Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Newnan, 9 May 1799
From: Newnan, Daniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Fort McHenry 9th May 1799

          From the occurrence of a circumstance very advantageous to my private interest, I would feel myself much indebted to your goodness, and likewise highly favored could I procure your permission to be removed to the Natchez, for which place an opportunity will offer by water in eight days, to embark with advantage
          If no part of the regiment to which I belong should be stationed at that place, a furlough to go to that post, would place me in a situation to join my regiment with more facility, than I could from hence, and at the same time greatly advance my private intrest
          I am with great consideration Sir your respectful & Hum Sert.

            Daniel Newnan
            2d Lt 4th U States Regt

          Genl. Alexander Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Giles, 9 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Giles, James

            Sir,
            New York May 9. 1799

          It would will I think be best for Mr Clarance Mulford to apply to Col: Ogden to procure him for the appointment of Cadet which will favor his future promotion. Perhaps should his pretensions appear to Coll. Ogden at present equal to it, he may now find admission as a Lieutenant.
          with true esteem I am Sir Your obed Servt.
           James Giles


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            New York May 9. 1799

          Inclosed is the assignment of his Officers by Col Hall to the several Districts and subdistricts. He informs me that Lt. Ninian Pinckney has been nominated as Pay Master & Lieutenant Daniel Hughes as Adjutant of the Regiment. I recommend a confirmation. The others of his Regimental Staff The Quarter Master had not yet been nominated.
          Col Nathan Rice informs me that Lt Robert Duncan has been nominated as Pay Master of his Regiment. I recommend a confirmation of him also—The Quarter Master & Adjutant of this Regiment remain to be nominated.
          The following Regimental rendezvouses in addition to those heretofore communicated have been provisionally experimentally designated; for Col Rice’s Regiment the Tour of Somerset in the vicinity of Rhode Island, for Col Hunnewells Regiment the tour of Berwick in the vicinity of Portsmouth. ‘Tis rather likely they will be varied. And Winchester has been fixed as definitively selected for the Regimental Rendezvous of Col Parker’s Regiment.
          Col Hall thinks the vicinity of Havre De Grace an eligible rendezvous for his Regiment Besides Geographical advantages, he says it is healthy and tolerably cheap.
          Have you any objection to my encouraging the Commandants of Regiments, under proper reservations to prefer recommendations to vacancies, — under such reserve as will leave the President completely free? Interested as they are in having well qualified persons under them as officers, it seems to me there is no channel more likely to offer fit characters.
          With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. Obed Servt
          The Secy of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 9 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Huntington, Jedediah

            Sir,
            New York May 9th 1799

          Your letter of May 4 with its inclosure has reached me I take it for granted that you are making similar contracts throughout the State and that no time will be lost in effecting them as they are essential to the progress of the Recruiting service.
          with true consideration I am Sir Your Obed Servt
          Jed Huntington


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John De Lancey, 9 May 1799
From: De Lancey, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Dr. Sir,
            New York May 9th. 1799

          I had the honor of communicating to you some time since the desire of my brother Warren De Lancey to raise a troop of horse for the service of his country & he to have the command of them—Mr. De Lancey has served several years in the seventeenth British Dragoons he was respected as an officer & a gentleman
          Your attention to his application will confer a favor on me & I flatter myself you will find him shoud he be appointed a valuable officer
          with the greatest respect &c Your most Obdt.

            John De Lancey

          General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 9 May 1799
From: Parker, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Winchester may the 9th 1799

          I yesterday had the honor to receive your letter of the 13th of April ordering me to Assign the officers to the different Sub Districts
          I had previously Received a letter from you to the same Effect & complied with your orders without delay an account of which I Transmitted to you by the last mail
          I coud wish to have the Vacancies occasioned by the appointments of the Regimental staff & by non acceptancies filled as soon as possable
          There are several of the officers whose places of Residence I Cannot discover To wit, Lieuts Jno williams Jno C Williams & Willis Wells. I shall Continue my endeavours to find them that I may learn whether they will accept & that I may Communicate Information thereof to you
          I will thank you to Communicate your pleasure Relative to the Regimental Rendezvous to me as Early as possable that I may make the necessary arrangements for the Removal of my Family & be perfectly prepared to Execute with promptitude any orders that I may receive
          I Conceive that Winchester is so far preferable to Alexandria upon every principal that I Cannot help Indulging a hope that the Reasons I have given in a former letter will be deemed sufficiently powerfull to Induce you to Give a preference to the first mentioned place
          Shoud the Cloathing & Camp furniture be sent by water to Alexandria they may be at Verry Small expence Be Transported from thence to the Several places & Rendezvous—
          Be pleased to order on a Sufficient number of Copies of the Articles of War Stubens Instructions & Regulations for the dilivery of Fuel & Straw that I may distribute them to the officers at the Time they Receive their Recruiting money—
          with Great Consideration I have the honor to be with much respect Sir your Obd. Servt

            Thomas Parker


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Moulton, 9 May 1799
From: Moulton, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Pittstown May 9th. 1799

          I have long since notic’d the menacing Attitude of the domestic and foreign enemies to our Administration, which induc’d me to be willing to take the sword and again come forward in Support of the Government which I devoted seven of my Youthful Years in the struggle to establish, and I did expect an appointment in one of the additional Regiments (and Provided for my Wife & two children & erang’d all my Domestic concerns Accordingly) I thought I had a right to expect it from the handsome recommendations that was sent to the Secretary of the War department on my behalf, Particularly the Honle. Genl. Schuyler, Governor Titchenor & Genl. Safford, who knew my deserts as a Military Officer, a Military life is my Element, to obey the Genl. my creed, and tho I carry some Scars on my Body & Limbs the testimonials of the Wounds I receiv’d in the field of Battle last War, I have not lost the use of a limb or Joint, or impair’d my constitution in the least & if the President determines to Augment the Military Force for the defence of the Nation I should be gratified in being Properly Notic’d in the appointments—
          Your Obt. Servt.

            William Moulton

          Majr. Genl. Hmilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 10 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stevens, Ebenezer

            Sir,
            New York May 10. 1799

          Capt Henrys company of Artillerists is at Powles Hook. Being destined for New Port Rhode Island you will concert with Capt Henry the proper measures for conveying them thither without delay
          With great considn Sir Yr. Obed Serv

            A Hamilton

            Let the Company be removed for the Present to Governors Island

          Col E Stevens


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

            Sir,
            New York May 10th. 1799

          I am advised that the recruit— has actually begun in Maryland.
          I recommend that arms and accoutrements be without delay forwarded for the use of the recruits in the several Circles. It is important that they be provided as soon as they reach their Regimental rendezvouses, as well to excite and keep up the military spirit as for the purpose of early instruction.
          With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr. Obed Ser.
          The Secy of War


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

            Sir,
            New York May 10. 1799

          In consequence of the arrest of Doctor osborne, which suspended his functions, it became necessary to employ a substitute to take care of the Garrison. Doctor Davis was engaged for this purpose by Major Hoops; —— upon what terms will appear from by the — inclosed copy of a letter from that officer. Doctor Davis claims strenuously —— a compensation equivalent to that which is allowed to a surgeon. Considering that it was not necessary for the service to occupy his whole time  (though for a part of it he in fact staid upon the Island) I am of opinion that a compensation equivalent to that of surgeon’s Mate ought to — satisfy. Your determination and a provision for payment are necessary. The Doctor is in want of money.
          With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr obed Ser
          The Secy of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Leonard, 10 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Leonard, Nathaniel

            Sir
            New York May 10. 1799

          Your letter of the 27 of last month informs me of your intended progress movements.
          If perchance this letter shall — you at Albany, and if no arrangements, which — incurred expence, shall have been made for transporting your company to this City, you will continue with — at Albany till further order—
          With great consideration I am Sir Your Obed Servant
          Lt. Nathan Leonard Albany


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Jackson, 10 May 1799
From: Jackson, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Supervisor’s Office, Boston May 10th. 1799.

