Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 21 November 1799
From: Dayton, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Elizabeth town [New Jersey], Novr 21st 1799
My Dear General,
I write to you in confidence, & altho’ in the language, yet not in the temper of complaint. A practice has prevailed with some of the Regts. in your Division of drawing mony & rations on acct. without regular rolls & returns. This, I am sure, needs only to be known by you in order to be reprobated & corrected, for it’s tendency is most pernicious not only in encouraging indolence, inattention & incorrectness in officers, & in rendering the accts. more complicated & confused, but in destroying that real check on Regimental Paymasters & Quarter Masters which a prior ascertainment of the exact sum & quantity to be issued, will always afford. In the case of pay, whilst a Regiment was dispersed throughout it’s recruiting districts, this irregular mode of issues of mony on acct. was necessarily resorted to, but ought certainly not to be continued a moment after it is collected as at present. In the instance of rations, it was never under any circumstances, or in any situation to be justified, because they were to be drawn on a simple return not founded on any muster or other roll, & easy to be made out even by a Non-commissioned officer.
I am so intent upon serving immediately under you in the event of a war & of your being ordered upon an important expedition, that I cannot avoid sometimes to feel & act as if I were now in service, & indulge myself in observations tending to promote it’s good. If it deserve the appellation of officiousness, I shall rely upon your well-known candor & upon your intimate knowledge of me, to apply to it the epithets of honest & well meant, & to pardon me for seeming to interfere in matters in which, at the present moment, I have no direct concern.
Do you expect to visit Elizabeth town on your way to the cantonment at Scotch plains within ten days, or have you altogether abandoned the intention of paying the troops another visit this fall? On the first or second of December, I shall go to Philadelphia & shall hope to receive from you there frequent communications on military & other subjects.
Very sincerely & affecty

Jona: Dayton

In corresponding with you thro’ the channell of the public mail, it is desireable that my letters should be so addressed, as not to expose them to be opened by your Aids or Secretaries; is the style of superscription on the cover of this letter the proper one to avoid that risk?

Majr. Genl. Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 21 November 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth

New York, November 21, 1799. Encloses “regulations which it is proposed to establish relative to the uniform of the troops.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 21 November 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Baltimore Novr. 21. 1799
Sir
Your Letter respecting Hamtramck & Lt Claiborne, has come to Hand & is the last I have received from you.
I left Phila. the 16th. Inst, arrived here the 17th. & shall sail Tomorrow in the Vessel intended for me, requiring so much time for equipment.
From some conversation with the Secy of War, the Day before I left Phila. I fear the proposed organization of the four old Regts: will be cut up, on grounds too frivolous in my estimation, to be opposed to the salutary consequences, which must ensue the confirmation of it, and I fear it will be long, very long, before we shall be able to embody the Officers of the several Corps, & lay the foundations of Order & responsibility.
The transfers deemed essential to a prompt & convenient incorporation, of the Officers of the several Regiments, will in the Ministers opinion bear to hard against the pretensions of Individuals, and of this you will be able to form a clear Judgment, by a comparative view of the Organization proposed, & the manuscript Register of the four Old Regiments which I left in your Hands—it will be found that the benefits & the injuries which necessarily accrue, & which were unavoidable, are partial & superficial, except in an instance or two, & I understood that you would not suffer these, to prevent a salutary measure of general influence. Mr. McHenry is afraid of Clamour & discontent, but I think his apprehensions groundless, & shall be content to take on myself the responsibility of the Act. Capt ShaumBurgh of the 2nd. being on the Mobile, & being the proposed officer for Brigade Qr. Master, I shall be obliged to transfer Him to the 3rd Regt., but in doing this I shall have care that no Interest is violated. I can but believe that it is erroneous in a public functionary to suffer little present difficulties, to mar arrangements of future deep importance, and I dismiss the subject with the expression of my Hopes, that my agency in the transaction, may not involve, in your Breast, any doubts of the Candor, principle, & public spirit which has directed me.

By the last advice from Norfolk, the Ordnance Brig had not arrived, to guard against unexpected embarrassments, I will thank you to drop me a line for my Government, in case of misfortune to Her on the voyage from N York—addressed to the care of Luke Wheeler Esqr. Norfolk.
With perfect consideration, respect & attachment   I am sir   Your devoted

Ja Wilkinson
Majr Genl Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 21 November 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Baltimore] Novr. 21st. 1799
My dear General & Friend—
It is a truth, that in the variety of my Life, I have very seldom experienced so essential a privation, as the loss of your Society. I should find difficulty in the discrimination, but you have Interests about you, which I have never discovered in another, matter to captivate the understanding, & manner to charm the Heart—pardon this effusion of grateful Friendship, since it gives pleasure to a Heart, which has ever been the play-thing of its affections.
With submission, I think you Should be in Philadela. at an early day, your influence & your conciliation may I fear become necessary to prevent a dangerous Schism in the ad----.----n. the Atty. Genl. is vociferous in his reprobations of the surrender of Robbins, & it is whispered that the M. of S. has transcended in that case the presidential authorization; the Antis are encouraged, organized & united, ready to seize every advantage—parties are bitter here, but among the most bitter & the most opposite, I find your name listened to with respect. Whatever may be said to the contrary, the Interests of your old rival will be pushed for the chair of State. I find here an opposition man now of Congress, your admirer & your friend personally. You have slighted Him last winter & he is piqued; but yr. future attentions will be gratefully received, and you may I am persuaded use Him to good effect in our professional concerns, as he certainly will have influence on that subject. Devoted to you with Hand, Head, & Heart I implore Heaven to have particular charge of you.
Adieu Adieu

Harper is here, so is Miss Carrall. I saw them yesterday, & infer that the swain has been importunate.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 21 November 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wilkinson, James

New York Novr. 21st 1799
Sir
The Secretary of War disapproves the arrangement relative to the four old regiments on account of the numerous transfers of Officers which it involves from one regiment to another. It is therefore necessary to give the subject a total revision. In doing this I shall follow your ideas as far as I can follow them consistently with the views of the Secy. of War. The new arrangement, when it shall be digested, will be transmitted in two ways, in a letter addressed directly to you and in one which will be sent thro’ Col Hamtramck.
G Wilkinson


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Read, 22 November 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Read, James

New York, November 22, 1799. “I request that you will send a non commsd officer to attend upon my office. It is left to your discretion whether the attendance shall be diurnal, periodical, or permanent. The office is No. 36 Greenwich Street.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 November 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New-York Novr. 23 d. 1799
Sir
The near approach of a Session of Congress will naturally lead you to the consideration of such measures for the improvement of our military System as may require legislative Sanction.
Under this impression, I am induced now to present to you some objects, which appear to me very interesting, and shall take the liberty to add, hereafter, such others as shall have occurred.
One which I have always thought of primary importance is a Military Academy. This object has repeatedly engaged the favourable attention of the Administration, and some steps towards it have been taken. But these, as yet, are very inadequate—a more perfect plan is in a high degree desirable.

No sentiment is more just than this, that in proportion as the circumstan⟨ces⟩ & policy of a Country forbid a large military establishment, it is important that as much perfection as possible should be given to that which may at any time exist.
Since it is agreed, that we are not to keep on foot numerous forces instructed and disciplined, military science in its various branches ought to be cultivated, with peculiar care, in proper Nurseries; So that there may Always exist a sufficient body of it ready to be imparted and diffused, and a competent number of persons qualified to act as instructors to the additional troops, which events may successively require to be raised. This will be to substitute the elements of an army to the thing itself, and it will greatly tend to enable the Government to dispense with a large body of standing forces, from the facility which it will give of forming Officers and Soldiers promptly upon emergencies.
No sound mind can doubt the essentiality of Military Science in time of War, any more than the moral certainty that the most pacific policy, on the part of a Government, will not preserve it from being engaged in War, more or less frequently. To avoid great evils, it must either have a respectable force prepared for service, or the means of preparing such a force with expedition. The latter, most agreable to the genius of our Government and Nation is the object of a Military Academy.
I propose that this Academy shall consist of five Schools—One to be called “The Fundamental School”—another “The School of Engineers & Artillerists” another “The School of Cavalry”—another “The School of Infantry” and a fifth “The School of the Navy”—and of the following Officers and persons—
“A Director General to superintend the whole Institution.”
“A Director of the Fundamental School”
“A Director of the School of Engineers & Artillerists.”
“A Director of the School of Cavalry.”
“A Director of the School of Infantry.”
“A Director of the School of the Navy.”
“Six Professors of Mathematics”
“Three professors of Natural Philosophy”
“One Professor of Chemistry.”
“Two Architects.”
“Two Drawing Masters”
“A Riding Master”
“A Fencing Master.”—to be thus distributed among the several Schools
To the Fundamental School—
A Director
Four Professors of Mathematics
One Professor of Natural Philosophy
One Drawing Master
To the School of Engineers and Artillerists
A Director
A Professor of Mathematics
A Professor of Natural Philosophy
A Professor of Chemistry,
An Architect.
A Drawing Master
To the School of Cavalry
A Director

