Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Louis Le Bègue Du Portail, [23 July 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Du Portail, Louis Le Bègue

[New York, July 23, 1798]
My dear General

Though it is a great while since I have heard from you, I have not ceased to enquire after you, and I shall never cease to interest myself in your welfare.
You have seen the progress of things between this Country and France and you must have made reflections on your own situation. I am aware that the idea of your entering in any way into the Military service of this Country on such an occasion is one of Great delicacy & opposed by many motives. But knowing your opinion as to the Revolution and Revolutionary leaders of your Country, I have thought it not wholly impossible that such an idea would not be intirely disagreeable to you—and I am desirous of ascertaining in the most scrupulous confidence the state of your mind on this point. The Subject may divide itself into employment in the Field and employment out of the Field.
When I take the liberty to sound you on this head, I ought to assure you as is truly the case, that the Step is wholly from the suggestion of my own mind, and that I am altogether at a loss to conjecture, whether those who must decide the matter would be at all disposed to avail themselves of your services.
I pray you nevertheless to open to me freely your heart on this point in the fullest reliance upon my prudence honor & delicacy. If it were not to intrude too much upon you, I would request you to favor me with a digested plan of an establishment for a military School. This is an object I have extremely at heart.
Yrs. with true esteem & regard

A Hamilton
New York July 23d. 1798
General du Portail


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Donovan, 24 July 1798
From: Donovan, Timothy
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, July 24, 1798. “Permit me to Congratulate you most Respectfully on your promotion.… I make one of the number, who can make you no other recompence but my Fervent prayers to the allmighty God, for your Long life and Prosperity.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 July 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department25th July 1798
Sir,

I am directed to inform you that the President of the United States, by, and with the advice and consent of the Senate, has appointed you Inspector General, with the rank of Major General; and to transmit you your commission made out accordingly.
It may be proper to mention that the nominations to the Senate for the General Officers of the established, and provisional army were presented on the same day, and in the order, in which they appear in the annexed list, and that in registering them in this Department, the same order will be observed.
Permit me to add to this information, that, as no command can be immediately given to the general officers, the President conceives they will consider it proper, that the pay and emoluments of their respective commissions ought not to commence previous to their being called into active service; and to flatter myself that all considerations of a private nature will yield to the crisis, and afford me the pleasure of communicating your acceptance to the President.
I am, Sir, with great respect your obdt. Hb Set

James McHenry
Genl. A. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Murarius, 25 July 1798
From: Murarius, Lewis
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, July 25, 1798. “… When I had the honor to wait upon you some time ago, I neglected to present you the Testimonies of my Military Conduct, which by your Leave I hereby ref. to your perusal. I take the Liberty to recommend myself to your favor.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 27 July 1798
From: Dayton, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Elizabethtown, New Jersey, July 27, 1798. On August 6, 1798, Hamilton wrote to Dayton: “I received at Philadelphia your letter of the 27th of July.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 28 July 1798
From: Jay, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany 28 July 1798
Dr Sir

Since I left N York I have had the Satisfaction of seeing your late appointment announced in the Papers; but I have seen nothing that decides your Rank in Relation to other Majr. Generals. Doubts on such a point ought not to remain.
Many will doubtless apply for Commands in the army, & it is to be wished that a judicious Selection may be made.
There is a Gentleman (who for your Information I will mention) who I am told would accept a Company, and of whose military Qualifications I have imbibed a very good opinion. I mean Warren De Lancey. I think he was a Lt. in the british Service and sold out.
Yours sincerely

John Jay
Majr. Genl. Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 July 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Philadelphia July 28. 1798
Sir

I last Evening had the honor of receiving your letter of the 25 instant, announcing to me my appointment as Inspector and Major General.
At a crisis like the present I esteem it my duty to obey the call of the Government. Feeling too, as I ought, the value of the high confidence which is reposed in me, I beg you to convey to The President my most cordial acknowlegements and the assurance of my best endeavours to merit it.
With great respect and esteem   I am Sir

Yr. Obed servant
The Secy at War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 July 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Philadelphia July 28. 1798
Dear Sir

I send you a number of applications for Military appointments with br[i]ef notes of my opinion.
Allow me to remind you in writing of my nephew Philip Church whom I warmly recommend for a Captaincy in the Infantry. He is the eldest son of his father, has had a good education is a young man of sense of genuine spirit and worth—of considerable expectation in point of fortune. I shall esteem his appointment to this grade a personal favour, while I believe that it will consist with every rule of propriety.
There are two other young Gentlemen whom I must also recommend to your attention. They are Volckert Peter Van Rensselaer and Jeremiah H. Van Rensselaer nephews of Mrs. Schuyler. They are of honest and brave blood and of fair character—I recommend one as a first the other as a second Lieutenant.
Yrs with great regard

A H


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [28 July 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, July 28, 1798. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 July 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department30th July 1798
Sir,

You must be fully aware how liable the Executive is to be misled in forming a just estimate of the character of candidates for military appointments, when it must, so often, depend upon recommendations that may have been obtained by the importunity of applicants, from a desire to oblige some friend, or to avoid creating an enemy or, perhaps given in the hope that the army may serve to suppress habits, or eradicate vices, which had resisted all other modes of correction.
You must also be sensible of the great importance of a proper choice of men to command the troops directed to be raised; especially when you consider that they may have to contend with the most successful and enterprising army of the present age.
These reflections have induced me to submit to your remarks and observations the annexed list of Gentlemen, candidates for military promotion, belonging to the States of New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
I entreat you to examine this list with attention, to gain information where you have no personal knowledge of characters and affix, opposite to each candidate’s name his pretensions to military promotion, and the rank to which they may intitle him; assured that whatever you may say will be received in confidence.
Should any other Gentlemen occur to you, possessing talents for military service you will please to add them to the list, and transmit the whole to me as soon as possible.
I beg you to excuse me for taking this liberty, and ascribe it to the conviction I have of the inextinguishable love you bear your country, and the desire which must be natural to all good men, attached to our Government to see public officers, whether civil or military, filled with characters the best qualified to discharge their respective duties.
I am, Sir with very great respect your most Ob H Servt

James McHenry
Genl A. Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 July 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Philad July 30. 1798
My Dear McHenry

Scruples of delicacy have occasionned me to hesitate about offering to you certain ideas which it appears to me on mature reflection cannot be witheld consistently either with friendship to you or regard to the service. They are these—
I observe you plunged in a vast mass of details. I know from experience that it is impossible for any man whatever be his talents or diligence to wade through such a mass without neglecting the most material things and attaching to his operations a feebleness and sloth of execution. It is essential to the success of the Minister of a great Department that he subdivide the objects of his care, distribute them among competent assistants and content himself with a general but vigilant superintendence. This course is particularly necessary when an unforeseen emergency has suddenly accumulated a number of new objects to be provided for and executed.
Hence you will give me leave in all the frankness of friendship to express to you an opinion, that you will do well to call effectually to your aid the Inspector General, and likewise Major General Knox, and to charge them with the management of particular branches of the service. You already contemplate & very properly that the Inspector General shall occupy himself in preparing a system of tactics and discipline. But will it not be expedient & natural to charge him also with superintending the Recruiting service? and may he not be made auxiliary in other ways to the business of the Department? General Knox if he can be drawn to the seat of Governt may be rendered extensively useful especially in whatever relates to the Artillery branch.
But you will perceive that ideas of this sort presuppose an abandonment of the plan of suspending the emoluments of these Officers. They cannot afford to give their time and attention without compensation. As to myself, I must be free to confess that this is utterly impossible. I have the less embarrassment in making the declaration because it must be obvious that the plan is against my pecuniary interest. Serious occupation in my military office must involve the relinquishment substantially of my profession and the exchange of from three to four thousand pounds a year, from the law, for the compensation of Inspector General is evidently but a sorry bargain.
Yrs. truly

A H
J McHenry Esq.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Uriah Tracy, 30 July 1798
From: Tracy, Uriah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Litchfield [Connecticut] 30th July 1798
Sir

I meant to have called upon you on my way home from Philada—but was prevented by finding an uncommonly good & speedy passage. I have now troubled you, to call yr. attention to a subject, with which I was not then as well acquainted as I am now. I find Col. Tallmadge will accept of an appointmt in the Army of which I was doubtful untill I saw him. He will draw after him, in this State, more of the Old & worthy Officers than any other man. It is with reluctance Tallmadge consents that I may mention his name, but so much am I convinced, he will be very serviceable in the Army, that I hope you will pardon Me for this importunity. It is well understood that Mr North does not accept his appointment of Adjutant Genl. If you believe Tallmadge qualified for that Office, will you mention him to the Secy at War? I do not hesitate to say he is better qualified for that business than any man I know. I could not ask him to accept an appointment under the rank of a Brigadr. If Tallmadge can have this birth; most of the Valuable Officers who served the last War, will come forward & join the army.
I am Sir with great respect   Yr. Obedt. servt

Uriah Tracy
Genl. Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, [1 August 1798]
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[London, August 1, 1798. Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [3 August 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, August 3, 1798]
My Dr Sir

You will oblige me much by letting me know by a brief note in the margin of each name what you think of the persons in the inclosed list who are known to you (say the list at foot). Yrs. truly

A Hamilton
Aug 3. 1798


Title: Enclosure: [List of Proposed Candidates for Military Appointment], [3 August 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Robert Heaton Junr.
Captain

George W. Kirkland
Col. or Major
a good of⟨ficer⟩

Jno Keating
Colonel
Bad

Francis Drake
Bad

William Scudder
Captain
unknown

Walter B. Vrooman
Bad

Thos U Williams
Adjutant
unknown

Benjamin C. Curtis
Captain
Do

William Cocks
ditto
good Lieuten⟨ant⟩

A A. Rutgers
Capt Cavalry
unknow⟨n⟩

Hermanus P. Sch⟨uyler⟩
⟨Captain⟩
⟨good⟩


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, [3 August 1798]
From: Jay, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Albany, August 3, 1798. Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 3 August 1798
From: Sedgwick, Theodore
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Stockbridge, Massachusetts, August 3, 1798. On August 29, 1798, Hamilton wrote to Sedgwick: “Your letter of the 3. instant came seasonably to hand.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Uriah Tracy, 3 August 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Tracy, Uriah

New York August 3rd 1798
Dear Sir

I received yesterday your letter of the 30th of July.
Had my opinion of Col. Talmage actuated others, he would be now a Brigadier. I estimate highly his military merit. But an appointment to that grade in the first instance will now be difficult if not impracticable. North has not resigned and the probability in my mind is that he will not.
Cannot Col. Talmage be prevailed on to accept a Regiment? I exceedingly wish that he may. He ought to contemplate that hereafter a Regiment will be commanded by a full Colonel and consist of a thousand rank and file. At present the organisation is absurd. It ought to be and no doubt will be changed on the ground as well of œconomy as of military Efficiency.