          Agreeably to instructions I received from the Secretary of war in his letter to me dated the 2d ulto I have the  honor now to enclose to you the copy of a contract for the supply of rations to the troops of the United States who may be stationed, marched or recruited in this State for the residue  of the present year.
          The contract was completed only this day though dated the 7th.  instant.
          With great consideration and respect, I am Sir, your obedient Servant,

            J Jackson, Supervisor Massachusetts district—

          Honble. Alexander Hamilton, Inspector General U.S. Army


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Jackson, 11 May 1799
From: Jackson, Daniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Castle William May 11th 1799.

          Inclosed is my Monthly return for April. I am now at this place with the Men and Artificers, making some small arrangements of the old Barracks, and seeing to the discipline of the Troops. As another Commissioned Officer is wanted at this place I have desired Lieutt. Leonard Williams to remain here untill I receive further Orders. Corporal Jacob Gurney deserted from this place on the 23d. of April and was apprehended and returned here on Yesterday and is not included in my return—I wish your permission to call a Court Martial for his trial. I am sensible, Sir, it will take considerable time to put the great wheels of Government in motion, but when compleated your attention to my Letters of the 24th Feby. 17th March & 6th  April will relieve me from a State of suspence
          I have the Honor to be Sir with great respect—Your Obedt. Servt.

            D. Jackson Majr. 2d Regt. Artl. Eng.

            N.B I wish Your attention to my request, respecting Lieut. Leonards recruits


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Campbell Smith, 12 May 1799
From: Smith, Campbell
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Havre de Grace (Md) May 12th 1799

          I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 2d instant, transmited from Baltimore the day before yesterday to this place, in the neighbourhood of which I have been for a few days on a visit to my Brother-in-Law Lieut. Col. Jos. C Hall, and beg you to be assured that I feel obliged by your attention—
          I happen, Sir, to be one of a few left of a large number of Subaltern Officers who successfully tendered their services to Government immediately after the unfortunate 4th of Novr. 1791. Accepting our Commissions we progressed in our stations, till our endeavours were crowned with success in terminating the Indian War on terms the most honorable for our Country—This Object accomplished we were content for the present to glide in the slow current of promotion incident to a Peace Establishment, and many of us had become intitled to companies when the reduction of 1796 nipped the prospect; and by the unequal distribution of Regimental Rank in the new organization, it so happened that almost the whole of the senior Subalterns were left in the 3d & 4th Regiments, where they remain, many commanded by Captains who were long junior to them as Subalterns, and some are still left inferior in grade to younger men who came into service long after them—I was about the 12th or 13th Lieutenant in the Line and instead of being by an equal distribution (of which I believe no one would have complained) made the 3d in the 4th or the 4th in the 1st, was placed the 7th in the 4th Regiment where I have been nearly six years a Lieutenant and without any certain prospect of promotion short of another Indian War—We are now advanced in our eighth year of service, the greater part of which time has been spent in duties constant and unusually severe, insomuch as to have incapacitated us in some degree from the pursuits of professions and occupations to which our educations had been adapted, and which by impressing those habits essential to Military life, to which we had devoted ourselves, had, we conceived, rendered us more efficiently serviceable to our Country than we could have been in any other way, and given us a claim to the notice and attention of Government in the raising of new Corps superior to junior citizens beyond all comparison—In this however we have not only been most egregiously disappointed, but the mortifying circumstance has occured that Men who were many years ago who Ensigns under our command and who had resigned their commissions are now fixed so far above us that a life-time of service may never again place us on an equality with them—
          It had been my intention for some time to have retired from service in obedience to the wishes of my father, who had called me home, and on the proffered alternative of the surrender of my commission I obtained the Brigadiers permission to visit the Secretary of War, from whom I obtained a furlough; but before I had made my arrangments for private life the existing situation of our foreign relations occured, and forbade in my opinion any officer to relinquish his Post so long as he could hold it honorably and consistent with his own feelings—and independent of the predominant inclination which I had long cherished for the Military life, calculating on the additional field opened for that promotion to which we all aspired and which many have severely earned, I determined to retain my commission—
          But I have not only been disappointed in this expectation but am disagreably situated in another respect—It has been my good fortune to have been engaged in the most honorable and independent staff appointments to which a young officer could have aspired—My tour of recruiting being short and successful, I joined the Legion with my Detachment in the fall after my appointment, and discharging for the winter the usual duties of an Ensign, I was in the spring elected by my brethren to the office of Paymaster to the Regiment which had become vacant; here I continued untill Brigadier General Posey joined the army, by whom I had the honor to be chosen as his Aid de Camp—with him I remained untill his resignation and going to the War Office for the settlement of my public accounts (of which I possess an honorable certificate) I was immediately after dispatched by General Knox with a most important and confidential trust to Head Quarters, where I arrived a little time before the opening of the Campaign of 1794; and having joined my Regiment I was in a few days after announced by our late commander in Chief, Major General Wayne, in his General Order of the 16th 1794, as the “Judge Martial & Advocate General to the Legion of the United States”—This post not requiring my constant attention during the Campaign I accepted, with the consent and approbation of the Major General, an invitation from Brigadier General Wilkinson who commanded the Right Wing of the Legion, to officiate as his extra Aid de Camp, and as such was announced to the Army at Fort Defiance—In this situation on our memorable 20th August 1794, in the action fought with our Indian Enemy near Fort Miamis, it was my fate to receive a most unfortunate shot in my right breast, piercing my body in an almost Diagonal direction, from which I am supposed by the Surgeons to be most miraculously restored to an existence, which the from faint recollection I have for of the three succeeding days must have been for some time critically suspended; and which has left me a constitution at first but delicate very seriously impaired—When I had so far recovered the consequent debility — as to admit of travelling I rejoined the Legion and resumed my duty as Judge Advocate which I performed untill the 13th July 1796 when other arrangments invited a temporary declination—and in the mean time when by the absence of the Major General the command had devolved on the Brigadier I was again called to the post of extra Aid de Camp in which I continued untill the 31 of December 1796; and then under the Law for the new organization of the Army I was constituted his Major of Brigade—for my services of Judge Advocate and extra Aid de Camp I have never received a farthing of compensation—Early in the Spring 1797 I attended the Brigadier to the Westward as his Brigade Major, and finding soon afterwards than one assistant (for he was allowed no Aid de Camp or Secretary) was incompetent to the discharge of the duties which had increased with his command, at his request & with a view to gain further assistance I resigned my Brigade Majority in favour of another and was on the same day appointed by the Brigadier as the “Judge Advocate to the Army untill the further pleasure of the President of the United States should be known” (for which officer provision had at this time been made by Law), still continuing however in the Generals family as an Aid de Camp and Secretary—On my arrival in Philadelphia last spring and presenting my accounts for settlement it was objected by the Secretary to the charge of staff Pay that my appointment should have emanated from the President himself; and, after some days, reference was had to the Attorney General whose opinion was given in aid of the Claim, and I was paid—remaining in Philadelphia for some time afterwards partly on duty, I received without objection four months Pay &c for the commencement of the last year and when about to leave the City in the Month of June, I drew a further sum of 150 Dolls on account of the two months then nearly expired and came home on furlough waiting the further order of the Secretary—Some time since I forwarded to the Office my accounts to the close of the last year, and have received for answer from the Accountant that the Secretary had decided “that I was to be paid for such time only as I was actually employed by Brigadier General Wilkinson, or by orders from the Secretary of War since the 30th of April last in that capacity”—this has left me in a dilemma, for having calculated on the emoluments against which there was no apparent bar, I had regulated my expenditures accordingly, and in case of deprivation the result will be serious and painful to me—The Decision of the Secretary I cannot but consider as hasty and erroneous, and I believe unwarranted by the custom of armies—Congress, aware of the necessity of such an officer, by their Law of the 3d March 1797 shall say that there shall be a Judge Advocate to the Army who shall be taken from the commissioned officers of the line, who shall receive &c—From the silence of the Law as to whom he shall be appointed it is concluded by the Secretary that it is exclusively vested in the President—but I believe I am correct in the opinion that, in all armies when staff offices have been created and no appointments have been made, the commanding Generals have been conceived intitled and accustomed to appoint, under this impression I was appointed on the 22d June 1797, and have ever since been mustered as Judge Advocate, and when ordered performed the Duty—Information of this appointment was immediately communicated to the Secretary of War—nearly eighteen months had elapsed, great part of which time I was acting under his own immediate order and I have heard of no disapprobation being shewn by the President
          The Idea of the Secretary of War that an officer shall be paid for such time only as he is actually employed and if extended to his latitude of expression may prove ruinous to every officer of Government; for I conceive it will apply with equal validity to my pay as a Lieutenant, and for every hour that I have been on furlough or not on my Post a fraction of my Pay may be retained—It can hardly be seriously supposed, that Congress when they provided for a Judge Advocate contemplated that a Court Martial should be in perpetual session merely to keep the Judge actually employed in that capacity—I have considered myself here by the indulgence of the Secretary and if any of the duties of my station had been required, I was always ready to perform them—I am however wholly at his mercy and should he persist in his decision, you will readily conceive the embarrassment and degradation to which I shall be subjected—Deprived of the pay to which I conceive myself equitably and legally intitled and on which I had certainly calculated—foiled without provocation in the confirmation of an honorable appointment, for which as well as for the accommodation of the service I have surrendered a permanent and respectable post, which is now filled by another—my constitution wrecked by a dreadful wound—I may be ordered to join the army in a distant and inclement climate to do duty on foot for which my health is by no means well adapted, perhaps to be commanded by those who were long under me, and so circumstanced that in all probability efforts will not be wanting to remind me, with the most sensible effect of the disagreable change which I have experienced—
          If the contemplated increase of the two companies for the old Regiments should be made by promotion of the Subalterns of these Corps, I shall remain the oldest Lieutenant in the 4th Regiment; and if my recollection of the state of the Army is correct, I shall remain the senior Subaltern of in the service of the United States—In this case most probably there may be a vacancy for me before by the time I could raise a Company in this company quarter which is crowded with fishermen and other labourers just discharged—and I believe I am well informed that there are two of our Captains who have been some years absent from the Corps, and who have long since avowed their intentions not to rejoin—
          Should it however be absolutely necessary that I join my Corps, it will be essential that I obtain your permission to repair to Philadelphia to receive wherewithal to enable me to proceed—
          I must crave your pardon for having thus far intruded on your patience, and hope that my particular situation will plead my excuse for so long a letter, as also that the circumstance of my being obliged to write in a noisy post office will be an apology for any inaccuracy which you may find—I beg to be favoured with a line from you in your first leisure moments and shall wait for that purpose in this neighbourhood—interim, I have the honor to subscribe myself with the highest Consideration & respect, Sir your most obedt Servant

