1Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 25 June 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
A life so much em p loyed in public as yours has been , must subject you often to be appealed to for facts by those whom they concern. an occasion occurs to myself of asking t his kind of aid from your memory & documents. the posthumous volume of Wilso n ’s Ornithology, altho’ published some time since, never happened to be seen by me until a few days ago. in the account o f his life, prefixed...
2From James Madison to James Wilkinson, [17 November 1813] (Madison Papers)
You are instructed to make known to Sir George P. in answer to his letter of Ocr. 17 & for the information of his Govt. that the Govt. of the U.S. adhering unalterably to the principle & purpose declared in the commun[i]cation of Genl. Dearborn to him on the subject of the 23 Amer. Soldiers prisone[r]s of war sent to England to be tried as Criminals, & the confinement of a like number of B....
3From John Adams to James Wilkinson, 12 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
On Thursday night I received from the Post Office your favour of October the second. Although it arrived at a moment when Wounds, Sickness, and Deaths in my Family, and among my tenderest Connections had excited all my sensibility and that of all my Family I thought it my duty to answer as soon as possible to the Interrogatories you enclosed. My answers are contained in the enclosed Sheet N.2....
4From James Madison to James Wilkinson, 12 October 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 9th inst: inclosing a statement of a private conversation between Lt. Opie, and Mr. Simmons Acct. of the War Department, made by the former. The considerations out of which the Court Martial in your case grew, would attach particular regret to any circumstance affecting, even in appearance or opinion, the justice and fairness of the proceedings, as they...
5Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 10 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 21. has been recieved, and with it the 2 d vol. of your Memoirs, with the Appendices to the 1 st 2 d & 4 th volumes, for which accept my thanks. I shall read them with pleasure. the expression respecting myself, stated in your letter to have been imputed to you by your calumniators, had either never been heard by me, or, if heard, had been unheeded & forgotten. I have been...
6From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 11 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 1st. inst. are recieved. I am sensible that it is highly improper & dangerous to permit citizens without license, to go into the Indian country in the way that mr Glass has done: & I think the 2d. 3d. & 4th. sections of the Indian intercourse law (extended subsequently to Louisiana) would be applicable to his case. but as this may be doubted, & the penalties are totally...
7From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 30 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The absence of General Dearborne & his great distance render it necessary to recommend a measure which should regularly go from him, but will not admit of that delay. the armed resistance to the embargo laws on the Canada line induced us at an early period to determine that the new recruits of the Northern states should be rendezvoused there, and I presume you recieved such instructions from...
8From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 18 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your favor of the 16th. and considered the papers it covered. I sincerely regret that you had not given them in before the departure of the Secretary at War, because no other person can decide on them in the first instance but him. the expenditures were for military objects, the services for military purposes, and like all the other military expenditures & services, belong to...
9From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 24 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Genl. Wilkinson, and in answer to his letters of yesterday observes that during the course of the Burr conspiracy the voluminous communications he recieved were generally read but once, & then committed to the Attorney General, and were never returned to him it is not in his power therefore to say that Genl. Wilkinson did or did not denounce eminent...
10From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 24 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Genl. Wilkinson and returns him mr Adams’s letter of Feb. 4. 98. with thanks for the communication. It would doubtless have an effect on the opinions of many if it could be known to the H: of Representatives. perhaps the debates on mr Rowan’s motion may give an opening to a member to read it in his place. it is not within the description of what Th:J....
11From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 20 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved your favors of the 13th. & 15th. on my return to this place on the 17th. and such was the mass of business accumulated in my absence that I have not till now been able to take up your letters. you are certainly free to make use of any of the papers we put into mr Hay’s hands with a single reservation. to wit, some of them are expressed to be confidential, & others are of that kind...
12From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 21 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night yours of the 16th. and sincerely congratulate you on your safe arrival at Richmond against the impudent surmises & hopes of the band of conspirators, who because they are as yet permitted to walk abroad, and even to be in the character of witnesses until such a measure of evidence shall be collected as will place them securely at the bar of justice, attempt to cover their...
