Alexander Hamilton Papers

From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 29 May 1800

To Charles Cotesworth Pinckney,
Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith

Camp Scotch Plains [New Jersey]
May 29th. 1800

Sir,

An order was issued, some time since, as you will recollect, directing enlistments to be “for and during the existing differences with France,” or for the term of five years at the pleasure of the government.1

It appearing probable that the number of men enlisted under these conditions is very inconsiderable, and an expectation having been entertained among them that they would not be separated from their officers, I have concluded on more mature reflection to discharge them with the rest. My former order on the subject,2 therefore, is not to govern.

Gl. Pinckney, Cols. Rice & Smith

Df, in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.

1. See James McHenry to H, January 27, 1800. See also H to McHenry, May 29, 1800.

2. “General Orders,” May 26, 1800.

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    Hamilton Papers
    Title
    From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 29 May 1800
    Author
    Hamilton, Alexander
    Recipients
    Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
    Rice, Nathan
    Smith, William Stephens
    Date
    29 May 1800

    Reference

    Cite as
    “From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 29 May 1800,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-24-02-0456. [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 24, November 1799 – June 1800, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1976, pp. 540–541.]