Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 25 February 1799
From: Sedgwick, Theodore
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Phila. 25. feby. 1799
Dear sir

The comee. to whom was refered the Prests. message, nominating Mr. Murray, had a free conversation with him on saturday evening, under the protestation that it should not be mentioned in the report nor considered as a precedent. During the conversation he declared, repeatedly, that to defend the executive against Oligarchic influence, it was indispensable, that he should insist, on a decision on the nomination; and he added, “I have on mature reflection made up my mind, & I will neither withdraw, nor modify the nomination.” He was, however, pleased to Let us know, that, if Murray was negatived, he would then propose a commission, two of the members of which should be Gentlemen within the U.S. That the commission should be joint; but, that by instructions, any two should be authorised to act—and that in no case should the Gentlemen be permitted to leave the country, untill the positive assurances mentioned in his message of the 21st. of June shall have been given. In consequence of these declarations at a meeting of the federal members, it was agreed to reject the nomination. I had already formed a report & was ready to make it when I was privately informed, that he wished I would postpone the report, as he was preparing a message on the subject. That is this moment delivered—is on the principles he had mentioned & the persons named are the Ch. Justice, Patrick Henry & Mr. Murray, This is every thing which, under the circumstances, could be done. I have written the above during debate. I hope it is intelligible. I am sincerely yours
Theodore Sedgwick
Pray is any thing done in my suit against Morris & Wadsworth? Let me know.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Varick, 25 February 1799
From: Varick, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, February 25, 1799. On February 26, 1799, Hamilton wrote to Varick: “I last night received your letter dated Yesterday.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 25 February 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Mount Vernon, Feby 25th. 1799
Sir,

I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 15th instant.
When the disposition was contemplated for assigning to Major General Pinckney and to yourself your respective districts of superintendence, I was of opinion (as you will see by the enclosed copy of a letter which I wrote to the Secretary of War on my way from Philadelphia to this place) that the whole of General Wilkinson’s Brigade should be considered as under your immediate direction; because, if a part of it which is, or may be stationed within States of Kentucky and Tennessee, should be under the Superintendence of General Pinckney, and the other part under your’s, it might occasion great inconvenience, and perhaps confusion, for General Wilkinson to have to communicate sometimes with one of the Major Generals and sometimes with the other. This, I conceive, will still be the case, if the disposition, which [you] mention to have been communicated by the Secretary of War, should continue. I am therefore yet decidedly of opinion, that the whole of General Wilkinson’s Brigade should be under your superintendence.
If it be determined to pursue the recruiting business at all, I regret extremely that there should have been so much delay in it; for the favourable season is passing off every day, and when the Spring opens great numbers of those who would readily inlist now, will be then engaged in other avocations, and we shall lose the precious moment.
I shall hope to be regularly advised of every occurrence which takes place in your military Arrangements that you may think essential to communicate.
With very great regard,   I am Sir,   Your most obedt. Servt.

Go: Washington
Major General Hamilton

P. S. I enclose herewith returns of Troops, Stores &c at Niagara, which have been forwarded to me by Major Rivardi—and shall, in acknowledging the receipt of them, desire that the Returns in future may pass through you to the War Office.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 26 February 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Varick, Richard

New York Feby 26. 1799
Dr Sir

I last night received your Letter dated Yesterday.
The Resolutions of the Common Council discover a Mistake as to the Characters under which the Gentlemen named in them made their communication to yourself and the Recorder. They did not pretend to appear in an official Capacity, but intended to be considered merely as private individuals.
As such they gave information which they thought might be useful to the City. Specific Propositions in Writing were requested from not proposed by them—these were sent in an informal shape, because it was not meant to attach formality to their interposition. Having been digested by me as the Sum of a Previous conversation among ourselves, I have no objection to authenticate them by my Signature—and I freely add that the changes in the Plan of the Corporation which they suggest have the full concurrence of my opinion.
With respect and esteem I am   Dr Sir   Your Obed Servant

A. Hamilton
Richard Varick Esqr


Title: Enclosure: Notes on Protecting the City from Disease, [26 February 1799]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Among the objects on all hands agreed to be necessary towards preserving the City from Pestilential diseases are the following
1   The conveyance of Water in pipes through every Part of the City as well for the more convenient Washing and cleansing of the Streets, Alleys and Lanes as for the supply of the Inhabitants.
2   The filling up, lowering and draining of such Grounds within the City as may require it including the Lots adjacent to Hudsons River and the Sound as far into the Water as may be deemed expedient and causing proper bulkheads to be made adjoining or opposite to those Lots
3   The filling up, altering and amending of public Slips.
4   The filling up, altering and amending of Sinks and privies.
5   The establishment of Common Sewers or subterraneous drains and the altering and amending of such as may now exist.
As to the first Point, the Plan Proposed by the Corporation is that the Business shall be executed by the Corporation for their own benefit, and that towards enabling them to do this, the Legislature shall grant to them for a term of Years the Revenue arising from Sales at Auction. No other fund is indicated by the Bill. Probably it is contemplated that Loans may be obtained on the foundation of the revenue to arise from the supply of the Water and the Deficiency, if any, may be made up by taxes on the City.
The Success of this Plan is Problematical. It is doubtful whether the Legislature, diminished as are some of the resources of revenue, on which it has for sometime relied, will be willing to grant the fund arising from Auctions, for the profit of the Corporation, for such a term as will make it go far towards accomplishing the object. Computing it’s annual Amount at 30,000 Dollars, if granted for twenty Years, which is as much as can be hoped, it would be equal only to a Capital of 344097 Dollars and 60 Cents, interest at 6 ⅌ Cent.,

But it is hardly to be expected that money can be borrowed at so low a rate—How far short will this be of the Sum probably requisite! This cannot safely be estimated at less than a Milion of Dollars, if the business be done on a Scale sufficiently extensive. The Amount of the revenue to result from the supply of the Water must be for some time uncertain and under this uncertainty extensive loans on this basis ought not to be counted upon. To raise what may be wanted by taxes to carry on the enterprise with vigour might be found so burthensome on the Citizens as to occasion the operation to languish.
It is not to be doubted, that it will Promote the Convenience of the Citizens and secure the final Success of the object to let in the aid of a Capital to be created by the voluntary contributions of individuals.
This may be obtained on a Plan like the following:
Let a Company be incorporated of all those who shall subscribe to a fund with a Capital not exceeding a Milion of Dollars to be composed of Shares of fifty Dollars each, the affairs of which to be managed by seven directors annually chosen by the Subscribers, except that the Recorder of the City for the time being shall always be one.
Of this Capital a privilege to be reserved to the Corporation of the City to subscribe for any Number of Shares not exceeding a third; to enable them to do which a Grant of the Auction duties to continue to be solicited, and a power to be asked to raise on the City an annual revenue equal to the interest and gradual reimbursement of the Principal of such additional Loans as may be found necessary.
The Company to have Powers similar to those which the draft of the Bill contemplates to be given to the Corporation. Further details need not be specified.
By this expedient the success will become certain and the enterprise can be carried on with energy and dispatch.
As to the remaining points, they may be considered together.
The powers to be conferred by the Legislature will have referrence first to the accomplishment of what is contemplated to be done in the first instance—secondly to the future execution of similar measures in cases hereafter to arise and the Preservation of things in the State in which they shall be placed.

In respect to the latter the Powers must be vested in a permanent body and the Corporation very naturally offers itself as that body. The Successive execution of the system in future may be reconciled with the attention which the Corporation is obliged to pay to its ordinary concerns.
But it is the opinion of many that the Prompt and vigorous execution of what is to be done, in the first instance, will be better effected by Commissioners to be appointed for the special Purpose, than by a body whose attention must necessarily be engrossed and distracted by a great multiplicity of other avocations.
It is by those who entertain this Opinion, desired that the powers for this primary operation may be vested in Commissioners not exceeding in Number seven. Their authority may be limitted to two Years and the like powers, to be exercised after that period, vested in the Corporation. All other powers contemplated to be obtained may remain as proposed in the Bill which has been prepared on behalf of the Corporation.
It will be seen that the only points of difference between this plan and that which has been adopted by the Corporation consist in the calling in the aid of private Capital for the Conveyance of Water to the City—and the vesting of the powers respecting the enumerated Points in the first instance in Commissioners instead of the Corporation.
It is believed, that the main object will be promoted, if the Corporation will signify to the Legislature, either directly by memorial, or indirectly, by a Communication to the members of this City, that alterations in their plan corresponding with the changes here suggested, if more agreeable to the Legislature, will not be unacceptable to them.

