Title: Enclosure: Act for Establishing a Military and Naval Service Academy, [9 March 1800]
From: Brown, Ethan,How, Thomas Y.,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

An Act for establishing an Academy for Instruction relative to the Military and Naval Service of the United States.
1.  Be it enacted by the Senate and house of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled That an Academy be established for the purposes of instruction relative to the military and Naval service of the U. States to consist of four Schools One to be called “The Fundamental School,” another “the School of Artillerists and Engineers,” another “the School of Cavalry & Infantry,” another “the School of the Navy.” That of this Academy there shall be a Director General who shall have the chief superintendance and management of the Same, [except as to the School of the Navy.] That to each School there shall be a Director who shall superintend and manage the affairs thereof; and [except the Director of the School of the Navy] shall be subordinate to the Director General. [That the Director of the School of the Navy shall be under the immediate Direction of the Secretary of the Navy.] That, besides a Director, each of the said Schools shall have the professors and Masters following (to wit) The Fundamental School Four Professors of Mathematics, Two professors of Geography and Natural Philosophy, One Professor of Chemistry, and one designing and drawing Master. The School of Artillerists and Engineers Two Professors of Mathematics, Two Professors of Geography and Natural Philosophy, one Professor of Chemistry, Two Architects, Three designing and drawing Masters. The School of Cavalry and Infantry, one Riding Master and one Fencing Master. The School of the Navy, One Professor of Mathematics. One Professor of Geography and Natural Philosophy, One Architect, one Designing and Drawing Master.

2.  And be it further enacted That [in] the [first appointment of a] Director General [it] shall be [in the discretion of the President to nominate whomsoever he may think fit, that in every subsequent appointment he shall be] selected from among the Officers of the Army [or Navy.] That every Director of the three first mentioned Schools shall always be selected from among the Officers of the Army of grades not higher than that of Field Officer. That the Director of the School of the Navy shall always be selected from among the Officers of the Navy. That the several Professors may, in the discretion of the President, be either selected from among the Officers of the Army or Navy, or may be appointed by him in such other manner as he shall judge expedient. That any person who may be selected as a Director General Director or Professor from the Army or Navy shall, nevertheless retain his station therein, and continue to rank and rise in the same manner as if he had never been detached.
3.   And be it further enacted that in the several Schools aforesaid shall be taught these several branches of Instruction (to wit) in the Fundamental School
In the School of Artillerists & Engineers
In the School of the Cavalry and Infantry
In the School of the Navy
4.  And be it further enacted that the compensations of the foregoing Officers shall be as follows—Of the Director General in addition to the emoluments of his station in the Army or navy  Dollars per month, [if not an Officer of the army or navy then at the rate of 2000 Dollars per annum, and Five rations per day]—Of the Director of each School, in addition to the emoluments of his Station in the Army or Navy  Dollars per month. To each Professor of Mathematics, of Geography & Natural Philosophy, of Chemistry, and to each Architect, if not an Officer of the Army or Navy, at the rate of  Dollars per annum and two rations per day; to each designing and drawing Master, if not an Officer of the Army or navy at the rate of  Dollars per annum and two Rations per day—to each of the said professors and Masters, when an Officer of the Army or Navy, the sum of Twenty Dollars, per month in addition to his emoluments as such Officer. To each Riding Master at the rate of  Dollars per annum & two rations per day. To each Fencing Master at the rate of  Dollars per annum, and two rations.
5.  And be it further enacted that these several schools be provided with the usual and proper instruments and apparatus for experiments in natural philosophy and Chemistry, for Astronomical and nautical observation, for surveying, and for such other processes as are requisite to the several branches of instruction therein to be taught.
6.  And be it further enacted, That the Cadets of the Army, and candidates for service in the army or navy shall attend the studies in the Fundamental school for the term of two years, and if destined for the corps of Artillerists and Engineers shall attend the studies in the school of the one or the other as the case may be the further term of two years, and if destined for the service of the Cavalry or Infantry, shall attend the studies in the school thereof during the further term of one year. But that nevertheless persons who by previous instruction elsewhere shall have become acquainted with some or all of the branches taught in the Fundamental school may, after due examination there, either be received in that School for a shorter term than two years, or be permitted to enter immediately into some one of the other schools according to the nature and extent of the acquirements, and the destination of each person.
7.  And be it further enacted, That the number of Pupils to be admitted into the said Academy and their transfers to the different military corps or to the navy shall be determined and regulated by the President of the United States for the time being, who also upon the recommendation of a majority of the Directors thereof, including the Director General, in consideration of the extraordinary progress of particular pupils, may abridge the terms of their studies in either of the said schools.
8.  And be it further enacted that Detachments of the Officers and non commissioned officers of the Army and navy shall, from time to time, be drawn to the said Academy there to be instructed in relation to the service of the corps to which they may respectively belong.
9.  And be it further enacted That the Director General and the Directors of the several schools (or any three of them, the Director General being one) shall constitute a Board with power to establish all needful and careful regulations for the instruction, administration and police of the said Academy and Schools respectively; subject to the approbation and alteration of the President of the United States.
10.  And be it further enacted That the Scite of said Academy shall be at such place within the U States as the President shall direct; uniting if practicable the advantages of being upon a navigable water, and in the vicinity of Iron mines and works convenient for Founderies of Cannon and manufactories of small arms. That the President accordingly be authorized to purchase the quantity of ground requisite for the purpose and to cause to be enacted there the buildings necessary for instruction, habitation, and other uses of the said Institution.
11.  And be it further enacted That the ground to be purchased as aforesaid shall not exceed the price or cost of  and that the buildings to be provided as aforesaid shall not exceed the price or Cost of .
12.  And be it further enacted, That it shall be in the discretion of the President of the United States to organize and put in execution the said schools successively at such times as he shall judge necessary and proper, and to appoint so many only of the said Directors, Professors and Masters as he shall, from time to time, deem requisite and expedient.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

[New York] March 9. 1800
Dr Sir
Herewith you have the draft of a Bill respecting the Corps & Engineers & Artillerists. I vary in mode but not in substance from your report by defining the Regiment of Artillerists at its Complement (say four batalions &c.) and I suspend the organizing & raising of one batalion. This comes to the same result & appears to me most correct & systematic. I leave a blank for the privates, supposing there may be a mistake in printing as I cannot make out the principle of 780 privates to three batalions 65 (an odd number) to a company. Perhaps the actual establishment is a preferable standard say 48 ⅌ company excluding Artificers which for a full Regiment will amount to 768.
I cannot endure your two Lt Colonels to a Regiment of Engineers. Tis “Monstrum horrendum informe &c”
Yrs. truly
A Hamilton
I am preparing a third Bill.


Title: Enclosure: Act for Better Organizing the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, [9 March 1800]
From: Church, Philip,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

An Act for better organizing the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers to be hereafter denominated “The Corps of Engineers and Artillerists”
Be it enacted &c. That instead of the present establishment of the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers the same shall hereafter be composed of a Regiment of Engineers a Regiment of horse Artillerists and a Regiment of foot Artillerists. That the functions of the Engineers and Artillerists shall be separate and distinct; those of the former relating to the service of Artillery, those of the latter to fortification and other military constructions, and to the attack and defence of fortified places. Provided always, that this separation shall not be understood to present a Commanding Officer from designating the Officers of one Corps to perform duties peculiar to the other, when special circumstances shall in his opinion require it.
And be it further enacted that a Regiment of Engineers shall consist of two Lieutenant Colonels one first, and one second. Three Majors, twelve Captains, twenty four first Lieutenants, twenty four second Lieutenants and twenty four Cadets, to which shall be attached four companies of Miners and Artificers to be formed as hereafter mentioned.
And be it further enacted that a Regiment of Artillerists whether horse or foot shall consist of four batalions, each of four companies, and of these officers and men (to wit) one Lieutenant Coll: Commandant, four Majors, one Adjutant, one Quarter Master, one Pay master, each being a Lieutenant, one Surgeon, and two Surgeons Mates, sixteen Captains, thirty two Lieutenants besides the three above mentioned, thirty two Cadets, sixty four Sergeants, sixty four Corporals, one Chief Musician, sixteen other Musicians and  privates. But that the organizing and raising of one Batalion of each of the said Regiments shall be suspended.
And be it further enacted that Officers and men, excepting the Artificers of the two Regiments heretofore established, shall be incorporated into the Regiments of Artillerists to be organized pursuant to this act. That such of the Officers as upon examination may be found best qualified for the corps of Engineers may be transferred to that Corps and that supernumeraries, if any there be, may with their consent be transferred to the Infantry in grades corresponding with those which they shall possess, or may remain attached to the Regiments of Artillerists and fill according to their respective Ranks future vacancies in batalions and companies as they shall accrue.
And be it further enacted that the Artificers of the present Regiments shall be formed into four Companies two of Miners and two of Artificers. That a company of Miners or Artificers shall consist of one Captain one first, one second Lieutenant four Serjeants four Corporals and fifty six privates. That the Commissioned officers of these Companies shall be officers of the Regiment of Engineers to be assigned by the commandant of that Regiment.
And be it further enacted that the pay and other allowances of the Regiments of Engineers and Artillerists, according to the establishment hereby prescribed, shall be similar to those of the Regiments to which they are to be substituted.
And be it further enacted that in case open War shall break out between the United States & any foreign European power or in case imminent danger of invasion of their territory shall in the opinion of the President be discovered to exist, it shall be lawful for him to organize and cause to be raised Two Regiments of Horse Artillerists in addition to that provided for by this act together with the two Battalions of Artillerists suspended as aforesaid and for this purpose, if in the recess of the Senate, to appoint alone the officers thereof and to borrow upon the credit of the United States from the bank of the United States or any other body or bodies politic or persons whomsoever a sum not exceeding  dollars.
And be it further enacted that the Corps of Engineers and Artillerists shall be under the chief command of a  General.