With great esteem and regard   I remain Dear Sir   Your obedt Servt

U Tracy Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 August 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Trenton, August 5, 1798. On this date McHenry wrote to Hamilton “asking for a list of officers from the southern states and stating that Wolcott holds back the order for clothing.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Dayton, 6 August 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Dayton, Jonathan

New York August 6th. 1798
My dear Sir.

I received at Philadelphia your letter of the 27th of July the answer to which has been delayed by excessive occupation. You know, I trust, sufficiently my sentiments of you, not to need being told how much pleasure your appointment gave me, and how highly I value the confidence you express in me.
It will probably be unexpected to you to be told that I am not yet in the exercise of the functions of my Military office and that my participation in the preliminary arrangements is only occasional and very limited. Such however is the course of the Plan which has been adopted by the Executive.
But I have notwithstanding had conversations with the Secretary at War on the points you mention, and to the extent of my opportunity have endeavored to promote a right direction. You no doubt have before this received a letter from the Secretary on the Subject of proper Characters for Officers. It seemed to be determined in his mind to appoint Coll. Aaron Ogden to the command of a Regiment. Every body must consider him as a great acquisition in this Station. The part of your letter which respects him, announcing the certainty of his acceptance, was particularly grateful to me. Inclosed you will receive the Instructions for the Recruiting Service which were previously prepared by the Secretary at War. I made such remarks upon them as hastily occurred. Examine them carefully and Suggest to me whatever amendments or additions may present themselves to you. You will oblige me by free communication at all times.
Yours truly I remain   Your friend & obedt Servant

A Hamilton
Brigadier General DaytonE Town


Title: Enclosure: Remarks Upon the Proposed Regulations for the Recruiting Service, [28 July 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, July 28, 1798]

Article IIIThe penalty on the officer in this article appears to be of questionable expediency. It may hurt the service more by discouraging exertion than benefit it by the œconomy which it may promote. It is believed the general responsibility of the Officer ought to be relied upon.
Article IVThe utility of this restriction is doubtful. There are men above the common class in qualification, very desireable as non commissioned officers, who might be willing to engage as such and useful in inducing others to engage, but who would not enter into the service as privates.
Article VPerhaps it may be well to allow a limited small portion of this bounty to be advanced immediately as earnest money to bind the individual in his own opinion. In raw recruits there are apt to be sudden fluct[u]ations of mind which render it desireable to fix at once their condition—otherwise many a good soldier may be lost. It is easy on this subject to refine too much.
Article VIIIt is not recollected what these injunctions are. If they are of a nature to alarm the mind of the recruit concerning the rigour of his future lot the article had better be omitted.
Article XIIIIt is not recollected whether the articles of War allow of such Courts Martial. It is taken for granted they do—but it is a point on which there should be no misconception.
Article XXIThe utility of this is not obvious. While the sale at an under price may prove a loss to the soldier—he is deprived of cloathing which may be useful when off duty. The French have a practice of allowing particular cloathing for the intervals of duty. Why should his shirts be sold?
Article XXIIWill suspicion thus openly & formally manifested be useful?

Article XXVIISee the Remark on article the IVth.
Article XXIXThere is perhaps too much detail here. It may be sufficient to direct that recruits should be instructed immediately after being inlisted. The recruiting officers will not be the proper persons to instruct. Officers stationed at the different rendezvouses must perform this duty.
Article XXXQuare whether this postponement of the bounty after the soldier joins his corps will not be a discouragement to the recruiting service?
Article XXXIIIlast clause. Will it not be useful that deserters in one district with descriptions of their persons should be reported to the superintending officers in all the other districts, to the end that they also may endeavour to apprehend & secure them?

July 28th.
The foregoing remarks comprise all the ideas which occurred on a cursory perusal of the Regulations. Several of them may not be well founded. Those least relied upon are upon Articles the V & XXI.

A H


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 6 August 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Trenton, August 6, 1798. On this date McHenry wrote to Hamilton “stating that he is indisposed and feverish, and told of the rejection of the nomination of W. S. Smith as adjutant general, and of the need that the appointments should be hastened.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 6 August 1798
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany August 6th 1798

I am not surprized My Dear Sir that you found much had not been done in the execution of the important Objects, for I have some time since perceived that Mr McHenry had not a mind sufficiently extensive & energetic to embrace & execute all the Objects incident to the war department, and I foresee that you will be under the necessity to direct the principle operations of that department, to avoid those embarrassments which must otherwise inevitably result from incompetency in the Officer, indeed I see no alternative, for I doubt much If a man of adequate abilities can be found properly to discharge the duties of an Office, on which so much depends, even should the present incumbent resign.
Who is to be quarter master General? and who commissary General? If these are not men of business, If they cannot form a system by which to conduct their departments, we shall experience all that confusion and waste which distressed and disgraced us in the revolutionary war. The President’s Ideas of the importance of these offices, is probably inadequate and with the best intentions he may be led to improper appointments, unless advice is interposed by those who are capable of affording it, and to whose recommendation he ought to yield.
The principles and spirit from which have emanated the addresses to the president, and that attention which has been paid him would not fail of affording him solid Satisfaction and yet not without some alloy perswaded as I was that every disaster which might befall the first executive would be deeply Injurious to my country in the present critical Juncture. I dreaded lest the injected Gaz should become so highly inflamable as to injure the upper works of the machine, but It is not surprizing that the Old Cock should be elated and Crow audibly for
“The Young disease which must prevail at length
“has grown with his growth, Strengthened with his strength.
A report Via Boston prevails, which advises that Tallerain is dismissed, and that we shall have no war. I hope the latter is unfounded for I feel that war with all its calamities, would be less Injurious to my country, than a peace which might be followed, and probably would be with the reintroduction of the pernicious and destructive principles which prevail in france.
Harmanus P. Schuyler a distant relation of mine, believes he could raise a company of foot, if he was honored with a commission. He has been long and is now a captain of Militia in the Albany regiment—is about thirty five years old, discreet and Sober, he has been a protegé and a pupil of mine in surveying. If ⟨a co⟩mmission can be Obtained for him, It would be pleasing to me. His politics are ⟨–⟩.
God bless you My Dear Sir, take care of your health for without It you cannot sustain the labours you decided to endure. Let my Children share with you in that tender affection which I feel with so much force. Ever Yours &ca.

P Schuyler
Hon: Genl Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [6 August 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

[New York, August 6, 1798]
My Dear Sir

You are probably apprised that in announcing to the General Officers their appointments, they are told that the emoluments are to be suspended until called into actual service and that as a consequence of this plan they are to remain inactive.
The project suits admirably my private arrangements, by leaving me to pursue in full extent my profession. But I believe it accords neither with the intention of the Individuals who framed the laws nor with the good of the service. It is impossible for McHenry to get through all that is now upon his hands in a manner honorable to himself—satisfactory to the public—or proportioned to the energy of the conjuncture. You will see by the inclosed that I have sacrificed my delicacy to my friendship & public zeal. I have heared nothing in reply. I thought it expedient that You and Colonel Pickering should understand in confidence the situation of things. Without a change of plan they will not go well and the Government and all concerned will be discredited.
Yrs. truly

            A Hamilton
            Aug 6th. 1798

            Shew this to Pickering

            O Wolcott Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Mangin, 7 August 1798
From: Mangin, Joseph
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, August 7, 1798.“L’orsque vous m’avez demandé les plans des Batteries de Newyork, J’ai pensé que c’etait pour les remettre au Colonnel Burr; c’est pourquoi Vous avez vu une Lettre à Son adresse, dans Laquelle Je donne quelques explications. J’ai prié un Monsieur que J’ai trouvé dans votre bureau, de Vous engager à ouvrir cette Lettre; ce matin J’ai eu L’honneur de passer Chez vous et comme Je l’ai trouvé cachettée, J’ai pensé qu’il etait de mon devoir de vous en donner L’extrait qui Suit. ‘J’ai L’honneur de vous remettre cyJoint les plans des 4 batteries qui S’executent dans ce moment à Newyork, elles Sont Situés Sur la planeire dans Leur raport respectifs et telles qu’elles Sont Sur le terrein; vous remarquerez egalement les plan, coupe et elevations d’un morceau de parapet qui donneront une Idée Juste de la Construction.…’”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, [8 August 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

[New York, August 8, 1798]
Dear Sir

Capt. Robert Hamilton, a first cousin of mine, is desirous of entering into our naval service. He is regularly bred to the sea which he has followed since he was fourteen years old. His opportunities have been of the best, among others that of voyages to the East Indies. I feel myself warranted in recommending him as an able well informed seaman—who adds to this qualification the sentiments of a Gentleman and a good moral character, intelligence and prudence. I verily believe he will be an acquisition to our navy and as I feel myself extremely interested in his success I shall esteem his appointment a personal favour to myself. He is now about Thirty years of age.
Were it not that he is a foreigner, I should think myself warranted to solicit for him the Commission of Captain, but under this disadvantage I ask for him that of first lieutenant. It is his intention to settle in the Country & become naturalized as soon as our laws permit. Being on the point of departing on a journy I can add no more than the repetition of a strong wish that he may be able to obtain this appointment.
With great respect & esteem   I have the honor to be   D Sr   Your Obed ser

A Hamilton
N York Aug 8. 1798
  The Secretary of the Marine


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 9 August 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

[Poughkeepsie, New York, August 9, 1798. On August 9, 1798, Hamilton wrote to his wife: “I have just written you by the Post.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 9 August 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamilton, Elizabeth

Poughkepsie [New York] Aug 9. 1798
My beloved Eliza

I have just written you by the Post. This will be brought by Robert, who from the heat of the sun has become sick & is to be left here to return by the first Vessel. Fearing the same effect upon me (for the heat is excessive) I have resolved to moderate my movements, which will unavoidably occasion delay. But my Betsey will prefer my staying somewhat longer to my seriously risking my health. The vessel passed West Point in the night—so that I shall have to make that visit on my return. Have patience my Angel & love me always as you have done.
God bless you prays always Yr. Affect

A.H


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 9 August 1798
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

(Private)
Phila. Aug 9. 1798
Dear Sir

Before I recd. your favour of the 6th. instant I had a plain conversation with Mr. McHenry and represented the necessity of having you called into service. It is unnecessary to repeat arguments—you must know their nature. The Presidents permission has been applied for by Mr. McHenry as I presumed—since his illness Colo. Pickering has reinforced the request.
You must my friend come on with the expectation of being Secy of War in fact. Mr. McH’s good sense, industry & virtues, are of no avail, without a certain address & skill in business which he has not & cannot acquire.
But before you begin inlisting men, let me I pray you request your attention to the state of the public Supplies, & to some plan for conducting the Department. Depend on it, that you can take nothing for granted in respect to the Military Department, and you with the rest of us will be disgraced if measures productive of much expence are adopted, without a previous system & some considerable reforms.
A division has taken place in the Comn for settling the claims of British Creditors under the Treaty from which I apprehend trouble, this is a subject upon which I shall wish to consult you.
I am Dr. Sir   yrs.