A Riding Master
A Fencing Master
To the School of Infantry
A Director
To the School of the Navy
A Director
A Professor of Mathematics
A Professor of Natural Philosophy.
An Architect

In the Fundamental School to be taught—
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, the laws of Motion, Mechanics, Geography, topography and surveying.
Designing of Structures and Landscapes.
The principles of Tactics.
In the School of Engineers & Artillerists to be taught
Fluxions, conic Sections, Hydraulics, Hydrostatics & Pneumatics.
The Theory and Practice of Gunnery.
Fortifications, including sapping and mining, and the attack and defence of places.
Chemistry, especially Minerology.
The fabrication of Cannon and other arms.
The principles of construction, with particular reference to aqueducts, canals and Bridges.
The composition of Artificial fires.
In the School of Cavalry
The tactics and Police of Cavalry, Equitation, the use of the small and broad sword.
In the School of Infantry
The tactics and Police of the Infantry
In the School of the Navy
Spherics, Astronomy, Navigation with the Doctrine of the tides, Naval Architecture.
The Director General and the other Directors to be Officers of the Army and Navy, conforming to the Nature of each School.
These Schools to be provided with proper Apparatus and instruments for philosophical and Chemical experiments, for Astronomical and Nautical Observation, for surveying and for such other processes as are requisite to the illustration of the several topics of instruction.
The Cadets of the Army, and young persons who are destined for military and Naval service ought to study two years in the Fundamental School—And if destined for the Corps of Engineers and Artillerists, or for the Navy two years more in the appropriate School—If for the Cavalry or Infantry one year more in the appropriate School. But persons who by previous instruction elsewhere may have become acquainted with some or all of the branches taught in the fundamental School, may after due examination by the professors of that School be either received there for a shorter term, or pass immediately to one of the other Schools according to the nature and extent of their acquisitions.
In addition to these, Detachments of Officers and non commissioned Officers of the Army ought to Attend the Academy in rotation for the purposes of Instruction and Exercise, according to the nature of the corps to which they respectively belong. It would be a wise addition to the System if the Government would always have such a number of serjeants in addition to those belonging to the regiments of the Establishment as would suffice, with them, for an army of 50,000 men.
The Scite of the Academy ought to be upon a navigable water. For this purpose, a piece of ground ought to be purchased by the Government of dimensions sufficient for experiments in gunnery, that is, not less than Twelve hundred yards in length and four hundred yards in Breadth. The Situation upon a navigable water is requisite to admit of exemplifications of Naval construction and Exercies.
It would also tend greatly to the perfection of the plan if a position for the Academy could be obtained suited to founderies of Cannon and manufactories of small arms. The pupils could here acquire the knowledge of these arts, and the detachments of troops could be made useful in the prosecution of the works.
Barracks and other proper buildings must be erected for the accommodation of the Directors professors & Students and for the laboratories and other works to be carried on.
It is proposed by the foregoing plan that the School of Engineers and Artillerists shall be united. The Studies relative to these two branches of service run into each other so much that they may with convenience be pursued in the same School.
Yet it is conceived that the intire Union of the Officers of both in one corps, as in our present establishment is not advisable. The Art of Fortification and the service of Artillery, though touching each other in many points, are in the main distinct branches, and each so comprehensive, that this separation is essential to perfection in either. This has been ascertained by experience. It is understood that one or more Governments of Europe, particularly attentive to the Military Arts, have essayed the union of the two Corps, indu⟨ced⟩ to it by their mutual relations in certain respects and by the desire of enduring harmony in the Service; and that the result of the experiment has led to a renumeration of the plan, as being productive of more disadvantages than advantag⟨es.⟩
Influenced, as well by this experie⟨nce⟩ in other Countries, as by my own observations and reflexions—I beg leave to suggest, for consideration, a new Arrangement on the Subject, to be submitted, if approved, to the legislative body.
Let the Corps of Engineers and Artillerists be placed under one head; That head to be a General Officer—but let the other Officers be separated and form distinct Corps.
A Regiment of Engineer Officers, and two of artillery Officers, will form a due proportion in the Scale of our military establishment. If deemed inexpedient to increase the total number of Officers—the object may be effected by suppressing two of the Battalions of the corps as now organised, increasing the number of non commissioned Officers and privates in the remaining Battalions, so as to continue the present total, and transferring the surplus Officers, with due Selection to the Regiment of Engineers to be composed of two battalions.
Instead of the Artificers at present forming part of each company let there be a Corps of Miners and Artificers consisting of four companies, one company of Armourers & Smiths, one of Wheelwrights and carpenters, one of Masons, and one of Miners. This Corps to be a portion of the Corps of Engineers and Artillerists under the command of its chief. The Officers to be taken from the Regiments of Engineers and Artillerists at his discretion; continuing nevertheless to rank and rise in the corps from which they may be taken, but the President to be empowered if he thinks proper to appoint others to their places in the Regiments from which they shall be detached.
The union of these different Corps under one Chief is intended to promote a Spirit of harmony and cooperation; while the separation of the other Officers is designed to favour a more profound and accurate knowlege of each Branch.
It will no doubt be observed that though provision should be made by law for the proposed establishment in its full latitude—yet, it may be left in the discretion of the President to appoint only so many of the professors as experience shall shew to be necessary.
With great respect & esteem   I have the honor to be   Sir   Your Obed ser

A Hamilton
The Secy of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 23 November 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth

Newyork Novr. 23rd. 99
Sir
I enclose to you a letter which I have just written to Col. Parker.
When I shall be informed of your arrival within the limits of your district all correspondence between me and the particular Officers in that district will, of course, cease, unless you should think it proper that I should continue to direct them in matters that relate to the recruiting service.
I would request an explanation on this point.
Gl. Pinckney


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 24 November 1799
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Oxford [Massachusetts] Novr. 24 1799
Sir
I have just receivd your favour of the 14th. inst inclosing a General order for holding a General Court martial. On the arrival of the 15th. and 16th. regt. at this post, I considered myself autherised, by your construction of the articles of war, in your order of the 18th. of June as to the power of appointing general Court martial. To order one—the Prisoners have been tryed & punished. The Court did not find the evidence sufficient to convict Robinson—But Carlton was found guilty & sentenced fifty Lashes which he received this morning with several others who were tryed for desertion. I think the examples this day made here will have an excellent Tendency.
My monthly recruiting returns for October will be forwarded this week.
I wish to propose as a Cadet in my Regiment Moses Brickets who is now doing the duty of Serjt Major—he is the son of General Brickets of Haverhill in this State. His merit does not consist in being the Son of a General, but in conducting himself worthy of it. I can give him my hearty approbation as far as I have Known him—and Major Winslow to whom he was attached at his district rendezvous, peaks highly of him.
With every consideration of respect I am Sir   Your Obt Servt

N: Rice
Major General Hamilton

PS. In a former letter I sollicited your directions respecting those recruits who when inlisted were under the age of 18 years, who yet in their attestations certifyed themselves to be more—are they to be dischargd or not.   yrs
N: Rice


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 November 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department, November 25, 1799. Questions the validity of John F. Hamtramck’s statement that a number of officers do not know “the common rules of arithmetic and how to write.” States that if the officers are so illiterate, “it is high time, that the facts be ascertained and a decisive remedy adopted.” Requests that Hamilton “require Colonel Hamtramck to designate the officers who come under the description he has given” or “observe a much greater degree of caution in his representations for the future.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