Alexander Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 26 February 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Mount Vernon, February 26, 1799. “I received your letter of the 18th. instant yesterday. You refer me to enclosed letters for information on the subject therein mentioned. One letter only came, and that under a Seal to General Lee, which I shall forward, unopened, tomorrow by my Nephew Mr. Bushrod Washington, who is a neighbour of his.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Christopher Gore, 27 February 1799
From: Gore, Christopher
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London 27. February 1799.
My dear Sir

The present crisis in the Affairs of the United States cannot fail to engage the attention of all, who are interested either in their Fate, or that of civil Society in any quarter of the Globe. Feeling in common with my fellow citizens the importance of our present conduct, and not seeing in the publications which have yet reach’d us, a display, according to my comprehension, of the true cause of our danger, of a remedy for the evils we now suffer or competent, under our circumstances, to avert those which all Europe teaches us to apprehend, I have been induc’d to commit my thoughts on this subject to paper, with the view of publishing them in America, in order to incite abler & more inform’d minds there to a serious consideration of our present state, and on the best mode of avoiding evil, & insuring future tranquility and prosperity to America.
Though I entertain the most clear, & absolute conviction of our future lot in remaining in the present undecided state, and of the means of deriving immediate security, and future glory, as described in those remarks, I did not hold myself justified at this distance, necessarily ignorant of the plans & motives of the Government, to obtrude them on the Public, without the inspection, & approbation of some, whose judgment I should, on all occasions prefer to my own, & whose situation affords them much better means of deciding on the propriety of diffusing such sentiments abroad.
They are at your disposal, either to publish or not, as you may think conducive to the general interest, and in such manner, & place as you may judge expedient. If you shoud deem it most adviseable, that they shoud be printed in Boston, you will have the goodness to send them to our friend Cabot at Brooklyn to whom, and to whom only I shall write on this subject.

I make but one restriction, of which you will see the propriety viz, that the writer shoud remain unknown. His name woud add no weight to the remarks, and his local situation might detract from their influence if they are entitled to any.
For altho’ neither my personal nor official intercourse here has render’d me so partial to England, as to blind me to the interests of my own country, neither have I been able to discern any thing, that shoud lead the U. States to apprehend danger from a more intimate connection with G. Britain, for certain definite, & distinct objects, or from uniting so far as a common enemy renders necessary to the safety of both.
With sincere regards, & esteem   I am, my Dear Sir, your friend, & obedt. servt

C. Gore

This is a duplicate, the original went by Bristol. If both copies of the Remarks shoud arrive, you will have the goodness to send one to Mr Cabot, tho’ you think it adviseable not to have them printed.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 28 February 1799
From: Stevens, Ebenezer
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 28th February 1799
Dear Sir

On my being appointed by the secretary of War, agent for the War department in this City, he directed me to appoint an Engineer, to act in conjunction with messrs. Hills and Flemming, to view Bedlow, Oyster, and Governor’s Island, and to form plans, Estimates &c &c. I forthwith appointed Mr Mangin to that Office under date of the 18th June last, and they compleated their business by the 10th august following; their different plans being all sent to the secretary of War, for his decision which to adopt—at this period, Mr. Hills and major Flemming retired, to their respective places of abode.
The Secretary of War, under date of the 25th August, wrote me, and this is an Extract from his letter.
“I have received and examined the plans, and estimates, for the different defences of the City and Harbour of New York. The military Committee of New York being on the Spot and composed of Gentlemen of competent judgment, I have determined to submit, to their decision, the choice of a plan for the parapet for the work on Governors Island. They will, therefore, decide between the plans offered by Mr Mangin, and those of Mr Fleming & Hills.”
The business, being thus left to the military Committee; it rested with them to designate which should be put into execution; and on my receiving this decision, I judged it requisite, and did appoint Mr. Mangin, under date of the 11th September, to carry the Works intended on Governors Island, into execution.
But it appears to me, from the Tenor of the inclosed Letter, and Extracts from the secretary of War’s Letter to me, relative to Mangin’s pay; that he does not consider, the necessity of an Engineer (after the functions of Hills Fleming & Mangin in conjuction, had ceased), to mark out the Ground for the Foundations; and see that not only the Works on Governor’s Island were begun, and carried on, in confor⟨mity⟩ to the plans chosen by the Military Committee—but also, that ⟨an⟩ Engineer was necessary, to draught a plan of the Barracks and Hospital, which were afterward concluded to be built, and have been since compleated—Nor in fact, the propriety of an Engineer, to see such part of the measures of Defence, yet to be erected, put into execution—and therefore, he supposes Mr Mangin’s Services at an End, when Hills and Fleming went home.
I think, you will see otherways, and will obviate this difficulty with the secretary of War—and as One of the military Committee, represent the necessity of keeping Mangin employed; for as you gave the preference to his plans; it seems clear, that he was the fittest person to execute his own designs. I have paid him money on account, having viewed him from the 11th Septembr, as Engineer at the rate of Four Dollars per Day, while in employ for the United States—which is the rate he was paid by Genl Knox, who chose him for the purpose of fortifying this port when it was first undertaken. My sole object in appointing him, was to expedite the Works; but as the Business has taken so unfavourable a turn, I will thank you to convince the secretary of War, that I acted from pure motives, and not from any disrespect towards him, or his Offices.
I remain Dear Sir   Your most obedt. Servt.

Eben Stevens.
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the Legislature of the State of New York, [February-March 1799]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Legislature of New York State

[New York, February-March, 1799]
To the Honorable The Legislature of the State of New York
The Memorial of the SubscribersCitizens of New York
Respectfully sheweth

That your Memorialists have become alarmed lest a difference of Opinion about the best mode of providing the means of conveying water in pipes throughout this City (a measure which your Memorialists deem of essential consequence) should prevent any law being passed on the subject.
That without desiring to interfere with the plan which under the patronage of the Corporation of this City they understand has been presented to Your Consideration, they have thought it may not be improper to suggest an alternative in case that plan should not be improved.
It is that a Company may be incorporated with a Capital not exceeding one Million of Dollars to be formed by voluntary subscriptions of fifty dollars to a share and with the necessary powers to enable them to Act.
Of this Capital it may be expedient to reserve to the Corporation at its option a number of shares not exceeding One-third—And it may be provided that the Recorder shall be ex officio a Director of the Company
It will likewise conduce materially to the success of the plan if the Legislature will apply to this object the duties arising from the sales by Auction. It may be a fund for raising a correspondent principal to be invested in stock of the Company from which a superior revenue may be eventually derived.
Your Memorialists deeming it unnecessary to enter into further details pray leave to bring in a Bill for the above mentioned purpose.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William J. Vredenburgh, [February 1799]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Vredenburgh, William J.

[New York, February, 1799]

Willliam J. Vredenburgh Esq.
To Alexander Hamilton Dr

For my services as Counsel at Albany
}
Dollars

⅌ account heretofore rendered
75

Mr. Hamilton presents his compliments to Mr. Vredenburgh & requests the payment of the above. ⟨He will recall that⟩ Mr. Hamilton with Mr. Pendleton, argued his cause at Albany. The argument was successful. The amount was considerable. The points were nice. The above charge is certainly moderate. Under these circumstances Mr. Hamilton is not a little disappointed that so much delay has attended the satisfaction of his demand. He takes it for granted that Mr. V will feel the propriety of now satisfying it.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John J. U. Rivardi, 1 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rivardi, John J. U.

New York March 1 1799
Sir

The inclosed letter will inform you, that the Post you command has been placed under my superintendence by the Department of War. In consequence of this arrangement, the returns for December last, which you forwarded to the Commander in Chief, have been by him transmitted to me.
As my superintendence extends to all the Posts in the Northern & North Western quarters, I am desirous of revising the reasons upon which they have been established, in order to be enabled to judge whether the present disposition ought to be continued or altered. To this end I am to request, that you will as early as may be visit the several Posts of Michilimacnac Detroit Fort Defiance on the Miami & Presque Isle together with such intervening & proximate positions as may present eligible Military Points; paying particular attention to the streight, which connects Lakes St. Clair & Erie & to the South Western extremity of the latter Lake: after doing which you will repair to New York to report to me the result of your observations and to confer on the subject at large. In this examination you will have an eye to the various considerations of Defence Settlement and Trade, with reference both to our British neighbours & to the Indians. I deem it unnecessary to enter into detail on these heads. The account I have received of your knowlege and discernment assures me that you will execute the commission with accurate observation and with comprehensive views. At the same time you will bear in mind that it particularly suits the state & temper of this Country to effect as much as possible with the least possible expence.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Your Obed serv

Major RivardiNiagara


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 4 March 1799
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London Mar 4. 1799.

Our opinions do not differ upon a very important subject, that has more than once been mentioned in our correspondence: I am intirely ignorant of the Sentiments of the Pr. tho’ I have again and again treated of it, and sometimes with earnestness, in my Dispatches This silence gives me some inquietude. Mr. G. will send you the Reflections that have occurred to him, and will also explain the motives for putting them into your Hands. I cannot at this distance decide upon the Expediency of publishing these Reflections, but I am much inclined to recommend it, as all our Conjectures explained & confirmed by every thing we see, injoin upon us to look for Safety only in our own courage & upon our own Continent.
With perfect regards and attachment   I am my Dear sir   Yr ob Ser

K.
A. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washingtom, [4 March 1799]
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Mount Vernon, March 4, 1799. Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, March 5, 1799. “I recur to your letters of the 31st of January 4th 15 21. 22 23 & 27 of February, for the purpose of doing whatever may remain to be done in relation to their contents.
“… the complete formation of the several corps and their subdivisions which includes the appointment of the full complement of Officers is so essential to order that delay in this respect is very prejudicial to the service. I must therefore beg leave to urge that whatever remains to be done by the Executive towards this end may be completed, & that I may without delay be furnished with the necessary lights towards executing the part which has been assigned to me.… It is especially essential that no time be lost in giving to the different regiments the proper commanding Officers, in all the cases in which this has not been already done.…
“There are several points in your letter of the 4th of February upon which I cannot act with due information until I receive the documents promised by that letter. These are
“1   The Regulations which are intended by this paragraph of that letter ‘It is expected &c that you will give orders that the Garrisons &c make Returns and observe the enclosed regulations’
“2   The Report of the Purveyor of supplies shewing the quantities of the different articles of cloathing &c.

