From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 13 May 1792
To George Washington
Bristol [Pennsylvania] May 13. 1792.
Sir,
I left the City of Philadelphia this Morning on my way to Newark1 as I mention’d to you previous to your departure.2 Nothing new had occurred.
Mr. Belli3 was furnished with the requisite sum for the purchase of Dragoon Horses in Kentucke, in conformity to an arrangement, which I understand [from] the Secretary at War, was made pursuant to your direction. The Quarter Master General4 also has had an advance commensurate with the objects he is immediately to provide for; so that every thing is in proper train as far as pecuniary supply is concerned.5
With the most perfect respect and truest attachment, I have the honor to be &c.
A: Hamilton
LC, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1. H was going to Newark, New Jersey, to attend a meeting of the directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures. See Archibald Mercer to H, April 30, 1792.
2. Washington had left Philadelphia on May 10 for Mount Vernon.
3. John Belli, deputy quarter-master general of the United States Army.
4. James O’Hara.
5. After the defeat of Major General Arthur St. Clair by the Indians in November, 1791, plans had been made for a new campaign against the western tribes. “An Act for making farther and more effectual Provision for the Protection of the Frontiers of the United States” ( 241–43 [March 5, 1792]) had increased the forces on the frontier and provided for a virtual reorganization of the Army. In April, 1792, Major General Anthony Wayne was appointed commanding officer to superintend the reorganization and training of the Army in preparation for the new campaign. Belli and O’Hara were engaged in provisioning the troops stationed at Pittsburgh and at the forts along the Ohio and Great Miami rivers.