Oliv Wolcott.
A Hamilton Esqr

  The progress of sickness renders it probable that all the Offices, will be removed to Trenton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 August 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department10th Augst 1798
Sir,

I have written to the President lately, mentioning that the more I contemplated the detail of organizing the twelve regiments of Infantry to be raised, the more I perceived the difficulty of effecting it with a dispatch proportioned to the emergency, and the public expectation. That if the course is to be to concenter information in this department from all quarters of the United States then to digest an arrangement, to communicate it to him for his determination, to receive back that determination, and then to transmit the result to the parties, a great, an incalculable portion of time must be consumed. These reflections led me to submit to him the following propositions, (viz) That the arrangement for the four eastern states and vermont be made under his immediate direction commanding the aid, if necessary, of Major General Knox and Brigadier general Brooks who reside within those states. That the arrangements for New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey Deleware and Maryland be prepared by myself with the aid of the general officers within those states, for his final determination; and that Genl. Washington be requested to take charge of preparing the arrangements including the cavalry, for the states further south with the like aid of the general officers in that quarter subject also to the Presidents eventual determination.
That the distribution of the twelve regiments, for his purpose be four to be raised in the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont, four within the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Deleware, and Maryland and four within the states of Virginia Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia.
That should difficulties occur in completing the organisation collectively, it may be adviseable to permit it by regiments successively so as to enable me, to put into motion the recruiting service, as fast as possible.
After giving a summary view of the vast mass of details pressing upon my department and the impossibility of getting through them without competent assistance I also proposed to, and requested of the President to give me leave to call effectually to my aid the Inspector General and likewise General Knox, and to charge them with the management of particular branches of the service—stating that I had already taken the liberty to request the Inspector General to occupy himself in preparing, from materials furnished him, a system of Tactics and discipline. That it would be proper also, as incident to the office of Inspector General to charge him with superintending the recruiting service, and make him auxiliary in other ways to the business of this Department.
That Major General Knox, if I were permitted to call him to the seat of government would be extensively useful, especially in whatever relates to the Ordnance.
That this proposition involved an abandonment of the plan for suspending the emoluments of these officers—that they could not afford to give their time and attention to the public without compensation, neither ought it to be expected or required; that if this proposition was assented to it would make me extremely happy, not merely because the aid of these gentlemen would serve to lighten my burdens, or divide my responsibility but because, I am convinced, the subdivisions of the great objects intrusted to me, among such competent assistants, is necessary to facilitate their prompt execution; and cannot but, promote the public service.
As I persuade myself, Sir, the President will accede to the last proposition and afford me the aid of your abilities; allow me to request you will hold yourself in readiness to take your station at Trenton, to which place the public offices will be removed on account of the prevailing epidemic at the seat of Government.
I have been confined for sometime by a bilious complaint but am now recovering, and expect in a few days to return to business as heretofore.
I am, Sir, with great respect   Your most Obd Hb Sevt

James McHenry
Alexr. Hamilton EsqrInspector General of thearmies of the United States


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 August 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department 11th. August 1798.
Sir,

I have just recieved a letter (of which the enclosed is a Copy) dated the 5th. instant from General Knox.

I request you will attentively consider, the subject of it; and favour me with your opinion thereon.
I am Sir,   with great respect   your obedt. hble servant

James McHenry
Genl. Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 12 August 1798
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Witmold-Holstein August the 12th 1798

Your Letter of the 28th April Has Safely Come to Hand, My dear Hamilton. The Intelligence Respecting Beaumarchais’s affair Has Been Communicated to dumas. His Answer I Have Not Yet Received, But Can Anticipate His Hearty Thanks for your Interest in His Behalf, at the Same time that you most Affectionately Speak of the Kind Reception which awaits me in America, you Cannot, Says you, in the present Circumstances urge me to Hasten My Arrival. indeed, my dear friend it Has Already Been in Spite of my Wishes too long differed. as Soon as I Was Set at liberty I Would Have gone on Board, Had not the Health of My wife Made it impossible for Her to Embark, and for me to leave Her. I Have Been thus detained Untill she was able to Move, at Least By Land, and then it Became Necessary for Her and our Daughters to Make a journey to france where to Settle Her Affairs She must Reside for a few months. I have thought of Setting out with Georges to wait for them On American Ground—But Before I dispose of Myself, and Besides the Considerations on Which your Advice is founded, I expect to Hear of the State of Her Health after Such a fatigue, and of Some Private Arrangements in Which My Opinion May be Wanted. May I Receive also the Hope of a Better Understanding Between the United States and the french Government.
You Know that altho My Love to My Native Country is Unabated, the Measures of her Actual Governors Have been Generally Repugnant to My Sentiments, nor Can You Notwithstanding My obligations to Some of them for our Release, Consider me as their personal friend. You also know that the independence, dignity, and Happiness of the United States are to No Man dearer than to Me. it ought therefore to Have Some Weight with You that I Now, as far as total and political distance Enables me to judge, think Myself Warranted to Have a Better Opinion of the disposition of the directory in this Business. in Such a Case, My dear Friend, at a time when No power On the European Continent can Resist them, I think it Consistent With the Honour and interest of the United States to Meet the french Republic Half Way—Nor Can I, ever, and still less after Your declarations to me, so far Reflect on Some of My Best friends as to Suppose that Any thing like party Spirit, prejudice, or private pique Can at this Momentous period influence their Conduct. Let America when ill treated Unanimously Assert Her dignity and Her Rights. But should the Hand of a friend, who Has no former pretension to Regret or Retrieve, Be Sincerely Held to Her, I fondly Hope Both Parties in America Will Unite to forward a Reconciliation With Her first ally.
As You Have Alluded to a difference in our Opinions Respecting the Revolution of Europe I shall take it up to the time when, According to what I Had often foretold You, I Engaged in that Affair, down to the Events of the 10 of August Wherein, not-wi[th]standing the Offers of a Successful faction it Has Been my duty to Stand or fall By My Constitutional oath.
in the Passionate Love of Liberty which Brought me to America there were the proper Requisites to Espouse her democratic System of Republicanism. While I was impressed with the dangers of British Roïalty and Aristocraty, and Aknowledged the deficiencies in our first Experiments, I lately Came to think that the Science of Social Representative Organisation Had Not Been fairly Explored and to Wish it Might Have an Universal trial—its first principles, However, were to me indubitable. This fundamental doctrine of the Rights of Men and Citizens, Reduced to what I thought Necessary and Sufficient was proclaimed on the 11th july 1789 in an Assembly Surrounded with Roïal troops, and after the National Triumph of the 14th, a Civil Militia was Organized as an Over Match for the Standing Armies of Europe.

Soon after Every Antic Abuses, Every Hereditary Claims were no More. Yet an Hereditary presidency of the Executive was given to the Roïal family, and So Consonant it was to the will of the people, the opinion of their Representatives, and the Circumstances of those times, that in June 1791 the Almost Unanimity of our Constituant Assembly, However displeased they were with the fugitive king, Had Rather Replace Him on the Constitutional Throne than to Complete a Republican Government. But the Extent of British prerogative was deemed inadmissible, the more So on Account of our Military Situation, and should Any thing short of that Cease to Be a Monarchy, or Gradually Lead to an elective Governement, this was thought a Lesser inconvenience than if it Had Been Wound Up to an Encroachment on the Rights of National Sovereignty, or the Liberties of the Citizens. On this footing, Amidst popular Storms, factions intrigues, foreign Machinations, a Constitution was freely Made, and freely adopted by the Nation. It was defective indeed, But Not inconsistent with the Natural and Social Rights of Men—it Had within itself Legal and Easy Means of Melioration.
Against that Constitution the old Governements did Coalesce—to them as much as to the jacobins its overthrow was owing. Hitherto Excesses, too often Unpunished, Had Not Been Official. But When Anarchy and Assassination Had Crushed Honest patriotism the Views of the Kings were So far Answered as it damped the Spirit of imitation. their Expectations of Victory were Nevertheless disappointed—National Guards disarmed within Even on the frontiers Set upon them and With their irresistible Strength fought for National independence. there was nothing in the three first years But the Empty Name of a Republic Sullied by tyrannical Bloody Madness—to this Succeeded the Republican Constitution which Has Been on the 18th fructidor Avowdly Violated, nor Do I pretend that france Now Enjoys a State of freedom. But altho’ our first Constitutional act, and the one of the third Year, Better in Many respects (among which a division in two Houses is a Great Improvement) are By me Reckoned as Secondary objects when Compared to the importance of the fundamental doctrine, I am persuaded that the establishment of liberty in france, and in the other Countries, Can be Better Consolidated on the Basis of Elective Governements than on that of Hereditary presidencies. this Opinion does not arise only from my Republican Inclinations—But also from the Situation of Men and things. it has Been Adopted by Many Monarchical patriots who Confess that if french Roïalty was Now Raised from the dead, there Would Be more trouble to know who is the Man, what powers He is to Ask, or ought to Have, than the thing is worth. and while they start at the Stupid Ambition of the pretension in Rank, at the distortions attending Any other Choice in Aid One of that family; at the desperate Combination it would produce Among the destroïers of the Constitutional throne, why should not I, an old friend to the American principles of Equality Gladly Aknowledge the present impolicy to Reestablish an Hereditary Magistracy which at a former period it Has Been illegal and impolitic to destroy, But for the eternity of which we Had Not By far Vouched? Why should Not I Hope that Elective Governements May, with a Variety of forms But a Similarity of principles, Be So well Combined, and the Better So When the European Revolution is Compleated, as Can Answer the purposes of Social and Virtuous Liberty? is it indispensable to Be free, to Have a King? is this necessity inherent to a large and populous country? Untill proper Experiments Have Been Made, I think it is Not—and while for the undertaking that Experiment an Enormous, useles, and Ever to be lamented price Has Been Paid in Y2 and the following Years, while Amidst the Revolutionary Excesses of Anarchy and despotism, and Amidst the personal diffidences or disgusts Arising from them, No fair and free trial as Yet, in Europe, Been Given to democratic Representative Republicanism, I firmly Believe, Besides My Own Confessed Inclinations, that the Restoration of that Liberty which Has Been Nipped in the Bud, Her Establishment throughout this Continent Ought Rather to Be Conducted on American principles than After the British fashion—the More So as an House of peers, an UnRepresentative Representation, and an English prerogative with the Additional force of a french Army would Suit No Numerous party in france—and Supposing that System to be Radically altered there would Be as Much Experimental Uncertainty in it, as in a firm well poised Republican Constitution.
But there is too much of politics, my dear Hamilton; Not that I pretend that in Such a Matter friends who Have Made Up their minds Can persuade Each other. My only wish Has Been to Mention the Motives upon Which My Conduct Has Been founded.
I most Heartily thank you for the warm and Affectionate Manner in which You Express the Kind dispositions of America in my Behalf and Your own feelings on the Occasion. I am Sensible of My obligations to that Beloved Country the welfare of which I would Ever Be ready to purchase with the last drop of My Blood. I am Happy and proud of the Sentiments which Her Virtuous and Steady Inhabitants Have uniformly produced to Me—and for My More intimate Companions, particularly for you, my dear Hamilton, I Hope you know that our former friendship Has Been in My Heart Unaltered, and that from the Early times Which Have Linked our Brotherly Union to the last Moment of my Life I shall Ever be
Your affectionate friend