NY. Nor. 25th. 99
Sir
From information which I have occasionally received it would appear that abuses are, from time to time, committed by particular officers, involving the irregular expenditure of money, that can appear only at the office of the Accountant of the War department. The thing seems to me to be sufficiently important to engage your attention, and I should suppose it would be proper to di[r]ect the Accountt to report to you from time to time all abuses that occur in order that they may be laid before the Military Commanders.
It will then be the duty of these officers to take measures for correcting the abuses and punishing their Authers.
S of War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 28 November 1799
From: Tousard, Lewis
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia November 28th 1799
Sir
As it is more easy to avoid an expence than to persuade the War Departmt. to pay for it, when it is incurred, I have the honor of submitting to your approbation, the following plan for me this approaching winter.
You ordered me, for the winter, at or near New york. Major Hoops & myself are to execute the duty which you will prescribe. The immoderate expences attending the spending of a winter at New york forbids my admitting even the thought of it. To be in any small town near New york, we shall either have to correspond with you, or to repair, say every fortnight, to New york, to present you the result of our work and receive fresh orders. In that supposition, and if Major Hoops has no objection to it, I will request your permission to receive and execute your instructions in Philadelphia, where my family is now removed and where I am not exposed to incurr more expence, than may be covered by whatever allowance you will please to fix to the other officers in that case. Every week or fortnight as you would order it, one of us would repair to New york.
Your complyance with my request and a speedy answer to determine my plan will highly oblige me.
The use also of the war office library may be a great use for assisting us in the discharge of that duty.
With the greatest respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt & obliged Servt

Lewis Tousard
HbleMajor General Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 November 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Newyork Novr. 28th. 1799
Sir
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have written to the Secretary of War on the subject of a military Academy.
Two reasons have prevented me from communicating it to you at an earlier day. My avocations rendered it imposible for me to complete the letter till very lately, and I had had opportunities of knowing your opinion on the subject generally.
Any alterations in the plan which you may do me the honor to suggest will receive the most careful attention.
With the truest respect & attachment   I have the honor to be Sir   Yr. Obed ser

A Hamilton
His ExcellencyThe Commander in Chief


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 November 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York November 30th.1799
Sir
The preparation of a good system for the Tactics and police of the different portions of our Army is probably the most valuable service which it may be in my power to render the UStates in my present station & there are urgent reasons why this should be accomplished in the course of the present winter.
To do it at all would in every situation require the aid of others; since I do not pretend, my self, to understand, in detail, all the branches of service. To do it within the time proposed, or within any period not manifestly longer than it would be prudent to delay, must render a subdivision indispensable, were I competent to the whole.
I have accordingly thought of this distribution of the subject—1 To occupy my self with the tactics of the Infantry—2 To confide to General Pinkney, with the aid of Brigadier General Washington, Col Watts & Lt Walback, or such of them as he may choose the Tactics of the Cavalry. 3 To employ Majors Toussard ⟨and⟩ Hoops in framing regulations for the exer⟨cise⟩ and police of the Artillery; ⟨and⟩ lastly to charge the Adjutant ⟨General⟩ aided by another Officer to be ⟨selected⟩ by him with the regulations for ⟨the⟩ police of Troops in Camp Quarters and Garrisons.
The labours of these different persons will afterwards undergo my revision for adoption or correction and then will be transmitted to you for your consideration and the determination of the President.
But as this servi⟨ce⟩ will occasion constant & laborious occupation to the persons who will be employed, it is just and agreeable to usage to allow a special compensation. This too will be expected by them and is essential to a chearful and zealous execution of the duty. An allowance per diem not less than one Dollar nor more than two will suffice. It may vary in reference to rank. It of course will not be expected to extend to General Pinckney the Adj General or my self.
I entreat a speedy decision & the communication of it.
With great respect & esteem   I have the honor to be   Sir   Yr Obed serv
The Secy of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, December 3, 1799. “… In conformity with your letter of the 25th of November I have written to Colonel Hamtramck requesting him to point out the individual officers whose ignorance is so strongly spoken of in his letter of the 5th of October. The remark of the Colonel did not appear to me to be directed particularly against late appointments but to embrace all appointments for the western army whether of ancient or recent date.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 4 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamtramck, John F.

New York, December 4, 1799. “In your letter of the fifth of October you speak in strong terms of the ignorance of particular officers of the old regiments. It is desirable that you should point out the individuals who are incapable of writing or reading. The communication will be received in confidence as it respects the individuals.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, December 4, 1799. “I take the liberty to request of you information whether the claims of old Soldiers who served in the Revolution war, are still admissible. I make this inquiry to Serve an old Soldier who has consulted me on the subject.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

N. Y. Dec. 5. 99
Sir
I have received your letters of the 20th and 25th of November.
A Judge Advocate General it is expected will be appointed, but permanent appointments of an inferior kind are not provided for by law. Of course only occasional appointments can be made on special occasions, and to these no compensation can be annexed.
I am satisfied with what you have done on the subject of the Court Martial; But in future when it may be deemed necessary to call a General Court Martial you will make a regular application to me for the purpose.
Mr. Brecket has been mentioned to the Secretary of War as a candidate for the Post of Cadet, and has received the usual support.
It is not contemplated at present to appoint more than two cadets to each regiment, and two have already been specially recommended to the Secretary of War for your regiment.
The recruits who have certified themselves to be upwards of eighteen years of age will be retained unless their appearance and character are such as to render it politic to discharge them. You will mention to me such circumstances with respect to those recruits as you may be acquainted with that I may judge how far the Officers who enlisted them were guilty of a violation of the rules for the govt. of the recruiting service.
I have thought proper to make but one alteration in the arrangement of relative rank which you have transmitted to me. I have placed Captain Draper seventh instead of third on the list. This change will obtain, unless you should think, from your better knowledge of character, that he deserves the place which you have assigned to him. Should this be your opinion, you will make known to me your definitive opinion on the point.
Col. Rice.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 5 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Swan, Caleb

New York Decr. 5th. 1799
Sir:
I have received your letters of the fourth of October, and of the fourteenth and twenty sixth of November.
Lt. Col. Burbeck commands the first regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. He is now at Michillimackinac, but will be stationed at the future Head Quarters of General Wilkinson upon the Ohio. Major Tousard commands the Field battallion to be stationed during the Winter at Harper’s ferry. His office however will be in Philadelphia on special service.

Major Rivardi commands at Niagara. Major Freeman is stationed in Georgia or South Carolina.
Major Brooks who is now absent on furlough will command [all the Garrisons in the States from N York to Maryland inclusively]. He is expected to arrive every moment. Major Hoops commands the Field batallion [of the troops within my district]. The Major will however be in Philadelphia [this Winter] on special service. Major Jackson commands [all the Garrisons from Connecticut to Maine inclusively his station personally] at Fort Woolcot in Rhode Island.
No Quarter Masters have [that I know of] been appointed to these regiments. Of paymasters and their stations you are informed.
I have directed Major Craig to take charge as Paymaster of the Forts Fayette, Franklin, Le Beof, and Presqu’Isle or of such of them as may have garrisons.
It will be proper to establish a regular connection between him and the deputy Pay Master General to the western army so as to preserve the unity of the system. [You will consider whether all Bill transactions by him ought not to be regulated in the plan suggested respecting the Posts on the lower part of the Mississippi]. Captain Williamson has arrived at this place and entered upon the duties of his office.
Caleb Swan Esqr


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 5 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wilkinson, James

N Y. D 5. 99
Sir
I enclose to you an arrangement of the Officers of Artillery attached to the Western army into companies as proposed by Col. Burbeck. You will consider this arrangement as confirmed. You will of course make known the confirmation to the commanding officer of the regiment.