            Campbell Smith

          Honble Major General Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 13 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hodgdon, Samuel

            Sir,
            New York May 13th 1799

          Inclosed is a return of Articles of Cloathing wanted at Fort Wolcott for immediate use. I request that they may be forwarded without delay, and that You will inform me accordingly—
          It  is desirable that the companies which will be stationed at the several garrisons should be provided with tents for summer use. This will conduce to habits necessary in the field and to the health of the Soldiery. I request that there may also be forwarded a number of Common and horsemens Tents, according to the usual allowance, sufficient for the companies and to the several stations mention’d at foot. An urgent request has come from Major Toussard at New York
          But in transmitting this Supply you will bear in mind that tents ought to be furnished without delay for the Regiments about to be raised. You will therefore mention this requisition to the Secy. of War, and arrange this matter according to prospect of supply—
          With great consideration &c
          Saml. Hodgson Esqr.
           Superintendant of military Stores—

                Boston
                one
                Company

                New York & West point
                three
                Companies

                New Port
                two
                Companies

                Fort Mifflin
                two
                Companies

                Baltimore
                one
                Company

                Norfolk
                two
                Do.

                Cape fear River
                One
                Do.

                Charlestown
                two
                Do.

                Savanna
                One
                Do.

                Mouth of St. Mary’s
                One
                Do.


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

            Sir
            War Department 13 May 1799

          In answer to your letter of the 10th. instant, I have to observe;
          That the first section of “An Act to Augment the Army of the United States, and for other purposes” provides, that the President of the United States may, in his discretion, appoint and distribute such additional number of surgeons mates, and for such length of time, as the exigencies of the service may require.
          Whenever I have found it necessary to appoint additional physical aid at any of the posts, the pay allowed has never exceeded that permitted by the law.
          This rule having been observed, to practitioners of Physic occasionally employed as Doctor Davis has been, he will be allowed during the time he has rendered service, the pay of Surgeons Mate.
          The Doctor will be pleased to forward his account to the accountant of the War Department, with a certificate by the proper Officer stating the time he has rendered services, in order that his pay or compensation may be adjusted accordingly.
          I have the Honor to be, with great respect, Sir Your Obedient Servant

            James McHenry

          Major General Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Amos Stoddard, 14 May 1799
From: Stoddard, Amos
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Portland 14 may 1799.

          In consequence of your letter of the 4th. Inst. I shall dismiss Nicholas Busell from the service, whenever a suitable person appears to take his place.
          I beg leave to suggest the propriety of exchanging Hezekiah Smith, a private in my Company, for some other person, capable of making a more effective Soldier. His father is a respectable Clergyman in this neighborhood—and is very urgent on the subject. The son was attacked with the prevailing fever the latter part of last summer, and it has left him in such a debilitated state as to render it doubtful whether he will survive the effects of the disorder. The person offered in exchange is able-bodied and healthy—and in my opinion much preferable. How far this principle of exchange is designed to extend, I am totally ignorant—but I shall not presume to make applications of this nature, unless they appear to be for the benefit of the service.
          With sentiments of the highest respect, I am, Sir, your huml. Servt.

            Amos Stoddard

          Maj Genl. Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 14 May 1799
From: Parker, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Winchester the 14th of May 1799

          If proper persons have not been nominated to fill the Vacancies in my Regiment, I take the liberty of Recommending Mr David Meade Junr near Lexington in Kentuckey to fill one of them
          He is a young Gentleman of excellent character a firm friend to the American Government & a nephew of the Amiable & Worthy Colo Richard K Meade who I Believe is well Known to you & who I expect will write you on the Subject.
          I Requested to Know some time ago what was to be done with Capt Bishops Company of Artillerists & Engineers & whether they were to be considered as Subject to my orders.
          As the Company is Compleat I woud advise their Removal to a Station where the Captain woud be under the Controul of a Superior officer, for altho I Believe him to be a worthy man He Certainly is by no means acquainted with his duty as an officer
          with Great Consideration I have the honor to be Sir your Obedient Servant

            Thomas Parker


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 15 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Dr Sir,
            New York May 15. 1799

          This will be handed to you by Cornet Alexander Macombe, of the Cavalry of the U states, who when in Philadelphia will desire to pay his respects to you—He is a genteel clever young man & I trust the embryo of a good Officer.
          With respect & — Yr Obed Sr

            A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 16 May 1799
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Major General Hamilton
            Sir,
            East Chester May 16th. 1799.