Lafayette

My most affectionate Respects wait on Mrs Hamilton, my dear friend Mrs Church and your two families. Remember me Most Gratefully and friendly to Mr Church. My son presents his grateful Respects to you all. My best Compliments to genl Schuyler and our other friends. My wife Had, on the day of her departure, the pleasure to Receive a most Agreeable letter from Mrs Church.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 15 August 1798
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Confidential
London Augt. 15. 1798.
Dear Sir,

Tho’ I have very great confidence in the integrity of my Agent Mr Low, I Consider it to be a measure of prudence to be attentive to the Security of my property in his hands: I don’t know that he is much connected in any of those Speculations which too many of our friends have gone into, nor have I any reason to suppose him engaged in any business of hazard. Still I have concluded to request you to keep an eye upon him and his affairs, and to consider yourself invested with the same powers that I possess for the security of my property in his possession. His Connection with me is a simple agency for the receit of annuities, and the reinvestment of any Capital Sum that may be paid to him by the choice of the Debtor or recovered in cases where the Debt had become insecure and for this Service he receives a fixed Commission.
I think I can safely ask of you this token of friendship, and I shall feel more secure in the belief that you will not be unmindful of this request.
With perfect esteem &c

RK.
Col. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Francisco de Miranda, 17 August 1798
From: Miranda, Francisco de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

à Londres ce 17—Aoust 1798.

Voi-ci mon tres cher ami, la Copie d’une Lettre que j’ai eû l’honneur de vous ecrir il y-a quelque tems, et dont j’atends la reponse avec impatience. C’est l’objet le plus grand et le plus glorieux qui s’est jamais presenté dans ce monde ici. Ils nous apartient de gagner l’estime de la posteritée en faisant sont bonheur; ou sa haine en laissant echapper un evenement aussi avantageux, dans le plus favorable moment possible!
Mr. King vous dira tout le reste, et plus.
à Dieu   yours allways

Miranda.
A. Hamilton Esqe.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 17 August 1798
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany August 17th 1798
My Dear Sir

Since you left this, Governor Jay called on me, regretted that he had not had an opportunity of conversing with you, as he wished to have proposed to you to take the Superintendance of the fortifications at NYork should the Legislature make provision for those works. I observed that as Inspector to the Army, It would interfere with the duties of that office; and that the president or General Washington might require your attendance elsewhere; he said he would try to obtain their sanction. If you would undertake the superintendance, that It was not his intention that you should be embarrassed with Accounts, that proper persons would be appointed for that purpose and Such other agents employed to carry your orders into execution, as you should deem necessary. Your taking this business under your direction would doubtless be very beneficial to the community, but the difficulty of erecting efficient works to secure the city & port against a formidable attack from an enemy, unless more money was expended than will probably be appropriated by the Legislature, may put the character of the superintendant in risk, and faults imputed where in fact there were none. This is one point of view In which I have contemplated the Governors intention; on the other hand should the Offer be made you, and you decline, the Citizens may think hard of It. I mention this subject that you may have leisure to reflect on It, before you hear from the Governor.
Much diversity of Opinion prevails as to whom are to be the Candidates for the vacant seat of senator in Congress. I believe It will lay between Mr. James Watson and Mr John Tayler of this city, few If any of our friends like the latter, and many of them are averse to the former, and yet they cannot agree upon another—hence I apprehend that Tayler will prevail. Mr Leonard Gansevoort wanted his brother to be sent, and this has created much confusion in the feoderal part of the Legislature.
I have been less afflicted with pain since you left us than whilst you were here. I hope you did ⟨not⟩ suffer from the heavy rain which ⟨fell⟩ during your Journey to Salsbury, and that you Enjoy better health than when here. We all Join in love to you My Dear Eliza, the Children and all friends.
Please to Inform Mr Church that My Angelica embarks tomorrow. I have had so much writing to do, and am Still so engaged that I cannot write him by this Mail. God bless You My Dear Sir
I am Ever yours   most affectionately

Ph: Schuyler
Honl Genl. Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York August 19th 1798
Sir

An absence from the City, upon some urgent avocations, prevented my receiving ’till yesterday your letters of the 10th & 11th instant.
I observe the suggestion which you have made to the President, towards calling General Knox and myself into immediate service. If he shall approve, I stand ready to execute in the best manner I shall be able, whatever business, may be confided to me. But I must earnestly hope, that it will not be attended with the necessity of an immediate change of residence. The nature of my arrangements would render this absolutely ruinous to me; and I trust that I shall not be reduced to such an alternative, unless events portending public danger shall ripen faster than according to present appearances they are likely to do. I do not object to a frequent attendance at the seat of Government, for this can be reconciled with my other engagements till they can be gradually prepared for a total relinquishment and a new position. With this, I am satisfied every desireable end can be obtained, especially when the promptness of communication between this place & the seat of Government is considered. Be assured that none but very imperious motives could induce this hesitation on my part. In accepting the appointment I did not contemplate, ⟨as pr⟩obable, a speedy dislocation of residence.
The tenor of General ⟨K⟩nox’s letter transmitted by you and now returne⟨d,⟩ occasions to me no small regret and embarrassment. My esteem and friendship for that Gentleman w⟨ou⟩ld lead me far; but there is a very great difficulty in waving a station, to which I am well convinced I have been called no less by the public voice of the Country than by the acts of the Commander in Chief and of the President and Senate. The intention as to the relative grades of the officers appointed is presumed to be unequivocal. It is believed that the rule to which General Knox refers can have no application to the case of the formation of a new army, at a new epoch—embracing officers not previously in actual service. It was not a permanent provision of law, but a regulation adapted to the peculiar circumstances of the late army, and governing as far as I recollect only in the cases of promotions from lower subsisting grades to higher ones. At the same time, it is very delicate for me to give an opinion in a matter in which I am so personally interested.
I send you back the list of applications which you transmitted to me with remarks and with the addition of names. It has been in my power to do little as to candidates in any state but New York. I have supposed that you have had recourse to better sources of information as to others.

With great respect & esteem   I have the honor to be Sir   Your very Obedient servant

Alexander Hamilton

P.S. The list cannot be copied for this Post. It will go tomorrow.

The Secretary at War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 August 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

(private)
New York August 19. 1798
My Dear Sir

I write you herewith an official letter. Your private one of the 13th is before me. I regret that you have been unwell and rejoice that you are better.
The affair of General Knox perplexes me. I wish him to serve. I am pained to occasion to him pain, for I have truly a warm side for him, and a high value for his merits. But my judgment tells me, and all I consult confirm it, that I cannot reasonably postpone myself in a case in which a preference so important to the public in its present and future consequences has been given me. In denominating the preference important, I do not intend to judge whether it be well or ill founded. In either case its tendency is important. I am willing to confer—to adjust amicably with the advice of mutual friends, but how can I abandon my pretension?
At foot, My Dear Sir, I transmit you the draft of such a reply as it seems to me proper for you to make to General Knox. It may also be well for you in a private letter to advise him to accept with a reservation of his claim ad referendum upon the ground of the rule he quotes and with the understanding that it will not be understood to engage him to continue if the matter be not finally settled according to his claim.
Adieu, My Dear Sir,   Yours very truly,

A Hamilton


Title: Enclosure: James McHenry to Henry Knox, [19 August 1798]
From: McHenry, James,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Knox, Henry

Sir

An answer to your letter of the 5th instant has been delayed by some degree of ill health on my part.
The general disposition it marks accords with the patriotic sentiments you have so consistently manifested. It is extremely regretted that any circumstance should induce you to hesitate about the acceptance of an appointment in which it is not to be doubted your services would be eminently useful.
The paragraph of my former letter which you quote explains to you my conception of the relative ranks of the Generals in question as resulting from the order of the nominations & appointments. This conception however cannot affect the claim of either, if there be any subsisting binding rule in our military code which will arrange the priority of Rank between Officers nominated on the same day according to their relative stations in the late army. This will naturally be the subject of some future decision in some proper mode. It is not understood that there has been any formal appeal of the rule to which you allude.
It remains then for you to determine whether you will or not accept the appointment with the reservation of a claim to the benefit of that Rule.
With great &c.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Matthew Clarkson, 20 August 1798
From: Clarkson, Matthew
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, August 20, 1798. “I have reflected maturely on our conversation of yesterday. The result is, as far as I can with propriety I decline, at present, any military appointment. The duty I owe my Family seems to demand this of me, nor can I believe I give too great weight to this consideration when I consider the very small probability there is of any serious military operations taking place in this Country and the real injury I should sustain by being called from my present pursuits.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 20 August 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