Title: General Orders, [11 March 1800]
From: Hamilton, Alexander,North, William
To:

[New York, March 11, 1800]
Agreeably to instructions from the Department of War, the Recruiting Service, as far as respects the twelve Regiments of Infantry, and Six troops of Light Dragoons directed to be raised by the act of Congress, passed the 16th July 1798, is, for the present suspended. All Officers on the recruiting Service belonging to the before mentioned Corps will immediately join their Regiments with the non-commissioned Officers, Musicians and privates under their command.
Returns are, as soon as possible to be made by the Commanding Officers of Regiments to the Adjutant Generals Office, of the number of men enlisted under the General Order of 27th January last.

A Return of Clothing on hand in the 12 Regts. of Infantry will be forwarded witihout loss of time to the Deputy paymaster General at New York.

Wm North Adjt Genl


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

NY. March 11th 1800
Sir
Your letter of the seventh instant has been received.
I have upon reflection, thought it expedient to order all the recruiting Officers of the additional regiments, with the men they may have enlisted, to their regimental rendezvouses; as it would be impossible to adopt any arrangements which would effectually prevent the enlistment of more men than are wanted to complete the old establishment. In the mean time the recruiting service for this establishment will continue under the proper officers.
I have called for returns of the Cloathing on hand. When I receive this I shall give such orders as will cause the object of your letter, in respect to clothing, to be accomplished.
Enclosed is a letter from Captain Cole of the 11th. regiment offering a resignation of his commission. I would thank you to enable me speedily to inform this gentleman of the decision in his case.
S of war


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 March 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department 12 ~ March 1800
Sir
You will be pleased to cause the following Regulations to be observed respecting Soldiers allowed to be taken from the line of the army, to attend on officers.
To the Commander in chief or General having a seperate command is allowed three without arms.
To the inspector General, Quarter master General, each Major General not having a seperate command, and to the adjutant General two of the like description.
To a Brigadier General, Pay Master General, Deputy Quarter master General, Deputy Inspector General one of the above description, and one with arms.
To each field officer, and every other officer who ordinarily serves on horseback one of the first mentioned description.
To every officer who usually serves on foot one with arms.
The Servants required to have arms, in all general exercises, marches and movements are to be found in the ranks. When annexed to officers detached from corps, they must join the guards connected with such officers or their baggage. In the cases in which they would be otherwise without arms, if they are attached to officers of Dragoons they will retain their arms.
If experience, shall prove the allowance of servants to be too great, for any of the above officers, the Commanding General will in his discretion, reduce the number.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir,   Your most Obedient Servant
Major General Alexander Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

NY. March 12th. 1800
Sir
Colonel Smith states to me that Captain White, of the eleventh regiment, has acted as Judge Advocate of all the General Courts Martial which have been held since the second of November, at Union Camp, and enquires whether he is entitled to any thing for the performance of this duty. The subject of compensation to persons acting as Judge Advocates has been heretofore matter of correspondence between us. No definitive rule has yet been established. This circumstance creates embarrassment to me as applications are frequently made on the subject. I hear, every now and then, of allowances to persons for services in this way at the War Department. This creates expectations, and renders it very desirable that some general rules should be laid down. The present case appears to me to resemble that of Lieutenant Campbell Smith. This officer was appointed in General orders to act as Judge Advocate to the western army, and received a quantum for his services. Captain White has been appointed in the same way by the commandant of the Union Brigade, and has, of course, an equal claim to compensation.
S of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York March 12th 1800
Sir
In reviewing your letter of February 27 I am doubtful as to the meaning of the following paragraph contained therein “With respect to the vacancies occasioned by the Staff appointments and other causes it is most likely it will be thought expedient to suspend filling them for the present.”
I would wish to be informed whether it is your meaning that the vacancies occasioned by different circumstances, are not to be immediately filled, by those officers next in relative rank in regular succession, or only that the ultimate vacancies after such succession are not to be filled by new appointments. If the former it appears to me inexpedient as tending to injure and dissatisfy the officers entitled to promotion. If however the latter is your meaning there appears to be no immediate objection but I wish for an explanation on the subject as a guide in the orders which I am about to issue
With great respect
Secretary of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 12 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

N Y March 12th 1800
Sir
I have received your letters of the 5th and 7th instants.
As some of the subjects were discussed in conversation with you the other day it will not be necessary to repeat the remarks that were then made.
On the subject of wood I have written to Col. Ogden.
I can not say any thing relative to the claim of Captain White, having never been able to obtain from the S of War a definitive rule on the subject. I have just renewed my application relative to the point. The result as soon as known shall be communicated to you. Enthusiasm is certainly a very good thing, but religious enthusiasm is at least a dangerous instrument. From this, and some other circumstances which have come to my knowledge, I must decline authorizing you to employ the person you mention.
Col Smith


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

NY. March 13th 1800
Sir
The Artillery stations on the seaboard within my command are divided into two districts, each of which is under the superintendance of a Major. It appears to me very desirable that there should be an Inspector of Artillery to each of these districts charged with duties similar to those which belong to an Inspector of Infantry. I can appoint the Officers but have not power to give a compensation.
This will certainly be expected. I therefore submit the matter to your consideration. The arrangement will certainly be an œconomical one, as more will be saved to the U States in the case of public property promoted by Inspections than the compensation of the officer can amount to.
I would thank you therefore to inform me whether you will allow any compensation and what it shall be. The expences of travelling from post to post will be governed by the regulations already established on that subject.
S of War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 13 March 1800
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Union Brigade [Scotch Plains, New Jersey] March 13, 1800. Recommends “Major Shute of the 11th.… as a Candidate for the office of Supervisor of the State of Newjersey.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 March 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department,March 14: 1800.
Sir,
Inclosed are Regulations respecting certain Supplies and respecting objects of special and extra Expence. I request you will be pleased to take such order relative thereto as will tend to facilitate their due execution.
I have the honor to be,   with great respect, sir,   your obedt. servant.

James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 15 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pickering, Timothy

D Sir
New York March 151800

The bearer of this, Mr. DuPont, formerly Consul at Charles Town, is personally known to you. He comes with the rest of his family to establish themselves in the United States. They are desirous of being favourably viewed by our Government and my intervention for this purpose has been requested.
Inclosed is a letter from General Pinckney which speaks for itself. All that has come to my knowledge of this particular Gentleman is recommendatory of him, as far as situation has permitted. I have always understood that his sentiments toward this Country have been amicable & that he has not been very deeply tinctured with the Revolutionary spirit of his own, though circumstances have placed him in office under the new government. And I believe if ever diseased he is now perfectly cured. He is afraid that some expressions respecting the influence of the British Government in this Country may have given an ill impression. He explains by saying 1st that they are qualified. 2d. that they were a necessary concession to the preducies of the persons to whom his observations were addressed, calculated to procure attention to the conciliatory plan which he recommended by screening him from the suspicion of being a corrupted partisan of this country. This solution seems to me an admissible one. In addressing enthusiasts it is commonly requisite to adopt a little of their nonsense.
He has delivered me a paper which he sent to the Aurora to be published but which he says was suppressed and something of an insidious complexion substituted. He delivers the true communication that it may be seen what he really did.
I am much mistaken if his father be not really a benevolent well disposed man. Indeed the family generally impress us here agreeably & we are inclined to augur well of them.
Very truly yrs

A Hamilton
T Pickering Eq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 16 March 1800
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Oxford [Massachusetts] March 16th. 1800.

With the inclosed letter which I received from Lieutenant Flagg of my regiment, I transmit his commission, conceiving it proper to address it to you rather than the Secretary of War. I regret the resignation of this officer, as I had formed flattering expectations from his future services. He belongs to Captain Chandlers company, who also some time since resigned, as he informs me—he anxiously expects the acceptance of his resignation, and very reluctantly, pay[s] any attention to his company. I have considered that an Officers resignation, does not licence him to leave the service, that he must do duty, untill the acceptance of it by the Secretary. If I am right, will thank you to express it to me.

