerate his return. In a few instances, transfers of Officers from one Regiment to another are made in order to avoid as much as possible the separation of Officers from men. But...
189Enclosure: General Wilkinson’s Proposed Arrangement of Officers, [31 October 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
First Regiment Field & Staff John F. Hamtramck Lieut. Col. Commandant Thomas Hunt 1st Major – – – – – – 2d. Major Lieut. Robert Semple Adjutant Lieut. Yelverton Peyton Paymaster Lieut. Joshua S. Rogers Quarter Master John Elliott Surgeon – – – – – –
190From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
By the contract with James OHara Esquire, it appears that on the South East side of the Ohio within the State of Kentucke the ration is Ten Cents and two milles, on the North West side, at Cincinnati, thirteen cents, and that nothing is settled between that point and Massac. If the matter should remain as it is, the reserve force must be stationed on the South East side; for the difference of...
191From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am this moment honored with your letter of the 8th instant. Considering the nature of my agency, in respect to the subject of it, I must understand the Remarks which are made as not applying to what I have done, but to the previous measures of General Wilkinson. It is known to you that the project was adopted and acted upon long before I was in command, that agreeing in opinion with General...
192From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 14, 1799. On November 18, 1799, McHenry wrote to Hamilton : “I recd two hours ago your letter of the 14th.” Letter not found. ]
193From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 22, 1799. “I have just been honored with your letter of the twentieth instant. The explanation that I entered into in the letter to which this is an answer was founded on a principle of caution, and did not proceed from the supposition that censure had been cast upon my conduct. I can readily assent to the position that in ordinary cases, where [no pressing exigencies...
194From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The near approach of a Session of Congress will naturally lead you to the consideration of such measures for the improvement of our military System as may require legislative Sanction. Under this impression, I am induced now to present to you some objects, which appear to me very interesting, and shall take the liberty to add, hereafter, such others as shall have occurred. One which I have...
195From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
From information which I have occasionally received it would appear that abuses are, from time to time, committed by particular officers, involving the irregular expenditure of money, that can appear only at the office of the Accountant of the War department. The thing seems to me to be sufficiently important to engage your attention, and I should suppose it would be proper to di[r]ect the...
196From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The preparation of a good system for the Tactics and police of the different portions of our Army is probably the most valuable service which it may be in my power to render the UStates in my present station & there are urgent reasons why this should be accomplished in the course of the present winter. To do it at all would in every situation require the aid of others; since I do not pretend,...
197From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 3, 1799. “… In conformity with your letter of the 25th of November I have written to Colonel Hamtramck requesting him to point out the individual officers whose ignorance is so strongly spoken of in his letter of the 5th of October. The remark of the Colonel did not appear to me to be directed particularly against late appointments but to embrace all appointments for the...
198From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1799. “I take the liberty to request of you information whether the claims of old Soldiers who served in the Revolution war, are still admissible. I make this inquiry to Serve an old Soldier who has consulted me on the subject.” Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In MS this word is “Served.”
199From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Having some private business of importance to transact at Philadelphia, and there being several objects of a military nature which perhaps may be facilitated by a personal interview with you, it is my intention to leave this city on Monday next for the seat of government. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir yr. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
200From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have heretofore submitted to you a scale for the allowance of servants to the different grades of Officers with some supplementary ideas. I beg leave to add another suggestion in relation to this subject. The detaching from their corps soldiers, as servants to the various Officers of the general Staff, is productive of material inconvenience by withdrawing altogether from military service a...