New York August 20. 1798
My Dear Sir

A necessary absence from this City prevented the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant till yesterday. It is very grateful to me to discover in each succeeding occurrence a new mark of your friendship towards me. Time will evince that it makes the impression it ought on my mind.
The effect which the course of the late military appointments has produced on General Knox though not very unexpected is very painful to me. I have a respectful sense of his pretensions as an officer—and I have a warm personal regard for him. My embarrassment is not inconsiderable between these sentiments, and what I owe to a reasonable conduct on my own part, both in respect to myself and to the public. It is a fact that a number of the most influential men in our affairs would think that in waving the preference given to me I acted a weak part in a personal view and an unwarrantable one in a public view. And General Knox is much mistaken if he does not believe that this sentiment would emphatically prevail in that Region, to which he supposes his character most interesting. I mean New England.
Yet, My Dear Sir, I can never consent to see you seriously compromitted or embarrassed. I shall chearfully place myself in your disposal, and facilitate any arrangement you may think for the general good. It does not however seem necessary to precipitate any thing. It may be well to see first what part General Pinckney will act when he arrives.
The Secretary at War has sent me a copy of General Knox’s letter to him on the subject of his appointment. It does not absolutely decline, but implies the intention to do it, unless a rule of the late army giving, in cases of promotions on the same day, priority according to former relative rank is understood to govern. I have advised a reply of which a copy is inclosed.
The Commissions have issued so that no alteration can be now made as between Generals Knox and Pinckney—if there were not the serious difficulties in the way which you seem to have anticipated.
The Secretary at War has proposed to the President a change of the plan announced in the first instance—which may bring into immediate activity the Inspector General and General Knox. In this case you may depend on the best efforts in my power with a peculiar attention to the objects you mention and you shall be carefully and fully advised of whatever it interests you to know.

Col Walker resides at present in the Western parts of the State. He is occupied in some important agencies for persons abroad which render it doubtful whether he would now accept military employment. He has been written to and will be proposed for the command of a Regiment. Heth is in many respects very desireable in the capacity you mention. But you are I presume aware of the impracticability of his temper. With the most respectful & affectionate attachment I have the honor to remain
My Dear General   Yr. very obed servt

A Hamilton
General Washington

The papers sent by you are now returned.


Title: Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from New York, [21 August 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Subalterns

1
Nathaniel PauldingWest Chester
would prefer Artillery

Mr. Hale refers to me speaks hyhly
A

probably a good Lieutantnt AH

2
John Treat Irving
would prefer Artillery
B

Mr. Hale

3
Timothy ShalorAlbany County

H Glen
}
fit for an appointment

D Brooks

van Allen

Cochran

Unworthy AH

J V Renss—has been confidential clerk & desires employt.

J Robinson knows him & from his abilities will give satisfaction

5
Cornelius C Van AllenCity of NY
formerly attached to French but now renounces

recommended by Delegate of NY
B

politics not good otherwise of fair character—expedient to make him lieutenant AH

Cortlandt

10

Garret Hallenback
}

  Nicholus HiltonAlbany

Judge Taylor reputed to be a sober clever fellow well lookg would make a good off
Ensign

11

Hilton of good reputation

sons of Mechanics probably tolerable Ensigns AH

16
Volckert Douw Jun
van Vechten
good Ensign AH

17
Samuel B BerrySaratoga24 years
van Vechten
Good EnsignAH

21
William Elseworthof City of NY
H Wyncoop (his uncle) recommends him

22
Zenas Washboneprobably Otsego County
Jacob Morris—useful recruiting officer

27
Francis DrakeWest Chesterbred to the lawLetter well enough
P.Van Cortlandt recommends him

probably good Ensign   AH

perhaps Lt   AH

prefers artillery

29
Walter B VroomanSchenectadyAlbany C
Tenbroeck activity make & Lush appearance fit him Glen for appoint
will take an Ensign

Doctor Stringer handsome well built fellow

30
Thomas W WilliamOntarioLetter well enough
Sedgwick—has heared a good character of his Uncle which he believes

37
Richard L Walkerunworthy & a Jacobin—AH
recon by E Livingston
bad company

Wortman good moral character

J Nicholson—deserving officer

35
John Shipboyprobably ColumbiaUnworthy—AH
Lt of Artillery

Marines

E Gilbert—well calculated for such a place

J Van Renss—worthy

36
Richard BaldwinCity of New YorkGood Ensign AH
any officeJ WilliamsCochranvan Allen

39
John H CarrN York
Letter good hand writing & otherwise well
probably good Ensign AH

young man
A Giles—good character no doubt he will make a good officer

Wm Armstrong—few men better qualified Lt in Cavalry

40
Samuel HoffmanColumbia

E Livingston
}
prably good Ensign AH

Ph L Hoffman

42
Joseph C CooperN York19 years oldStudy of law
LieutenancyCooper—BrotherW North of good character & abilities active & GentlemanlikeCochran—

44
Andrew Van WoortAlbany
E Benson unexceptionable character

23 years old
J Law

good Ensign perhapt Lieut. AH.

45
Alexander McComb Junr.
letter well written

N York
J. Laurance sprightly young man

17 years oldgood Ensign AH
J Morton few young men better qualified for Ensigncy spirited & deserving

48
Wm. B. PetersNiagara24 years old

Rivardi
}
Letters to Secy at War not produced

Bruff

Connecticut man for 2 years past British Lt. resigned
Lieutenancy in artillery or in infantry or horse

56
R B BattN York
Prior came from Ireland several years since—honest industrious & worthy man

Employers speak well of him

57
William WinstanlyN YorkAn Englishman 10 years resident
Lively

59
Henry W. LudlowN York
good family education & character

good Lieut.   AH

61
George T Harrison

N Yorkyoung man probably 19
good Lieut   AH

65
James GriffithsN York
a pretty good young man

66
Frederick N Hudson

Columbia now N Yorknow an Atty at law
good Lt   AH

68
Volckert P van Rensselaer

first Lt.
}

second Lt.

good Lt

Jeremiah H Van Rensselaer
good Ensign AH

74
James Smith
Capt or Lieut

N YorkAtty at law
Colonel Smith his brother for Capt or Lieut

79
John KnollRensselaer
Nath Ogden Active smart man in prime of life

80
Peter van AntwerpCoyemans
Nath D Ogden young man of sufficient ability for subaltern

about 20 & a military penchant

McCarty Bryan von Antwerp North
}
pledge themselves for him

Lieutenants

81
Thomas KellyOtsegoservice of his Country last war
offers his service as he says on disinterested ground

83
Alsop HuntTroy   Rensselaer County
Richard B Morris—recommendsGeneral Hughes Young Gentleman of respectable character & familyValentine Morris

85
Thomas Wooster
wishes to serve his Country once more

87
John TerrilN Yorkwrites a good hand
Lt of ArtilleryJ Morton—fair character talents for drawing & infantry
deserving will accept Lty in infantry AH

Lt

92
Barent J GoesKinderhook
well qualified to fill with honor to the UStates his father said

Columbia

General Schuyler
}
respectable

P Silvester &c

93
Arent S De PeysterCity of New York
Low recommended him

94
John Bentley
School Master in Stephen Town

Stephen Town Rensselar County
Van Allen

served three years as Corporal in a Western Regiment & with reputation

94
William Torry

102
John DuerN York16 or 17

103
William Monetonsergeant Major last war
General Schuyler promoted him to the command of an armed Vessel afterwards, Capt in Warners Regt. till 1782.

105
Ehanar W WheelerDutchess 34
Samuel Cooper Young Genztleman of Liberal Education abilities & address

S A Barker army
}
Unfortunate business but of irreproachable Charm

106
Thomas ThompsonOrange County23 years a lawyer
Thomas Cooper good family unexceptionable charactergood Cornet or Ensign AH

107
John C CooperDutchess20 yearsStudent of Physic
T Cooper Young Gentleman of good Character distant relationprobably good Ensign AH

108
Obed GridleyColumbia soldier
* men of good moral characterTenbroeck acquainted with Tactics

109
Jesse MathewsColumbiaorderly sergeans
do  do  do

110

George Shepherd
}

Jacob C Ten Eyck*

John Willard

George McKinstry

Jacob Mancius*

Gershon NorthNew York 24

* Mantius & Ten Eyck probably good Ensigns AH

111

112

113
Recommended General for Lts

114

118

119
Jonathan Thorn*Schenectady Albany
Witmore Clergyman recommends

Col North
}
Thorns appearance in his favour Young

North his nephew

Joseph C Yates respectable parentageauthority Glen

123
Paul Stickney Herkimer

Myers
}
highly recommended to himbelieves they are men of IntegrityGovernor Jay—nothing

Myers

Myers

Myers

124
Daniel Stevens Herkimer

125
Daniel Potter Herkimer

126
Jeremiah Sherwood Herkimer

Captains

127
Rensselaer SchuylerSaratoga26 years oldnow Cornet & Lieutenant
Governor Jay   fond of CavalryG Schuyler

131
Jeremiah Landon
probably good Capt  AH

135
Frederick A De ZengAlbany
respectable Capt  AH

136
Warren DelanceyCap West Chester
probably good Capt AHformerly British Lt  AH

143
Andrew Whiteserved last war
worthy of a Captaincy  AH

Lts

149
William Yates

Henry Glen
}
recommended him strongly as Lt of Artillery

Laurance

Gilbert

LoudonNY
recomd. by J Morton

Capt

William Moulton 4Rensslaer CountyFormerly subaltern & Capt

Glen
}
no personal acquaintance but from respectability of Wendell doubt not his fitness

Brooks

van Allen

Cochran

unworthyAH

Capt
Col Wendell—officer in new leviesLt Gov Rensselaer vaguelyMoses Vail served his Country well & is a deserving character