In examining and certifying the accounts of our Contractor for January & Februy. I felt dissatisfyed with the prices of his Hospital and other accounts. I had considered that he ought [to] have charged only the contract price for the provision, Spirit, & Candles—But he assured me they were the same he had charged at all the other posts, and that they were as low as could be supplyed by any body. On his suggestion that my certificate did not establish the price, that they would be curtailed at the office on examination if too high—I signed them—But on reflection I think it was wrong. For I do not conceive it possible for the auditor at Philadelphia to determine what were, or were not reasonable charges at the Posts where the supplies were made.
The subject of rank is to me productive of more trouble than any other. I fear I have made it so to you. I supposed when the commissions arrived, the relative rank of the Field officers at least would have been settled but I see nothing in them which determines it. The President has established rules which are to settle it in certain cases—but who is autherized to apply them, and call for the pretentions of the officers? When former services give no claim—the Commander in Chief is to determine. The Gentlemen at this Post have been very importunate, that I should address you on the subject—disputes frequently arrise—reference has been had to me—and satisfaction to the parties has not always been the result.
In the Inspection rolls, espentoons for the officers are inserted. I take it they are to be supplyed by the public. I wrote Colo Stevens respecting Standards, but none have been forwarded.
It gives me pain Sir thus frequently to address you on so triffling Subjects, being concious that more time than you can have is requisite to resolves all the questions which arrise in the establishment of a new army.
With great respect I am   Sir your Obed Servant

N: Rice Lt Colo Command14th Regt. of Infty
Major General Hamilton


Title: General Orders, 17 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York] March 17, 1800. Presents regulations concerning the construction and repair of buildings or barracks and concerning objects of special expense.


Title: General Orders, 17 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York] March 17, 1800. Announces “Regulations respecting soldiers allowed to be taken from the line of the army to attend an officer.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Ingersoll, 17 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ingersoll, George

Sir
N York March 17th. 1800

I have been informed that there are at West Point some copies belonging to the public of the French work entitled Manuel D’ Artillerie. Reserving one of these for the use of the post you will send the rest to me.
Your company will be ordered to march, in the course of two or three weeks, towards Harper’s ferry. In the mean time you will make the necessary preparations. You will inform me how many field pieces there are at West Point mounted after the French plan and their calibre.
C Ingersoll


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [17 March 1800]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Dr Sir
[New York, March 17, 1800]

I send you the draft of a third Bill. I shall quickly send you that of a fourth which will comprise whatsoever may remain.
Yrs. truly

AH


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
New York March 17. 1800

General Pinckny has transmitted me confidentially the copy of a letter which he has written to you respecting the employment of the troops during the Ensuing Summer. I agree with him in the inexpediency of employing new troops in operations not military, as the digging of Canals &c and in the propriety of some extra compensation to any troops who may be so employed, as a douceur and a guard against discontent. This will certainly disorganise the troops before they are yet formed by a course of instruction and discipline—and it will prevent the introduction of a just military pride among them.

If our troops are to be continued it were most eligible for them that they could be left without any other occupation than that incident to a course of instruction. But I am well aware that there are considerations which may oblige to a different conduct. And I have reconciled my mind to the idea of drawing them in Brigades towards the principal to be fortified on our sea board, there to be engaged in working upon the fortifications, by detachment. This will not violate prejudices and the matter may be so managed as to leave a good deal of time for exercise.
General Pinckney has also mentioned a suggestion of yours on the point of allowances for travelling Expences to General Officers and their suites. The substance is that General Officers should be allowed all reasonable extra expences & that the general regulations respecting extra compensations shall apply to the aides. He remarks on the difficulty of separation—as one table must serve all &c.
I think the remark well founded & do not perceive how the discrimination can be reduced conveniently to practice. If adhered to it must come to this that the Expenditures of the General and his suite, which are unavoidably blended, will be united in one account—and credit given for the allowances to the aides—the ballance, if otherwise reasonable to be paid to the General. This would be a complication without an object.
With true esteem & regard   I remain Dr Sir   Yr Obed ser

A Hamilton
James McHenry Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 17 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
NY. March 17th 1800

The Secretary of War informs me that the resignation of Lieut W. Church of the fifteenth regiment is accepted. You will make this known to Col. Hunnewell that it may be communicated to Lieut. Church. You will inform me of the date of the notification to Mr. Church.
Col. Rice


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 17 March 1800
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Union Brigade [Scotch Plains, New Jersey] March 17, 1800. “Not thinking it prudent to leave the sons of St. Patrick to frolick without my superintendance in Camp, I have declined the invitation from the Inhabitants of New Ark, to spend this day there. Our Camp is in mirth but not improperly. It is now 3. oClock, & St. Patricks most Zealous sons, are pretty tranquil. Enclosed are some communications relative to Capt. Courtlandt and Lt Livingston, when they visited Elizabeth Town—which are respectfully submitted.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 March 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
War Department 18th March 1800

Mr. Chapin, Agent for Indian Affairs, has informed me, under date of 6th ulto, that “the Tuskarora Nation, residing near to Niagara, complain of Major Rivardi, (or his people under his command) of killing three of their Horses, & on finding proof to that effect he has refused to make them satisfaction.”
This complaint is of a serious nature: you will be pleased to take such order upon it, as it may appear to you to require.
I have the Honour to be,   Sir   Your most obedt Servt.

James McHenry
Major Genl. A. Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Staats Morris, 18 March 1800
From: Morris, Staats
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Fort McHenry [Baltimore] March 18, 1800. “During my command at this post I have had frequent applications from the Marshal of the District to give the military force this Garrison affords in stopping vessels attempting to evade prosecution, or containing fugitives from process. I have also been repeatedly called upon by individuals to quell by force of arms mutinies on board their vessels. I have in every instance obeyed the call of the marshal and complied with the wishes of the Merchants, but at the same time doubting the authority of the demand, and of course the propriety of my compliance. For my government in future, I take the liberty of requesting your orders on the subject.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 18 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth,Rice, Nathan,Smith, William Stephens

Sir
New York March 18. 1800

The proper measure of the pace is a matter of primary importance in the Tactics of the Infantry. The establishments of different Nations differ in this particular. For example—Our pace is two feet English measure. That of the French is two feet French or about 26 Inches English. That of the English is 30 of their Inches, measuring in each case from heel to heel. This is rather capricious. The true standard should be found in nature. The natural pace of a man of medium height say 5 feet Eight Inches would seem to me to be the true rule. And this will be best ascertained by numerous experiments; encouraging the Individuals to move with their common step and to discard every thing artificial which may have been acquired in practice. Luckily at least for this experiment, there are few of our soldiers who have any inveterate habit to conquer.
While I point to the medium size, I wish not to confine the experiment to men of this description, but to extend it to the different sizes, noting the result as to each. The aggregate of these results will serve for illustration.
Connected with this is the number of paces in a minute which ought to constitute the velocity of the different Steps.
There are two kinds of the direct Step known in our service—the common of which there are seventy five in a minute, the quick of which there are 120 in a minute. In some foreign services there are three kinds—the common the quick and the more quick or quickest. In the English as well as in our service the common step is 75 in a minute, in the French it is 76. The quick Step in the French service is 100 in a minute in the English 108, in ours there is no corresponding step. The quickest step is 120 both in the English and French service. This agrees with our quick step.
This last step is appropriate to wheelings charges and to cases which require rapid movements.

The second kind is employed in the English system in the filings of Divisions from line into column and from column into line, and occasionally in the wheelings with large fronts. In the French system it seems to be contemplated as the ordinary standard of the quick step, liable to be occasionally increased to the velocity of the quickest.
Experiments on this subject will likewise be useful.
I request that you will without delay have a competent number of Experiments made in relation to both objects, and that you will accompany the report of them with your opinion and observations.
The utility of the intermediate step appears to me at present somewhat questionable. This is a point to which I would call your attention.
With great consideration & esteem   I am Sir   Yr Obedt ser
Major General PinckneyCol SmithCol Rice


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 March 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
War department 19th. March 1800

I have received your two letters of the 7th. one of the 10th. two of the 11th. 3 of the 12th. one of the 13 and one of the 14. instant.
Agreeably to the rule approved of by the late General Washington relative to the order of rank among field Officers and the documents in this Office Major Hopkins will take rank of Major William D. Beale.
The rule prescribes that as to all such of the field Officers who have served in the revolutionary Army of the United States it will be adviseable among those of equal grade to let their relative rank at the close of that War govern.
By the records of the Office it appears, that David Hopkins was appointed a Major on the first day of January 1781 and continued in service till the end of the War, that William D Beale was appointed a Major on the Sixth day of November 1781 and deranged on the first day of January 1783; of course if there are not some special reasons for a departure from this rule, of which I am uninformed, Major Hopkins is justly intitled to be considered the first Major in the Ninth Regiment.
The orders you have issued relative to the suspending the recruiting service for the twelve regiments appear to me judicious and proper.
You wish to be informed whether it is intended that the vacancies occasioned by different circumstances are not to be immediately filled by those Officers next in relative rank in regular succession, or only that the ultimate vacancies after such succession are not to be filled by new appointments.
I intended to suggest that during the existence of present circumstances any appointments whatever to the new regiments which powerful motives or the absolute wants of the service did not render indispensable, it was likely would not be made.
There is reason to apprehend that were nominations to the higher vacant grades offered to the Senate they would be suspended. This however is presented more as a conjecture than the result of positive information.
The only instances which have occurred at the War Office of Judge Advocates having been ordered an allowance have been in the cases of Mr Hare and Mr. Morton, gentlemen not in the Army and who were allowed their expences for the time of their attendance only. It would bring up a thousand claims and occasion endless payments, were such occasional services by Officers to be considered intitled to remuneration. You will if you please make this rule of the department known to those persons who have formed expectations and may apply to you for your interference. If they are to be compensated, it can only be by an act of Congress.
The resignation of Lieut. Spring is accepted, to bear date the 31 inst by which time it is thought he may be advised of the acceptance.
Doctor Barron is to be considered as temporary Surgeons Mate, from the time he commences to render service in the fourteenth regiment. Colonel Rices letter does not give the date of the commencement of his doing duty; when informed thereof, I shall send you his warrant made out accordingly.
I have the honor to be   with great respect   Your obed servant

