221From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Herewith is a letter with for Capt Bruff with recruiting Instructions, which I beg you to have forwarded to him. You will observe, that the term of Inlistment, which is inserted, is three years. If this is not right you will oblige me by having it altered and me informed of the authority for the alteration—I mention this because in the model you sent me five years are inserted and in looking...
222From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Person nominated as Pay Master to the Regiment commanded by Col Nathan Rice of Massachusettes is Robert Duncan . Inclosed is the distribution which he has made of his officers to Districts and subdistricts. Thus you see the Recruiting service for this Regiment only waits the requisite supply of money Cloathing &c for from your Department. The Town of Somerset has been in the first instance...
223From 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).
224From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col Ogden has written to m requested me to have appoint ed bridgetown as a Company Rendezvous in the place of Woodbury to which I have consented. I will thank you to instruct Colonel Rhea to make the a contract for the former place, if so requested by Col Ogden with consideration I am Sir Your obed servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
225From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Majr Lillie Major Lillie who on his return — the Eastward through this City, asked — to represent him in a favourable light — the President, which I did particularly as to his conduct during our Revolutionary War. with great respect I am Sir Your obed Servt. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
226From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 5th May 1799 Your private letter of the 29th Ulto was received yesterday, and requires but a short reply. From an observation of yours, in answer to my letter of the 23d Ulto, I perceive my meaning with respect to the settlement of relative Rank, has been misunderstood; or, if taken properly, I must adhere to the opinion I gave of the injustice which would be...
227From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
It is a point from which I have not deviated, to forward all recommendations, & applications, which have been made to me for Military appointments, to the Department of War. In confirmation of what is said in the enclosed letters from General Morgan, and the Colonels Meade and Parker, I may add that, the same good report of the merits of Major Lawe Butler has, verbally, been made to me by...
228From John Adams to James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 29th of April and have considered the subject of it with as much attention as will be necessary to agree in general to your principles. Merit however I consider as the only true scale of graduation in the army. Services & rank in the last war or any other war are only to be taken into consideration as presumptive evidence of merit & may at any time be set...
229From John Adams to James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return you all the recommendations in your letter of 29 of April & as I am perfectly satisfied with them I concur in your opinion that they may be appointed as soon as you think fit I am Sir your servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
230From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 7, 1799. “… Col Smith … recommends as his Major … Theodosius Fowler Esqr.… I do not find among the p⟨apers before⟩ me any list of the Officers of the Additional Troops of C⟨avalry⟩. Will you be pleased to have it transmitted? I promised Mr. Jones your C⟨lerk⟩ a memorandum of the number of printed copies of oat⟨hs⟩ and weekly returns which it would be expedient to ⟨send⟩ to the...
231From John Adams to James McHenry, 8 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Miles Carey inclosing a certificate from Capt Samuel Eddens. Mr. Cary I suppose wishes to be promoted from a cadet to a lietenant. yours MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
232From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is desireable as fast as possible to execute the arrangement which you have adopted for the Distribution of the Artillery. The great distance of General Pinckney from the position of a large proportion of the companies allotted to his command seems to render the intervention of some other authority necessary in the first instance to cause them to be transported within the sphere of their...
233From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the assignment of his Officers by Col Hall to the several Districts and subdistricts. He informs me that Lt. Ninian Pinckney has been nominated as Pay Master & Lieutenant Daniel Hughes as Adjutant of the Regiment. I recommend a confirmation. The others of his Regimental Staff The Quarter Master had not yet been nominated. Col Nathan Rice informs me that Lt Robert Duncan has been...
234From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am advised that the recruit — has actually begun in Maryland. I recommend that arms and accoutrements be without delay forwarded for the use of the recruits in the several Circles. It is important that they be provided as soon as they reach their Regimental rendezvouses, as well to excite and keep up the military spirit as for the purpose of early instruction. With great respect I have the...
235From 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...
236From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to you a letter to me of the 2d, from Mr Ashley Colton, with three certificates, inclosed in it from Gentlemen, whom I know to be of the very best character for probity. I pray you to consider these papers, and do as justice and prudence shall dictate. I have the honor to be Sir your very humble &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
237From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 2d Instt, covering your dispatches of the 10th Ultimo, was brought to me by the Messenger who carried my letters to you (of the 5 & 6th) to the Post Office in Alexandria. That no time might be lost in carrying the Presidents Plan, and the request contained in your letter of the 10th Ult., into effect, I have solicited the aid of Generals Morgan, Lee, & Marshall; & the...