6
Gerret J StaatsAlbanyLt. last Revolutionary War

Delegation of New York
}
Bore the reputation of a good Officer deserving of a Captaincy

unworthy AH

47 or 48    ☞strong hale & activeMajor of Militia
J V Rensselaer—resigned in 80 now reduced to a low ebb his character unimpeached—served with reputation

Lt Gov van Rensselaer—Reputation & experience will insure him an appointment

A van Vechten—Reputation of a good officer in C. Army

7
Ephran Hunt
No recommendation appears
unworthy AH

Albanyin H Jacksons Regt Officer in late War now Brigade Major
North is referred to he says hes now sergeant at Arms in which Capacity he will do best

9
G W KirklandHerkeman County

G Jayv Horne
}
speaks favourably but bankrupt excellent parade officer faculty of conciliating

North & Brees
}

probably good Captain AH A

M Meyer—zealous excellent disciplinarian found of Military employ

North better for military life than any other

J Platt—military genius—head & heart fitted for soldier

B Walker—thinks he will make an active enterprising Officer

82
John BleekerAlbanySee No. 9 letter
Lt Govr. man of property & good fellow personally acquainted & recommendpretty well as Capt   AH
B

12
Wilhelmus RickmanLt in late War
Jacob Cuylerwill accept a Lieutenacy fair & honorable serviceWendell—behaved as an Officer & Gentl
unworthy AH

13
Prosper Brownhis own letter very well
will probably accept an Ensigncymyself—of good appearance & probably would make a good Officer
good Subaltern EnsignA

written under signature of C Grindeson

Gordon
}
speak well

Schoonoven

N Chipman

Christopher Backus City of NY
S Jones Jun well calculated for captaincy

C Backus fœderal & Gentlemanlike Brother in law of G Trumballprobably good Lieutenant   AH
B

23
John McDougall LauranceCity of N YorkLawyer
son of Judge Laurance good Lieutenant AH
B for Capt A Lt   AH

24
Robert Heaton JunWest Chester County
Judge Laurance   sensible well informed Young Gentleman—thinks he will do wellprobably good Captain   AH
B

28.
William ScudderN York49 Years
General Cortlandt—esteemed him a good Officer last War
XAH

Captains

32
William CoxeCity of N York

North
}
tolerably well

Cochran

Lieutenant

Practice of lawnow Captain of Mili
D McCormick   augurs well of his military capacity of good character & abilities
AAH

J Morton good moral character & would make a good Officer

33
A A RutgersNew York

Wm Cochran
}
prefer Cavalry Judge Laurance thinks he would make an active & useful Officer

Livingston

J Laurance

unworthy AH

G & Kemble—son in law of Hugh Gane

Cochran

E Livingston

34
Harmanus P SchuylerAlbany28 about 30 yearsnow Capt of a Company of MilitiaWebster—classical education

G Jay—believes he will make a good
}
probably good Captain AHA

Ab. Van Vechten—brother in law—will acquit himself well

Hale
}

Schuyler

S V Rensselaer—good morals & education—will engage for him

Mathematician & Draftsman van Ingen

Hale correct surveyor—faithful Clerk in the Bank

38
Fitch Hall
no office

Col
Otis &c from personal knowlege say he will make an active able & brave Officer probably respectable Captain AH
B

41
Adrian KissamN York
Hoffman Atty   good family education & character
probably good

35Atty at law
G Clarkson—probably enterprising & good Officer
Capt AH

G Jay—fit for the officer
A

17
John WhiteLansingburghnow sergeant
Captaincy in corps of ArtilleryKeating—well worthy of it AH
X

49
Rowland Cottonprobably Cherry Valley38 years

J White man of handsome talents character
}
AH

North says white is a man of respectability
Qr

served last war with reputationhas had a Captains Commission

51
Moses FosterTroy Rensselaer
G Jay Recommendations merit confidence Gentlemanlike appearance character well deserving of Captaincy now Captain of Militia—ambition
B CaptA Lt

Dole & others

van Allen supprs

52
Abraham LivingstonAlbanyCapt in Revolutionary War   Qr
G Jay—does not know his characterhis uncle Tenbroeck speaks well of himLt Gov Renselaer generally
X

E Gilbert character age & activity—fit
AH

53
Jeremiah Haxton

35 years
same—Capt of Cavalry

54
Isaac J van Vleck*25 yearsKinderhook
van Allen—good family fairVan Vleck character activity & educationHaxton fair character
C

55
John W Patterson

His family Columbiaabout 22Student of law
probably good Captain AH
B

60
Caleb BrewsterCapt of Artillery late war
applies for Captaincy of Artillery

64
Casimer S H GoerckCity of N York
provisional army asks for Capt of Engineers in service of Prince of Hesse last war as Lt of Artillery

now City of surveyor served

68
Philip Church
recommended by AH
A

71
Micah HartSuffolk Countywas Capt in armynow Cap of Militia & Magistrate
Silas Wood—merely describes him
X

72
Moses Blakely

Suffolk Countynow Capt of Milia
No recommendation refers to J Morton
X

73
Justus B SmithOtsego orOntario
Col Smith brother recomhardy enterprising Gent
B

75
Robert Heaton
writes a good hand & well

West Chester
speaks of Judge Laurance
B

Atty at law
Col Smith—Young Gentleman of liberal education & good character
Lt

78
Stephen HaynesCoeyman Columbia or Rensselaer
Nathaniel D Ogden firm friends active smart men in prime of life
C

97
Abraham FowlerN York
General Hughes will do justice to any Company appt

native of West Chester County
Col Smith—prudent sensible Gentleman who enjoys the esteem of his acquaintance will acquit himself well
C

101
Thomas Trusdale

If William Moulton unworthy AH
}

103
William Monetonsergeant Major

General Schuyler Sergeant Major promoted him to the command of an armed Vessel afterwards Capt in Warners Regt
X

104
Osborn ParsonsScipio Onondaga Countyserved last war

Phelps
}
Members of Assembly

Richardson*
man of probity & strict morality & worthy of Capts Commission

Payne
* Gentlemanly behaviour

C

117
Gouverneur OgdenCity of New York
Abijah Hammond   Young Gentleman of good education & correct principles Lt
A

120
William CummingsHerkimer4 years last war as non Commissioned Officer

Michael Meyers to G Jay
}
man of good moral character & respectability

perhaps Ensign

C

121
William LappingHerkimer
Myers excellent education & friend to Government Lt
C

122
Asa WayHerkimer
Meyers highly recommended to him C Lt

☞ All that Follow Lts

129
Wm. M Thompson
Cornet or Ensigngood AH
A

Wm Neilson
very good Lieutenant AH
A

130
Robert LeRoy LivingstonManor
Lieutenant eligible   AH
A

132
William W Wands
Ltgood Ensign AH
A

133
Garret De BowN York
Tolerable Ensign   AH.
C

134
Joseph Kellogg
good Lieutenant   AH
B

137
Nicholas R Kirby
good Ensign perhaps Lt   AH
B

138
William A GilesNew York

good Ensign
}
AH

rather young

A

140
David Jones
good Lt   AH
A

141
Philip S. Schuyler
nephew of General Schuyler good Lieutenant   AH
A

142
William Gilliland
good Lieutenant   AH
A

144
Samuel Youngs   Lt
probably good Lt   AH
B

145
Thomas Ustick
good Lt   AH
A

146
Philip Cortlandt

Captains Continued

73
Justus B Smith
Otsego

78
Stephen Haynes
Coeyman Columbia or Rensselaer
2

Jeremiah Landon

1 Qr

121
William Lapping
Herkimer
Meyers

1
Andrew White Lt

1

105
Elhanon W Wheeler

34
Dutchess
1 - 2

Christopher Backus
NY
1. 2

Robert Heaton Jun
West Ches
1

Moses Foster
Troy
1

Jeremiah Haxton
Kinderhood
1

John Mc.Dougall Laurance
NY
1

William Coxe
NY
1 - 2

Rowland Colton
Cherry Valley
3

Lt col & majors

Michael G HoudinAlbanycapt in Massachusetts line upwards of 60
formerly in Hazens Regiment worthy man but too old & infirm   AH

15
Douw J Fondey
will only accept Majority

Saratoga CountyLt in old armyMajor in Militia

Van Vechten
}
military qualifications Attachment to the Governt
}
well intitled to a Captaincy AH

Sam B Bery

Sidney Bery

Governor Jay

Lt Gov Renselaer

Philip Schuyler

20
Bazaleel HoweCity of New York
writes ill

formerly an Officer in the army
not fit   AH

was in the Western army

26
John KeatingRensselaer County
for a Regimentcommands a Company of Artillerywould accept a MajorityDelegation of NY
Unworthy AH

150
James BennetCoyemensLt & Adjutant in late warRegt. of Militia
Nathaniel D Ogden See letter 78 & 79speaks well of him

William S SmithNew York
Candidate for a Commission in the 12 RegimentsOfficers   remained two of Election   hours in silence

19
Abijah HammondNYLt last War

Benjamin Walker

William TorreyCity of New YorkLt. in late army
no recommendation

99
William ShepherdEnsign & Adjutant last Warnow a Commission of Major under Massa
General Shepherd (his son) honest faithful would not wish to enter under rank of field officer

100
Palmer KadyLt last WarCaptain in late army now Major of Militia
General H Livingston Good Major if one appointed out of his Brigade

115
William Armstrong

116
Cristopher Hutton

147
Solomon Van Renssealernow eldest Capt of Dragoons
General Schuler prudence sobriety integrity & patriotismGov Jay strongly recomms

William Wilcox

Theodosius Fowler

Applicants Whose Names Were Transmitted by the Secretary at War

Nathaniel Pauding
Probably a good Lieutenant

John Treat Irving
Unknown

Timothy Shaler
Unworthy

William Moulton
Unworthy

Cornelius C Van Allen
Politics not good otherwise of fair character—expedient on the whole to make him Lieutenant

Garret J Staats
Unworthy

Ephraim Hunt
Same

Michael G Howdin
A deserving man but too old and infirm for active military service.