G Wilkinson


Title: Enclosure: Arrangement of the Companies in the First Battalion of Artillery, 1 October 1799
From: Burbeck, Henry
To:

Names
Rank
Places

Moses Porter
Captain
Michilimackinac

James Sterrett
Lieutenant
Mississipi

Richard Whiley
  Do
Michilimackinac

Alexander Thompson
Captain
Niagara

Theophilus Elmer
Lieutenant
Mississipi

Peter Tolman
  Do
Detroit

George Demler
Captain
Dead

Joseph Campbell
Lieutenant
Mississipi

Richard Parkison
  Do
Mississipi

Piercy Pope
Captain
Natchez

Thomas Underwood
Lieutenant
Mississipi

Andrew Marshall
  Do
Mississipi

H Burbeck. Lt Coll Commandt


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 6 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

New York Decr. 6, 1799
My Dear Sir
I have received your letter of the 20. of November with its inclosure. I am pleased with the measure on the part of your state and shall embrace every proper opportunity of recommending its being met here with a spirit of accommodation. But I cannot foresee what will be the temper of the State upon the occasion.
Yrs. with true esteem & regard

A Hamilton
J Wadsworth Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Laughton, 9 December 1799
From: Laughton, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Niagara [New York] 9th. Decr. 1799
Sir
Since my arrival here I have been making further enquiry into the business I did myself the Honor of mentioning to you when at Newyork. I find that neer 3000 Barrels of salt are annually brought from Oswego to this place besides dry goods And Liquors and these last would increase were they a sure mode of transporting them a cross the Lake, the present method by boat being found extremely dangerous and very inconvenient.
On my way up I found a Vessel lying at albany whos Dimensions and build is extreemely applicable to the trade from this to any port on the Lake particularly Oswego, as by reason of the Small draft of water, She will at all Seasons of the year be able to cross the Barr at the mouth of the harbour & her accommodations otherwise are equally sutted to a business of that Kind. a Memo: of her dimensions I now take the liberty to Inclose to you as also the names of the people who built her & where they reside—could they be ingaged to build the proposed one here I think from this Spicimen of their abilities they would give Satisfaction And Any alteration you may think necessary to make in the plan, by being explained to them in person would be better understood & more regularly attended to. I have waited on the commanding Officer here Major Rivardie on this subject who has had the Politeness to Say he will order a party of men to Cutt timber under my Directions & I only wait your Orders to proceed.
It is unnecessary for me to State to you the advantage a Vessel of this Kind would be of here as you are as well inform[ed] on that head as I can be. I can only assure you there can be little doubt of her meeting with constant imployment, as she may occasionally make a trip to Kingston when the business from Oswego is Slack. Should it be determined on to build her I would be happy to have your orders as fully as possible. it will however be Necessary to look round as early as possible for Plank & Boards which may be Seasoned by the time they are Wanted for use.
I have the Honor to be   Sir Your Obedt. Hume. Servt.

John Laughton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Jackson, 12 December 1799
From: Jackson, Daniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Newport [Rhode Island] December 12, 1799. “… I enclose you a copy of Major Jonathan Waldos letter to me & his bill of the repairs of the Barracks at Salem, which repairs I should have ordered done by my own Artificers, had they not been engaged at that time at Fort Wolcott, New Port. For the expenditure I expected to have given an order on the Agent or Contractor at Boston for payments; since which I have been informed that my orders will not be accepted, as different directions are given. I wish to know how this Bill shall be settled. I am informed the Bill for the expences of a Barge that was Built some time ago for Fort Independence at Boston, is not allowed, and there is and will be soon an action commenced against Captain Lemuel Gates or myself: this is a heard case, when I am fully sensible that the Soldiers must have suffered without one—and there has been liberty given for Barges to be Built, that is not half so essential in my opinion (that is, if a Soldier has a right to an opinion); however, liberty ought first to be obtained for all expenditures; but this was incured before I received your orders on that subject, and I thought the expences was allowed. I wish for your directions on the subject.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William North, [12 December 1799]
From: North, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, December 12, 1799]
Sir,
I take the liberty of enclosing a letter from Captain Ellery, directed to me, respecting the additional pay and emoluments, which it is presumed ought to be annexed to the pay of Officers who have acted, or may act as Assistants in the Office of the Adjutant General. You are better acquainted, Sir, than any one, what Captn Ellery’s duties have been, & what will be his, or the duties of any other Gentleman who may be appointed Assistant Adjutant General, but I can not refrain from saying, that I think his ideas respecting a difference with regard to emoluments, in favour of the person who is to be considered as first in the Office, appear to me, to be perfectly just, because, in proportion to responsibility, & labour, rewards ought to be given; and the probability is, that owing to the situation in which, as Assist Inspector Genl, I am placed, the weight of business accumulated by the Junction of the two Offices, will, during the time in which I may be necessarily absent attending the duties of the Inspectorate, rest on the first Assistant of the Adjutant General.
I have only to add on this head, that I should presume Capt Ellerys extra pay should commence on the day he accepted the appointmt. 26th May 1799, & that as his duty, so his emoluments should be greater than those of an Aide de Camp and that other Gentlemen whom it may be necessary to employ in the Office should not be placed on an inferior footing to those who are attached to Majors, or Brigadiers General.
As I am on the subject of pay, I have a Strong temptation to speak of my own, the more so, as it is my Opinion, that nothing, which should be given to the army, ought to remain unasked for this session. The office of Asist. Inspector Genl was with propriety added to that of adjt Genl, & if the duty of the Assistant had only extended to the Inspections necessary in a Compact, & disciplined army & to reviews by Regiments or Brigades, the fatigue could not have been very great, nor would its pleasures be confined to those which result meerly from a mans feeling that he has done his duty. I will say nothing more, than that I wish, I may be Able to conduct the business of either Office with satisfaction to those whose plaudit it will be my endeavour to deserve; That both together, will require, an attention, & industry which, at least, for a length of time, I have not been in the habit of employing, and talents, which I fear, I do not possess.
As it is probable, the appointments in the Army are nearly all made, & the relative rank of the Officers fixed, is it not proper, that a correct list of all the Officers in the military service of the United States with the dates of their commissions & the numbers by which they are to take rank, should be sent to the Adjt Genls Office; that all resignations which are accepted, & all new appointments & promotions which are made, should be promulgated in General Orders. The list which was sent to this Office by the Secretary at War, is rendered so inaccurate, for want of information of the subsequent non acceptances of some, resignation of Others, transferrs & deaths that it can not be called with any propriety a register of the army. There are officers, who appear by the list to have been promoted on the 16th of July 1798 to the rank of Captain, who at this moment act as, & are returned Lieutenants.
The final establishment of a uniform is an object much to be desired. Applications are frequently made by officers for information respecting it; the lappels appear to me, when seen on the coat, to be an inch too wide 4 inches, perhaps would look better & would be more œconomical. I have directed my uniform to remain unfinished ’till your arrival.
With your approbation, I will issue an order that sentences of Courts martial, when approved by the proper authority, shall immediately be put in execution. Comdg Officers to be responsible that this order is at all times carried into effect. Two men, were many months since sentenced to be sent to their Corps, & to receive One hundred lashes each—they are yet at Governers Island in confinement & the passage of one or both to west point rendered at present, nearly impracticable. No communication has been ever made to, or received from Lt Colo Comdt John Smith of the 5th Regt. If that Rgt has orders to recruit, is it not proper that instructions should be sent to the Lt Colo, & returns demanded?
With the greatest respect   I have the honor to be   Sir your Obet Servt

W North adj Genl
New York12 Decr 1799


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 12 December 1799
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Head Quarters at Shephards Townon the Potowmac Virginia Decr. 12th 1799.
Dear Sr:
In consequence of your letter of the 4th. Ultimo informing me that you had appointed Capt. Edmund Taylor of the 8th. Regt. Brigade Inspector, I have put him in Orders; from the little I have seen of him, he appears to have been judiciously selected. He is very desirous of receiving instructions from you marking out his duty. I wish you could transmit a short summary of them as soon as you conveniently can. I would do it but as there might be inadvertantly a clashing between your observations & mine, I think they ought to come from you. With regard to the Division Inspector, till I obtain some personal knowledge of the Candidates I will postpone making any recommendations; we can get on at present with the Brigade Inspectors.
I have written to Brigadr. Genl. Washington to meet me here the middle of February to assist in forming a System for the Cavalry, by that time I hope you will be able to procure me the British Exercise & maneuvres. I have not the plates of the French System. I have lately read with much pleasure Genl. Warnery’s remarks on Cavalry, he was highly esteemed in the Prussian Service & deemed the next Horse Officer to Genl. Seidlitz. The Gentleman whom you mentioned to me I trust I may expect at the time above-mentioned. I shall write to Col. Watts also then to join me.
In the two Companies of Artillery here, two modes of Exercise are adopted, the one according to the French, the other according to the English System. Till your plan comes out I shall direct them to conform to the French mode. I am informed that at West Point there are three or four Copies of the Manuel d’Artillerie, & only one Officer who understands French enough to read them. I wish you would send me one of the Copies here. I have a Copy of my own, but I should be sorry to lose it. There are also there several Field pieces completely mounted on the French construction; with the next Company sent me I should be glad to have some of them. I should be likewise glad to have a Laboratory established at this Cantonment.
I enclose you a letter from Colo. Parker relative to the Recruiting Service; from every enquiry I have made I think it will [be] highly advantageous to give him the Permission he requires, by adopting his plan his regiment will be soon completed, & without it, for some time it will remain without it’s complement.
I have received very pressing letters from the 5th. Regt. requesting that recruiting money may be sent on, the officers have been assembled at Charlston expecting its arrival, & the proper time for recruiting will be lost, if it is not expedited. In Answer to your favor of the 25th. Ultimo, I think you should continue to direct the Officers in my district in all matters relative to the Recruiting Service, that branch being particularly annexed to the Inspectorship, generally in other matters, your Orders should come to them through me.
On my arrival at the Cantonment I found a small house had been taken at this place for my Quarters. I have ordered a Hut to be built for me at the Cantonment & shall go there from hence every Tuesday & return every Friday. Both the Eighth & ninth Regiments require a good deal of drilling, but I have excellent materials to operate on, for the Soldiers appear to be all young.
Mrs. Pinckney I think much better for the journey, she unites with me & my Daughters in respectful Compliments to Mrs. Hamilton & yourself.
I remain, with great Esteem & regard,
Yours very sincerely,