“3   The schedule of the Officers who have accepted their appointments with the places of their residence.
“4   The list of Officers at present employed in the recruiting service and their places of rendezvous.
“5   The list of the names of all the Officers of the army classed according to their respective Regiments or Corps with the dates of their Commissions.
“Besides these documents it is necessary for me to be informed what are the returns and reports of different kinds which have heretofore been accustommed to be made to the War Department.…
“I ought also to know correctly the various channels of supply and the persons who administer them; and to understand generally the cases in which an application for any of them through the Secretary at War is necessary to the execution of the general system, as contradistinguished from those in which a call of the commanding General upon the Officer who is to furnish may be proper.…
“I have presumed that you have ready a competent number of printed pamphlets containing recruiting instructions to be distributed among the Officers who shall be employed on that service. If so, I request that they may be forwarded to me.…
“You speak of a project of regulations which was communicated to me by the Commander in Chief. I recollect to have seen a manuscript of this kind, but it was not left with me, and the circumstance of the conjuncture did not permit me to examine it. If now in your possession, will you oblige me by forwarding it? …


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 7 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth

New York March 7. 1799

I duly received My Dear Sir Your letter of the 17th of January. Accept my thanks for the remarks it contains on the plan for a Military School.
We were extremely alarmed yesterday by the intelligence coming from Philadelphia of an accident to you at a Review. But an arrival here has greatly relieved us. We earnestly desire a contradiction. Affectly & truly yrs.

A H
General Pinckney


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 7 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth

New York March 7 1799
Sir

The Secretary at War has informed you that the General Superintendence of the Recruiting service is confided to me, as an incident to the Inspectorship.

As a preliminary to this, it is requisite to distribute the States respectively into Districts and subdistricts the latter to correspond with the number of Companies to be raised in each State assigning one company to each subdistrict & the former to be proportioned [by] the number of field officers.
I request the favour of you as speedily as may be to make the distribution for the States of Georgia & the two Carolinas & to communicate to me the result.
I have been told that the commencement of the recruiting service depended on the completion of an adequate supply of Cloathing, and I ought to calculate that this is nearly ready.
Perhaps it may promote expedition to transmit me successively the arrangement for each state as it shall be completed.
With great respect & esteem   I have the honor to be   Sir   Your Obed serv
Major General Pinckney


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 8 March 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War DepartmentMarch 8th. 1799
Sir,
Certain inconveniences hitherto experienced relative to the pay of the troops induced me to recommend a Section to be adopted in the Bill for the organization of the Army which having passed into a law is now transmitted.
As the greatest part of the Army will be on or near the Sea-board I can perceive considerable advantages of a public nature which would result from the Pay Master General being fixed at the seat of Government, in respect to the transmission of money for the pay of the troops to his Deputies and Regimental paymasters; to the Officers who may be responsible for the disbursement of money for the recruiting Service; to the prompt execution of all orders originating in this department or from the General of the Armies, and the prompt settlement of his accounts at the proper and fixed periods. If you see the subject in this light, you will be pleased to instruct him accordingly.
Mr. Swan who is the paymaster General is now at Cincinnati on the Ohio. You will necessarily direct him to appoint a deputy or deputies for the North Western and Mississippi Army and to take the securities required by law; to leave with them such orders as may be proper and conformable to his powers under the law and his Instructions, and having so done to hasten with all his Books and papers &c. to the Seat of Government, where he is to open his Office.
The Quarter Master General, Lieut: Colonel Wilkins, is about establishing an Office in this City where he will receive either in person or by his deputy, your orders relative to the transport Service, and all matters of which he is to be the executive organ. Enclosed is copy of the 12th: Section of the Act for the organization of the Army which respects this Officer.
I have the honor to be   with great respect, Sir,   Your obedt. servant

James McHenry
Major GeneralAlexander Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 9 March 1799
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London March 9. 1799
Dear sir,
By Mr. Erskine whom I have introduced to you, I send you a Copy of the famous Map of So. america that Fayden has lately engraved: it is a fac simile of the Spanish Map so carefully concealed at Madrid.
Fayden is employed in another Map upon the same scale of the Spanish Territories north of the Isthmus; it will be less accurate and authentic; but such as it is it will supply a desideratum. I am from many considerations restrained from saying what ought to be said, and must not be delayed, respecting this important Country. I am entirely convinced if it and its resources are not for us that they will speedily be against us.
Spain and Portugal are completely in check, and the game may be terminated with them at the pleasure of France: the next step is plain and will be by and by unavoidable. What do we expect what without infatuation can we expect of France? Why then any further Reserves?
Yours Truly

R.K.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 10 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Private
New York March 10. 1799
Dr Sir

Ought it not to be a rule to forward from your department to the Major Generals, as they are passed, copies of all laws respecting the military establishment? At any rate you will oblige me by sending those of the session just finished.
I observe in the 5 § of the Recruiting Instructions, filled up in Manuscript, the term of inlistment is five years. The law for augmenting the army § 2 directs the inlistment to be “for and during the continuance of the existing differences between the Ustates & the French Republic.” If there be any thing varying this, it has escaped me. Will you inform me? This inquiry is suggested by a new revision of the recruiting instructions.
As it may yet take time to prepare for me a complete list of the Officers of the army, I should be glad to have one of the field Officers only, with a note of the stations or destinations to which they have been assigned. I want much to place them over the detached posts & to concenter the direction.
I observe the XIII § of the Recruiting Instructions authorises the appointment of certain Courts Martial. Where is the power for this Regulation?
Sometime since I requested you to send me the organisation of the Officers as reported by the Commander in Chief. You replied that no such document had come to you. I imagine that I must not have expressed myself clearly for I well remember that the document, which I mean, was made out in Mr Lear’s hand writing for the purpose of being sent by you. It was an arrangement or distribution of the Officers who were nominated into Regiments batalions and Companies, assigning to each company, by their names, its proper complement of Officers.
It appears to me very important that the Regimental Pay Masters & Quarter Masters should be designated without delay. They are the proper organs through which all issues of monies & supplies ought to pass. If I remember rightly, in the late war, the Qr. Master & Adjutant were appointed by the Commander of the Regiment— the Paymaster was designated by the Officers of each Regiment. What has been the practice lately? Whatever be the mode I wish very much to be instructed to have the thing done.
Will it not be adviseable speedily to direct the field Officers of each Regiment to report for the consideration of the President an arrangement of the relative rank of their Officers in the Regiment? This will not work any inconvenience as to the corps, of which the Officers have not yet been appointed. And its being done will facilitate future operations.
Yrs. very truly

A Hamilton
Js. McHenry Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Armstrong, 13 March 1799
From: Armstrong, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, March 13, 1799. “… May I presume to request your good Offices in recommending my Brother in Law Mr Charles Ramsay” as American consul “at the Havannah.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 March 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department 13 March 1799
private
Dear Sir

I received your private letter of the 10th inst. last night.
The mode in which the laws are published prevents me from receiving any of them sometimes for six weeks or two months after their being inacted, unless I take copies of them from the originals lodged with the Secry. of State and get them printed. This is what I have done with the organization and eventual army acts, and shall as soon as they are printed send you some copies.
The 5 Sect. of the recruiting instruction was filled up for inlistments in the 4 old Regiments and artillery corps. For inlistments in the 12 Regiments of Infantry & 6 troops of Light Dragoons, it will be filled up “for and during the continuance of the existing differences between the U.S. and French Republic” according to your conception.
The 13 sect. of the recruiting instructions is founded on the 3 article of the articles of war under the head administration of justice, art. 3, p 32 & 33. It is supposed that the officer commanding in each district will be a field officer.
I expect to be able to send you in a few days the list of officers conformably to the schedule A formed & reported by Gen Washington with the exception of the alterations and directions of which you have been informed and that have originated in non-acceptances.
In your letter of Febry the 16th it is said “It is very material to me to have without delay the distribution of the additional 12 Regts & troops of horse &c &c” It is certain I understood this request to apply to the distribution of the 4 Regts. of Infantry and the cavalry, stations for eight of the 12 Regiments of Infantry only having been fixed on by the Commander in Chief. Where did the Commander in Chief contemplate to station these 4 regts. and the cavalry? I shall subjoin to the list aforesaid the officers appointed from Connecticut, arranged into companies by Mr Tracy agreeably to the principle of contiguity or local convenience.
Quarter Masters, adjutants & Pay-Masters to Regiments by the late organization act must be Lieutenants and as such appointed by the Presidemt. Whether the law admits of the choice of Pay master from among the Lieutenants under the new organization being made by the officers, I cannot answer at this moment, my copy of the act being with the Printer. The pay master by the act, must give bond & security for the faithful discharge of his duties at least it was so intended.
When you receive a copy of the schedule A you will determine whether to take the Captains and their subalterns as there arranged or to refer to their respective colonels for a new and different distribution.
I recvd. your letter dated the 5th inst on the 11th. I shall attend as soon as possible to its contents.
We have got an insurrection in Northampton County and adjoining parts, which will require the presence of some of the military force to aid the Marshall to secure offenders. A proclamation will issue to day declaring its existence &c. It is contemplated to employ on this occasion the volunteers only, a late law having authorised the President to use these in all cases in which he is authorised to employ Militia.
Yours sincerely

James McHenry
Majr Gen Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 13 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

New York March 13. 1799
Dear Sir

It is natural for people where their interest is concerned to die hard. Mr. Juhel, the bearer of this, goes to Philadelphia to lay before you some supplementary evidence with regard to the Ship Germania, which he hopes may vary your determination. At his request I give him this line to you merely to say—that he is a Merchant of this City of Reputation, and so far as his conduct has fallen under my observation of candour and probity. I wish him success as far as personal considerations alone are concerned & no general rule of policy is contravened.
But having occasion to write you on a subject connected with the law prohibiting intercourse with the French Territories—I ought not to withhold from you an opinion which I deliberately entertain. It is that whatever may have been the intention of the legislature in framing this law, it is in fact so worded, that it will be a very violent thing in a Court of Justice to pronounce that the prohibition of the 3d. Section extends to any but a French Bottom.
The leading and prominent feature of the Prohibition as to the subject, is a “French Ship or Vessel.” There are subsequent words which by implication look to vessels of other descriptions but they may be understood consistently with this main & preliminary feature.
Thus the provision excepts Ships or Vessels “bona fide the property of, or hired or employed by Citizens of the UStates.” A french bottom, by her built & registry, may be the property of Citizens of the UStates. Again these words will be satisfied by supposing that they intend Ships & Vessels which were French immediately before the Voyage in question but were purchased for the Voyage by Citizens of the UStates.