238From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return your List of Appointments for the 16th Regiment and that of Major Theodosius Fowler for the 12th. approved. I inclose also the Recommendations of those officers, recd in yours of May 9th. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
239From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be handed to you by Cornet Alexander Macombe, of the Cavalry of the U states, who when in Philadelphia will desire to pay his respects to you—He is a genteel clever young man & I trust the embryo of a good Officer. With respect & — Yr Obed Sr ( ALS [photostat], James McHenry Papers, Library of Congress).
240From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 7th May and since there appears a difference of opinion concerning the Construction of the Constitution and the Law, and as I see no necessity for an immediate appointment, I am content to suspend it for the present, perhaps till the meeting of the Senate— I think well of Mr. Williams as a gentleman of Science & Literature, as a good Citizen & brave man But...
241From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return the List of Appointments for the Eleventh Regiment Commanded by Colo. Ogden, inclosed in your favr. of the 9th: Approved— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
242From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor received your favour of the 10th. and have read the Letter of Brigadier General Macpherson to you of the 3d. and the letters of Mr. Chapman and Mr. Eyerly to him, with great pleasure— I pray you to present to General Macpherson and the Officers & troops under his Command in the late expedition my thanks for the prudence, Caution, Fortitude & perseverance with which they have...
243From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Letters from Colo. Rice, Lt. Soper, and from General Knox and Mr. HG Otis—which I pray you to file with all other applications of Similar natures. Mr. Henry Sargent appears a very respectable Man— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
244From John Adams to James McHenry, 18 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
As we have taken Capt. Chandler & Lieut. Flagg from the volunteer company of cadet Infantry of Worcester in Massachusetts into the regular army, other officers must be appointed: Thomas Denny Capt. Nathan Felton Lieut. Enoch Flagg second lieutenant are recommended to me by the company and others as suitable characters for the officers & I pray you to send their commissions accordingly as soon...
245From 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...
246From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 21, 1799. “… It is … necessary that ⟨t⟩he officers generally should be possessed of ‘The Rgulations for the Order and Discipline of ⟨t⟩he Troops of the UStates.’ I mean those which were instituted in our Revolution War. This system will of course obtain ’till there shall be a substitute. I pray that a competent number may be prepared & transmitted ⟨wi⟩thout delay.” ADf , Hamilton...
247From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The instructions in your letter of yesterday shall be without delay executed. As Winchester is the Regimental Rendezvous of Col Parker, it seems to me that the stationing of Major Bradley there would too much and too exclusively interfere with the recruiting for this Regiment. Staunton as being more central to the entire state will bear pretty equally upon both Circles and seems appears in...
248From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Col Smith of which the inclosed is an extract. As the mention of Capt Fowler to you was in conformity with his opinion, after a particular consultation, I was rather surprized at the turn of his letter. I however sent his recommendation, though I imagine it is likely to come too late. And in justice to Capt Fonda , I ought to add that he was Adjutant of a batalion...
249From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of the information conveyed by your letter of the 21 instant, I have authorised Col Strong, if from appearances he shall conceive there is well founded cause of alarm, to withdraw from Michilimacnac the whole or part of the Garrison for the reinforcement of his post. I did this for two reasons 1 because I did not perceive any other point from which he could be reinforced and...
250From John Adams to James McHenry, 24 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The recommendations of Laurance Butler to be Major in case Mr. Morgan should ultimately refuse his appointment received in your favor of the 16th which I received last night from Gen. Washington. Gen Morgan and Mr. Mede are quite sufficient to authorize me to consent to Mr Butlers appointment. I return the recommendations & inclose a letter of the 20th from John Lillie which I recommend to...
251From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 24, 1799. “… I shall confer with Col Smith on the subject of his Major and communicate the result.… I am of opinion that the hat ought to be delivered with its furniture complete. It will often be no easy matter for the Officers to supply a deficiency; and it is one of those instances in which œconomy will be likely to disgust by the air of excessive parsimony. Will it not be...
252From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
A press of business has — diverted my attention from measures to for convey — Capt Freyes company of Artillerists to Charles Town. On resuming the subject it strikes me that there ought to be an armed vessel of the Government to transport them; since doubtless on account of the very great distance they ought to go by water: And if so sent and if an accident should happen by the intervention of...