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney

Can you get me “Puget sur l’usage d’Artillerie”

Honble. Major Genl. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 12 December 1799
From: Rivardi, John J. U.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Niagara [New York] December 12, 1799. Discusses need for medical supplies, the difficulty of operating without a quartermaster, and the relative weakness of the garrison. States: “… Captain Laughton Spoke To me Since his return as if it was a matter fixed upon & as if he was already appointed for the Superintendance of the construction as well as for the command of the Vessel when built—he was pressing for assistance—however I declined it untill I had received your orders; in The mean Time I Shall employ Some men in cutting Timber which will answer for Shipbuilding as well as for Garrison repairs. The Captain it Seems To me would be a proper person for The establishment & Keeping of a carrying place but I conceive him To be Too old & infirm for the fatiguing management of a Vessel on the lakes.” Recommends that Lieutenant John M. Lovell be appointed paymaster of First Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 15 December 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

On Board the Patapsco Sloopof War, Hampton road [Virginia]December 15th 1799
Sir,
Soon after writing you from Baltimore on the 21st Ulto. I discovered that Capt Geddes, who commands the vessel in which I sail, had been deceived in his calculation of time necessary to prepare for Sea, and he did not leave Baltimore until the 29th, nor reach this place until the 9th Inst., where the Store Brig had been waiting for us more than two weeks. Capt. Geddes found it necessary to procure a few seamen in Norfolk, which circumstance and some necessary equipments to his ship, combined with tempestuous weather & adverse winds, have detained us to this day, but we are now perfectly ready & shall put to sea this evening or tomorrow morning.
I have had the honor to receive your several letters of the 14th. 15th. & 21st Ulto. and shall pay strict regard to the orders they convey. I regret the Secretary of War had not offered his objections to the works proposed for the Barrier on the Mississippi, anterior to my departure, because it would have afforded me an opportunity to correct the errors of his opinions, touching the impracticability of guarding the Mississippi, against the ascent and descent of small or large craft, by Batteries judiciously planted & constructed, &c. have vindicated the plan I pursued, which I feel I am able to do on principle, usage, precedent and practice; independent of the strong motives, which presented to my own mind, the Governor of the Territory, & the Commissioners of Limits on the spot, with the voice of the whole country urged me to the measure adopted. It is more than a year since the Minister of War was apprized of my intention, & he has been since regularly advised of any proceedings, yet never before did he offer a disapprobatory hint even. I trust it will be in my power to curtail the expence, & you may rest assured of my attention to that point. It seems to me from the tenor of the Secretary’s letters that the prosecution of the work on the Crown of the Hill is to depend on your opinion, I must therefore request from you specific instructions on the subject

   My Opinion is decidedly in favor of the Measure, because it is necessary to the protection of the Water Battery, Magazine, Barracks & Store Houses.

   J: W:

 as early as possible—by sea, if you please, under cover to our Consul at New Orleans, & by mail via Pitts Burgh & the Ohio.
I shall write to you from New Orleans and from my Head Quarters the moment I arrive there; and shall lose no time in repairing by the most expeditious route to Pitts Burgh, of which you shall be duly advised.
With the most perfect respect   I am Sir,   your obedient Servant

Ja Wilkinson

Major General Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 15 December 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Private
On Board the patapsco Sloop of War.Hampton road [Virginia] Dec 15th. 1799
Dear Sir
The Man who has been so frequently assailed by insidious slanders as myself, cannot be too circumspect or too vigilant.
As my visits from Baltimore to the lower Counties of Maryland, & the unexpected detention of the patapsco, may be either misinterpreted or misrepresented, I venture to trespass the following details on your time; for altho I may consign to others contempt, the Envies, the Jealousies, & the caprices of the rancorous, the illiberal & the littleminded, I too highly estimate the consideration with which you Honor me, to subject it voluntarily to a single Moments hazard.
After writing you on the 21st Ultmo. from Baltimore, I discovered that the Captain had deceived himself, as to the day of his sailing, & in consequence I determined to proceed to the mouth of Patuxent & embark there, as the measure could involve no delay, & would give me an opportunity to embrace an aged mother, my only surviving Parent, whom I had not seen for sixteen Years, to revisit the place of my nativity, and to see a Brother, a Sister, & a host of relatives. These motives will I am persuaded suffice to justify the step to you, especially as I was obliged to wait for the Vessel several days, under solicitudes which are best expressed, by the inclosed copy of a Letter I wrote General Smith on the occasion. I believe the causes of the detention of the Vessel, were unavoidable; she sailed from Baltimore on the 29th. and I the next Day embarked & proceeded for this place without delay, but from foul Weather, adverse Winds, & a timid pilot, who would not sail during the night, we did not gain this port until the 9th. Inst. where we have been since detained by tempestuous Weather, & for some equipments to the Ship. All things being now in readiness, & the Store Brig alongside of us, we shall put to Sea Tomorrow Morning, in the hopes of a safe, speedy & pleasant voyage.
I beg you to make tender of my respectful homage, to your amiable Mrs. Hamilton, & to acknowledge for me, my grateful sense of Her courtesy & Her Kindness to me—and may the almighty cherish & bless you both, and your charming offspring. Adieu my dear General, trust me, guide me & command me now & ever

Ja: Wilkinson
Majr Genel Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Izard, 17 December 1799
From: Izard, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Charleston [South Carolina] Decr. 17th. 1799
Dear Sir,
My most earnest wish since I entered the Service of my country has been to be placed in a Situation to acquire such professional Knowledge as may at a future period render me useful to it. With that view nothing can be so desireable as to be near the person of a general Officer of universally acknowledged Eminence. I accept with thanks the honor of being your aid-de-camp and hope to be successful in my endeavors to justify your good opinion of me. I shall sail for New-York in a few days, and expect to present my Respects to You in person before the middle of next month.
My father desires me to express the Regard & Friendship he entertains for you, and his grateful Sense of your favor to me. I am with great Respect,
Dear Sir,   Your most obedt. hble. Servt.

Geo. Izard.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 December 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department18 Decr. 1799.
Sir.
The inclosed, special directions, from the President of the United States, relative to the funeral honours, to be paid to the memory of their late illustrious and beloved Chief, General George Washington, by the army of the United States, you are requested to be particularly attentive to, so as to insure by your orders the most reverential testimonials, of that profound grief, with which every good heart must be penetrated, at the loss of a Citizen, Statesman and Commander, so eminently distinguished for virtues, talents and services.
You and I, on this solemn occasion experiencing, in common with our fellow Citizens, deep regret for our Countries loss, have our sorrows hightened by a recollection of his friendship towards us both, and the many days we have spent as members of his family and sharers of his confidence.
I have the honour to be with the most sincere regard, Sir,   Your ob st.