And this construction will better consist with the principles which govern the interpretation of penal laws than to extend the prohibition which is to constitute the penalty beyond the letter by implication & force of a proviso which is introduced to make an exception to the general terms.
I am well aware of the Course which in such a case policy will dictate to the Executive—but if this view of the law be correct it may afford an argument for a mitigated course where no actual intention to evade appears.
Yrs. truly

A H
O Wolcott Esq


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 14 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Knox, Henry

New York March 14. 1799
My Dear Sir

The inclosed letters, as I conclude from others which accompanied them, have been a long time getting to hand. There was a moment, when their object seemed to present itself as one not intirely chimerical—but the probability has diminished. Tis however a thing on which the mind may still speculate as in the Chapter of extraordinary events which characterise the present wonderful epoch.
My judgment tells me, I ought to be silent on a certain subject—but my heart advises otherwise and my heart has always been the Master of my Judgment. Believe me, I have felt much pain at the idea that any circumstance personal to me should have deprived the public of your services or occasioned to you the smallest dissatisfaction. Be persuaded also that the views of others, not my own, have given shape to what has taken place—and that there has been a serious struggle between my respect and attachment for you and the impression of duty. This sounds, I know, like affectation, but it is nevertheless the truth. In a case, in which such great public interests were concerned, it seemed to me the dictate of reason and propriety, not to exercise an opinion of my own, but to leave that of others, who could influence the issue, to take a free course. In saying this much my only motive is to preserve, if I may, a claim on your friendly disposition towards me, and to give you some evidence that my regard for you is unabated.
Adieu My Dear Sir   Very much Yrs.

A Hamilton
General Knox


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Private
New York March 14. 1799
Dear Sir

It is a construction of the law warranted by usage that the President shall appoint the requisite number of Lieutenants & leave three of them to be designated for Quarter Master & Pay Master in the manner practiced in the late army. But if this is supposed not to be a good construction the end may be produced by making it a rule that recommendations shall come through the described Channels to the President & that unless for some extraordinary reason he will as of course nominate or appoint.
But whatever be the mode pray let it be adopted at once & put in a train of execution that these essential officers may be appointed.
Yrs. truly

A H

P.S. Since writing the above, it has occurred to me as worthy of consideration whether it will not be expedient to inlist indiscriminately for all the corps and to insert an alternative in the oath as to the term of service thus—“for and during the continuance &c. or for the term of five years at the option of the UStates.” As there are soldiers of both descriptions to be inlisted I incline to think the laws will bear out the alternative in point of executive propriety—& the option would be evidently valuable. The principal question is whether soldiers would not more readily inlist for the casual duration of existing differences than for the known term of five years.

James McHenry Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 14 March 1799
From: Stevens, Ebenezer
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York 14th March 1799
Dear General

I am often troubling you, but certain that you are my best friend, believe you will pardon the freedom I take with you. The secretary of War has written me on the Subject of Compensation for my Services, and that I might have a salary or be paid by a Commission on the amount of my Disbursemts but I am at a loss to act, in choosing the method of Compensation because it involves much consideration and places me in a delicate situation to decide. I inclose you the Extract of my Letter of the 15th January last in answer to the above proposal from him and will leave it with you to advise me, which will be best. You must be sensible, that my time has been taken up wholly in attending to public matters. One of my Clerks was employed in keeping the accounts and making payments, almost constantly, while I was employed out of doors. The secretary of War does not know what service I have rendered, nor will he ever have a proper idea of it, unless you are so obliging to Explain to him. I wish to know of a certainty what I am to receive, that I may judge, whether it will be most for my interest to hold the appointment, or to resign it.

The amount of my disbursements is from 55 to 60000 Dollars and a Commission pr. Centum of what I might justly expect, would be considered high, without the peculiar services were explained—but this I have been particular in describing, in the inclosed Extract, and I will rely on your friendship to get the Compensation fixed.
Will you permit my first Clerk, who was with me throughout the whole operation, to explain this business to you, he has no Interest in it, whether I get much or little; and can give a faithful detail of my services—and perhaps, his description may be of use in respect to fixing your opinion of what I ought to have.
I am with sentiments of esteem   Dear Genl.   Your obliged friend & hble Servt.

Ebenezer Stevens
Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 14 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

New York March 14. 1799
Sir

I have the honor to send you the extract of a letter of the 8th instant (received two days since) from the Secretary of War, together with the Section of the Act to which it relates.
I am entirely of opinion with him, as to the expediency of causing the Pay Master General to reside at the seat of Government. But as the measure is of importance, and especially as the act expressly refers the point to the “Commander in Chief”—I did not think my self at liberty to act without your previous decision.
I request instruction on the point, as soon as shall be convenient, unless you shall think it proper to give yourself the necessary orders to the Pay Master General.
With perfect respect & attachment   I have the honor to be   Sir Your obed servt

A Hamilton
Lt General Washington


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 14 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[New York, March 14, 1799. Second letter of March 14 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 March 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department15th. March 1799
Sir,
A Proclamation of the President of the United States, a Copy of which I enclose, will inform you that a combination to defeat the execution of the Laws, for the valuation of lands, and Dwelling houses, have existed, in the Counties of Northampton Montgomery, and Bucks in the State of Pennsylvania, and proceeded in a manner subversive of the just authority of the Government, and that certain Persons in the County of Northampton exceeding one hundred in number, have been hardy enough to perpetrate certain acts, which he is advised amount to Treason, being overt acts of levying war against the United States; of the Presidents determination to call forth military force, to suppress the combinations, and cause the Laws aforesaid to be executed; and of his Command to all per⟨sons⟩ being insurgents as aforesaid and all others whom it may concern, on or before Monday next; being the 18th instant, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes.
The President has thought it most advisable upon the present occasion, to employ the Volunteer Companies accepted by him in pursuance of the authority vested in him by the 7th Section of the “Act giving eventual authority to the President of the United States to augment the Army,” passed the 2d. March instant, for the most active duties.
Among the reasons, which have induced to this determination, are the following—1st The Law just cited, of the 2d. instant. 2d. An Opinion, grounded upon information of the existing state of things, in the Counties, in insurrection, that a portion of the Volunteers, which may be drawn from the City of Philadelphia, will be competent to the object intended. 3d The utility and propriety of permitting (if possible) the militia to remain on their farms, at a time, when husbandry might suffer, by their absence.
Orders have accordingly been issued, to Brigadier General Macpherson, of the Provisional army, to hold in readiness to march, at the shortest notice, all the Companies of Volunteers, within the State of Pennsylvania, except a Company at Pittsburgh, with the intention however, unless circumstances change, of employing only a certain part of them.
It has occurred, that it would render a less number of volunteers necessary, and that their operations, would be facilitated, and made more certain, by the presence of a body of regulars, whose positions, might be such, as to act forcibly upon the fears of the insurgents, and cover the movements of the volunteers. I have therefore ordered Captain Shoemaker of the Infantry, who is at Frederick Town Maryland, with a company of recruits, and Captain Irvine who is at Carlisle, with a Company of artillerists and engineers to march forthwith, and rendezvous at Reading. I shall also put in motion a company of the Artillerists, from Fort Mifflin to rendezvous at the same place. You will be pleased to direct two companies, say one from West Point to march by the nearest route, to Eastern Northampton County Pennsylvania, and one from New York, and Lieutenant Boote with his recruits at Brunswick, to march by the nearest route, and rendezvous at Newtown Bucks County in the State of Pennsylvania—to wait at their destinations for orders from General Macpherson, the artillerists will march with muskets only, as the requisite pieces, will be sent from this City.
I shall instruct immediately, the Quarter Master General, to authorize Colonel Stevens, of New York, to cause to be provided, the means of transportation, and quarters on their route for the two companies, and the detachment under Lt Boote—and also quarters at the places of rendezvous.
Inclosed is a letter to the Contractor at New York, directing him to appoint fit persons, to proceed with the Detachments, to provide for them rations, on the route, as well as at the places of rendezvous.
Time being now too pressing, to allow of instructing the Quarter Master General, and writing to the Contractor as just mentioned, you will effect both purposes, by your orders.
Perhaps you will think it proper, to order Mahlon Ford Major of the Artillerists, at present in the Jersey near Morris Town, and unemployed, to join the Detachment, as there will be a Majors command of regular troops, should circumstances, render an union of the whole, at Bethlehem or any other place necessary.
You will direct the commanders of the different parties, to write me from every Post town advising of their progress—and also of their arrival at their destinations.
The Troops to take with them, Tents and other necessary equipage.
I am Sir   with great respect   your obedt. hble servant
James McHenry
If I have omitted any thing proper to be done or ordered you will be pleased to supply the omission.