          On the arrival of Capt. Fondy I have made the necessary arrangements, for recruiting in the second Grand Divission, he will of course call on you, for any additional orders which you may conceive necessary to give
          Considering the present situation of the interior of the Regiment, I should think the service would be benifitted, by the appointment of Capt. Fondy to the vacant majority, the reservation made by the War-office however proper and judicious in the first instance, would have an unpleasant effect, if pressed into operation in the present case, alway’s disposed to submit to superior Judgement, and the operation of previously well digested systems, I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your most Obedt. & very Humble Servt.

            W. S. Smith


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Paterson, 17 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Paterson, William

            Dear Sir,
            New York May 17th 1799

          I shall with all the respect so justly due to it bear in my mind your recommendation of Mr Wemys should the occasion occur in which consistently with all the considerations necessary to be attended to the Government can avail itself of his services—
          with true esteem

            A H.

          Judge Governor Paterson


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            War department 17 May 1799.

          Inclosed is a Copy of a letter from Mr. Francis Mentges suggesting that certain artificers now with Captain Elliotts Company which I think could be very usefully employed at Fort Mifflin as also Lieut Gibson—
          Lieutenant Gibson has already discovered mechanical ability in the line of his profession and will be very necessary at Fort Mifflin to superintend the construction of Gun carriages for the different Garrisons.
          Lieut Peter A Drancy who is at West point has the same skill in a pretty remarkable degree and superintends the Artificers at that post.
          You will consider whether without materially affecting the arrangement those two Officers can be attached to the companies stationed at Fort Mifflin and West point viz. Gibson to the former and Drancy to the latter and if so will arrange them accordingly and give the necessary orders relative to the artificers required at Fort Mifflin—
          I also enclose you a letter from Francis Mentges relative to the discharge of a certain Thomas Curry.
          I am Sir with great respect Your obed servant

            James McHenry

          Major Genl. Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Steele, 17 May 1799
From: Steele, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Dear Sir.
            Philadelphia May 17th. 1799

          The enclosed letter is from a young man for whom I obtained a commission some time ago, and he now requests that I would ——— support his application to be stationed on the Mississippi, or for a furlough to travel into that part of the country. Could I be induced to believe that such a journey would be of the least advantage to him or that it would be agreeable to his friends in Carolina who are very respectable I would gladly comply with his wishes; but I am apprehensive that the application proceeds only from an unsteady and roving disposition and that by throwing him into bad company the consequences might be disagreeable, if not ruinous to him. He is very young, and in other respects unfit I think to be so far removed from the counsels, and pecuniary support of his father. My wish is that he may not be indulged in the way proposed and if it comports with your arrangements that he might be placed at some station on this side the mountains where he would be controuled by the authority and influence of an Officer of merit. He is a youth of more than common genius, and will make an excellent officer, if he can be confined for a while within proper bounds. I beg of you to excuse the liberty which I have taken, and do me the favor to be assured that I am Dear Sir Most sincerely & respectfully Your Obt. & huml. Servt.

            Jno. Steele

          Major General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 May 1799
From: Lincoln, Benjamin, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Hingham May 18th. 1799—

          I have lately been informed My dear sir that some Gentlemen appointed as subalterns have declined the service, and — there is not a full Corps of officers to the newly established regiments.
          Knowing how anxious you must feel to have officers appointed who merit the confidence of the public, whose age, health, ability, information, and personal appearance, are such as to recommend them to the notice of their country; My wishes to aid a system so rational and necessary, as well as to oblige a young friend have induced me to recommend to your notice Mr. Francis Barker who was born within a few yards of my house has been educated to the printing business, removed to and commenced his business, and publisher of a public news paper, unfortunately for him, in a corner of the country in this State near Connecticutt river where antifederalism reared its head in a very considerable degree and as Mr. Barkers paper was truly federal the combination was so considerable against it as to prevent a circulation extensive enough to give him support—Hence he is obliged to give it up and seek other employ—The Army is his Choice—If there should be an opening in Colo Rices Regiment or any other for a Lieutenancy and the appointment should be conferred on him, I am confident that he would recommend him self by his activity & Zeal and serve with reputation and honour
          I am My dear Sir with great consideration Your most Obedient Servant

            B: Lincoln

          Genl Hamliton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell, 18 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hunewell, Richard

            Sir,
            New York May 18. 1799

          Your letter of the second instant was received this yesterday.
          I presume before this reaches you, that you will have conferred with Col Rice, and that he will have given you the necessary information towards enabling you to decide your suggest an arrangement for the division of your Circle into districts and sub-districts. The result I shall expect with impatience.
          I agree that the your Regimental Rendezvous be changed to Portland as you propose. When your Tents arrive it is intended that your men shall encamp in the vicinity of that place.
          It will be very acceptable to me to receive from you recommendations of fit characters to fill the vacancies which may have happened in your Regiment. You will of course forbear to give any expectations to the Individuals which may embarrass you in the case they should not be appointed. The Executive will no doubt be tenacious of the uninfluenced exercise of its power of nomination & it is very possible the choice may not fall upon those who may be proposed.
          It is desireable that you should lose no time in taking your station at Portland that the communication with you may be facilitated & that you may be ready to facilitate require the supplies see to the disposition of the supplies which may be sent forward for your Regiment.
          With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed Sr
          Col Richard Hunewell Castine Province of Maine


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Nichols, 18 May 1799
From: Nichols, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Newark, May 18, 1799

          I have taken the Liberty of making application to you for a transformation of the Office I have the Honor to hold of a Leiut. in the 15th. Regiment,  wishing to know if it would be possable to have me transfered to the eleventh or Twelfth, as the situation of my business in this place at preasant would make it to great an ilconveniance for me to Join the 15th. was I amediately Called upon, being sensable Sir it lays within your Power to grant this Request—I humbly solicit your influance on the business, which will be acknowledg’d with Gratitude; it was through the advise of Judge Boudinot & Genl. Cummings that I made this application, and being sensable of Several vacansies in the Jersey Regiment. your Condesention in giving me information Respecting this business by a Letter as soon Conveniance will permit, will much Obliege Your very Hble. Servt.

            Jonathan Nichols

            New Ark, 18th. May 99

          Genl. Hamelton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joshua Rogers, 18 May 1799
From: Rogers, Joshua
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Major Genl. Hamilton Esqr.
            Sir
            Fort Wolcott, near Newport Rhode Island 18th. May 1799.

          I have just seen an order of the Secry at War; directing the officers of the four Regts. of Infty. to the eastward & southward of Virginia to report themselves to you—
          I take the first opportunity of so doing, and inform you that I am at present at this station—the duty of the Garrison falling extreemly hard on Leiut. Ross induced Major Tousard to order me here untill further orders—If Genl. Hamiltons arrangement of the Army will admit of my remaining in this Garrison two or three months longer, I have to inform  him I earnestly wish it—as under so able a master as major Tousard & the officers of the command haveing been some time in service, I shall be enabled to learn some part of my duty before I join my Regiment.
          Your answer directed to me at this post will be received and attended to with punctuality; and rest assured, Sir,  that to serve in the Army with usefulness to my Country and honor to myself will Be the height of my ambition.
          With Respect I have the Honor To be Sir Your Obet. Hble. Servt.