James McHenry
Major Genl Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 March 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Confidential
[Philadelphia] 19 March 1800
Dear Sir
I received last night your letter inclosing the draught of a bill relative to the articles of war.
I made out two draughts of bills for the military academy, one on the most enlarged plan with limitations which ensured against any extension beyond the Fundamental School and school of Engineers and Artillerists until an appropriation for the purpose. The committee have preferred the other bill and I fear Congress will do nothing on the subject. Whatever respects the army is in some way or other counteracted.
I have not answered to your public letter of the 13 in my letter of this date. Wherefore? Mr. Simmons has refused three different accounts of extra allowance to officers beyond their emoluments. One, an allowance for Gen. Macphersons table on the late expedition. Another, an allowance to a Surgeon of a Regiment for attendance on the Indians at the Treaty of Greenville, and since the Indians frequenting Detroit. Lastly, the expences incurred by an Indian agent in the execution of his trusts in the Indian nation.
He considers that no allowance by my authority or any authority short of Congress can be made by an officer beyond the emoluments fixed to his office by law.
This is I believe a new doctrine. Will you turn the subject in your mind and give me your ideas.
I shall as soon as possible bring the matter before the President and must request you to wait the decision before I answer to these claims which you have referred to me requiring my interference and sanction.
Yours truely & affly
Js MH
Mr Wolcot to whom the inclosed papers have been referred by the President has handed them to me. The insubordination of the proceeding of the Accountant is very great, and the irregularity in that of the President to be regretted. I mean however to submit to him any ideas upon my power—as derived from the constitution of the Department, and the powers of the President combined with the annual appropriation expressly granted to meet such cases; and as the question respects most sensibly the army I must again request your matured opinion in the form of a letter to the President. Send me the papers enclosed after you have read them, and made your notes.
Yours

Js MH


Title: General Orders, 21 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander,North, William
To:

Adjutant General’s Office. New York, March 21st 1800.
It is in future directed that general court martials not only investigate and ascertain the time lost to the service by the non-commissioned officers and soldiers found guilty by them of desertion, and the amount of expenses accruing to the United States by their pursuit and apprehension, but that the number of days, months, or years so lost, be distinctly noticed in the sentence and added to the term for which they were bound to serve, and the amount of expense so incurred, be also particularly stated in the part of the sentence, directing stoppages of their pay.
It is also directed that in the proceedings of general court martials, not only the names of the offenders brought before them for trial be stated, but also their rank and station, and the corps or regiments and companies to which they may respectively belong; and when an offender shall be sentenced to confinement in any of the posts, laboratories, forts, or garrisons of the United States, and the sentence is confirmed and ordered to be carried into execution, a copy of the charge exhibited, the finding of the court their sentence, and the general orders annexed, shall be made out, signed and sent by the commanding officer of the brigade, regiment, or corps, to whom the execution of the sentence was primarily committed, with the prisoner, to the commanding officer of the post, laboratory, fort, or garrison in which he is to be confined, there to remain as a record, and to be entered into a book kept for that purpose. In cases where this mode has not heretofore been pursued, it is ordered that recurrence be had to the officers whom it may concern, to the proceedings of the different court martials, and that their respective sentences be examined, and that in every instance where those directions apply, that they be complied with.
In consequence of the dispersed situation of the troops, and the length of time which must necessarily elapse between the termination of the proceedings of a general court martial and the decision of the commanding general thereon being made known, and the consequent dissolution of the court, whereby regiments or corps are, during this period, deprived of the service of the officers composing the court, it is directed so soon as a general court martial has closed its proceedings, the members thereof shall return to their commands and usual duties, subject to convene by the orders of the commanding officer, and to proceed to the trial of any new cases which may arise previous to the receipt of the general orders for its dissolution; and if a court martial shall be in session at the time an order for its dissolution shall arrive, the proceedings be continued as if no such orders had been issued, until the business then before the court shall be finished, upon which the order for its dissolution shall be published and take effect.

William NorthAdjutant General.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Dr. Sir
N. York March 21. 1800

Though from repeated reflection and action upon the subject my opinion was well made up when I received your letter of the 19th. yet I thought it proper once more to review the matter before I complied with your request.
The principle of the doctrine advanced by the accountant will go much farther than the position which he now avows; namely, “that no authority short of Congress can make allowances to an Officer beyond the emoluments fixed to his Office by law.” It will go the length of denying to the Executive in all its branches any discretion, not confirmed by some Special law, to call forth and compensate any services, not merely of Officers, but of any other persons, which are not indicated and provided for by particular Statutes. It will interdict the employment and compensation of a Citizen, as a writer or even as an express, no less than that of an Officer for either purpose. The foundation of the Doctrine must be that there is no power in the Executive to subject the public to expense in any case not specially provided for by law. What substantial difference can there be between employing a private citizen for some contingent service and paying him for it, and employing an Officer for something not within the sphere of his Official duty, and compensating him for it. I discover none in theory, for as to such extra service he is a private citizen and I know of no law that declares a distinction.
It is certain that in the course of the discharge of its trusts, there will occur numerous instances in which the public service must Stagnate, or the Executive must employ and compensate agents not contemplated by special laws. It follows in my opinion that he must have an inherent right to do it—under these restrictions that it ought to be relative to some object confided to his Agency by the constitution or by the laws, and that no money ought actually to be paid for which there is not an appropriation by statute either with particular reference to the purpose or under the general denomination of contingencies. This is in my opinion a right necessarily implied—nor do I see why the Executive may not claim the Exercise of implied powers as well as the Legislative. In a word there is no public function which does not include the exercise of implied as well as express authority.
This reasoning as far as I know is consonant with the practice of every Government, and with that of ours as well under the confederation as under the present constitution.
If my memory deceives me not, there was an act of Congress prohibiting the union of two Offices in the same person with distinct compensations. Yet this did not hinder the allowance of special compensations to officers for special and extra service. Still less did it hinder the indemnifications for extra expences of an Officer in peculiar situations. Such compensations and indemnifications were, I believe, made by the Executive boards under the former Government. Indeed I am unusually mistaken if the uniform practice of the Treasury and War Departments under this Government does [not] recognize the rule for which I contend and regret that which is advanced by the accountant.
This practice too has been right. A different one will be found in experience—a fatal Clog in the wheels of public business. The administration at large is interested in discountenancing it and that Spirit of Cavil in the accountant on which it is founded, and which my observations in my present station have convinced me is ruinous to the military Department of the Government.
There was not an appropriation law passed while I was at the head of the Treasury which did not sanction my principle. There was always, I believe, a sum for the contingencies of the War Department. The power to incur charges which involve expence not falling under any Specific head presupposes the right to employ agents and engage Services not particularly contemplated by law. I always viewed such appropriations as a virtual sanction of the right including in them a warranty if necessary, to exercise the power. Such too was the practical construction.
Nobody knows better the truth in this respect than Mr. Wolcott. Nobody ought more decidedly to frown upon the dangerous metaphysics of Mr. Simmons. The recognition of his doctrine will be a fatal precedent in the administration. It will be a palsy destructive of all energy in the Govt. Considering the disposition which prevails among certain men in a certain body there ought to be more than a common anxiety not to establish such a fetter upon executive operations.
Yrs


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 21 March 1800
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir.
Cantonment at Harpers Ferry [Virginia]March 21st. 1800.

I received yesterday your favour of the 6th Instant. I have lately written pressingly to the Secretary of War on the subject of the Revd: Mr: Hill, and have enclosed him the oration he made commemorative of the military and civil virtues of our late Commander in Chief, as a Specimen of his talents. If you will permitt me, I will postpone communicating to him the contents of your letter, till the return of the next post. I enclose you also a copy of Mr: Hill’s oration. Has anything transpired, relative to the intention of the combined powers on our late Mission? Has Captn. Izard accepted his appointment under Mr: Smith?
With my best respects to Mrs: Hamilton, I always am Yours very sincerely

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
Honble: Major-General Hamilton.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 21 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
New York March 21st 1800

I have received a letter dated 14th. instant from Major Walker requesting a furlough for five or six weeks. You will, if you deem it expedient and for the good of the service grant him leave of absence for the whole or any part of the time he requires.
with true consideration &c
Colonel Rice


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Staats Morris, 22 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Staats

New York, March 22, 1800. “I have received your letter of the eighteenth instant. It has been matter of doubt whether the power of the Marshall to call out the Posse Comitatus includes that of demanding the assistance of any regular military force which may be within his district. It being matter of doubt the responsibility must rest upon the Marshall, and I shall not disapprove your conduct in complying.… It will however be proper that you should be called on in writing. You will then have something to shew for your justifications. It is irregular to interfere in cases of disturbance on board private vessels at the request of private individuals. You will therefore, in future, forbear doing it.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 22 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
N Y. March 22nd. 1800

The resignation of Lieut Spring is accepted, and will be considered as taking effect on the 31st of this month.