Alexander HamiltonMajor General ofthe Armies of the United States


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 15 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

New York, March 15, 1799. “I have received your letter of the 13th instant and thank you for the suggestions contained therein.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Van Rensselaer, 15 March 1799
From: Van Rensselaer, Stephen
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany, March 15, 1799. “… The Assembly have a Bill for electing Electors of Presdt & Vice President—it will pass—are you of opinion that it would be proper for the Senate to concur? Unless NYork gives us a different representation the federalist are lost. Whether we have any object now since the late conduct of the President —you are a better judge than We if it is however necessary that we should still perservere pray let me hear from you. our friends are extremely pressing that I should write to you on this subject.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [15 March 1799]
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Mount Vernon, March 15, 1799. Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William R. Boote, 16 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Boote, William R.

New York, March 16, 1799. “In consequence of orders from the Secretary of War, I am to desire, that you proceed with the party under your command to New Town in Bucks County—for which purpose you will join and accompany a detachment which will leave this quarter on Monday the 18th. instant, taking the orders of the commanding Officer of this detachment.… Let no time be lost.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Adam Hoops, 16 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hoops, Adam

New York March 16. 1799
Sir

You will be pleased to cause the two companies, which have been put under marching orders, to proceed on Monday next to New Town in Bucks County Pennsylvania, where they will receive further orders either from the Secretary of War or from General Mc.Pherson. The Contractor is directed to provide a boat to convey them to Amboy—whence they will march to Brunswick and thence by the most convenient route to New Town. The Commanding Officer must from every Post Town advise the Secretary of War of his progress—as he must also do of his arrival at the place of destination. From Brunswick, he must inform him of his intended route to New Town. There he will be joined by Lieutenant Boote with a party of Infantry. Col Stevens will appoint a person to accompany the detachment in capacity of Quarter Master. A competent number of tents, if they are to be had, must be sent with the party. No avoidable delay must be permitted to occur.
It is believed though not known that there is a contractor for the supply of provisions in New Jersey. This may be ascertained at Brunswick and arrangements taken accordingly. If not, the person to be sent by Col Stevens will be authorized to supply the deficiency.
You will give instructions to the Commanding Officer in conformity with this letter.
With consideration & esteem   I am Sir   Your Obed ser


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 16 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, March 16, 1799. “Though I have not as yet complete materials for arranging all the States into Districts and subdistricts—I now submit to you an arrangement as to some of them, in order that the recruiting service may begin in these, when you deem other things sufficiently mature to commence it. There occurs no important reason why it should not be successively undertaken. On the contrary, so far as I have the means of judging, I should conclude that it would be expedient to begin partially and extend as the provision of supplies extends. An arrangement will now be submitted for the States of Connecticut New York New Jersey & Pensylvania & Delaware. But if necessary, I am prepared to offer what may answer the end for the other States except the three most Southern and Kentucke & Tenessee. A plan for the two Carolinas & Georgia has been asked of General Pinckney, but there has not been time to obtain his reply. If the business were otherwise prepared, there could be no inconvenience in referring it to him to make the distribution definitively. The arrangement for Tennessee & Kentucke may also be confided to persons on the spot.… As it is possible that in practice, it may be found convenient to alter some of the Districts & subdistricts—I request a general power for this purpose.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 16 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stevens, Ebenezer

New York, March 16, 1799. “You have been requested to provide a competent person to attend in quality of Quarter Master, the detachment of Troops which is to proceed from Fort Jay on Monday next.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 16 March 1799
From: Stevens, Ebenezer
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[March 16, 1799. Stevens endorsed the envelope of Hamilton’s letter of March 16, 1799: “Ansd 16.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Dayton, 18 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Dayton, Jonathan

Private
New York March 18th. 1799
Dr Sir

The enclosed letter to Major Ford directs him to take the command of some detachments of Artillerists which have been ordered to march as auxiliaries to the Volunteers under Mc:Pherson destined against the Northampton Insurgents.
Be so good as to have it forwarded by an expeditious and certain conveyance by express if none other equally prompt and certain offers.
Do me the favor also to inform me confidentially what is Ford’s character as an Officer and as to political principle.
Yrs truly

A Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York March 18th. 1799.
Sir

In compliance with the object of your letter of the 15. instant, I have put in motion two companies of Artillerists from Fort Jay (Henrys and Cochrans) who are to embark at ten this morning for Amboy and to proceed from thence by way of Brunswick to New Town in Bucks County. There (at Brunswick) Lt: Boote with his party is instructed to join them. The two companies as they march will exceed together seventy men, and will go provided with all necessaries except that the number of tents will be incomplete. If we had known the wants of Lt: Bootes party, they could not have been supplied from this place. Inclosed are the directions to him. Tomorrow you will be advised of the exact number of men and tents.
I trust you will excuse the deviation from your order as best calculated to fulfil its object. The march from West Point would have been attended with great difficulties and much delay. The River will speedily open and if necessary, the substitute can then be brought from West Point to Fort Jay. In the mean time no inconvenience is likely to ensue.
A person will go by concert between Coll. Stevens and the Contractor in the double capacity of Quarter Master and Commissary. He can easily do both duties. Perhaps indeed the expence of such a person might have been saved, had there been a sufficient number of Officers with the companies. But it has been impracticable to send more than one Captain and two Lieutenants.
I defer till tomorrow to give any order to Major Ford. Were it not that the presence of Major Hoops was requisite here at a Court Martial which is to trye Captain Frye and Doctor Osborne, it would perhaps be more in order to send him with the major part of his Command. But this point is reserved
With great respect & esteem   I am Sir   Your obed servt.

A Hamilton
Secy. at War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 March 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, March 19, 1799. Encloses “copies of two Letters from General Wilkinson, one dated Novr. 6, the other Decr. 6, 1798.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Private
New York March 19. 1799
Dear Sir

I understand, that the Officers for Connecticut have been appointed & their names published, but I have seen no paper containing them. If so, be so good as to send me the list, and if there have been other appointments since the lists transmitted me, pray let them be added.
Pursuant to your very proper idea of having at the seat of Government of the Chiefs of Different Departments—it seems to me adviseable that you should have some Agent for the Commissariate or provision-branch, to whom applications may be addressed & from whom orders may issue to the different Contractors or sub Agents.
Did those provisions of the “Act for organising &c.” which declares that the Adjutant General shall be ex Officio Depy. Inspector General & which allow the Inspector General a Secretary continue in the Bill when passed?
Is there any arrangement which prevents me calling for the assistance of the Adjutant General when I deem it necessary?
Yrs. truly

A Hamilton
The Secy at War.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel H. Stackhouse and John Shute, 19 March 1799
From: Stackhouse, Samuel H.,Shute, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, March 19, 1799. “We beg Leave in Behalf of ourselves and sixty more young men to offer our services & to Engage to repair without Delay to the Seat of Insurrection in Northampton County Pensylvania.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John De Barth Walbach, 19 March 1799
From: Walbach, John De Barth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Wilmington [Delaware] March 19, 1799. “Ayant appris par les papiers publics, Que le Gouvernement Se preparoit a faire marcher des troupes, contre les insurgés, du Canton de Northampton; et le Régiment, au quel j’ai l’honneur d’appartenir, n’etant pas encore levé; je prend la liberté, Général, de vous addresser la presente, pour offrir mes Services comme volontaire, Si vous le juger apropos.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 20 March 1799
From: Dayton, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Elizabeth town [New Jersey] March 20th. 1799
Dr. Sir,
Your favor dated the 18th. was received this morning. The letter accompanying it for Majr. Ford was immediately sent to the Post office at Newark, from whence a Mail goes this afternoon to Morris.
In answer to your enquiry respecting the Major’s character, I can assure you that he has ever been considered a good officer, and that I know him to be perfectly sound, correct & firm in his political principles. His family have been long looked up to as the head of the Federalists in Morris county, and have uniformly opposed themselves to the torrent of Jacobinism, more prevalent there than in any quarter of our State. He was a Subaltern in my father’s Regiment during the Revolutionary war, & acquitted himself always well.
I presume that neither the Secy. of War nor yourself are ignorant, that that portion of the people of N. Jersey which are most contiguous to the scene of insurrection are that most uninformed, & consequently not the best disposed to support the Government & Administration. Some, more than common, precautions should therefore be taken in the selection of their Militia, or of their officers more particularly, if any draft should be made upon them for this service. As a certain number will doubtless be ordered to hold themselves in readiness to support Mc.Pherson, if required, it may be well for you to give a cautionary hint to our Governor by letter.
I am Dr. General Yours very sincerely

Jona: Dayton
Majr. General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 March 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War department 21. March 1799.
Sir

I received your letter dated the 5. March on the 11. instant and would have replied sooner to its contents had it been possible to have furnished you with the necessary information & documents required.
The enclosed schedule A exhibits the appointments which have been made conformably to the list of names presented by the General Officers with the exceptions noticed in my letter of the 21 of January Ultimo, and also the names of the persons appointed to fill the vacanies of those who were omitted or had declined accepting their appointments.
I have preserved in this schedule the numeri[c]al order and same classifications of Company Officers which is observed in the original list alluded to with an exception or two which is noticed and which it may be proper should take place.
This Schedule distinguishes that Gentlemen who have accepted of their appointments, those who have declined and those who have not been heard from.