            Joshua S Rogers
            Ensign, 1st. Regnt. U.S. Infantry


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 18 May 1799
From: Parker, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Winchester may the 18th 1799

          I have received a letter from the Secretary of war refering me to you for Information Respecting the Code of military Instructions which Is to be observed in Raising and Diciplineing the Troops for Service
          I wish to have them as soon as Convenient that I may distribute them amongst the officers
          Mr Thomas Burk of Berkly county Is Verry Strongly Recommended to me as a Cadet. As It appears that Recommendations are to be made through the Commander In Chief—I Take the liberty of mentioning him to you—
          I had the honor of Receiving your letter of the 6th Instant and am now making arrangements to Remove to this place
          with Verry Great Consideration I have the honor to be Sir Your Verry Obd Servt

            Thomas Parker


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Uriah Tracy, 18 May 1799
From: Tracy, Uriah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir—
            Litchfield 18th. May 1799

          The recruiting Officers in this State wish exceedingly that the clothing & arms for the Soldiers they inlist may be sent to the several places of inlistmt.
          After having seen & conversed with Col. Taylor & the Field Officers on the subject—I venture to request you will permit them to be gratified. I am confident the service will receive much benefit from it. The clothing & arms will be safe—& they will recruit more speedily & procure better men. The rations can be delivered at all or nearly all the places of inlistmt. as cheap or cheaper than at New Haven. and the — encouragemt. to procure good men if they can keep them with them, will be great. besides I find the men who would otherwise inlist are detered, from an idea that they are to be sent off—not to serve under Officers with whom they are acquainted. Col. Taylor informs he has written to you on the subject—requesting the same thing—He probably has been more particular than I have; but I earnestly wish—you could agree to let them fill or nearly fill their respective Companies, before they March to N. Haven—I am Sir—with respect yr. humble Servt.

            Uriah Tracy

          Genl. Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Ingersoll, 20 May 1799
From: Ingersoll, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Westpoint May 20. 99.

          The Doctor of the Garrison informs me this Morning of the smallpox being in the Garrison. I have ordered the child and family to a distant house belonging to the public, with the intention of preventing its affecting the troops. If the General should think it proper for those who have not had it to be enoculated, I beg the order as soon as may be for the benefit of the Soldiers and the public, as the season of the Year is fast advancing when it might prove very fatal to most of them who may take it. I shall take every possible means to prevent its communication to any part of my command untill I receive the order of the General on the subject.
          I am Sir with the highest respect your Most Obedient Sert.

            Geo. Ingersoll Captain
            Commanding

          Major Genl. Alexr. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Adam Hoops, 21 May 1799
From: Hoops, Adam, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Fort Jay 21 May 1799

          My communication by Lieut Leonard was intended merely to revive the subject which I had reported to you by letter last week and which I afterwards mentioned in Conversation—I requested Mr Leonard to Suggest that with the assistance of Capt McClallen now in New York a Court martial might be constituted with an officer to officiate as Judge adte. if necessary for the Trial of the prisoners in the guard house of this Garrison—Mr Heaton returned yesterday so that a Court may now be made without Capt McClallen if Lieut Yates sits as a member There are four prisoners in the guard house who have been in Confinement a Considerable length of time & whose offences tho of a serious nature may come under the Cognisance of a Garrison Court martial —.
          Three fourths of Lieut Leonards detachment I am informed have not had the Small pox and there is some uneasiness on that score it now prevails in Town, and the Communication by means of the workmen and otherwise may be some exposure—They were entirely destitute of Camp Equipage, but Lieut Leonard has made a return for & drawn Camp Kettles, for the want of which they had suffered great inconvenience—Doctor Davis intends leaving the Hospital as soon as another Surgeon can be procured to supply his place. I spoke some days since to Dr. Burrows on that Subject—Doctor Davis’s evidence is important in the Case of Doctor Osborne & in the Case of Capt Frye it is indispensable—He contemplated a Journey to Georgia a little time since tho now he has given up the idea—yet being entirely unsettled, he may be absent when the Court Martial assembles unless there may be means of insuring his presence—
          I am Sir with great Respect yr Mo Ob Srt

            A Hoops Mt

          General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Archibald Crary, 21 May 1799
From: Crary, Archibald
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Hon. Majr. Genl. Hamilton
            Sir,
            Newport May 21st. 1799

          Agreeable to directions from the Secretary of the war Department I herewith enclose a duplicate of a contract with Mr. John L Boss of this Town for the supply of rations of provisions that may be required in this State and am very happy that I have been able to effect it at so low a pr
          Your obet. very humb Servt.

            Ar Crary


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Jackson, 21 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Jackson, Jonathan

            Sir,
            New York May 21. 1799

          I have received yours of the 10th instant with the inclosed contract for the supply of rations for the State of Massachusetts—

            A H.

          J Jackson Eqr. Boston Supervisor


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Parker, 21 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Parker, Thomas

            Sir,
            New York May 21st. 1799

          In the list transmitted furnished you of the Officers of your Regiment by some mistake L S Washington & Garnet Peyton are both marked 8. it is to be —  altered so as to give the 6th place to the former, the latter —— at present is correct.

            A H

          Thomas Parker—winchester Virginia


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Alexander Gibson, 22 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gibson, Alexander

            Sir,
            New York May 22, 1799

          You will immediately after the receipt of this put your self and the men under your command under the direction of Major Bradley who has been instructed to station himself at Staunton for the purpose of superintending the Recruiting service for the fourth Regiment
          With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed St
           Capt Gibson Staunton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Bradley, 22 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bradley, Daniel

            Sir,
            New York May 22. 1799

          In consequence of the general superintendence of the recruiting service having been confided to me, The Secretary of War has sent me a copy of your letter of the seventh instant with a copy of your instructions from Col Butler.
          I have concluded to direct that you will take your station at Staunton instead of Winchester as was intended. Winchester is the Regimental Rendezvous of one of the twelve additional Regiments which have begun to be raised. At Winchester you would too exclusively interfere with the recruiting for this Regiment. At Staunton you will pretty equally interfere with the two Regiments to be raised in Virginia, which will reserve to both a more equal chance.
          Inclosed are a few sets of Recruiting Instructions with some additions to alterations of the old form. These instructions are to be pursued. The copy marked A will enable you to fill the Blanks in the others.
          The Secretary of War will cause to be forwarded Money Cloathing Arms Accoutrements Camp Utensils and tents, to gether with some blank forms of re oaths and returns and a few sets of the articles of War.
          Inclosed is the plan upon which the State of Virginia has been divided into two Circles and each of those again into ten Districts and subdistricts. A district embraces a batalion a subdistrict a Company. You will perceive in one column the rendezvous of each.
          It will be expedient for you to have the same Rendezvous for each of the companies to be raised under your direction, which will facilitate supply without additional Agents.
          You will write to Col Carrington at Richmond who will inform you of the person or persons who as contractor is to supply provisions and other articles in the line of Quarter Master—And it may be adviseable for you to open a  correspondence with Col Parker at Winchester & Col Bentley at Powhatan so that there may be as much concert and as little collision as possible in the mutual operations—
          The inclosed letter directs Capt Gibson now at Staunton to put himself under your direction.
          You will enquire for Ensigns Samuel McGuire & Thomas Blackburn lately  appointed to the fourth Regiment and you will require them to join you; annexing the first to Capt Diven & the last to Capt Grayson. You will forbear as much as possible
          You will communicate to me as well as to Major General Pinckney the progress which you shall from time to time be made in the recruiting service under your direction.
          With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed Sert

            P.S Capt Bird is directed to make his return &c. to you. You will consider him as under your superintendence

          Major Daniel Bradley 4th U States Regt Staunton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 22 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stevens, Ebenezer

            Sir,
            New York May 22nd. 1799

          You will be so good as to furnish Colonel Smith with whatever arms he may require. If they do not belong to the public United States, they will be returned when no longer wanted, and if lost or injured replaced.
          with true considerations I am Sir Your obed Servt.

            A Hamilton

          Ebenezer Stevens Esqr.