The following is from a letter of the S of War—“Doctor Barron is to be considered as temporary Surgeon’s mate from the time he commenced to render service in the fourteenth regiment. Col. Rice’s letter does not give the date of the commencement of his doing duty. When informed thereof I shall send you his warrant made out accordingly.”
You will enable me to give this information to the S of War.
Col. Rice


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 23 March 1800
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Oxford [Massachusetts] March 23d 1800

In complyance with the wishes of Captain Babbit of my Regiment as will appear by the enclosed copy of a letter I received from him, I transmit his Commission, & with his request unite my wishes that his resignation may be accepted by the Secretary of war.
With very great respect   I am Sir your Obt Servant

N: Rice Lt Colo Comdt14th Regt.

P.S. An arrearage of nearly $3,000 for the pay of the 14th Regt to the 30th of Octr. is not yet forwarded by the Depy. pay Genl. of course the Soldiers are very uneasy.

Majr. Genl Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Sir
N York March 24th 1800

Frequent applications are made to me concerning the relative rank of the Field Officers. It is very desirable that this should be universally settled & promulged without delay. I shall submit to you, before long, some ideas respecting the relative rank of the company officers of the different regiments.
Enclosed are the commission of Lieutenant Flagg and a letter in which he offers to resign it. I would thank you to enable me immediately to inform Col. Rice of the decision in the case. Enclosed is an extract from Col. Rices letter of the 16th. instant for your information.
S of War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 24 March 1800
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters at Shepherds Town [Virginia]March 24th. 1800

I beg leave to recall your attention to such part of my letter of the 21st. of January which relates to the ordering the officers of the First, Second, and Third Regiments in Georgia to join Brigr: Genl: Wilkinson and the ordering officers of the Fourth Regiment, on that Frontier in their stead. Lest that letter should be mislaid, I enclose an extract from it relative to that part of the subject. I also enclose you a plan in which the Fourth Regiment can be completed to its establishment, in the most convenient manner, and still about one hundred and seventy three Non-commissioned officers, Musicians and privates can be sent on from this State, Frederick Town and Tennessee, to Genl: Wilkinson; but I should be glad of your immediate attention and determination on this subject, as some of the officers in Georgia should be here soon, to take charge of them; and no time should be lost in giving the necessary directions for their movement. If you approve the plan, let me know to what part of Genl. Wilkinson’s District the Men are to be marched that the rout may be ascertained. Should their position be on the waters of the Ohio above the falls, or at any of the Upper posts, the proper rout would be by Pittsburgh; or should they be destined to reinforce the post at the Natches, the rout by Tennessee would be most convenient, and then they might march as far as Fincastle in this State with the Troops destined for Georgia, who from thence would have to file off towards Salisbury in North Carolina while they would enter the State of Tennessee with the recruits destined to complete the fourth Regiment there and after having joined Capn. Sparkes’s company proceed by water to the Natches.
Lieutt. Coll: Butler will set out to-morrow for Pittsburgh, and thence go down the river and proceed to Tennessee thro’ Kentucky. I enclose you the copy of the instructions I have given him. It was impossible from the roundabout way the post takes to get to Philadelphia and new York to consult you about moving the recruits of the 4th. from Kentucky in time to send directions to him on that subject, before he will leave Pittsburgh; but I know it was your intention to keep the corps of the same Battallion, as much as possible together, and I also know that a Post was necessary on the Cumberland frontier, to prevent intrusion on the adjoining Indian lands; and as all the 4th. Regt: is annexed to my Division I thought you would have no objection to the orders I have given him.
I remain with great regard & esteem   Your most obedt. Servt

Charles Cotesworth PinckneyMajor General
Honble Major-Genl: Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 24 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
N Y. March 24 1800

I have received your letter of the sixteenth instant with it’s enclosure.
The letter and commission of Lieutenant Flagg have been sent with the necessary observations to the S of war.
An officer is certainly not out of service untill his resignation is accepted by the President. The Secretary of war is the organ thro which the acceptance is made known.
Certificates given to contractors should express the quantity of Articles supplied, but contain no opinion on their price. Should this, however, appear to you unusually high in any case, you will make a remark to that effect on the certificate or communicate the matter to me.
The subject of relative rank has had and will continue to have my attention. I hope the difficulties, which have heretofore stood in the way of it’s adjustment will ere long be removed.
It is the intention that Espontoons be furnished by the public.
No standards have, as yet, been provided.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 24 March 1800
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Private
Fort Adams [Mississippi Territory] March 24th1800
My Dear General,
The Bearer of this Letter Mr. Fletcher of New England, has made a short speculative vissit to the Territory, and can detail to you whatever may affect the national Interests or local concerns in this quarter. He is a Man of sense and I regard Him, because He admires, respects, & loves you.
I beg you to bear in Mind, that my continuance here will depend much on the Secretary of the Navy, for I cannot in prudence hazard my Family on the Gulph, without a convoy, which He has Engaged to me for the 10th. or 20th. of the ensuing Month.
The Authority of a Major is insufficient to the maintenance of due discipline & subordination at this remote point, over the turbulent, gross Minds which have been introduced into our service, I will therefore wait as long as I dare, for the Arrival of Col. Gaither. The Circumstance of Major Cushings belonging to the 1st. Regt., is an objection to his Command of the Troops of the 3rd., & besides his Inspectorship is an additional Objection.
The affair of Lt. Marks presents to me, as an Act of most dastardly assassination, and He must certainly break & perhaps hang, this in confidence of course. He receives a tap from his Major whom he had highly provoked, with a switch or Cane, he does not require formal reparation, he did not punish the indignity on the Spot, altho full able to put the Major in his pocket, but arms Himself with a select weapon and a Cane, & some Hours after, He seeks his Major within the limits of the Guards of the Cantonment, which the Major Commanded, strikes Him with his cane, compels Him to draw a feeble Instrument with a feeble Arm, & then runs Him through the Body. These are the facts stated to me, from which my Mind revolts with horror.
My Mexican partizan has returned in safety. I shall send you one of his little war Horses, & if I do not introduce Him to you, I will carry you a treat from Him. My generous, plausible friend the late Gayoso, had laid a deep plan for his destruction, in the Moment he promised me his Patronage of my pupil, who escaped miraculously—these circumstances should not be the subject of conversation, as the Jealousies of the Spaniards are Alive.
Will you take the trouble to offer my respects to Mrs. Church and say, I have some Orange Shrubs for Her. I found my beloved Wife and Sons in Health, the former as blooming still as Hebe, & fully qualified richly to repay me, for the pains and pangs of absence. My sincere & most respectful attachments attend your Lady & flock. From the Heart I am yours truly, affectionately & faithfully.

Ja Wilkinson

I have not the Scrip of a Pen from the Atlantic since I left it.

Majr. General Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 25 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Carroll, Charles (of Carrollton)

[New York, March 25, 1800. On April 18, 1800, Carroll wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letter of the 25th past.” Letter not found.]


Title: General Orders, 25 March 1800
From:
To:

Adjutant General’s OfficeNew York, March 25, 1800
The General Court Martial of which Capt. Read was president, having tried Lieut. Leyborn of 2d. Regt. Arts. & Engs. upon a charge preferred against him for disorderly and unofficerlike conduct, in beating and maltreating Robert Branton, a private in the same Corps, for evidence given by him before a Court of Inquiry, instituted to investigate a certain charge exhibited against Lieut. Leyborn, & having found him not guilty, and acquitted him thereof, Major General Hamilton utterly disapproves of the sentence. The fact is clearly established, and not denied, that Lieut. Leyborn inflicted twenty five lashes upon Robert Branton, upon account of Testimony which he had given to a Court of Inquiry respecting that Officer. No circumstance of extenuation for this irregularity appears. Lt. Leyborn insinuates, but does not positively assert, malice to have been his motive while a witness against him. The acknowledged infirmity in the health of that Officer accounts for the evidence given by the witness, without imputing to him any ill intention. The appearances from Vertigo, and from intoxication might be the same. These considerations aggravate the misconduct of Lieut. Leyborn, and render it truly surprising that he should have been acquitted. The example is a most pernicious one. It tends to suppress truth, and to arrest the due course of Military Justice. It is not necessary to the delicacy of an Officer that he should have the power to avenge himself in such a case, even where a witness may have been influenced by culpable motives. The intervention of superior Officers, and of the proper tribunals ought to be relied upon for redress. Major General Hamilton feels it a high duty to discountenance such a precedent, deeply regrets that it has received the sanction of a Court, and with reluctance yields to the necessity of releasing Lieut. Leyborn from his arrest.
He will return to his duty.
The Court is dissolved.

W. NorthAdjt Gen.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 25 March 1800
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Union Brigade [Scotch Plains, New Jersey]March 25th. 1800
Major General Hamilton
Sir

I have communicated to Colo. Ogden the arrangements I have made relative to the experiments I am making on the proper measure of the pace, as stated in your Letter of the 18th. to whom at present, I beg leave generally to refer you. I have made arrangements to procure the necessary pendulums to correctly mark the cadence of the common 75—Quick 100—& wheeling times 120. pr. minute, I must confess I am attached to the english time. I know it to be founded on the most approved Prussian system, and is the basis of those highly improved Evolutions, published by Colo. Dundas on which British tactic is now founded, and which is elivating the British army to a point of reputation which they have so long stood in need of.
I find that the British pace gives 65½ yards pr. minute which in 8 minutes covers 522⅔ yds. that our pace pr. minute gives but 50 yards pr. minute in 8 minutes covers 400 yards, of course the advantage gained in 8 minutes is 122⅔ds. yards
If therefore we can introduce and accostom our troops to the Prussian or British step, I think there can be no hesitation which to chuse. I will however do myself the honor of reporting the result of experiments about to be made. I should wish your permission to try the steps when acquired, upon British or Prussian principles of tacticks extracts from which and some notes personally made, I am possessed of, but feel a diffidence in entering on these experiments, without your permission being previously obtained.
I have the Honor to be, with great respect Sir.   Your most obed. Humble Servt.