James McHenry
Major General Alexr. Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 19 December 1799
From: Hamtramck, John F.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Private
Pitts Burgh December the 19th. 1799
Dear General
I have the honour to acknowledge your letter of the 4th Inst. Respecting my observations on the ignorance of Some Officers in the Old Regiments, I meant it Only as a Retrospective View of the many Bad appointments which have been made for some years past, the most of whom we have got Clear of. I have my Self last Indian war, made a Number quit the Service, and last Spring I Compelled a new Subaltern of the 1st Regt. who Could hardly write his name to Resign.
It was also figurative, and meant to Convey the want of that necessary education without which it Can not be said that an Officer can well do the Duties of his profession, and Consequently exposes more or less the Service to suffer, as pr. Example the Staff Officers of the 1st Regiment Remaining so long incompleat. I do not Believe that there is an officer but Knows his A.B.C, and how to Sign his name, but in my opinion an Officer Should be Capable of Communicating his Ideas on paper with Some degree of Correctness, (which is Certainly not the Case) or be able to read an Order on parade without Spelling.
I took the liberty last winter of writing you on the Subject of a promotion that might in the event be injurious to me, and your promised patronage Contained in your answer, was received with a heart full of gratitude, But if twenty years Service has any Claim, a Brevet for a Brigadier (if it Could be obtained) would be an honorable Reward for my long Service and a gratifying testimony of my possessing the Confidence of the President, and perhaps would not interfere with my Regimental Appointment the whole of which is submitted to your Consideration. I have the honor to be Sir with very great Solicitude for your health and happiness your Most obedient and Very humble Servant

J F Hamtramck
Major Gen. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 19 December 1799
From: Hamtramck, John F.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Pittsburgh, December 19, 1799. “… I never had any Reports from Loftus’s Heights; it appears to me that the Troops on the Mississippi have considered themselves independent of my Command in the absence of General Wilkinson, for the other day a Gentleman in the Contractors imploy arrived from Loftus’s Heights, and who called on the Commanding Officer of that place, for any Commands he might have for Pittsburgh; and the Commandt told him that he had none.”


Title: General Orders, [21 December 1799]
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Church, Philip
To:

[Philadelphia, December 21, 1799]
Major Gen. Hamilton, has received through the Secretary of War, the following order from the President of the United States.
“The President, with deep regret, announces to the army, the death of its beloved Chief, General George Washington. Sharing in the grief, which every heart must feel for so heavy and afflicting a public loss, and desirous to express his high sense of the vast debt of gratitude, which is due to the virtues, talents, and ever memorable services of the illustrious deceased, he directs that funeral honours be paid to him at all the military stations, and that the officers of the army and of the several corps of volunteers wear crape on the left arm by way of mourning, for six months. Major General Hamilton will give the necessary orders for carrying into effect the foregoing directions.”
The impressive terms, in which this great national calamity is announced by the President, could receive no new force from any thing that might be added. The voice of praise would in vain endeavour to exalt a character, unrivalled on the lists of true glory. Words would in vain attempt to give utterance to that profound and reverential grief, which will penetrate every American bosom, and engage the sympathy of an admiring world. If the sad privilege of pre-eminence in sorrow may justly be claimed by the companions in arms of our lamented Chief, their affections will spontaneously perform the dear, though painful duty. ’Tis only for me to mingle my tears with those of my fellow soldiers, cherishing with them the precious recollection, that while others are paying a merited tribute to “The man of the age,” we in particular allied as we were to him by a close tie, are called to mourn the irreparable loss of a kind and venerated Patron and father!
In obedience to the directions of the President, the following funeral honors will be paid at the several stations of the army.
At day break sixteen guns will be fired in quick succession, and one gun at the distance of each half hour till sun set.
During the procession of the troops to the place representing that of the interment and until the conclusion of the ceremonial, minute guns will be fired.
The bier will be received by the troops formed in line, presenting their arms, and the officers, drums and colours saluting; after this the prosession will begin; the troops marching by platoons in inverted order, and with arms reversed to the place of interment—the drums muffled, and the music playing a dead march.
The bier carried by four serjeants, and attended by six pall bearers, where there is cavalry, will be proceeded by the cavalry and will be followed by the troops on foot. Where there is no cavalry, a detachment of infantry will precede the bier, which itself will in every case be preceded by such of the clergy as may be present. The officers of the general staff will immediately succeed the bier.

Where a numerous body of citizens shall be united with the military in the procession, the whole of the troops will precede the bier, which will then be followed by the citizens.
When arrived near the place of interment, the procession will halt. The troops in front of the bier will form in line, and opening their ranks, will face inwards, to admit the passage of the bier, which will then pass through the ranks, the troops leaning on their arms reversed while the bier passes! When the bier shall have passed, the troops will resume their position in line, and reversing their arms, will remain leaning upon them until the ceremonial shall be closed.
The music will now perform a solemn air, after which the introductory part of this order shall be read.
At the end of this a detachment of infantry appointed for the purpose will advance and fire three vollies over the bier. The troops will then return; the music playing the President’s march, the drums previously unmuffled.
The uniform companies of militia are invited to join in arms the volunteer corps.
The commanders at particular stations conforming generally to this plan, will make such exceptions as will accommodate it to situation. At places where processions of unarmed citizens shall take place, it is the wish of the Major General that the military ceremonial should be united. And the particular commanders at those places are authorised to vary the plan, so as to adapt it to the circumstances.
Brigadier General Macpherson is charged to superintend the ceremonial in the city of Philadelphia. Major Toussard will attend to Fort Mifflin, and will co-operate with him.
The day of performing the ceremonial at each station is left to the particular commander.
Major General Pinckney will make such further arrangements within his district as he shall deem expedient.

PHILIP CHURCHAid de Camp.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William North, 21 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: North, William

Philaa. Dr. 21st. 1799
Sir
I enclose to you some regulations relative to the funeral honors to be paid to our departed chief. They will govern generally in the celebration, altho’ I have not definitively adopted them.
The ceremonies will be performed in this city on Thursday next, and I should wish them to be performed in New York at the same time. If this is practicable you will immediately make the necessary arrangements for the purpose. You will draw the companies from the island, leaving only a sufficient number of men to manage the guard and concert measures with General Clarkson for bringing forward the uniform corps of volunteers and militia to take part in the scene. It will be proper likewise that the city should form part of the procession, and you will do what shall appear to you proper in reference to that idea. The half hour guns will be fired on the island, and the minute guns from the battery. The time is not sufficient for preparing a regular oration, but I should be happy if you could prevail on Doctor Moore or some other Clergyman to deliver a discourse suited to the occasion.
You will have musket cartridges prepared and sent to the Union Camp, and you will also send there two pieces of Artillery with cartridges for them. The necessary articles you will apply for to General Stevens.
I shall write to you again on Monday.
With great consr
General North


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Macpherson, 22 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Macpherson, William

Pha. Dr. 22 99
Sir
I send you the copy of an order which will govern you relative to the funeral honors to be paid to our departed Chief.
You will be prepared I hope by Thursday.
I must request you to render the ceremony as solemn as possible.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William North, 22 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: North, William

Phia. Dr. 22 99
Sir
Enclosed is a General Order which you will be pleased to circulate thro’ the district under my command. A copy has been sent to General Pinckney.

I would repeat the wish expressd in a former letter that the celebration take place in N York as well as in this city on Thursday.
It was my intention to have set out to day, but circumstances render it proper for me to continue till Friday.
G. North


Title: Enclosure: [Inscription for a Monument to George Washington], [23 December 1799]
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sacred
To
The Memory
of
The Illustrious
George Washington
General
of The Armies of The United States of America,
Who paid the Great Debt of Nature,
The 14th. of December, 1799.
On Mount Vernon
Sol occubuit, nox nulla sequitur.
To Commemorate his virtues.
To hand down to Posterity,
The Great

The dignified Character
of
Their Exalted Chief,
The Commandant
And Officers of the Union Brigade,
With Solemn Minds,
With Mourning Souls,
Erect
This Monument,
At high noon;
A point of time,
Emblematic
of
The full Meridian of his
Exalted Glory,
This 26th of December, 1799.
In the 24th year
of
The Independance of
Their Country.
When at Mount Vernon’s gently rising hill,
The fates declar’d The Great Creator’s will,
That Washington, should leave, This threaten’d shore,
And for his Country, Toil; and War no more;
His Country sigh’d, his Armies trembling stood,
The sad winds groan’d, Potowmac gush’d a flood
of saline tears, which swole the Atlantic wave,
And Nature mourn’d, around his hallow’d grave:
On drooping boughs, Heroes, their Armour hung,
Their hearts depress’d, their War-worn nerves unstrung,
Columbia’s genius bending o’er his bier
Breathes the sad Sigh, and drops the melting Tear.
Quis sustineat, a Lacrymis?