            PS. You will please to furnish Colonel Smith with such a Tent as he may direct


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            New York May 22. 1799

          The instructions in your letter of yesterday shall be without delay executed. As Winchester is the Regimental Rendezvous of Col Parker, it seems to me that the stationing of Major Bradley there would too much and too exclusively interfere with the recruiting for this Regiment. Staunton as being more central to the entire state will bear pretty equally upon both Circles and seems appears in  other respects an eligible situation. I shall direct a It is now a subdistrict rendezvous. I shall direct Major Bradley to make this the head Quarters of his operations. Capt Gibson with his recruits will be placed under Major Bradley his direction.
          I am not informed (as I recollect) who is the Contractor for Virginia. If you are I will thank you to give me the information and to cause it to be communicated to Major Bradley.
          With the greatest respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr Obent St

            Money Cloathing Arms Accoutrements Camp Utensils — will of course I presume be forwarded by your order. Will you have added due proportion of blank Oaths & blank forms and a few sets of the Articles of War? In all this, it is requisite to attend as well to the company to be raised in North Carolina of which Salisbury  has been indicated for the rendezvous as to the companies to be raised under Major Bradleys direction.

          Col Smith The Secy of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            New York May 22. 1799

          I have received a letter from Col Smith of which the inclosed is an extract. As the mention of Capt Fowler to you was in conformity with his opinion, after a particular consultation, I was rather surprized at the turn of his letter. I however sent his recommendation, though I imagine it is likely to come too late. And in justice to Capt Fonda, I ought to add that he was Adjutant of a batalion of light Infantry under my command, at the siege of York Town, & that I consider him as a respectable officer.
          Capt McClellan of the first Regiment of Artillery is directed to undertake the recruiting of a company within the Counties of Albany Saratoga & Rensselaer in this State as soon as he shall have received the requisite supply of money Cloathing and camp utensils. I request that it may be without delay forwarded to this City—
          With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr Obed Ser
          The Secy of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John McClallen, 22 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McClallen, John

            Sir,
            New York May 22. 1799

          I have heretofore verbally informed that you that you are to proceed on the Recruiting service. The Counties of Albany, Saratoga & Rensselaer within this state are to be the scenes of your operations; the town of Albany your rendezvous. Inclosed are the instructions by which you are to govern yourself.
          I have written to the Secy of War requesting that he will cause to be transmitted to Col Stevens this City for your the necessary supply of money Cloathing and other Articles for a Company. The moment they shall be received you will begin your operations—
          Till further order you will enlist none but natives of the U States—You will make take with the Contractor, whose agent in this city is Mr. Richards—the requisite arrangement for supplying your recruits with provisions &c—
          With consideratn I am Sir Yr Obed Ser
           Capt McClellan


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ross Bird, 22 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Bird, Ross

            Sir,
            New York. May 22, 1799

          In consequence of the general Superintendence of the Recruiting Service having been confided to me, The Secretary at of War has sent me a copy of the instructions of Col. Butler to you of the 15 of April last.
          I see no reason for altering the destination which he has assigned to you. You will therefore continue the Tour of Salisbury as the head Quarters of your operations.
          Inclosed are two sets of recruiting instructions as they have been revised—and amended to which you will conform. That which is marked A will enable you to fill the blanks in the other.
          The Secretary at War will cause to be forwarded money cloathing arms accoutrements and Camp Utensils, to gether with some blank forms of oaths and returns & one or two setts of the articles of War. You will therefore forbear as much as circumstances will at all permit the purchase of any of these  articles and you will by all means forbear to purchase tents.
          You will inquire for Ensigns Daniel Newman and James Love lately appointed and you will in my name require them to join you and put themselves under your command. Your returns & other communications must be addressed to Major Bradley at Staunton Virginia
          With great
          Inform me from time to time as well as Major General Pinckney of your progress
          With great considrn yr ob ser
          Capt Ross Bird 4th Reg of US I Salisbury N Carolina


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Williamson, 23 May 1799
From: Williamson, Charles
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Gen: Hamilton
            Sir.
            New York 23d May 1799

          I did myself the Honor of calling yesterday about two o Clock but from an unlucky inaccuracy of my watch, missed seeing you. That I may tresspass as little as possible on your time, I beg the liberty of being allowed to state to you the circumstances that gave rise to what had been stated by Mr. Wadsworth.
          Tho’ early attached to a military life, yet with the rank I held it appeared to me so inactive in time of profound peace, that in —83 I quitted it for more active pursuits but had I remain’d under the British Government I no doubt would have again resumed it at the breaking out of the present War. With the same feelings I could not see this country to whose fate I am bound both by Interest and gratitude likely to be engaged in a War, and remain a silent spectator—I only waited to see if the Army promised to be established on a respectable footing, and that the nature of the contest would admit of active service as to the respectability of the Army it was only necessary to see that it was to be organized under the direction of Gen. Hamilton, and I could not help expressing, “that if an active War should be the event, the great satisfaction I should feel in being permitted to join the Army under his command”—It was from expressing myself in this manner to Mr. Wadsworth and looking forward to some events that might justify my offer of service—that gave rise to his conversation with you and I have delay’d waiting on you in expectation that some intelligence from Europe would justify the application and make it appear as sincere as I now feel it—
          At my time of life and present pursuits I should be more anxious to hold some situation that would promise me a scope for active employment than extraordinary rank my sole reason to wish the latter would be to secure the former—To belong to the line of an Army when there must be many posts to garrison, might place me in a situation that would destroy the object I would have in view—but if in the arrangement of the Army such a Corps was accepted of as would be particularly fitted for active service, on every occasion it might expect to be employd, and it would be the business of the officer commanding such a Corps—to recommend such officers as he knows would be disposed to such service, and who would willingly follow him—Was in the formation of the Army such a measure to be adopted, it would be my greatest ambition to be employd. My situation in the back Country would enable me with more ease than most persons to procure men fitted for such service, and there are a number of young gentlemen who would do credit to any Army that I believe would follow me with pleasure—but I
          Such are my ideas on this subject, which I wished to communicate to you, and would be happy to wait on you any time that would be most convenient—the propriety of my making this offer at present, only arises from my distance, from the seat of Goverment when I return to the Gene— Country which will be in a few days, and I — now wish to place the business on such a — that if the opportunity should offer, and I —— worthy of the situation I may not be ——.
          I have the Honor to be, Sir with great resp— Your humbl. Sert.

            Chas. Will—


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Ingersoll, 23 May 1799
From: Ingersoll, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir—
            Westpoint. May 23d 1799.

          King & Stanton, two privats of my Company, deserted from this Garrison on the 4 Inst. Ford a private in the 2d Regt. Deserted on the 17. Inst. I ordered off a party in persuit of them, which took them and brought them here on the 18th & 19th. They where tried by a General Court Martial on the 20th. the sentence being approved of they where to be punished on the 28th. when to my great surprise, I was informed King & Ford had made their escape in company with the Sentinal who had charge of them going to the Vault just before day light. I ordered off several parties in several directions to apprehend them at all hazards, Corporal Wilson, way laid them on the road to Murderers Creek and ordering them to surrender themselves prisoners and not oblige him to fire on them. the Deserters being determined to complete their escape, Corporal Wilson directed his fire at King about thirty Yards distance and Killed him on the spot, took Perkins, and brought him here. Ford made his escape. King being Killed in the neighbourhood of Judge Clarke, he Issued Warrants for a jury of inquest to sit on the body, which took place on the evening of the 22d. what the verdict is I am not regularly informed, but conclude favourable to the Corporal, that he could not have taken him any other way. I have brought the body to this place and buried it. I hope my Conduct in the business will meet the approbation of the General, & I flatter myself the disided and unexpected effect from the troops will put a stop to the desertions in future.
           I am Sir with great Respect your Most Obt. Sert.

            Geo Ingersoll Captain
             Commanding

          Majr Gnl. Alexr. Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Adam Hoops, 23 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hoops, Adam, Jr.