13From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 3 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
A returning express gives me an opportunity of acknoleging the receipt of your letters of Nov. 12. Dec. 9. 9. 14. 18. 25. 26. and Jan. 2. I wrote to you Jan. 3. and through mr Briggs Jan. 10. the former being written while the Secretary at war was unable to attend to business, gave you the state of the information we then possessed as to Burr’s conspiracy. I now inclose you a message...
14From Isaac Briggs to James Wilkinson, 10 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The President directs me to say to thee;—“Three days ago, a pilot-boat, sent by the conspirators, left New York for New Orleans; You must catch her and examine all the papers she may contain, or those who have gone in her may have in possession.” the Clitus 241.16 96.29 155.34, 361.14 T 108.18 226.32 365.33 317.3 365.33 361.18;— “363.39 96.28 11.28 271.28-40.15, 323.19t 49.28 361.14 80.31s,...
15From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 3 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I had intended yesterday to recommend to Genl. Dearborne the writing to you weekly by post to convey information of our Western affairs as long as they are interesting, because it is possible, tho’ not probable, you might sometimes get the information quicker this way than down the river, but the Genl. recieved yesterday information of the death of his son in the E. Indies, & of course cannot...
16From James Madison to James Wilkinson, 8 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Represent to Genl. Wilkerson That the great probability of an amicable & early settlement of our differences with Spain at Paris had rendered the Executive extremely desirous of avoiding actual hostilities, because it would be a mere destruction of human life without affecting in the smallest degree the settlement, or it’s conditions, that therefore they had determined to assume the Sabine as...
17From John Adams to James Wilkinson, 16 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter and have endeavoured to recollect the conversation you mention, soon after my Election to the Presidents Office. Much of it is still fresh in my memory, but the orders you think you received from me relative to the uniform of the Army have no traces in my mind. I recollect saying that I should look to you for all necessary information and representations respecting the...
18From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson, 6 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
Your several letters of December 8th. 20th. 27th. & Jany. 3. 9 have been duly received and laid before the President; and ⟨I have the pleasure to communicate⟩ to you his ap⟨pro⟩bation of your proceedings under the important Commission in which you are associated. The manner in which Louisiana has been put into the possession of the United States, is the more a subject for general...
19From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, Benjamin Hawkins, and Andrew Pickens, 16 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 1st. inst. covering letters to the Secretary at war, left open for my perusal, came to hand yesterday. General Dearborne being at present at his own house in the province of Maine, were we to await an answer from him, the object of your application would be passed by before you could recieve it. to prevent the public from recieving injury therefore from this circumstance I...
20From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 23 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of asking the protection of your cover for a letter to Lieutt. Meriwether Lewis, not knowing where he may be. in selecting a private secretary, I have thought it would be advantageous to take one who possessing a knolege of the Western country, of the army & it’s situation, might sometimes aid us with informations of detail, which we may not otherwise possess. a personal...
21From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 8 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 8, 1800. On October 13, 1800, Wilkinson wrote to Hamilton : “I have this Day recd. your Letter of the 8th. Inst.” Letter not found. ]
22From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, [8 August 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter from Washington, my wishes in every thing accord with yours. I shall be glad of every opportunity of brightening the charm. As soon as possible I will send you the information you desire. A change of office has deranged my Military papers and will occasion some delay. Major Rensselaer unwilling to quit goes to ascertain the possibility of remaining. I am of opinion...
23From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this morning the pl⟨easure⟩ of your public and private letter of the 29⟨th⟩ of June. I write th⟨is⟩ acknowlegement ⟨for⟩ the two in this private letter because I con⟨sider⟩ my military functions to have ceased ⟨and that⟩ my situation has been left somewhat eq⟨uivo⟩cal. Though I shall regret the loss ⟨of⟩ an opportunity of conversing with you ⟨and⟩ of manifesting in conjunction with Mrs....