Schedule B exhibits the appointments made in Connecticut for One regiment, resolved into Companies by the Honble Uriah Tracy.
You will now have before you a complete list of Officers for ten regiments and three companies of Infantry and six companies of Cavalry excepting the Surgeons and Surgeons Mates and three additional Lieutenants annexed to each Regiment by the law of the 3d. March Ultimo.
It was not possible to make the latter appointments after the law passed and before the departure of the President for Quincy. I have written to him however on the 16 instant, to be authorized to select fit persons for those Offices—and to signify to them their appointments.
Want of time and other good reasons render it necessary, that I should leave it with you, in every case, in which an association of Company Officers or Majors different from the Schedule, may appear to be more conducive to harmony and promotive of the public service, to make the same definitively or provisionally as you may determine.
I leave it also to you to fix the number each regiment of Infantry is to be known by, beginning with number 5. and ending with Number 16. The old establishment has Number 1. 2 3. and 4. You will also be pleased to exercise the same discretion in fixing the relative rank of the Company Officers in each regiment, but it will be proper to leave the subject of the relative rank of the Lieutenant Colonels and Majors to future arrangements or till after the appointments for the whole establishment shall be completed.
You will of course communicate to me what changes you may make and the determinations you may adopt relative to the objects submitted.
The aforesaid documents will enable you to put the last hand to our arrangements for commencing the recruiting service.
It will be necessary for me to be informed 1st. Of the stations of your recruiting rendezvouses, or the stations in each State where it will be proper to provide rations and to send the Cloathing—2d. The quantity of Cloathing to be sent to each rendezvous. 3d. The Officers you may approve of who are to act as regimental Paymasters to the regimental Circles or districts and the Quantum of recruiting money proper to be remitted to each. 4th. The numbers of the regiments for which Cloathing is required in order that the buttons of the Clothing sent may correspond therewith. The Buttons are numbered from one to sixteen and the Cloathing made up regimentally.
I have reflected upon the idea whether it might not be expedient to inlist indiscriminately for all the Corps. There are serious objections to such a measure. 1. As the recruit expects his Cloathing immediately upon his being inlisted, and as the Artillery regimental differs from the Infantry, and the Cavalry from both, it would be wholly an affair of Chance, whether upon a final distribution of the men, they would not have to change coats with each other. 2. Admitting the destination to be made by each recruiting Officer, such an arrangement would induce the necessity of having a deposit of the three kinds of regimentals at each recruiting place of rendezvous. 3d. It might obstruct the recruiting service inasmuch as men inlist with less reluctance or more willingness, when they know the Company Officers they are to serve under.
Upon the whole it may be attended with fewest present inconveniencies to follow the old practice.
With respect to the points upon which you require further information.
1. The regulations which are intended by this paragraph of my letter of the 4. of February “It is expected &c. that you will give orders that the Garrisons &c. make returns and observe the inclosed regulations.” Until you can be charged with the regulations intended by this paragraph which I have not yet had time to make out no more will be necessary than to require the Garrisons to furnish their usual returns agreably to usage and existing regulations on that subject; those for the War department to the proper Officers of that department, and those to the commanding General to yourself or other proper Officer.
2. The report of the Purveyor of Supplies showing the quantities of the different articles of Cloathing &c.

This report was forwarded on the 15. instant.
3. The Schedule of the Officers who have accepted their appointment with the places of their residence.
4. The list of Officers at present employed on the recruiting service and their places of rendezvous.
5. The list of the names of all the Officers of the Army (old establishment) classed according to their respective regiments or Corps with the dates of their Commissions.
These were transmitted on the 8. of March in a blank Cover.
The Returns &c. accustomed to be made to the War Department:
1. Returns of Ordnance Cloathing and military Stores to the Superintendant of Military Stores, Mr. Hodgdon.
2. Returns of Quarter Master Stores to the Quarter Master General. The Quarter Master General will stand charged for all supplies for his department by the Superintendant of Military Stores.
3. Returns by the Quarter Master General to the Superintendant of Military Stores exhibiting the stores distributed by him & persons chargeable with the same.
4. Return of Troops monthly.
5. Return of Troops on the first of October in every Year, noting the number whose terms will expire in every month.
I do not recollect at this moment other returns than what I have just enumerated.
It will be necessary in examining this subject and revising the returns accustomed to be made to provide for such other returns as will exhibit at what period each soldier receives his Clothing that frauds may be obviated and should any neglect in the Soldier render it necessary to furnish him with any additional article of dress, that a proper deduction may be made out of his pay for the same.
The channels of supply and the persons who administer them. All quarter Masters supplies in the hands of the Quarter Master General or his deputies are considered as subject to the orders of the Commander of the Army or Commandant of any division of the Army. The distribution of certain Stores and the quantity allowed for the consumption of Companies &c is fixed by regulations.
Quarter Masters supplies for recruiting parties where there is no Deputy or Quarter Master are obtained from the Contractor to the rendezvous and distributed according to fixed regulations.
When Agents of the Department of War may be called upon to furnish any post or posts with Quarter Masters or other articles it is by special instructions from the Secretary of War.
Where Contracts for supplying the Army or any parts thereof exist copies of the Contract are furnished the commanding General to whose troops or posts they have relation. These Contracts enable the commanding General to call for certain deposits of provisions &c. according to the nature of the service.
It is the duty of the Commander in Chief or Commander of a separate Army &c. to cause to be forwarded estimates of Military Stores—Cloathing, Quarter Masters Stores, Medicines &c. so as to enable order to be taken for their seasonable purchase and transportation to the Army posts or recruiting rendezvouses.
I send you by this days mail Ninety copies of the recruiting instructions revised and amended, and request you will return to me those (now obsolete) that were lately sent to you. You will see that I have adopted most of your alterations and additions and where I have departed from them or added others, the reasons will be evident to you without the necessity of comment.
You are authorized to fill up the blank in Section 2d. in the following words. “Musicians excepted, for the Infantry who is not five feet five inches in height; for the Cavalry who is less than five feet four inches, or more than five feet ten inches in height. Each recruit must be not less than eighteen nor more than forty years old, unless he shall have served before in the Army of the United States, nor of those who have served before shall there be more than eight admitted into a Company or troop who shall exceed forty six Years. Each Recruit must also be.”
In filling up the Blank in article the 5 and the Oath you will preserve the distinctions of the law.
I have also forwarded a number of copies of regulations to be observed in the delivery and distribution of fuel and straw to the Garrisons on the Sea Coast and recruiting parties, and regulations respecting salutes.
General Washington informed me that he put the project of regulations mentioned in my letter of the 4. of February into your hands. Possibly it may be among your papers, or possibly the General may have packed it up with his own.
Inclosed are copies of the act for the better organizing of the Troops of the United States and for other purposes passed the 3d. of March 1799, and an act giving eventual authority to the President of the United States to augment the Army” passed the 2d. March 1799. being all the late military laws I have been able to get printed.
By the fourteenth section of the former act it is provided that “the adjutant General of the Army shall be ex officio Assistant Inspector General.” If you conceive this Officer necessary to the due performance of your present duties you will be pleased to inform me, that he may be ordered into service.

As I have written this letter under a pressure of important business it is very possible I may not have fulfilled in my answers the Objects of your inquiries. Of this you will judge and return them upon me wherever I have been deficient, or may not be clearly understood.
I have the honor   to be with great respect   Your obedient servant