            Sir
            New York May 23. 1799

          A Court Martial being now appointed at Fort Jay the offenders there can be tried. After this all such as may belong to other corps are to be sent to them in the  most secure and least expensive manner—

            A H

          Major Hoops


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Josias Carvel Hall, 23 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hall, Josias Carvel

            Sir,
            New York May 23rd. 1799

          You are at liberty to make the Alteration as to the company Rendezvous suggested in your letter of the 19. Instant
          Col: Hall


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 23 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hodgdon, Samuel

            Sir,
            New York May 23. 1799

          I inclose you the return of Military Stores viz. at Fort Niagara and request that you will immediately forward a compleat supply of the Articles stated to be wanted

            A H.

          Samuel Hodgdon Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 23 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            War Department 23rd May 1799

          I have this moment received your letter of the 22nd instt. In answer I have only to observe that I presented on the 9th of May, instant, to the President in a list of nominations, the name of Theodosius Fowler to fill the office to which Major Hutton had been appointed: that I supported the nomination by what you had written to me on the subject; and that I have received this morning, the Presidents confirmation thereof
          I shall wait your advice whether to send Mr Fowler his letter of appointment, or to bring the person before the President who appears, upon an after thought, to be preferred by the Lt Colonel of the Regiment. It strikes me, however, that unless the advantage of talents and experience is decidedly in favor of Mr Fonda, that no alteration ought to be proposed
          I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most ob st

            James McHenry

            The following nominations have also been concurred in, and will be immediately communicated to the Gentlemen appointed

                Rufus Graves
                Lt Colonel

                Timothy Darling
                Major

                Cornelius Lynde Vermt
                Major

                Israel W Kelly. N Hampshire
                1t Lt.

                Thaddeus Kendall Do
                 Do

                Marmaduke Wait Vert.
                 Do

                Benjamin F Starke N. Hampsr
                2nd Lt.

          Major Genl A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elias Parker, 24 May 1799
From: Parker, Elias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            May 24, 1799

          In the spring of the year 1777 I march’d from Boston as a Cadet in Capt Winthrop Sargent’s company of Artillery for head quarters in New Jersey—I served through the campaign in that capacity the company being to Genl. attached to General Scott’s Brigade—I did the duty of gunner in the battles of Brandywine & Germantown—soon after the latter I was promoted to a Lieutenancy in the artillery—as such I served about three years—seeing but little prospect for promotion I solicited Gen’l Knox to get me transferred to the first Massachusets regiment which he effected & the officers of that regiment admitted me with the same rank I held in the Artillery—in that regiment I served till the end of the war, it being among the last that — were disbanded—previous to which I had a brevet commission as Captain in the army—I have for twelve years been a Capt. in the Virginia Militia—once had a company of light Infantry in Petersburg and now command the Petersburg company of Artillery—

            Els. Parker

            May 24. 1799


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 24 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            New York May 24. 1799

          A press of business has — diverted my attention from measures to for convey — Capt Freyes company of Artillerists to Charles Town. On resuming the subject it strikes me that there ought to be an armed vessel of the Government to transport them; since doubtless on account of the very great distance they ought to go by water: And if so sent and if an accident should happen by the intervention of a French Privateer the charge of improvidence and mismanagement would be loud and impressive. I shall want your answer to the suggestion before I take any further step—
          With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr Obed Ser

            PS After perusing the inclosed you will please to seal & forward it—

          The Secy of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Stockton, 24 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stockton, John

            Sir
            New York May 24 1799

          Your letter with the inclosed contr copy of a contract has reached me
          with true consideration I am Sir Your ob Ser

            A H

          John Stockton Esqr.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Lloyd Moore, 24 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Moore, Thomas Lloyd

            Sir,
            New York May 24th. 99

          I presume circumstances have intefered with my the execution of my desire as to the delivery of a letter some time since conveyed thro’ you to Capt. Elliott I leave the inclosed open for your perusal, that you may perceive the occasion of the request I shall now make which is, that you will send it by an Officer instructing him to inform Capt. Elliott that he waits for a reply—You will first seal it, and you will forward me the answer or report the result
          I shall be glad to hear of your progress since I last heard from you
          With great consideration & Esteem &c

            A H

          Col. Moore Phila


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 24 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

            Sir,
            New York May 24, 1799

          The Secretary of War has directed me to inquire whether Capt. Justus B Smith Lts. Thomas Thompson & Jacob C Ten Eyck have mean to accept or decline their appointments. If known to you, you will please to inform me, if not known, you will then ascertain & communicate to me what may be the fact
          With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed St


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Hunewell, 24 May 1799
From: Hunewell, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Boston May 24th. 1799—

          Yours of the date of April 10th. 13th. 15th. 17th. & 23d., have come to hand, after a long passage occation’d by the breaking up of the   Kennabic River & irregularity in the carriage of the mail—
          Yesterday the Officers of my Regiment met in this town agreeable to notice, & made choice of Lieut. William Swan for Paymaster, who I think is well qualified for the Office—Lieut. Samuel P. Fay,  I am induced from the character of the man to recommend for Adjutant, & Lieut. Charles Cutler for Quarter master in my  Regiment—
          Inclosed is a list of the Officers commanding Districts & Sub districts, the places of rendezvous for districts & Sub districts, & the towns which compose each District & Subdistrict—
          In answer to yours of the 15th. April it appears to me that the most eligible  mode would be to have the cloathing sent to the Commanding Officer of Districts, to be by them distributed according to their discretion; I should think it proper to have the clothing distributed to each sub district, for the purpose of encouraging the Recruits, were not my sub districts so much dispersed & at so great a distance  from the several district rendezvouses, but considering the situation of  things, I think that the Officers of Districts might very properly be vested with discretionary powers—
          I wish very much to hear of your determination of the place for my Regimental rendezvous, the more I consider the subject, the more I am persuaded that Portland will be  the most eligible situation—I have in conjunction with Colo. Rice, & by the request of the parties consented to have an exchange of Captains Brown & Draper & their Officers in the manner & for the reasons which Colo. Rice states in his letter of this date—
          I see in the Acts of Congress reference is had to the articles of War,  in what mode we are to be furnished with them, as well as the different Acts of Congress, & Orderly Books for the Regiment, I am unacquainted with;  but it appears to me necessary that each Field Officer & Captain ought to be furnish’d with them—I am of opinion that some alteration ought to take place in the rank of the company Officers: but this subject I will leave to a future communication, after I have consulted with my Majors—I have received some applications for recommendations for Chaplain and Surgeons to my Regiment, how they are to be appointed I don’t know, but should wish to be informd—We are now ready for the recruiting Service, excepting Money & Cloathing, as soon as those essential articles arrive we shall commence it, in the mean time I shall remain at Boston waiting for your Orders to repair to my Regimental rendezvous—
          I do not  see in the recruiting regulation any provision for shelter for the soldiers, whether they are to be in Barracks, Tents, or Billetted out—if the two former; it appears to me, the sooner an arrangement is made for the providing them for   my Regiment the better—if the latter the Officers will probably be allowed billetting money—my officers are    anxious to know the mode to be persued in that particular—
          I am with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt. Sert

            Richard Hunewell

          Alexr. Hamilton Esqr. Major General & Inspector Genl. of the Army of the United States New York


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Willcocks, 24 May 1799
From: Willcocks, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Major General Alexander Hamilton,
            Sir,
            New York, May 24, 1799

          I have the honor, ’tho’ with much regret, to inform you, that the recruiting-Service is still greatly impeded by circumstances which I cannot controul—Captain Kissam is in such ill health as almost to be despaired of—His only Lieutenant is the Paymaster, & Cloathier, of the Regiment, who of course cannot leave town—Lieut. Ladley of the 2d Regiment, who has volunteered his Services, is at Flushing  with Sergeant, Drum, and Fife; But I presume cannot enlist for  our Regiment without special authority from yourself, or the War department—Captain Courtlandt has no Leieut.—There are also other Vacancies of the kind—all of which embarrass the Service—Colonel Smith being at a distance, I have taken the liberty to address you on the subject, in order, at least, to exculpate myself as to the progress of the recruiting-business in the District which I have the honor to superintend.
          I embrace this occasion also to represent to the Inspector-General, that the Hats which have been received for our Recruits, are not three-cornered but, round Hats; sans buttons, loops, cockades, or bands—and of a quality represented to me, of such base stuff, or workmanship, as to be totally unequal to the test of a little bad  weather—
          Now although I would not wish to be troublesome, I will always speak for the Soldiers, when I fear thier supplies, contrary to the Intention of Government, are of a kind, neither tending to public Economy, or the honor of the military establishment.
          With due submission, and The Highest consideration, I am, Your Obdt Servt.