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 23 December 1799
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Union Brigade [Scotch Plains, New Jersey] December 23, 1799. “In your Letter of the 17th. you mention your intention of retaining Capt Church with you, to this I cannot with propriety object, but I can with propriety say, the Regt. feel his loss, & I, particularly regret his absence, his pointed attention to duty, & his Gentlemanlike deportment has endeared him much to the Corps, I now see no prospect of his ever rejoining it. I shall always however, wish him happy, and a promotion suited to his talents and abilities.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 23 December 1799
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Union Brigade [Scotch Plains, New Jersey] December 23, 1799. “… I have not seen the Contractor, for a fortnight. I suspect he does not like the rotundity of my Phiz. I have been much fretted by his supplies. I have of course several times refused them—& have for Some time past, made it the duty of the field officer of the day, regularly, to inspect the provisions on the day’s of Issue, and report, when necessary.… But the Contract itself, is to me, a constant source of anxiety, the quality of neither beef, pork or fall meat, is their designated, and he is at liberty to furnish any thing under the denomination of flour, which will pass as such. I candidly do not suppose, there ever was a Similar Contract made, So much in favour of the Contractor & so much at the expence of the soldier—look at it attentively, & I am sure it must strike you, in the same point of light. He has it further in his option to furnish the troops, with five day’s bread, out of seven, in lieu of flour—it is not expressed of what that bread is to be made, it is however generally made, not of flour, but of midlings,—there is no plainer proof of the advantage he has over the soldier, on this particular subject, than to attend to the arrangement the Contractor has made with the Baker—a man well versed in the arts of his profession, which are neither few or small. He the Baker, on an arrangement with the Contractor leaves his domicil and pursuits of business at Elizabeth town, where to my certain knowledge he has resided since the close of the last war, to establish himself in the Vicinity of this Camp, to bake for the troops, upon being allowed one half the resulting profits of the business, which, upon clear calculation, between them, was stated on an average, to be three Hundred & eighty dollars pr. month, of course, they each divide pr. month one Hundred & ninety Dollars at the expence of the Soldier, exclusive of what they make, by furnishing the officers with bread, which to be sure, in some instances is of a better quality, but 4 times out of 7 bad. I attribute the want of health amongst some of our men, to the badness of their bread, & the thinness of the beef, the age of creatures to be killed for the use of troops, should be expressed, & not force them to receive the beef of Stears & Heifers, from 18 Months to 30 months old, for tho’ the beef may look well still the flesh of such young creetures is Void of nourishment, bears no proportion to the weight of their bone, being often scarcely one quarter of an inch on the rib. How can these things be at present remedied; & the secretary of war has signed it.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William North, 24 December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: North, William

Philaa. Decr. 24 99
Sir
I have just received your letter of yesterday with it’s enclosure.
The Artillery will remain, agreeably to your suggestion, on the island.
As a regular plan appears to have been formed for the celebration of the day in New York, it is not my wish that the regulations which I sent you should be followed where they are inconsistent with that plan.
You will understand the whole Ceremony is to be deferred till the last day of the ⟨year.⟩
Genl North


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 24 December 1799
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Union Camp [Scotch Plains, New Jersey] Decr. 24th. 1799.
Major General Hamilton
Sir.

I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 23d. this inst. by the hands of the Post Master of Brumswick—the Orders contained in it, of the 21st. shall be minutely attended to, and executed with the deepest solemnity.
I did myself the honor of addressing you last night which Letters I sent per stage this morning at seven oClock to the New Ark post office, to which I beg leave to refer you. I have spent this morning in putting the Troops thro’ the funeral exercise, & the different companies, will be employ’d this afternoon & to-morrow morning, the Battalions, & in the afternoon the whole line. Our minds are deeply impressed with the Circumstance, and mourn with our Country the loss of our dignified chief—but tho’ strongly feeling the Loss, we mourn not with dispondence as those who have no hope, but we bow with reverence and solemnity to the dispensations of an overruling Providence, confident that a people thus raised, will under the superintending care of the same Providence, have a sufficiently wise Character pointed out to fill the Vacant Station. we feel grateful that he has been permitted to remain with us so long, & can as soldiers with firmness rely on the wisdom and talents of His Successor.
With great respect, I have the Honor to be. Sir.   Your most Obedt. Humble Servt.

W. S. Smith 12th Regt.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, December 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Philadelphia Decr. 1799
Sir
A complete revision of the Articles of War is desireable, as they require amendment in many particulars. But this would be so serious a work, that I fear it is not likely to be undertaken with a prospect of being speedily finished. Waving the expectation of such a revision, there are some things which could be done that would be important improvements.
You are aware of the great obscurity which e[n]velopes the provisions of the existing articles respecting the power to appoint General Courts Martial. On one construction, it is inconveniently narrow, so as to occasion too great delay as well in cons[ti]tuting Courts as in giving effect to their sentences. On another, it would be too much diffused, and would place in too many hands a trust no less delicate than important.
To attempt to attain the proper medium by a more exact legislative definition of the characters who may exercise the power would be attended with much difficulty & might often not meet the new situations which are apt to occur in the infinite combinations of Military service. The expedient, which has appeared to me the most proper, is to give the President discretionary authority to empower other officers than those designated by the Articles of War to appoint General Courts Martial under such circumstances and with such limitations as he shall deem adviseable.
The provisions which refer to the President the determination on sentences respecting life and the dismission of officers must no doubt have been frequently attended with perplexity to him and are inconvenient to the service. It is scarcely possible for any but the Military commander to appreciate duly the motives which in such cases demand severity or recommend clemency. To this an accurate view of all the circumstances of the army in detail is often necessary. On the other hand the efficacy of punishment, when requisite, depends much upon its celerity, and must be greatly weakened by the unavoidable delay of a resort to the Executive. These reasons certainly render it expedient to enable the Commanding General of an army to decide upon the sentences in question as in other cases.
The proper mode of treating the crime of desertion has been in most countries an embarrassing subject. In ours it is particularly so. The punishment of death except in time of War is contrary to the popular habits of thinking. Whipping is found ineffectual. I have a hope that confinement and labour would prove more effectual. Believing this punishment to be within the discretion of Courts Martial, I encourage its adoption. But as the matter now stands, the confinement could not exceed the term of service and when this is nearly expired it would be inadequate. Some auxiliary provisions are desireable to give a fair chance to the experiment. It is not however my idea to abolish Death, which in some aggravated cases, would be proper even in time of peace and in time of war ought invariably to ensue. I incline even to the opinion that the power of pardoning ought to be taken away in this case, certainly in every instance of desertion or an attempt to desert to enemies or Traitors.
With great respect   I have the honor to be Sir   Yr Obed servt


Title: Plan of the Formation of a Regiment for Exercise or Battle, [December 1799–March 1800]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[December, 1799–March, 1800]
A Regiment of Infantry is composed of a Lt Colonel Commandant 2 Majors first and second, An Adjutant a Pay Master and a Quarter Master who are Lieutenants, a surgeon & two surgeons Mates Two Sergeant Majors 2 Quarter Master sergeants Two Chief Musicians first and second Ten Captains Ten first and ten second lieutenants besides the three Lieutenants before mentioned, Ten Cadets Forty sergeants forty Corporals Nine hundred and twenty private soldiers and Twenty private Musicians.