Kirkland
Unknown

Gerret Hellenback
}

Nicholas Hilton

sons of Mechanics probably tolerable Ensigns

Wilhelmus Ryckman
Unworthy

Prosper Brown
}

John Cuyler (surgeon)

Unknown

Dowe J Fonda
* Ensign and Adjutant last war—well intitled to a Captaincy—looks to a Majority

Volkert Dow
}

Samuel B Berry

* good second Lieutenant* The same

Christopher Backus
Brother in law of Governor Trumball—probably a good first Lieutenant

Bezaleel Howe
has been a Major in the army & looks to it again—is believed to be not fit for it

William Elsworth
}

Zanus Washbone

Unknown

John M D Laurance
* son of the Senator clever Young Man good Lieutenant

Robert Heaton Junior
* probably good Captain

George W Kirkland
Same

John Keating
Unworthy

Francis Drake
probably good second Lieutenant

Anthony A Rutgers
Unworthy

Harmanus P Schuyler
* propably good Captain

John Shipboy
Unworthy

Richard Baldwin
good Ensign

Richard L Walker
very violent Jacobin and ineligible

Fitch Hall
probably respectable Captain

John H Carr
pretty good second Lieutenant

Samuel Hoffman
probably the same

Adrian Kissam
* of good connection & character probably good Captain

Joseph C Cooper
* good Ensign

Andrew Van Voort
}

Alexander Macombe Jun*

good Ensigns

John Starns surgeon
}

John White

William B Peters

Rowland Colton

Unknown

Additional Names

Philip Church
* good Captain of Infantry

William Maurice Thompson
good Cornet or Ensign

William Neilson
* of good connection Education & sense good first Lieutenant

John W Patterson
* of good family character & spirit—will make a good Captain

Frederick N Hudson
* a good Lieutenant

Robert LeRoy Livingston
* good lieutenant

Jacob Mantius
}

Jacob C Ten Eyck

* good Ensigns

Jeremiah Landon
probably a good Captain well recommended

William W Wands
good second Lieutenant

Gerret De Bow
Tolerable Ensign

John Duer
* good Ensign

Joseph Kellogg
good Lieutenant

David Leavenworth surgeon
Pretty Well recommended

James De Hart
Not recommendable

Frederick A De Zeng
formerly in German service married & a Citizen

a good Captain of Horse

Warren Delancey
Native but formerly British Lieutenant a good Captain

Jacob C Ten Eyck
good Ensign

John Bleecker
pretty well recommended as Captain

Stephen Haynes
The same

John Terrill
* desirous of Lieutenancy in Artillery & probably worthy of it—would accept Lty of Infantry

Nicholas R Kirby
good second Lieutenant

William A Giles
* good Ensign

John McKenny
good surgeons Mate

David Jones
* good first Lieutenant

Thomas Trisdale
recommended as Capt but not sufficiently known

Philip S Schuyler
* nephew of General Schuyler promising young man worthy of a Lieutenancy

William Gilliland
* good Lieutenant

Andrew White
* served last war—worthy of a Captaincy & to be placed high up

Samuel Youngs
probably good first Lieutenant

Thomas Ustick
* a good first Lieutenant

Henry W Ludlow
* The same

Philip Cortlandt
* good Lieutenant


Title: Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from Vermont, [21 August 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Subalterns

5
Marmaduke WaitWindsor☞ 25 year
Payne Young Gentleman heretofore recomd by Morris & himself
pretty good2

Morris—education common morals good active enterprising

Cadet

9
John H Brownson
Father Brigadier GeneralLyon
Nothing

Ensign

14
Daniel Baker☞ Arlington
Tichenor Young Gentleman of Education & fair character
well enough1

Lt. or Ensn

17
Ephran Whitney☞ 22young man good morals
Morris Young Gentleman of good con sprightly fair character & well informed enterprise & active
Respectable

⟨–⟩ in education Himself

19
Samuel Parmele

20
Charles Hyde
Tichenor late an Ensign in the ar obtained an Office in the army
Not Strong

23
Jesse LullRutland28 years
Chipman little personal acquaintance but from good information can recommend
pretty respectably

☞
Buck discreet conduct & martial deport: suitable
2

Morris good education—Confidence in his Recommendations

O Gallop acquiremt. in military discipline

S Jacob—respected in his acquaintan good English education easy circumstances

25
Alexander A PetersRutlandletter inflated35 year
N Chipman slight acquaintance good education & abilities—good scholar & enterprising
Respectable

Tichenor Lt or surgeon

26
John H PalmerGuilford20 years
Ensign engaged in study of law could raise menNo recommendationhis letter very well
Inquire

Captains

1
Zenas Meigs Bradley
failed in Trade
Not strong

27 years old

Dd Fay
}
respectable

Atty General
young Gentle.

modesty
respectable family

wont do

not his fault
}
well qualified for Capt of Marine Corps

N Chipman

2
James ElliotBrattleboroughdischarged sergeant25 or 30
Acknowleges himself heretofore Antifœderal but now well disposed was Non Com Officer in 2 Sub legion—now studying law
wont do

Lyon support him

4
William WoodwardCastleton Rutland
Payne heretofore recom~ him as Capt of Artillery would accept Capt of Infantry worthy of appointment
Respectable

Does not appear on list orderly sergeant last war 42 years old good
Chipman—service whole of last War firm friend to his Country would do honor to a higher grade intelligence integrity

Morris—good education morals Gentlmy deserves Consid

7
John Allen Finch25 & 30

D Fay—
Young Gentleman—

NG
character & abilities

Lyon
highly suitable to command of company family good whigs—good education

M
unsteady dissipated morals & politics bad

Wont do

8
Israel Elliot TraskWindsor 23 yearsMorris—liberal education good politics worthy
S Jacobs young Gentleman of brilliant talents & handsome acquirmts. could easily raise a Company
Strong

Payne handsome abilities educated at Cambridge bred to law—friend to Governt.

28
Daniel Biswell
wishes a comp

☞ Randolph
Payne could say considerable of his merit—but omit it till he can send other testimonials appearance in his favour
respectable for Lt. Qr. Ensigncey

Sergeant in 2 Con Reg

not found on army list

Badge of Merit

10
Simson LesterRutland
Chipman—well qualified for the appointment
Nothing specific

13
Samuel WalkerRutland
Chipman Young Gentleman of education & merit
Respectable

15
Alancon Ferrisvergennes
Tichenor—not personaly acquainted—recommends good

Divers has commanded Regt. of Militia integrity & military talents

16
Simeon HurdSandgate
Tichenor sound last war now Capt of Militia

18
Elihu FieldGuilford43
Morris honest worthy & brave Major in Militia education is he believes adequate
Tolerable only

21
Thomas Leverett33 years
Morris good morals education & family—believes quafied unfortunt in Trade politics formerly suspected now correct
pretty wellQr

22
William SwitzerSpringfield Windsor☞ 33 years

Chipman
agrees with Morris in recommending him
}

BuckMorris
active enterprising good politics

Morris
commanded a Compy of Militia
}

Cavalry has been high Sheriff—

good enough education

pretty wellrespectable

14
common soldier last war active enterprising decent education & information
Qr. Ensign

Capt or First Lt

27
Leonard WilliamsRutland
L: Williams. Aide De Camp to Lt Gov has been in practice of law in Comp with Chipman

Elliot
}
his education character & abilities intitle him to higher commiss

Jackson

respectable

Thl. Marshall—respectable Connections

30
George WoodwardNorwich23
Morris liberal education mercantile industry integrity & talents easy in circumstances politics correct
Strong

FIELD OFFICERS

3
Cornelius LyndeWilliams town48 yearssometime Lt last war
Payne in service part of Revolutionary war educated at Cambrige now a Chief Justice & Brigadier General
respectable

Morris—does not appear to possess sufft military talent & information

6
James Sawyer Burlington 40 subaltern Grade
N Chipman respectable firm active & brave has been a Lt Col of a Regt

☞ Ensign of Regt Lt Infantry
Tichenor—will take a Majority High Sheriff of Chittendon
probably good Capt

S Hitchcock
}
industrious active enterprisg

Morris

12
John ChipmanMiddlebury
Tichenor information & respectability do honor to service
Respectable

Qr
served to end of lastWar—captain48 Morris—52 years
N. Chipman no man in Vermont better qualified than he

S Hitchcock

Morris—good morals was Capt in Warners Regt. active intrepid & of military turn—appointed Major of levies by Gov Clinton

Vermont

2d Majr.
John Chapmen Middlebury
Major

1
James Sawyer Burlington 40
Capt
No. 1

5
William Woodward Rutland 42
ditto
No. 2

8
Israel Elliot Trask Windsor
ditto
No. 3

Lieutenants

3
George Woodward Norwich
ditto
No. 1

6
William Switzer Windsor
ditto
2

8
Ephraim Witney
ditto
3

Ensigns

3
Jesse Lull Rutland

1

6
Marmaduke Wait

2

8
Daniel Baker

3


Title: Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from New Jersey, [21 August 1798]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Subalterns

6
Robert Huntson of A HuntTrenton

Lieutenant  Qr Cavalry
}

Stockton
}
liberal education & unblemished character

refers to Howel

G. Dickinson—read law decided fœderalist

Pickering promising abilities great modesty good understandn

Attentionvery strong perhaps Captain

Stockton general terms

7
James Rhea

Attention

brother of Col Rhea
Stockton—general terms

9
Charles ReedBurlington
Stockton active young man of good connection fit for service
Attention

Bloomfield—Dayton Lt. or Ensign

11
Andrew Hunter Jn.Dayton Ensign 2
Stockton son of Reverend Hunter for Ensign
Respectable

Rutherford genteel manners  & education   has been dissipated now reformed

16
Heathcote JohnstonDayton Lt. 6
Gov Patterson—of good family connections his recommenders good men
not much of any thing

A White
no doubt he will fulfil the duties of his station

Bell &c

17
William J LeslieNew Brunswick

young man of fair character

Gov Patterson

A White

Freelinghuyssen

Qr. Qr Ensign

21
Henry G Thomas
cornet or Ensignno recommendation

23
Joshua J CozensNorthumberland
no recommendation

24
James Eugene Parker
Horse

WoodbrigeBreadun HeardSchurerman not personally acquainted Writes ill
Gen Bloomfield—generally well mentioned for Cavalry young man of property & excellent character from private to Capt expert in cavalry exercise

Not very strong

DaytonLt. 3Cavalry
}

☞ likely to raise men

25
Henry DrakeNew Brunswick22 years
Neilson good characterG PattersonStockton confides in recommenders
Tolerably Respectable