Major General Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 21 March 1799
From: Rivardi, John J. U.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Niagara [New York] March 21st. 1799.
Sir,
I was honored yesterday Night with your letters of the 15th. Ult. & 1st. Inst. The Post Setting of again this Morning & my being Tormented with the fever will I hope Serve as an Apology for my laconism & for any incoherence which may Slip in my Answer.
Permit me first, Sir, To express my happiness at Seeing myself under the imediate orders of an Officer whom I have allways revered for his abilities & patriotism. I rejoice Sincerely at the Idea that in future My communications will not remain as they have been hither To unnoticed for it really appeared to me a Kind of conflict who Should Sooner be tired; myself of writing, Sending returns &ca or the Person who received them not to answer.
By Next Mail I Shall forward To you all the reports concerning this Garrison also a correct Plan of Detroit unless my health Should absolutely prevent me. The Annexed plan of Niagara with the remarks accompanying it has twice been Sent by me To the board of War. As To The discipline of the troops under my comand I have done my utmost for Supporting it & met in consequence with a liberal Share of abuse in Beache’s democratic paper. In the present Situation of this Post garrisoned as it is by thirty nine Men Officers, Artificers, Extradutymen included—little can be done. A launce Corporal & three Men is our Guard detail & even that could not be Kept up without difficulty a few days ago the greatest part of that Small aggregate being without any clothing although they had been in that Situation for almost a whole year. A great cause of disorder in the Posts which I have Seen is the irregular payment of the troops —who being Seven or Eight months & Sometimes more without pay cannot procure Number of Small articles essential To Their cleanliness and comfort. They get discouraged—& when they receive at once a large Sum, it is Squandred away in riot without the least advantage but on the contrary with infinite detriment to Them—had every Corps a Military Chest with one or Two Months in advance —Payments might be made even as in Prussia weekly—& there would be a possibility of defraying expenses in case of desertion. Now the Officers are obliged To Take that money from their own Purse. Another inconvenient under which we labour is that the Soldier whose time expires is forced either to go To the Board of war for his Money or To take a certificate of pay due, which he negotiates at considerable loss—these circumstances & the want of funds for recruiting have made us lose a great number of valuable men who would have reinlisted had they had a prospect of being paid & clad regularly. As To the Quarter Master’s department nothing being allowed To The Officer entrusted with it—a refusal of undertaking the trouble & responsibility ensues of course. I have by dint of entreaties & persuasion got the Surgeons mate To act in that capacity pro amore Dei but he is horribly Tired of it, as he never received any funds To pay the men employed in that department & the bills incurred with Brittish Merchants for Necessaries indispensable To The garrison—Such as Stationary, Tools &ca. &ca. the want of which has been represented these eighteen months past. All these Evils are doubly felt as we are within Six hundred yards & in habits of friendship with a Garrison of three hundred men completely equiped & regularly paid. The Situation of Oswego was Still more deplorable when I received the last information—being all in rags there was no more any parade & the Officer comanding wrote to me that he was in a Situation degrading To a Gentleman.
I Shall take the liberty of making one More observation with regard To The Artillery. This is the only Service in the World perhaps except the Brittish were the men are incumbered with long coats. In france where they had them they were always left with the arms when Stacked & vest with Sleeves put on previous To a detachment entering the battery. Coats like those of the Infantry with yellow tapes would in my opinion perfectly answer the purpose. I mention yellow tapes because Such triffling ornaments being denied To The Artillery have within my Knowledge induced numbers To inlist in preference in the Infantry. I Should also recomend for the Artillery long flat bayonets Sharp on both Sides & Short pieces—these bayonets having an astonishing advantage as they answer as Sabres. I am informed that the old English dragrope exercise (which they have abandoned themselves) is resumed by us instead of the French mode of manœuvering with Slings, I can only Say that I am very Sorry for it.
Now Sir, I Shall Take the liberty of Answering your letter of the first of March with the frankness of a Soldier when he knows that he writes To a Man of honor.
I feel with Sincere gratitude the mark of confidence which you are pleased To give me by entrusting To me the care of visiting the different Posts mentioned in your letter—please To excuse the prolixity of what I have To observe on this Subject.
When I was honored with my comission—I was much elated with the trust—hastened To my Regiment where unfortunately I Soon found my Ideas of Service totally overturned—first by the mode of life & Spirit of liberty of the Officers and men—Secondly by the Strange insurrection against Coll. R. then considered as an honest man even by his enemies. I remained his only friend & Should have been So had the causes of complaint been greater because discipline is blind & because that affair was conducted in my opinion with as Much indecency as impropriety. My Conduct in that business was followed by a Coolness on the Side of the Officers even of my own battalion. Major Burbeck at that time Strongly urged To be relieved—it would have been Major Touzard’s tour—but I was ordered To Mackinac, as that Officer’s affairs call’d him To The West Indies. I chearfully obeyed & was at considerable expense To move my family—Mrs. R—— having presented me with a Son three Months before. I arrived after a dangerous Journey at Detroit & was preparing To proceed To my destination when Genl. Wilkinson on an application of Major Burbeck To be continued at Mackinac granted the request & thus after much trouble & expense I was left at Fort Lernoult (an appendage of Detroit) at the head of a few Artillerymen transferred To That corps from the disbanded Dragoons &ca. After remaining ten Months during which with all possibile œconomy I Spent double my pay every thing being extravagantly dear & Not enjoying the advantages of Comanding Officers—I asked To be Sent to Niagara as the year’s Comand of Captn. Bruff was elapsed (a Term fixed by the then General orders) it was granted with reluctance & the letter which I had To deliver To The officer commanding was in Such Terms by what I have learnt Since that I might truly call it Bellerophontic—it exasperated Captn. Bruff who was in it told that he could not resist to my importunities &ca. &ca. however the Captn. like a true democrat Knew how To dissemble—he watched every opportunity To rouse my feelings—finally finding himself deserted by the other Officers—he obtained leave of absence & the first Step he took in Philadelphia was To lodge at the Secretary’s of war charges as absurd as malicious. Just at a time when the Secretary in his report had in mass thrown an aspersion on the foreigners in Service by observing that experience had taught how difficult it was To avoid imposition—

That ungenerous expression Which I read before I received Captain Bruffs impertinent Notice wounded My feelings To The quick. I have friends in Europe who perhaps think me the only foreigner in the Artillery & who certainly never Shall be informed of Colonel Rochefontaine’s transaction concerning the horses—it is natural for them to conclude that I am alluded To & whatever value I may Set on my comission—My honor is Still dearer To me. Impressed with that Idea I wrote imediately To The Secretary of War, & To Coll. Pickering whom I know To be My friend. I in general used To receive of Mr. McHenry a mere acknowledgement of My letters without any answer—but this time I had not even that to boast of. I Served in the Most despotic of all Armies but I never Saw yet the complaints of an Officer when his honor is attacked & when he represents it in respectfull terms remain unoticed. I transmitted by the Next mail the Original which Captn. Bruff Sent me of the charges exhibited against me, with a pressing request to have the affair investigated & a Notice that I had myself charges To bring against my Accuser after he would have made an attempt to Substantiate his against me—but two Months have elapsed and I remain in Statu quo. If the Captain’s charges are deemed frivolous & malicious a reprimand in orders will Satisfy me—if not I wish a board of Inquiry at this Post where all the evidences in my favor are collected. I was hesitating previous To this last Affair whether I Should not resign as I find it impossible To Support an increasing family on my pay. The prospect of a War particularly against a Nation Still reeking with the blood of the Swiss & my partiality for the Army as well as for a Country which is become my own were my Motives for not doing it—but now the Most powerfull incitement is that Resignation would be construed into guilt. In these circumstances, Sir, I hope you will not insist on my performing the Journey mentioned in your letter—as other reasons for my begging To decline it I Shall add, that my health which I began To recover when I had the honor of first being introduced to you at my friend Thornton, is again Much impaired by the rambling life which in public Service either as an Engineer or an Officer I have been obliged to Submit to. I nearly died in Virginia of the dysentery comon to the climate & had a yearly relapse ever Since. The Lake fevers have after that much reduced me & having been nearly three years in this Country I had determined To request to be Stationed in the U. Ss. when those charges came which of Course fix me at this Post untill they are examined. An other impediment is my family. I am the only Officer in the army whose wife has no relations in America. I can not possibly except in Actual War Separate myself from her & my Children—particularly as her health is delicate & as She is deprived of the Comforts She has been used To enjoy. An other objection again is that of my fortune which Since the fate of Swisserland is probably annihilated. I have reduced My pecuniary means in an allarming degree by Journey’s the expenses of which were only partialy defrayed—for Instance I was detained with my family twenty days at Fort Erie I charged only the hiring of quarters, but the Article was Struck out of my Account although I charged only twenty dollrs. where I had To pay for my Subsistance &ca. Eighty. Was I in easy circumstances this would not weigh with me but it is not every body who although they may have the will possess also like General Hamilton the power of making large Sacrifices To Their Country.

With regard To The Posts which you mention—I Shall as my health permits give you all the Information I have with regard To Detroit, Niagara & Oswego. General Wilkinson Took all the measures To obtain information To Mackinac where he repaired himself with Officers, Masons &ca. &ca.—he was at Fort Defiance & Should the Documents Not be Sufficient it would be easy To obtain Authentic ones from a Mr. MacNiff formerly Assistant Engineer of the Brittish & Now a Magistrate under our Government at Detroit—he is poor & would for a Small consideration perform the tour again if it was necessary.
Before I conclude I Shall observe that the greatest uneasiness prevails among our Brittish Neighbours on account of the hostile intentions of the Northern & Northwestern Indians. Sir John Johnson is arrived at New Ark on that business which Seems To have originated from Captain Brent’s Selling lands To which he had no claims. A Body of Militia is ordered To prepare for encampment.