It is distributed into Batalions divisions companies Platoons sections squads and files.
A batalion consists of a Major a Sargeant Major a Quarter Master sergeant a chief Musician four batalion companies and a flank company.
A Division consists of two companies.
A company consists of a captain two lieutenants first and second a cadet four Sergeants four Corporals Ninety two private soldiers and two private Musicians.
A company is subdivided equally into two platoons, a platoon into two sections & a section into two squads—a squad consisting of four files of three or six files of two.
The batalion companies shall be numbered from 1 to 8 according to the relative ranks of the Captains who from time to time shall respectively command them.
One Batalion commanded by the first Major shall form the right of the Regiment and shall consist of the First Third fifth and seventh of the batalion companies with one of the flank companies to be called the Right flank company and to be that of the senior of the two Captains who shall command the flank-Companies.
The other batalion, commanded by the second Major, shall form the left of the Regiment, and shall consist of the second fourth sixth and Eighth of the batalion companies with the remaining flank company to be called the Left-flank Company.
The flank company in the batalion of the right shall be stationed on the right. The station of the other companies shall be from right to left No. 1. 5. 3. 7: Numbers 1 & 5 forming a division to be called the First Division Numbers 3 & 7 forming another Division to be called the second Division. The flank company in the batalion of the left shall be stationed on the left. The station of the other companies shall be from right to left No. 2. 6. 4. 8: Numbers 2 & 6 forming one division to be called the Third division and numbers 4 & 8 forming another division to be called the Fourth Division.
When the two flank companies shall be united they will form a Division to be called the Flank Division. That of the batalion of the right shall in this case form the right of this Division.
The Platoons of the Batalion Companies shall in each batalion be numbered from right to left No. 1 to 8 and shall be denominated in the same order First Platoon Second Platoon &c. The Platoons of each flank Company shall be denominated First and second, and distinguished when necessary as the “First Platoon of the Right Flank Company” “The second Platoon of the left Flank Company” &c.
The Sections of each Platoon shall be denominated Right and Left, and, when necessary, shall be distinguished by the number of such Platoons as “Right Section of the first Platoon” “Left Section of the second Platoon” &c.
The fundamental formation of the rank and file of each Regiment shall be upon three ranks; but under particular circumstances it may be upon two ranks only, and this shall be the ordinary formation for exercise, while the actual number of which a Regiment may consist shall be limited as at present, to the end that it may occupy the same extent of front nearly as it would do upon three ranks when completed to the full establishment.
In the formation upon three ranks the tallest men of a company shall compose the front rank the shortest the center rank and those of middle size the rear rank. Each rank shall be sized from the flancks to the center—the tallest men being on the flancks and the shortest in the center. In the formation upon two ranks the tallest men shall be in the front rank the shortest in the rear rank.
The distance from one rank to another shall be a pace measuring from breast to back.
When a batalion shall exercise separately its flank company shall remain with it. When a regiment shall exercise collectively the two flank companies shall be united on the right of the Regiment.
The flank companies shall be composed of men selected from each regiment for their merit. Those who do brilliant actions shall be admitted to them as of right. They shall be commanded by officers designated by the Chief Officer of the Department of the Inspectorship serving with an army with the approbation of the Command of such army.
There shall be an interval of Twenty paces between the two batalions and an interval of one pace between the fifth and third Companies of the batalion of the right and the sixth and fourth Companies of the batalion of the left which is reserved for position of the Colors with their guards. There shall be no interval between the other companies or between any subdivisions of them.
In the formation for exercise or battle, the companies of each batalion and of course their subdivisions shall be equalized in point of number.
In the formation for exercise and battle to be denominated “The order of battle” the officers and non commissioned officers shall be thus posted (viz)
The Captain of a Company on the right of the front rank of the right platoon of his company covered by a sergeant on a line with the rear rank. The first Lieutenant on the right of the front rank of the left Platoon of his company covered also by a sergeant in the rear rank. The second Lieutenant three paces behind the center of the company to be denominated a rear-officer. The first sergeant two paces behind the left of the right Platoon the second sergeant two paces behind the left of the left Platoon. The Corporals equally divided on the flanks of the two Platoons in the front rank.
The second Lieutenant of the Company which forms the left of each Batalion shall be on the left of the front rank of that Company covered by a Cadet in the rear rank. Another Cadet shall supply the place of that Lieutenant.
A Cadet shall bear the standard of each Batalion to be stationed as hereafter mentioned. Two other Cadets shall serve as a guard to the standard.
The Post of the Commandant of a Regiment shall be thirty paces behind the rear of the rank and file opposite the center of the Interval between the two batalions. That of the first Major shall be ten paces in advance of the Commandant opposite the center of the “Batalion of the Right.” That of the second Major in a similar position relatively to the “Batalion of the Left.” That of the Adjutant fifteen paces in advance and directly in front of the Commandant. That of Sergeant Major Ten paces in advance & directly in front of the Major of his batalion. The Pay Master, Quarter Master, Surgeon, Surgeon’s Mates and Quarter Master sergeants will be employed in separate and peculiar duties. But the Commandant of a Regiment may on special occasions employ the two former in the line assigning them their stations.
Every officer to fulfil the ends of his position must occasionally vary it but in such case he is to resume it as speedily as possible. The field and staff officers having to superintend the order of their corps at large will be proportionately less stationary. The Commandant in particular may exercise great discretion in this respect.
The field Officers and the Adjutant will serve on Horse back. All others on foot. The places of Officers and non Commissioned Officers who may be wanting or absent are to be supplied by those next in grade; and when necessary, in the formation for exercise or battle, the Commandant of a Regiment may assign Officers of one Company to another Company.
The standard of each batalion shall be stationed in the Center thereof—the bearer of it ranging himself in a line with the front rank and being covered & supported by one cadet in the center another in the rear rank. In Evolutions, the standard will be considered as attached to the Platoon immediately on its left.
The Musicians of the batalion of the right formed into two ranks with their Chief on the right shall be posted behind the Eighth platoon of that batalion at the distance of fifteen paces then left ranging in a line with the left of that platoon. The Musicians of the batalion of the left formed in like manner shall be posted behind the first platoon of that batalion at the like distance their right ranking in a line with the right of that platoon.


Title: Formation and Disposition of a Regiment of Infantry, [December 1799–March 1800]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[December, 1799–March, 1800]
In conformity with the establishment by law and until a definitive arrangement shall be prescribed by authority of the President of the UStates the following formation and disposition of a Regiment of Infantry are to be observed.
A Regiment will consist of Batalions Divisions Companies Platoons sections and squads. A Batalion is composed of five Companies. A division will comprehend two Companies. Each company will be divided into two platoons each platoon into two sections each section into two squads. A batalion will consequently consist of two divisions and a flank company & as often as the two flank companies shall be united they will form a division.
When the companies shall be completed to the war establishment each will be formed upon three ranks. On the present establishment each will be formed upon two ranks in order that it may occupy in each case the same extent.
Each Company shall be numbered in the Regiments from one to Ten according to the relative rank of the several Captains and shall be thus distributed. The Batalion on the right shall consist of the first third fifth seventh and Ninth Companies—That on the left of the 2. 4. 6. 8th and tenth Companies. The station of each company will be from right to left, in the former No. 1. 3. 7 5. 9—in the latter No. 4, 8, 6, 10, 2. Number one and two will represent the flank companies which it is expected will hereafter consist of select persons.
The third and seventh companies will form a division to be called First Division, the fifth and ninth another to be called Second Division the fourth and Eighth another to be called Third Division. The sixth and tenth another to be called Fourth Division. When the two flank companies form a division it will be called “Flank Division.” In forming it the Company No. 2 will place itself on the left of No. 1.
The Platoons shall be numbered from right to left in succession 1 to 2 and shall be denominated in the same order First Platoon Second Platoon etc. The sections of each Platoon shall be denominated right and left, and when necessary shall be distinguished by the addition of the Number of the platoon as “Right Section of the first Platoon” “Left section of the second Platoon” &c.
In the order of battle the Officers and Non Commissioned Officers shall be stationed as follows. Each captain shall be at the right of the right platoon of his Company covered by a serjeant. The first Lieutenant on the right of the left platoon of his company covered also by a serjeant the second Lieutenant four paces behind the Center of the Company to be denominated a “rear-officer”—the first serjeant two paces behind the left of the right platoon, the second serjeant two paces behind the left of the left Platoon. The corporals on the flanks of the two platoons in the front rank. The second Lieutenant of the company which is on the left of each batalion shall be on the left of that company covered by the Second serjeant.
The Colonel shall be at Twenty Eight paces behind the line of “rear officers” and opposite the center of the Interval between the two batalions. The First Major at twenty paces behind the same line of rear officers and opposite the center of the “batalion of the right” in a line with the standard of that batalion. The second Major in a similar position relatively to the “batalion of the left.” The Adjutant sixteen paces in front of the Colonel. The serjeant Major of each batalion Twelve paces in front of his Major. The Pay Master and Quarter are understood to be detached on other duties. They may however in special cases at the discretion of the Colonel be employed in the service of the line when he will assign them their stations.
In the formation for reviews of parade The Colonel will be Twenty paces in advance of the center of his Regiment counting from the front rank—Each Major fourteen paces in advance of the Center of his batalion, counting in like manner in a line with its colours. If the Regiment shall form only one batalion, The Colonel will preserve the same relative station and the Majors the same distance but opposite the right and left of the batalion.