24From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 26 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears from the copy of a letter to you which Colonel Hamtramck has sent me that he is in doubt whether the order which I have given to retain the troops at Pittsburg which I have given him permits their being encamped at a small distance from the place. The object of the order was to prevent the sending of the troops to the lower parts of the Ohio. They can therefore be encamped in the...
25From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 20 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I think it proper to inform you in order to prevent misapprehension that congress have lately passed a law empowering the President to disband all the army by the fifteenth of June next; except the four old Regiments of Infantry, the two old troops of horse, the corps of Artillerists and Engineers, and the staff (General and other) appertaining to the old establishment, and that in consequence...
26From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 1 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The sentence of dismission from the service of the United States passed by on Lieutenant Kremer by the Court Martial which sat in his case was ratified on the eighteenth of September last by the President of the U States. You will be pleased to see that the sentence is carried into effect— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; copy, endorsed with...
27From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 1 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received from Col. Hamtramck a copy of a letter to you of the ninth of April relative to Captain Edward Miller—I have written on the subject to the S of War, and as soon as I receive an answer, shall make to you a further communication. Col. Hamtramck has sent a monthly return of the brigade addressed to me. The General Order of the 29th. of May 1799 requires all returns of this kind to...
28From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 26 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received letters from Col. Hamtramck, and Mr. Wilkins which call for my decision of the question whether the Q M General can remove his stores from one place to another without the consent or approbation of the principal officer under whom he serves. It is difficult to prescribe an absolute rule in this case. The Q M General being an officer of high trust, and being responsible for...
29From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 3 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish that Captain Richard Sparks of the third regiment should be with that part of it which is to be stationed on the Ohio—If this can be effected, consistently with the good of the service, you will take Measures for the purpose— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
30From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter of which the enclosed is a copy has been sent directly to Major Rivardi, the urgency of the case not admitting of a circuitous route— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
31From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamtramck has transmitted me copies of letters from him to you of the 24 & 26th of November 1, 20 and 25 of December. A definitive organization of the four Regiments of the old establishment has been made by the Department of War of which the inclosed is a copy & must govern. This exhibits the state in which the Officers of those Regiments stand in the records of that Department. Few...
32From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 18 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I herewith transmit to you for Distribution at the Several posts on the Western frontier 15 copies of the contract with Mr. Jas. OHara— Niagara—which have been sent me by the situation of Niagara admitting of a more direct communication I have to avoid delay caused a cop one to be sent to Major Rivardi— With great consideration &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers,...
33From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilkinson, 16 January 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
A mr Morgan Brown of Palmyra has been so kind as to offer me two Indian busts of marble or other stone, which are to be forwarded to New Orleans to the care of mr Daniel Clarke junr. of that place. as there would be considerable danger of their being lost, should they come by any common conveyance from thence to this place, and understanding you will be coming round in a frigate in the spring,...
34From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 18 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears from a letter which I have received from Lieut Wilson of the second regiment that he has been, thro’ mistake, ordered to Benington in Vermont. That order is not to be obey to be considered as withdrawn and you will inform Liet Wilson accordingly W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
35From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you an arrangement of the Officers of Artillery attached to the Western army into companies as proposed by Col. Burbeck. You will consider this arrangement as confirmed. You will of course make known the confirmation to the commanding officer of the regiment. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
36From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has enquired of me the day on which Captain Pope died, and I would thank you to enable me to give him the information which he calls for. W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
37From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 21 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War disapproves the arrangement relative to the four old regiments on account of the numerous transfers of Officers which it involves from one regiment to another. It is therefore necessary to give the subject a total revision. In doing this I shall follow your ideas as far as I can follow them consistently with the views of the Secy. of War. The new arrangement, when it shall...