They are mounting their Cannon at Fort George &ca.—these preparations make me look with encreased Anguish at my thirty odd men placed in a fort which would require three thousand if the outworks were to be Manned. I find that my apology for laconism was perfectly Needless—however necessary for inaccuracies. Permit me to assure you that it is with heartfelt regret that I am induced by unavoidable Necessity To beg To decline the comission entrusted To me in your Second letter. I have been used To obey implicitly without even considering the consequences—however the peculiarity of my Situation will I hope Serve me as an apology. With the Most respectful consideration I have the honor to be
Sir   Your Most Obedient & very Humble Servant

J J U Rivardi
Majr. 1st. Regt. A & E


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 21 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

New York March 21. 1799

I hope you will have understood that I did not mean by any thing in my late letter to blame the plan pursued with regard to vessels arriving contrary to the Non-Intercourse laws. I mean only to give you testimony of the character of an Individual & to place before you my professional ideas of the defective wording of the law as a kind of caution in the execution. I agree with you that the Executive must adopt in the Construction what was doubtless intended by the Legislature & is essential to the policy of the act.
It is a good principle for the Government of the UStates to employ directly its own means—only do not let this be carried so far as to confine it to the use of inadequate means or to embarrass the auxiliary means which circumstances may require.
The idea of the late Presidents administration of considering the Governor of each State as the first General of the Militia & its immediate organ in acting upon the Militia was well considered & in my opinion wisely adopted—and well to be adhered to. In its general operation it will obviate many difficulties & collisions & by enhancing their importance tend to draw the State executives to the General Government.
Take good care, that in the present instance the force employed be not inadequate.
Some underwriters here have represented to me as a hardship that having resolved to alter the forms of their policies they are not permitted to exchange the blanks for others. If there be not some very cogent & unperceived objection will it not be well to allow the exchange in such cases—to avoid the appearance of greediness & rigor in the Government?
You recommended to me Young Wharton as Secretary. I believe a late law permits the Inspector General to have one & he wants an aid of this description. But the person ought to be a person of mind he ought to be able to conceive well & compose correctly. Does this description suit Young Wharton? Is he still desirous of the employment?
Yrs. truly

A H
O Wolcot Esqr


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 22 March 1799
From: Dayton, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Elizabethtown [New Jersey] March 22, 1799. “Your letter addressed to Major Ford reached the Post office in Newark a few minutes after the mail for Morris was sent off.… I was compelled to hire an express for 3 & ½ Dollars who delivered the letter to the Major this morng & brought back from him the enclosed to you.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 22 March 1799
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London Mar 22 1799
Dear sir

War is again declared by france agt. the temporising cabinet of vienna, and this has been the signal for Prussia to resume her former System of insecure neutrality.
We may every hour expect the Result of a Battle between Jourdan & the arch duke who according to our last accounts were respectively advancing upon each other—the first Blow has been unfortunate for the allies, the whole of the austrian Corps (5000) at coire in the country of the Grisons having fallen into the Hands of the french commanded by Massena. I wish that I felt more confident that this first success would not be followed by more important victories. The 25000 Russians who were some time in the neighbourhood of vienna are on their march for Italy where tomorrow an old Russian Officer is to command the combined armies.
If Prussia with the north of Germany which together have an army of more than 300 000 Men, had joined heartily and honestly in the League agt. france, the Directory might have been shaken, but my Hopes are weaker than my fears with Regard to the partial and ill-joined Confederacy with which it is at present engaged. The Publication of ⟨the⟩ Treaty of Campo formio, so disgraceful ⟨to⟩ the court of Vienna, will prove ⟨useful⟩ to the Directory, by confirming the Jeal⟨ousy⟩ of Prussia, and exciting Distrust of the Emperor throughout Germany, the interest & Safety of wh. was sacrificed by that Treaty.
Yrs &c

R K


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 March 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Private
War Department 22 March 1799
Dear Sir

You will have seen by the News-papers that governor Mifflin has been required to hold in readiness to march certain companies of Cavalry, to assist in quelling the insurrection existing in the State of Pennsylvania. Govr. Howell has also been called upon to hold 8 companies of Cavalry in readiness to March for the same purpose.
Would it interfere with your arrangements or be throwing the troops at Windsor in the State of Vermont too far from their ultimate place of destination, to order them to Easton or Bethlehem? It may be proper to keep a certain force in one or other of the rebellious counties for a time. Capn. Leonard has above or about 100 recruits. If you think they ought to be so disposed of, you will give orders for their immediate March to Easton or Bethlehem and direct the appropriate artillery officers to join him.
Yours affectionately & truly

James McHenry
Alex. Hamilton EsqMajor General &c


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 March 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department, March 22, 1799. “I transmit for your information copies of several letters, viz, one from Captain Wm Littlefield dated Fort Wolcott 2nd Feby 1799 and one from General Hamtramck dated Fort Wayne 21st Jany 1799, together with a letter from Edward Livingston Esq. dated New York 9th March, one from John Dover dated Novr. 24th. 1798 directed to Mr Livingston and one from the accountant of the Department, dated 1 Feby 1799.…”


Title: Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 23 March 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Commandants of Regiments

Circular
New York March 23, 1799
Sir

As it is expected that the recruiting service will speedily commence, it is desireable that the Regimental staff should be ready to enter upon their functions.
The laws have not declared how these Officers are to be appointed under the new system of organisation, and it is a question whether the direct sanction of the President be not necessary. At the same time it is thought adviseable, that these officers should be designated in the modes heretofore practiced. To conciliate the different considerations, I request—
That you will, without delay, nominate fit characters among the Lieutenants for Quarter Master & Adjutant.
That You will also without delay convene as many of your Officers as can expeditiously be assembled, & that these by plurality of Voices nominate from among the Lieutenants a fit character for Pay Master. It is proper to inform you, that when confirmed he must give bond to the United States of America in five thousand Dollars, with one or more sufficient sureties; & that the nominations now required are to be considered only as recommendations.
Inclosed is a List of the officers who are to compose your Regiment distributed into Companies. They will rank for the present as they are numbered. But in order to a definitive regulation of this point, you will be pleased, in concert with your Majors, to suggest for consideration such alterations as from circumstances may be deemed expedient, with the reasons for those alterations. Many things requisite to a just judgment could not be known when the appointments were made. To prevent future discontent it may be best that silence should be observed respecting the alterations which shall be proposed.
With great consideration I have the honor to be   Sir   Yr Obed serv


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 24 March [1799]
From: Lee, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Stratford Virga March 24th [1799]
dear Sir

I never received yr letr. on the subject of the recruiting service enclosing one to Colo Parker till the last evening.
I woud with much pleasure contribute any aid in my power towards the successful execution of yr object for I really believe the best plan & the best execution will still be very slow in fruit among us.
A consultation with the officers to be employed in the conduct of the business might probably be useful. This not being directed & requiring time, must I suppose be dispensed with. Yet I beleive such a preliminary Step judicious.
The weight which has ever been thrown in this state agst the govt. operates constantly & applys its effect to all objects which concern the govt. It would be peculiarly pleasing to a certain set to see the recruiting service frowned on by our people; this they predict will be the case & this end they will latently conspire to produce.
Exclusive of this artificial obstruction which that business will have to encounter, there are natural clogs arising from the turn of our people, the facility with which the poor live, & the high price of labour.
If the law had allowed yr. use of popular characters as recruiting officers to be paid pr head for recruits I believe essential good would be derived in this state from such instrumentality. I know not whether there be such a provision.
I will reflect on what is best to be done & if by myself or thro Col. Parker or unitedly any assistance can be afforded on my part it shall be given. I wish I could hear in reply before I did begin. The law having expired under which I was nominated, I consider that nomination at an end; nevertheless I shall always be happy in advancing yr. objects in this country.
With great regard   I am yr friend & obt

Henry Lee


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Macpherson, 25 March 1799
From: Macpherson, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia March 25 1799
Dear sir

I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 22d on the subject of the insurrection in this State and should have replied immediately, but knowing that I was to receive my Instructions from the War Office on this day, I thought it best to wait. The fact is, Sir, that in the Counties of Northampton, Berks, Montgomery and part of Bucks, the people have manifested the strongest determination to oppose the Laws, by openly, & with a military Force, rescuing from the Marshall a number of prisoners. I say military Force for they were headed by Officers who are commissioned under the State, and were completely armed and equipped; it is also certain that in addition to this party that effected the Rescue, several detachments were on their march to accomplish the same purpose, when hearing that the Business was done they retired. In short the people of the before-mentioned Counties seem ripe for anything, and I am sorry to add, very strong indications of a similar disposition have appeared in the County of Northumberland, and although it is not likely that they have as yet any systematic mode of Operation it however appears to be a very dangerous combination, and that the most energetic Conduct on the part of administration is absolutely indispensable. How far the Executive accord with my Sentiments you will judge when I have this day received orders to march as soon as the Force can be collected with 240 Horse (to use the secretarys expression) to the Theatre of insurrection. My supporting Parties are the Detachments under Capt Henry who has arrived at Newton in the County of Bucks, and two Companies of Artillerists who are ordered to rendezvous at Reading in the County of Berks; the two most opposite points the Secretary could have hit on, and which I cannot correct unless I oblige the party at Reading to take a very circuitous Route or march them through the heart of the disaffected Country which I should not from the smallness of their numbers be justified in doing. I have therefore determined to leave them at that point, and shall tomorrow send orders to Capt Henry to move across the County of Bucks by a Course I shall point out which will be perfectly safe, untill he comes in contact with my Route when I shall take post somewhere in the neighbourhood of Bethlem and use my best endeavours to accomplish the purpose of my Command.
I confess I could have wished a different mode of operation had been adopted and which I am convinced would have made a more serious and lasting impression, than my scampering through the Country with a few Horse. My plan would have been to march the volunteer Infantry of this City who, with Capt Henrys Detachment, would have given me a sufficient Force to take any post in the disaffected Country, from which I could make excursions with my Horse in every proper direction. But the Secretary thinks otherwise and I shall obey.
I shall from time to time give you information of my progress and of every important occurrence.
I am with great Regard   most truly Yours.

W. Macpherson
Major General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 25 March 1799
From: Tousard, Lewis
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Newport [Rhode Island] March 25, 1799. “… Auprès d’une ville, la Garnison reste souvent sand officers; on se croit à son devoir, parceque le fort n’est pas éloigné, et peutêtre au moment d’un évenement le fort seroit attaqué, avant qu’on eut pu avertir un seul d’entre les officiers.… il seroit essentiel que le General en chef commandant dans le departement Ordonnat … que dans les circonstances présentes ou nous pouvons certes nous regarder comme en état de guerre; J’eusse à tenir la main à ceque sous aucun pretexte, le fort ne restat jamais sans un officier.…”