253From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25[–27] May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 25 [ –27 ] 1799 . “I recur to two of your letters of the 9th. & 10th. instant. The reflections in the first respecting the inlistment of foreigners intirely accord with my impressions, as you have heretofore seen. I adhere to the opinion, that none but natives or naturalised citizens ought to be engaged. Of the latter, residence in this Country anterior to our Revolution to be...
254From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter from Colonel Hall relative to articles going to Baltimore. Would it not be better to send them to Havre de Grace that being the Regimental Rendezvous— (Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
255From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Mr Jonathan Allen one of our most federal clergymen & a certificate from the medical society of Vermont in favor of Dr Benjamin Walker as a surgeon. Dr Walkers appearance justifies the recommendation. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
256From John Adams to James McHenry, 27 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters from Gen Lincoln Col Rice & Mr. Noble I am &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
257From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The returns from every quarter shew that desertion prevails to a ruinous extent. For this the remedies are 1: greater attention to discipline 2. additional care in furnishing the Supplies due to the Soldiery of such quality and with such exactness as will leave no real cause of dissatisfaction 3, the forbearance to inlist foreigners, and, lastly, energy in the punishment of...
258From John Adams to James McHenry, 28 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Tracy and Mr Swift and the other testimonies in your letter of the 22d are sufficient to justify the list of appointments in the 13th regiment which you have sent me, which list with all the papers I return. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
259From 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...
260From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Annexed I send you an Extract of a letter from Col: Taylor to me of the 27th. Inst. Confiding in the Judgment of that officer, and considering the importance of promptly filling the vacancies, I beg leave to second his recommendation of the Gentlemen mentioned therein and shall be glad to have them officer approved With great consideration &c— (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton...
261From 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...
262From John Adams to James McHenry, 30 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 24th & have no objections to the proposed laboratory except that government is to be removed next year to Washington which perhaps you had forgotten. If this is no objection in your mind it will not be any in mine.—Inclosed is a note from Col Leonard recommending his nephew Charles Leonard to be an officer in the marine corps. Upon second thoughts I believe,...
263From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col J C Hall informs me that he has recommended for appointment to Lieutenancies — his Regiment Thomas Hewit and Benjamin Nowland. I beg to second the recommendation, if no preferable characters have been presented. It is very desireable to complete and keep complete the corps of Officers. Col Rice writes me that he has spoken to Mr. J. Jackson on the subject of transportation of articles; who...
264From John Adams to James McHenry, 2 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return Mr. Tracy’s letter as you desire in yours of the 27th Both Badger and Tracy recommended as subaltern officers are wholly unknown to me I am disposed to give great attention to the recommendation of Mr Tracy the Senator and Col Taylor, but if there is any considerable difference of sentiment about the appointment, among the gentlemen of Connecticut, perhaps it might be wise to write to...
265From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return the inclosures in your letter of 29th May. I know of no reason why Lt. James Sterit should not succeed to the vancy created by the death of Capt Demlar. The other papers, which I have read with pleasure require no comment from me. With great regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
266From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return Col. Ogdens letter inclosed in yours of 28 Ult. & have no objection to the appointment of Wm: J Anderson as you propose. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
267From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of 27 May & have read the inclosures. The discipline of the army will require no doubt the punishment of death for desertion in many cases, & none perhaps will deserve it more, than that of Richard Hunter, & I should not hesitate to sign the warrant for his execution serious as is the act of depriving a fellow of his life—But I wish to know, whether the officers who...
268From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 5, 1799. “… As yet I have to regret that I am without the needful assistance to enable me to keep pace with the various objects of service—which occasions more delay in respect to the less urgent than is agreable to my plan. Measures are in train to obtain efficient aid and I hope ere long the whole Machinery will be in complete operation.…” Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan...
269From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letter to Capt Henry speaks its own object. As his company was is ordered to march for this place Not knowing whether he may not be himself in Philadelphia nor whether his Company will have marched or not from Reading, I trouble you with it and request that you will have it forwarded according to circumstances. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr Obedt St ( ADf ,...
270From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I return Mr. Patterson’s letter. It is not my intention immediately to withdraw more than Cochran’s & Henry’s Companies. The other troops may remain on the insurgents scene. I should prefer their remaining together. Perhaps the vicinity of Easton may be the best single station. But I am not without apprehension that the Troops may be corrupted by remaining long in a disaffected scene. Is there...