W. S. SmithLt. Colo. of ye. 12th


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 26 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hodgdon, Samuel

Sir:
N York March 26th. 1800

As I expect to be a good deal with the troops this spring it is necessary that I should be supplied with the following articles for myself and Suite. 1 large dining Markee, 1 small Lodging Markee, 2 Horsemen’s Tents, and 2 Common Tents. The Adjutant General who will accompany me will likewise have occasion for one large Markee for business, the small lodging Markee, two Horsemen’s tents and two Common Tents.
If you should think it necessary to have the sanction of the S of War you can shew him this letter for the purpose.
Saml. Hodgdon Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Private
New York March 26: 1800
Dr. Sir
After reading the enclosed confidential letter you will please return it. I remember what the General states. The idea was that the relative position between first and second Major in the interior of the Regiment should be fixed & selection was made with this view. Similar inconvenience will attend the 15th. Regiment. Major Walker was intended to be first. By the same construction he will be second.
Perhaps it would have been better—If the definition of first and second Major had been deemed equivalent to a difference of grade & the general rules applied among first Majors exclusively of all second Majors &c.
Is there any remedy. Yrs

AH
The Secry of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Nathan Rice, and William S. Smith, 26 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth,Rice, Nathan,Smith, William Stephens

Sir
New York March 26. 1800

Inclosed is a plan of the Formation of a Regiment for Exercise or Battle, of which I request your mature consideration, and that you will favour me as early as may be with the result of your reflections. The more careful and particular your criticism, the more will it oblige me.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 27 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hodgdon, Samuel

Sir
NY. March 27. 1800

The time is near at hand when the troops composing the additional regiments may move from their present stations for the purpose of being encamped. You will therefore take care that they be provided with all articles which they may want for the purpose. Knowing the supplies that have been forwarded from time to time you will be able to ascertain what articles are necessary to make up the deficiency which may exist. You can obtain from the S of War the last return of the troops enlisted which will serve as a guide.
It has become a practice to sentence soldiers who have committed certain crimes to confinement and hard labor. These men must be provided with clothing, but it is my wish that that be of an inferior quality so as to distinguish them from the soldiers in general. You will be pleased to attend to this idea.
S Hodgdon Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Adam Hoops, 27 March 1800
From: Hoops, Adam
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
New York 27 March 1800

Lieutenant Pope reports to me that there are in Capt Eddins’s company now under his command several men who have not had the small pox. That some of them have been lately exposed to infection by frequenting a house on white hill dock where the small pox is. That he is apprehensive that one of them has now the Symptoms of that disease. The Doctor has seen him, but says it is impossible to tell with certainty. There are at Fort Jay Fifty eight persons women and Children included who have not had the small pox. The nature of the subject requires that I should lose no time in reporting these Circumstances.
I am   Sir   with high respect   Yr most Ob srt

A Hoops
Major General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William North, [27 March 1800]
From: North, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
[New York, March 27, 1800]

I have the honor to present herewith regulations for conducting military funerals, & executions; For the disposal of the effects of those who die, or are killed in the service; they are with some alterations, & additions which appeared to me proper, extracted from Reid & Symes, & tho’ not of great consequence, are necessary to make a whole. The plan for the service of the guards which is also presented, is in part taken from the regulations of Baron Steuben, & in part formed on a principle which I believe has not heretofore been adopted, & which for this reason, I offer with great diffidence. The guards, & detachments instead of being taken promiscuously from the different companies of a reg, or the different Regiments of an army, are by the plan accompanying this, to consist of entire Squads, Sections, platoons &c. So that the Officers and the men attached to their particular Command may on all occasions remain together. I need not say to you, Sir, that the separating Officers from their men has been & will always be fraught with bad consequences—the officer to a certain degree, gets rid of his responsibility for their Clothing, arms, & discipline, & the men under the command of a stranger have less to hope from a strict performance of their duty, or to fear from its neglect.
The alteration with respect to the camp Guards, by permitting them to remain in the tents which as a platoon or section they occupied previous to their recruiting, will, in my opinion, be attended with no inconvenience to the service, & with much convenience to the Officers & men; the Camp & Quarter Guard being thrown together under the command of a Commissioned Officer, & a tent or hut appropriated for Prisoners where they can not mix with the guard & will feel that they are confined will, I should suppose be attended with good Effects.
The continual attention necessary to the Common & daily duties of my Office, is Offer’d in excuse for having done so little in the extra business committed to me, & I hope will be accepted.
With the greatest Respect, I am, Sir   Your Obed Serv

W NorthAdj Gen
27 March 1800


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 27 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

Sir,
N. York March 27th. 1800

Your letter of the 17th. instant, with its enclosures has been received.
I am, for my own part prefectly satisfied with the representation given by the Major, of the conduct of your officers in the affair at Elisabeth town—but as an account of it has made its appearance in the public papers, which has represented the matter to their disadvantage, I think you are interested for the honor of your regiment in contradicting it or in destroying the bad impressions it is calculated to make. I have for this purpose drawn the enclosed, which you will have published in some Newspaper in E town, if any there be, or in its Neighbourhood. It is not my wish that you should give it the formal sanction of your signature, but simply that the Editor may know that from you his information is derived.
Colo. Smith


Title: Enclosure: [Account of the Incident at Elizabethtown], [27 March 1800]
From: Brown, Ethan,Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

Some publications having appeared in the news papers in respect to a disturbance at Elizabeth Town implicating Capt Courtlandt & Lt. Livingston of the twelveth Regiment—it is proper that the public should know that early and particular inquiry was made into the affair by order of Major General Hamilton, & that, according to information received from very respectable authority in the Civil Magistracy of Elizabeth Town, the Investigation of the matter by a Grand Jury has ascertained that the conduct of those officers was in the first instance much misrepresented—and that having been drawn into the fracas by circumstances, in which they were unfortunate rather than culpable, they had behaved in a prudent and gentlemanlike manner. The Editor gives this statement from an authentic source.


Title: General Orders, 28 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander,North, William
To:

Adjutant Generals Office New York Mch 28th. 1800
The following regulations have been adopted by Major General Hamilton and are to govern Officers whom they may concern, in the transmission of their different returns.
All Muster and Pay rolls and all returns of Clothing on hand and wanting are to be sent to the Deputy paymaster General for the District within which the troops, to which they relate are stationed or to his nearest assistant or agent as may be directed by the immediate commanding General. The Deputy Paymaster General hereby intended, as to the troops under the command of Brigadier General Wilkenson, is Captain Vance of the third Regiment of Infantry, who has for his assistant, or agent at Pittsburgh, Isaac Craig Esquire. Captain Benjamin Williamson is Deputy Paymaster General to the remainder of the District under the immediate command of Major General Hammilton. The Muster and Payrolls are to be acted upon by each Deputy Paymaster General according to the instructions he shall have received from the Paymaster General.
Officers in the General Staff having Soldiers as waiters, or attached durably to the particular service with which they are charged may, upon their responsibility, make returns for clothing, pay and rations due to such Soldiers designating them by name and setting forth the Companies and Regiments to which they may belong. Returns of the above description, made by Officers under the grade of generals are to be countersigned by the principal Officer present of the branch of the Staff with which Such Officers are connected, those of Aid-De-camps, and assistants by their General, upon which returns they may receive from the nearest Deputy paymaster General, the Clothing and Pay and from the nearest contractor the rations due to such Soldiers. It will be incumbent on the Officer who thus intends to furnish the waiter or waiters in his employ, to give previous notice thereof to the Paymaster of the Regiment to which such waiters may belong, and report to him from time to time the payments made and the Clothing of such waiters.
Issues of Clothing are to be made by the paymasters, and the agents who by special appointment may be charged with the duty of paymaster to companies or detachments of companies, on the return of the Officer commanding them respecting which when practicable from situation shall be countersigned by the Officer commanding the Regiment or Corps—but no clothing is to be issued to the captain of the company except for the men actually present with it. If a part of the company is detached, the officer commanding the detachment is to make a return of the men present in his detachment to the paymaster of the Regiment to which they belong, unless when another is specially appointed to furnish the detachment.
The paymaster of each regiment or Corps, will upon the receipts of supplies notify the Officers of Regiments or Corps who may be detached with men under their command, other than recruiting parties, in order that the necessary returns may be made and the clothing forward[ed] by the Paymaster of the army. Clothing is not to be drawn by an Officer commanding a company or detachment for men while on furlough, or for individual non-commissioned Officers or Soldiers who may be detached upon particular duty, nor for Soldiers who may be employed as waiters to Officers belonging to the same company Battalion or Regiment with the Soldiers in their employ untill such non-commissioned officers or soldiers rejoin his company or except an order of the Officer commanding the Division or Brigade, which is only to be given for special reasons. Altho the clothing for the non-commissioned Staff of a Regiment, or for the non-commissioned officers musicians and privates of a company or detachment will be issued on the receipt of the respective commanding Officers, the receipt of each individual Soldier must be forwarded to the paymaster or the agent for the articles received by him from his Captain or Commanding Officer.
Regimental Paymasters being furnished in the field with a Waggon, or in other situations with a place of deposit, they are to [be] responsible for the safe keeping of all supplies entrusted to their care, untill the issues are regularly made, And Commanding Officers of Regiments and companies are answerable for all clothing coming into their possission in consequence of Death desertion or discharge untill they are exonerated by the receipt of the Paymaster to whom the articles so left are to be delivered. These regulations so far as they apply are to be observed in their issues by the Regimental Quarter master.
All returns of Quarter master stores, ordnances, arms and military stores and all returns of provision upon hand are to be sent to the Quarter Master General, or to the Deputy Quarter master General of the District.
The district superintended by the Quarter master General Lieut Col Wilkins comprehend the troops under the command of a Brigadier General Wilkenson. Lieut. Col commandant Ogdon of the 11th. Regiment of Infantry acts as Deputy Quarter Master General to the troops under the immediate [command] of Major General Hamilton.
The principal Officer within a district to whom returns are to be made for any articles of Supplies wanting, is charged with the care of having them furnished within the limits of the Law and regulations respecting them.
Samuel Hodson, Esquire of Philadelphia superintendant of military stores, is to be addressed for all articles of supply which are not provided by the quarter master general or his Deputies by the agent of the war department or by the contractor, and all returns of medicines surgical instruments and Hospital Stores either on hand or wanting are to be made to him untill further order. The General returns to be made at Stated times of ordnance arms military and other Stores in deposit or on hand and from time to time issued, are ultimately to be transmitted to the superintendant of Military Stores by the Officer to whom they are in the first instant to be addressed pursuant to this order.
James Miller Esquire is assistant to the quarter Master General at the seat of government.
All monthly, inspection, and Recruiting returns and generally all Returns respecting the troops themselves, are to be sent in the first instance to the Officer who is or who acts as Deputy Adjutant General. The immediate commanding General will in each case declare in General orders the proper officer, and in every case in which local circumstances may make it necessary that any of the returns mentioned should be in the first instance sent to an agent or principal officer to whom they are required to be addressed, it is the duty of the particular commanding General, to designate the proper officer and to regulate the matter in conformity to the general intent of this order.
Major General Pinkney will designate the officers to whom returns or applications are to be made and make such additions to this order as may appear to him necessary for carrying these regulations into effect, within his particular command.
All applications for furloughs for more than six days are in future to be made thro the Adjutant General or Deputy Adjutant General or Officer acting as such, by the commanding officer of the Brigade or district to which the person applying is attached. Furloughs will not be granted except in cases of real necessity, the reason of the application and the number of days absolutely necessary must be stated, and if the time granted should be exceeded a report is to be made to the adjutant General or the officer acting as such of the number of days exceeded.

Wm NorthAdjt General


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 28 March 1800
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
Cantonment at Harpers Ferry [Virginia]March 28th. 1800.

By the last post, I received from the Ajutant General, your orders to stop the recruiting service of the twelve Regiments. As the Fifth Regiment hath but very few men, if any, as I have not heard they have yet commenced recruiting, as the sixth Regiment has not I think 150, and as the Seventh Regiment has only about two hundred, (the returns being at my Quarters at Shepherds Town, I cannot speak accurately), I presume you will not, under existing circumstances, think of carrying your design into execution, of having a camp formed near Augusta, with these three skeletons of regiments. If a peace should be patched up with France, & we should find it necessary to endeavour to reinlist our men on account of a probable rupture with other powers, we should find this a more practicable operation, if the Men were in the States they were enlisted from, than at a distance. Some officers of the Seventh Regiment have expressed a wish to me, that you will permit that regiment, to march here next month, rather than proceed to the Southward, as they think they and their troops will receive more improvement, by being with such a considerable body of Men, as will be here, than by doing duty by themselves, or with a smaller number of men. Brigr. Genl. Washington is of opinion that it will be advantageous to adopt this plan. He, Colo Watts and Lieutt. Walbach are with me and we are hard at work.
I shall direct Colo Moore to join me here with the 10th Regt. by the 1st. of May. I shall be obliged to direct Captn. McClellan and Captn. Ingersoll, with their companies of Artillery to join me also here at that time. Am I to expect the pleasure of Major Toussards company here this Summer?
With very great esteem & regard, I remain Your most obedt. Servt

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
Honble: Major Genl: Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 28 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
New York March 28. 1800

Oliver Emerson, Cadet in the fifteenth regiment, has applied to me for a discharge from the service.
You will deliver the enclosed to him accordingly.
Col. Rice


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 28 March 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
N York March 28th. 1800

I send you the enclosed letter of Captain Tillinghast, and you will act in the case as the good of the service may require.
It is proper that Officers should apply to me thro their commandant. Having then his remarks I shall be better able to judge of what is proper to be done. You will take care that this be made known.

It is very desirable that the Officers should be with their regiments early in May, as the season most proper for improvement in exercise will then have arrived. You will bear this circumstance in mind.
Col Rice


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 31 March 1800
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Union Brigade [Scotch Plains, New Jersey] March 31, 1800. “I have had the honor of receiving yesterday your Letter of the 26th. enclosing the project for the formation of a Regiment for exercise and Battle. I feel a diffidence in revising it, but … I will however endeavour to overcome that diffidence, and give the subject my earliest attention conformable to your wish.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marquise de Fleury, March 1800
From: Fleury, Marquise de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Paris, March, 1800. States that her husband has committed suicide. Requests Hamilton’s support of her petition to Congress for funds in appreciation of her husband’s services during the American Revolution.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 2 April 1800
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Union Brigade [Scotch Plains, New Jersey] April 2, 1800. “I have been honoured by your Letter of the 27th. ulto.… The communications you wish made in the public papers, shall receive my earliest attention.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 3 April 1800
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Cantonment at Harpers Ferry. [Virginia]April 3d: 1800.

In my last I forwarded to you an arrangement proposed by Colo Butler for the completion of his regiment, and the sending on Detachments to Genl: Wilkinson. By the last post I received your favour of the 17th. enclosing me an arrangement in some respects different, which Shall be obeyed. I enclose you now a sketch how I understand the arrangement, made by you is to be carried into execution; please to inform me if I am right, as the Troops should move by the 1st: of May. I observe that you have removed Capn: Tinsley from the first to the Fourth regiment, and Capn. Ross Bird from the Fourth to the First. I shall therefore direct the former to remain in Georgia, and the latter to join the recruits at Stanton as soon as I have fixed upon an officer to relieve him on the recruiting service in North Carolina, for you will find according to your arrangements the Fourth will require ninety-one to compleat it.
I have appointed provisionally Captn: Beatty of the Ninth Regiment, Division Quarter Master, he is active, industrious and economical, was an officer last war. He has been hitherto but scantily supplied with funds, and as from your orders of the 17th: of March the contractors are properly directed not to furnish articles which usually appertain to the Quarter Master’s Department, we Shall be in want of a number of necessaries without he is provided with the means of procuring them. About a thousand dollars were placed in his hands, but those were swallowed up in expences for the most part incurred before his appointment.
Your favour of the 18th: of March I have also received. I had made during the time I have been here many experiments of the kind you desire, and will attentively make many more, and acquaint you with the result; from those I have already made, I am inclined to be of opinion that our present step of two feet is a more natural pace for a man of medium heighth than either the French or English pace. A man is soon fatigued by overstepping himself. Seventy five steps in a minute is I think a very good number for the slow or common step. I have found very great benefit by introducing a Pendulum, which vibrates precisely seventy five times in a minute to bring about an exact uniformity in time. One hundred and twenty steps in a minute is very rapid, and should be appropriated solely to the cases alluded to by you. I have frequently lamented the want of an intermediate step, and have made many experiments with the Pendulum which vibrated one hundred times in a minute, and with that which vibrates one hundred and eight, and with the correspondent steps. I will attentively make many more; at present I am much in favour of the hundred. It is I think the natural time of the road march by a column of rout, when not encumbered with much baggage. Seventy five is too slow for this march, one hundred & twenty greatly too fast. I remember in company with Genl: Marshall seeing a French Demi Brigade of about two thousand men on their march from Valenciennes to Cambray, and as nearly as I could judge by my watch, it was at this rate they marched, while I kept by the side of them. I remember Genl: Marshall was exceedingly pleased with the facility and rapidity with which the march was performed. In maneuvring, you rightly observe that in that service this is the usual step. I will however attentively multiply experiments and transmit you the result.
I am happy to find you are paying so much attention to the rudiments and fundamental basis of all military movements & maneuvres. Permit me to suggest an advantage you will find by introducing the wheeling on a moveable pivot when marching in open column: without this is done the flank of the wheeling plattoon will not quit the ground in time for the succeeding plattoon altho’ the wheeling flank may move in the quickest time, and with lengthened step; and every succeeding plattoons will be in turn so much retarded that when the whole are done wheeling you will be obliged to halt your front for a considerable time to enable your rear to come up, whereas the whole of this inconvenience is prevented by making each plattoon in your open column wheel on a moveable, and not on a fixed pivot.
I am much obliged to you for permitting me to recommend to you a Deputy Inspector General for this Department, who is ex officio Adjutant General. Major William D Beall of the 9th: Regiment is in every respect qualified for the office and I warmly recommend him to you. If the relative rank between the Majors in that Regiment should be determined against him, it will be some consolation that it was not for want of merit, and if it should be in his favour, he would still be an acquisition to you as your Deputy, of great service to the Country in that capacity, and I am convinced do honour to my recommendation. He is brave, modest, active, intelligent, industrious, rigid in his notions of honour, an excellent disciplinarian, a good tactician, in short since I have been acquainted with him, I do not wonder at Secretary Stoddert’s enthusiastic recommendation in his favour. I must do Major Hopkins (who claims the senior Majority in the 9th: Regiment, in consequence of your general orders concerning relative rank) the justice to say that since he has joined, I have found him very attentive & diligent. He was in Moylan’s, & not in Baylor’s Dragoons, as I through mistake had informed you. I do not permitt Substitutes to exercise Corps when the principals are present. I should be glad to receive the arrangement of the 9th: Regiment, as all the officers are desirous of knowing their situation. I remain with great regard and esteem
Your most obedt. servt.