His own letter very well

Student of Medicine

Smith
}
College Education

Physician
Sobriety & honor abilities

Bray   Fœderal principles

Schureman—sobriety & good morals

34
Thomas Tallmanfœderalist
Young man of good character & appearance—good family
RespectableLieutenant or Ensign

Howel recommends him strongly much interested for his success favourite of his

28
Samuel C VoorhissWoodburyDayton Lt. 5

F Davenport

}
young Gentleman of good abilities & good morals Promise of merit

E Clark

J B Caldwell

Respectable Ensignperhaps Lieutenant

Gov~. Howel—respectability & good con~ reputation high among his acquaintance

33
William PotterPhiladelphia
Dayton Lt 4Howel good connection

may be in N JerseyWrites very well
McPherson young Gentlen sensible & accomplished good person honor Moores Grenadiers
very strongperhaps Captain

Davenport Ewing evidently has ability worthy son of a worthy father

Elmer well informed readiness in business—Giles

52
James Johnson
Rutherford on credit of Howel
Nothing particular

44
William Piatt
Howel—had discouraged them as too late though he thought them qualified much interested in Piatt son of an officer good character activity can raise men—good appearance courage
respectable

Taylor Monmouth
Howel general terms

49
George DavisNew Brunswick SomersetWrites good hand and otherwise well
Freelinghinussen of respectable family attached to now resides at Albany, fair character
well enoughperhaps Ensign or Cornet

Bayard—now resides at Albany attached to G—will do honor &c

Jo. Neilson—general terms

White has observed his attention to duty

51
Thomas J Laurance22 years
Rutherford eldest son of Thos. Laurance late of Philadelphia nephew of Mrs. Rutherford no character
Inquire

56
Richard JaquesNew Brunswick

PattersonNeilsonShurenan
}
respectable parentage

good moral character & political principles

now Cornet active & attentive to duty

Respectable

57
Thomas Reading JunHunterdon

Jno Bayard & others
}
fit and capable for Lt

good family & character

Jo. Beatty activity & information moral can raise men
respectable

58
Robert I Champan
Lt. or Ensign

Allen Towndoes not write very well
Stockton—van Imbergh deserves confidence

Imlay—persuaded his claim is far
Not strong

van Imberg respectable parentage (cap) Militia Officer conducted himself well sober & diligent friend to his Country

65
Thomas Bullman JrEaston Sussexonly son of his father21 years
Sitgreaves knows his father well credit may be given to him ever in what he says of his son handsome & Genteel
respectable for Lty

John G MacwhorterNew Ark
Cummings Lt. of Lt Infantry refers to others
respectable

Boudinot strong

Dayton 6th. Capt or Lieut

Captains

1
Charles MarlsBorden TownBurlington
A Hunt sober & steady Western expedition Lt. of Lt Infantry—qualified
Capt perhaps

Dayton 2 CaptHowel
R Coxe young man—now Adjutant & qualified
Strong, Lieutenant

Bloomfield company in six months service

4
Clement WoodsMorris CountyDayton 3 Capt

Stockton refers to How
}
generally able & vigilant

pretty well

Freelinghuyssen commands a Mitia Batalion & has acquitted himself with respectable

5
Barnes H Smock

Stockton refers to Howel
}
in general terms able & vigilant Officer

6
Robert Hunt4 Capt Dayton
Rutherford Ssee character SubalternsA White Howel—2

15
Abraham Bayley

Schureman & others
}
a good citizen and valuable officer—Capt of Dragoons unblemished honor & integrity good fœderalist—against Insurgeans

would prefer Cavalry

now of Chester Pensylva

17
Abraham KenneyMorris County
Freelinghussen good Officer, has his confidence & esteem
respectable

served as an officer in Dragoons Lt last war
prefers Infantry

18
Robert C ThompsonSussex County Dayton Lt- 2Young Gentleman good letter

Rob Hoops
}
assure from personal knowlege he has an unblemished character—friend to Government has commanded a troop of horse—will do honor against Western Insurgents

G Howell

Rob Stockton

J Dayton

Respectable

22
Aaron Van Cleeve Jun~
PensylvaniaHowel is said to be worthy

Dayton Lt. 3

27
Abner Woodruffyoung
Howel—college education will accept Lieutenany can raise men
Respectable

Rutherford S

31
Gilbert D Lowe
Cavalry in preference

Somersetnow Capt of Militia
Freelinghuyssen—good family merits attention as a citizen & soldier—Exped v InsurgensHowel good politics—conduct dignified & respectable
pretty respectable

Howel good politics—conduct dignified & respectable

John WhiteBridge Town
Howell wishes a Troop his father killed in our service—a married man of property intelligent mind & good person of integrity & honor
strong

37
Walter K Cole
now Brigade Inspector

Lawyer
Freelinghuyssen talents & respectability
respectable

40
Robert F Howe
Habersham   Clerk 2 years in his Office well
respectable will take Lieutenancy

Stockton   good family character & abilities

application withdrawn

41
Robert MorrisonSussex C X

Howel & others
{
suitable char: for Capt of foot abilities intitle him

nothing very specific but generally well

Stockton will do honor

Rutherford

42
Benjamin C CurtisPomptonBergen

Inhabitants of Bergen
}
liberal education firmness & spirit attached to the Governmt

well enough

Militia Officers

Mr. Goodhue says he is of liberal Education & a fit character

44
William PrattHunterdon or Sussex

Charles Stewart & others
}
young man of good character well attached to Govt. & son of a father who died in the service in his Country

perhaps Ensign

Howel recom~ respectable

McCullough steady & creditable young man

Js Steward  Temperate industrious active & spirited

55
Jacob HeyerAmboy
Cummings speaks well in general terms

Officer last war
Note of Secy at War said to be addicted to liquor
Inquire

61
Denise ForemanMonmouth
G. Patterson not personally acquainted but relies

White served on Western Expedition
}
sober honest brave & worthy & of good connections

respectable

63
Job Stockton
prefers cavalry
strong

Princetonvery handsome letter
R Stockton   young Gentleman of liberal education moral &  political principles correct

Freelinghuyssen

67
Fenwick Lyalllate of Middletonnow of N York

Freelinghuyssen & others
}
good moral character firm & determined well qualified for command of a Company

respectable

R Stockton—recommenders good & think well of candidate

Howel good recommenders

John GiffordNew Ark
Dayton 5th Captain Qr. if not in last war

FIELD OFFICERS

Robert HoopsSussex County

Stockdon
}
strong—as to moral qualities talented & spirit established character & popularity

Dayton

St Greaves

Now Major of Artillery

3
Jonathan SnowdenPrince Town former services
No recommendationwrites ill
X

12
Jonathan F MorrisSomerset
Freelinghuysen—worthy character
Col or surgeon

Brigadier of Militia
was a subaltern of Artillery

29
Samuel Craig
Howel when he knew him he was a good Officer
X

Officer of Pensyl line last war

32
Almerine BrooksEnsign
Howel Ex against Insurgents appointed by G Morgan

served last war
Morgan afterwards recom~
Respectable

Dayton1 Capt
}
knowlege of service can’t be excelled—would deserve a Regiment disciplinarian

Samuel Dickinson28 years old
applies for a Regimentson of General Dickinson
X

39
Adam Hoops
Regimentoffer of service in Artillery
X

43
Nathaniel Donnellcaptain

E Stevens
}
served as a Capt under his command served faithfully & much to his honor & reputation

Hodgsdon

Not strong

served the whole of last war in Artillery as Capt

Dayton arrangt
}

17
}

47

Abraham Kenny
See Capt 17

Morris County

53
Aaron OgdenE Town

Dayton
more active intelligent & spirited officer cannot be found

Howel
better qualified to command a Regt than any person yet named to him

54
Benjamin Williamson
a Major or Capt of Cavalry

E Town
Dayton superior horseman & excellent officer
very strong

59
William ShuteElizabeth Town
Cummings is in his opinion a very active officer of good abilities disciplinarian property & good principles
respectable

subaltern in Jersey line late war

Dayton 2 Major
his letter very well

Dayton—strong preferably to any other applicant

Surgeons

8
John Howel
Stockton

Doctor Aaron Foreman
RutherfordHowel

Jonathan T Morris—Surgeon Freelinghuysen as a surgeon

14
Charles Smith
Physician General
Stockton &c

Samuel H Philips

Benjamin Champneys
Howel & others
Dayton arrangt

John G Wynants
Dayton
Mate

William B Lindsay
Chaplain

Abraham Van Ness
Freelinghuyssen

50
Samuel G Roy
Surgeons Mate

64
Elijah Rosegrant
Mate

1 Lt Col

1 Major

6 Capts

6 Lts

6 Ensigns

Field Officers

Jonathan F Morris No
Somerset
Subaltern of Artillerylast warCapt

Nathaniel Donnell
Dayton 1 Major   3
capt of Artillery last war not on the list

Abraham Kenny
Morris County   3
Lt of Dragoons last war

Aaron Ogden
Essex Lt Col.   1
Capt

X
Benjamin Williamson
Essex Major or Capt of Cavalry

William Shute
Essex Dayton 2d
Subalternlate WarEnsign

Gilbert D Lowe
[Walter] K Cole No. 1

John C McWhorter   Essex 2

Robert C Thompson   Sussex 3

John Eugene Parker   Middlesex 4

William Potter 4  5

Samuel C Voorhies 6

Thomas Reading Junr   Hunterton 7

Thomas Bullman   Ensign No. 1

Charles Read Burlington 2

Heathcote Johnson 3

Henry Drake   Middlesex 4

James Rhea 5

William Pratt   Hunterdon 6

Arrangement

Aaron Ogden

Lt Colonel

William Shute

Major

Captains

Benjamin Williamson

Cavalry

Almerine Brooks

No. 1
[relative rank]

Clement Woods
Morris
2

Job Stockton
Somerset
3

Charles Marles
Burlington
4

Robert Hunt
Hunderton
5

Denise Foreman
Monmouth
6

Lieuts

Walter K Cole

1

John C Macwhorter
Essex
2

Robert C Thompson
Sussex
3

John Eugene Parker
Middlesex
4
 - cavalry

William Potter
[Bridge Town]
5

Samuel C Voorhess
[Middlesex]
6

Thomas Reading Jun
Hunterdon
7