38From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a copy of a letter from the S of War dated the eighth of this month, and an extract from my letter in reply. You will perceive that I agree in opinion with the Secretary that permanent fortifications should not be erected without previously communicating with the Executive, and obtaining his sanction. I am aware of the strong considerations which lead you to erect the fort at...
39From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday. The transfer of Liett McCall to the fourth regiment meets my approbation. I can not sanction the nomination of Lt McLovel as Paymaster to the first regiment of Artillerists as Lt. House has already been appointed to that office—This appt. was made of necessity without a previous nomination by the Officer of the regiment as their disperd. situation...
40From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 13 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday with it’s enclosure. I have recommended Mr Vereker to the Secretary of War for the post of cadet, and shall consider the suggestions in Lieut. Claiborne’s letter relative to the recruiting service. In consequence of a communication which I received from Col Hamtramck I had written to him on the subject of his request to pass the winter at...
41From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 12 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Untill some person shall be appointed to fill the Office of Clothier General to the Western Army the duties will of the station, it is expected, will be performed by the Deputy Pay Master General. With great consn I am, Sir In this capacity all estimates & returns of Clothing wanted will come from him—All returns of Clothing will be addressed to him and he will overlook the distribution— With...
42From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In order to enable you to regulate your requisitions upon the contractor for supplies of provisions, I give it as my opinion that the recruits which you may expect to reinforce your command, and which will arrive at Pittsburgh will be, in all May, Eight hundred, and in each successive month one hundred more, till your command shall be complete. Of their progress afterwards you can best judge....
43From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 31 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The copious explanation which have been had between us in conversation on the subjects of your several communications of the 6th. of September 12th. 15. 19th. & 27 instant will abrige the observations naturally connected with the plan which has been adopted as the result and which forms the object of the present instruction. This plan, as you know, has the same basis with that which has been...
44From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a letter from the Quarter Master General on the subject of the road between Le Boeuf and Presqe Isle. The measure object appears to me to be desirable; but it is — which it contains as deferred to you and your better judgment knowledge of the its expediency together with the time and mode of execution are referred to your better knowledge of the Circumstances of the case. With great...
45From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 21 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received from the secretary of War a letter of which the inclosed is a copy. I will thank you to enable me without delay to present him with the requisition he desires. To assist you in the distribution as to places the Adjutant General will furnish you with any materials which he may possess and which you do not. The requisition must refer to the Present Position of the Troops; but I...
46From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 21 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Major General Hamilton presents his co mpliments to B. General Wilkinson— & sends him the Arrangement of the first Regt. of Artillery—It found the Officers for a Battalion about the correspondent number of men with the Western Army. If a larger proportion be necessary it will be presented for consideration in the reports with which G. W. is occupied— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown,...
47From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, [3 August 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
General Hamilton presents his Compliments to General Wilkinson & sends him at foot heads for conversations which it is proposed to have; in order to call the attention of G W to the several points. Most of them have no doubt been topics of communication with the War Department but the freedom & particularity of conversation will yield additional lights & lead perhaps to a correct system for...
48From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 23 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I begin now to be anxious to learn that you had received my letter desiring you to repair to the seat of Government, in conformity with an intimation from the Secretary of War, to the end that with the aid of your lights and experience, a general plan for the arrangement of the affairs of the Western army, with an eye to the existing posture of our political Concerns, might be digested and...
49From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 3 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a Triplicate of my letter to you of the ——— and the copy of a letter to the Pay Master General of this date, which last is transmitted for your information in case by any accident you should have been detained With great consideration & esteem I have honor to be Sir Yr. obed. Servt. (Copy, in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
50From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 12 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The interesting incidents, which have latterly occurred in our political situation, having rendered it expedient to enlarge the Sphere of our military arrangements, it has, in consequence become necessary to regulate the Superintendence of our military force, in its various and detached positions, in such a manner, as while it will serve to disburthen the Department of War of details...