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.
Honble Major General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 3 April 1800
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Oxford [Massachusetts] April 3d. 1800

I have the honor of receiving your favour of the 22d. Ulo., intimating the acceptance of Lieut Springs resignation. Doctor Barron began to render medical assistance at this post the second day of Decer. last.
The enclosed letter and certificate I received from the frend of a Soldier in my regiment. The man was inlisted by Lieut Spring who has resignd. I have written to him for a Statement of Facts: I have employed him as a Servant in my Family & have never ’till now heard a complaint of lameness, or dissatisfaction, nor a pretence that he was unfairly inlisted. A Short furlough I have lately given him has created discontent. I have considered that as he & his friends were assenting to the inlistment & as appears by their own statement, & have rested satisfyed until now, they have no just cause of complaint, or claim to his discharge, but as they appear determined to appeal to you I thought it prudent to state my opinion on the Subject.
I have been honored by your communications of the 18th. & 25th. and will immediately apply myself to the consideration of the Subjects submitted for examination & experiment.
With the utmost esteem and respect I am Sr yr Obt Servt

N: Rice L Col. Com14 Regt
General Hamilton

NB I do not find, Sir, that any such officer as Lieut W. Church has ever belonged to the 15th. regt. whose resignation you mention in your favour of the 17th. March as having been accepted by the President conclude there must have been some mistake in the name.
Yrs. with respect

N: Rice


Title: Enclosure: Isaac Terboss to Nathan Rice, 23 March 1800
From: Terboss, Isaac
To: Rice, Nathan

Dear Sir.
Lebanon Springs [New York] 23 March 1800

By the request of our friends take the Liberty of writing to you in favor of young Harry Collins, that belongs to Capt. Phelps Company, and has for Sum time ben in your family—he will hand this to you with other papers Relative to his age & Inability of preforming the Duties of a Solger. he will request you to give him his Discharge which we most Sertainly Expect you will. I presume you are not Acquainted with his Connections, if you was you would Naturally Expect they will not Remain Easy while he is in the Army in sow low a Station. he informed his Lieut. when he Inlisted in the presence of several persons, of his lame arm, & age, but he told him his size would due, and he must not make it known when he Should be musterd, & he would Enter his Age at Eighteen. It Appears to me from Every Circumstance their has been a Great deal of art maid use of to get him to list—his Lieut. knowing these facts was every Unjustifiable in Listing of him, & knowing it to be Contrary to Law & his orders. I have Writ to his Capt. to Inform you what he knows Respecting it. we are much pleasd pleas’d with the friendly treatment he has Receivd from you, and use hope you will Sill treat him Sow on Acct. of his Friends. I have Desird harry if you Object to Discharge him & Every thing Else he is Intitled to, for to get your reasons in Writing that we may lay all these things before General Hamelton he being well Acquainted with our famil’s, will undoubtedly grant our Request. we wish’d him to Remain in the Armey till he was satisfyd and now Sir, we shall not be satisfyed till he is Dischargd.
I remain with Due Respect your very Humble St

Isaac Terboss


Title: Enclosure: Certificate by John Baker, Jr., [28 March 1800]
From: Baker, John, Jr.
To:

[Richmond, Massachusetts, March 28, 1800]
This may Certify that Mr. Henry Collins, son of Tyrannus & Abigail Collins late of Richmond in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts was Born in said Richmond on the eighteenth day of October AD 1783 as appears from the Records of said Town of Richmond.

Attt. John Bacon jun T. Clerk
Richmond 28th. March 1800


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Mahlon Ford, 4 April 1800
From: Ford, Mahlon
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Fort Norfolk [Virginia] April 4, 1800. “… such a picture of destruction, I never saw at any post, when I took the Command—and in endeavouring to remedy it I have affronted the late Commanding Officer, who was Capt Blackburn (who knows nothing about Military Matters and never will, as he says himself, he only serves for the lo[a]ves and Fishes) in such a manner, that I was reduced, either to give up my Command, or Arrest him, the former, did not at present suite me—& I was necessitated to do the latter. If I hold my Commission, on the tenour, that he, and some other Virginians, pretend to hold up, It’s good for nothing, and as such I shall consider it, & he will stay, & I’ll return to some more peacefull employ.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Gamble, 4 April 1800
From: Gamble, Robert
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond, April 4, 1800. Requests that Hamilton grant to his son, “John G. Gamble—a Youth at Princeton College—just entering his 20th year … the favor of introductory letters to Gentlemen Who may reside on the route” to Boston. States that his son “had the honor of being in Genl. Marshalls family during his Embassy to France.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 April 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philad. 5 April 1800
private
Dear Sir.
Mrs. Adams at her drawing room yesterday evening took occasion to mention to me, that she had understood, one of the regiments now in Jersey were to be removed to Rhode Island, perhaps to assist in completing the fortifications, that if so, and it did not break in upon any fixed disposition of the force, it would give her great pleasure could it be the Regiment commanded by Lt. Col. Smith. This she added would bring her daughter near to her during the summer which it was very natural for her to desire.
I mention this conversation, that you may keep the thing in mind in the event of such a disposal of the 12 Regiment becoming at all proper.
Yours affly

James McHenry
5 April 1800
Majr. Gen Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 5 April 1800
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Union Brigade [Scotch Plains, New Jersey] April 5th. 1800
Major General Hamilton
Sir.
Inclosed I have the honor of Submitting to your consideration the alterations of the plan for the formation of a Regiment for Exercise or Battle, forwarded in your Letter of the 26th ulto, you will observe that I am decidedly of opinion, we should fix our firm reliance on the well organised Battalions—the Brilliant dashes and light touches of advanced, Light Infantry—will not answer our purposes, in those serious scenes, which our Country is exposed to. If they are unfolded in our day, we shall find all the solidity and firmness our Country is capable of concentrating, best directed thus we must move like deep and silent waters, meandering streams will not save us, whether the pressure comes from abroad, or originates at Home, nothing but firm and steady arrangements invariably pursued, will save our Country or ourselves. I am delighted with your project of the fundamental formation, and permit me further to sugest, that Regiments should be formed upon this plan in the first instance by ranking and seizing them, in one line from right to left, count them off into three equal divisions, denominated the first, second and third divisions, let the files double to the right, the first and third step out one full pace, the Center Stand steady—let the divisions face to the right and left & by countermarching they will be ranked and seized from flanks to Center, the first division facing to the front & standing as front rank, the second and third facing to the right—on the word march the third division marches between the first & second and with the second both in file marching forward, gains the right flank of the first rank—halt, face to the left, cover the file leaders, and the regiment is definitively ranked & seized, each file, from flanks to Center, the tallest men in front, the smallest in Center, and the middling in the rear rank. Let the regiment be than counted off into Companies, the officers posted, make a regular roll of their Companies, inform every man in the first instance by label on his sleeve, his exact no. in first, 2d. & 3d. Rank and the Regiment always parades regularly ranked and seized, and ready for immediate action. I have upon your Communications, made the experiment & find it answer perfectly. I need not describe the facility with which the rear rank is thrown to the left, so as to form two ranks, or with what promptness the left flank of two ranks can be thrown to the rear & form three deep. I took the 12th. Regt. on Thursday to make the experiment, & find it answers most perfectly. If a regiment is thus formed, I shall be also attached to the system of doing duty by Corps Companies, Platoons, sub, divisions &c &c. and never force an officer from the men he has trained, but let them be invariably together—& when on parade they are called together to the Center, that the Commanding officer, may make any communications to them. Instead of the usual command of, officers to your posts march—I would say officers to your Companies march. It is impressive of going to the bosom of their friends, where if they are worth any thing, they will be received with a soldierlike affection. Duty thus required, may be relyed on being well done, at least much better than by general detail. I am apprehensive I trespass on your patience. I will let the rest of the report speak for its-self, and beg your excuse for being so plain & explicit, I should not have presumed thus far—but for your letter.
I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir. Your most Obedt. Humble Servt.

W. S. Smith Lt. Colo. of ye 12th