            Wm. Willcocks.
            Majr. 12th. Regt.
            New York. May 24th. 1799.


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

            Sir,
            New York May 25. 1799

          I have the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter from Colonel Hall relative to articles going to Baltimore. Would it not be better to send them to Havre de Grace that being the Regimental Rendezvous—

            A H

           Secretary of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 25 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hodgdon, Samuel

            Sir,
            New York May 25. 1799

          I request a ret particular and exact return of the articles of every kind which have been actually sent forward for the use of the twelve additional Regiments or any of them shewing the quantity are of each article for each Regiment and the places to which respectively sent.
          With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed Sr—

            A H

          Samuel Hodgsdon Eq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Hodgdon, 25 May 1799
From: Hodgdon, Samuel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Intendant of Stores–Office, Philadelphia, 25th. May, 1799—

          I was duly honoured with your Letter—Enclosed you have the requested return which I hope will fully meet your wishes—I regret that your Plan is not in complete operation, but I am making all I can bend to it.
          The Clothing is delivered to the Quarter Master to forward to the respective Pay Masters of Regiments, who is eventually to account for the proper distribution of it—so far we are indubitably right—The Quarter Master General is to account for all such Stores as are understood to belong to his Department—But who under present circumstances is to account for the proper application of Military and Hospital supplies?
          The plan submitted by you seems to be confined to the perfect arrangement of all supplies furnish for the Army—I wish your opinion on the same subject relative to the Posts, Forts and Garrisons—I have hazarded mine to the Secretary of War; but yours I am sure will be more perfect.
          I am, Sir, with respectful consideration your most obedient Servant.

            Samuel Hodgdon

          Major General Alexander Hamilton.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Parker, 25 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Parker, Thomas

            Sir,
            New York May 25. 1799

          The Secretary of War has furnished such a number only of as will allow six copies of the Regulations for the order and discipline of the army, to each Regiment, than Colonel Stevens the Agent for the War Department has been directed to forward—The instructions for the raising of men in other words for the recruiting service have been long since forwarded sent on and are understood to have been received by you. Ten more sets are now quickly to be forwarded Ten more sets are speedily to be forwarded.

            A H.

          Col Parker—


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 26 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stevens, Ebenezer

            Sir,
            New York May 26th. 1799

          The three companies of Artillerists commanded by Captains Read, Stille, and Freeman are ordered from West-Point to Governor’s Island. You will immediately take the necessary arrangement for transporting them in the least expensive mode. If, as I presume, they have tents, I take for granted the cheapest mode will be by land, and the season is convenient for marching. Capt. George Ingersoll is Commanding Officer at West Point.
          As soon as these companies reach their destination a company under Lt. Leonard will proceed to Rhode Island. You will cause them to be without delay furnished with the articles of which they may stand in need including tents. You will in this case also, & in every other consult the cheapest mode of transportation unless when a particular mode shall be indicated.
          With consideration I am Sir, Yr. Obedient Servt.

            A Hamilton

          Col: E. Stevens.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Ingersoll, 26 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ingersoll, George

            Sir,
            New York May 26 1799

          You will cause the companies now at West Point under the command of Captains Freeman Read and Stille to proceed to this City where they will receive further orders. Col Stevens is instructed to take the requisite arrangement for their transportation—preferring the cheapest mode, which it is presumed will be by land if the troops have tents.
          With considerati
          If they come by land it is expected that a strict discipline will avoid injury or offence to the Inhabitants. The eldest Senior Captain will of course have the general charge.*
          With consideration I am Sir Yr Obed Serv

            *If any men remain to be discharged of those heretofore reported by you to be unfit for service you will cause them to be discharged—Stating to me their names, the causes of their inability, when it occurred and by whom they were severally enlisted.

          Capt Ingersoll West Point


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Mahlon Ford, 26 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ford, Mahlon

            Sir,
            New York May 26 1799

          You will please immediately to order Capt Henry’s company to march to Powles Hook opposite this City where its — arrival will be reported itself to — me and receive further orders given for its final destination. The march may be by moderate stages so as not to fatigue as there is no particular hurry. The route may be by New Town New Brunswick and Elizabeth Town. At the two latter places there are contractors who will afford the requisite supply for the intermediate distances. — An arrangement must be made with the proper —  person at Reading for whatever is necessary to reach New Brunswick. A strict charge must be given to maintan discipline on the route & particularly to avoid irregularities injurious or offensive to the Inhabitants—You will also cause order Capt Cochran — proceed — his company to march to proceed to Fort Mifflin Mud Island.
          With great consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed Ser
           To Major Ford Or Officer Commandg the Troops of the U States at Reading


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Adam Hoops, 27 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hoops, Adam, Jr.

            Sir,
            New York May 27. 1799

          Capt Fryes Company will speedily proceed by Water to Charlestown in South Carolina. Lt Leonard with his detachment is also destined shortly for Rhode Island. You will see that these companies are in readiness for whatever articles they may want towards their equipment, you will make return to Col Stevens who will take care that they are furnished.
          The Companies of Captains Freeman Stille and Read are to come from  West Point to Fort Jay. For this the necessary orders have been given.
          With consideration I am Sir Yr. Obed St
          Major Hoops Commandg Officer Fort Jay


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Bruff, 27 May 1799
From: Bruff, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir—
            Baltimore May 27. 1799—

          Before your communication containing recruiting instructions came to hand, I had—on my way—inlisted 4, with 1 inlisted since & 3 brought on, wou’d have made my total 8, had not the time of 1 expired the 18 instant & reduced it to 7.
          Enclosed is a Return prescribed by the Secretary of War, accompanied by the inlistments of 6 recruits with receipts—on them—for bounty, as far as I am authorized to pay: The remaining 4 dollars due each, they have agreed to purchase round-about Jackets with as an uniform undress—linen vests, half gaiters, round hats, cockades, & frills they intend to provide themselves with out of their first pay—these will not only add to their comfort & appearance; but will preserve their proper regimentals, which in well regulated Corps are only worn on duty—sundays, field days, & on particular occasions:  their undress being sufficient to distinguish them from mere Citizens & prevent desertions: But as no mention is made about Musters—I am at a loss about the mode of drawing pay—
          Being furnished with under clothing, cloth & trimmings for Coats—to be made up here at the expense of the soldiers!—also with arms &c for a company, & with 400 Dollars to recruit it; but as 63 men at 50 dollars (bounty & premium) amounts to 630, besides what may be required for pursuit of deserters & other incidental expences, 700 Dollars might not have been to much: I, therefore, conclude, advances of money to Subalterns was not intended to be from me; Yet Lieutenant Heath says he was verbally directed by the Secretary of War to put himself under my command; this happening before your letters arrive, I presumed that he was arranged to my company & intended to assist in recruiting it; therefore to save him expense & to expedite the raising a company of men, I anticipated the instructions by supplying him with some money & directing him to commence that service on the Eastern Shore—to make Easton his rendezvous & when he shou’d have 8 or 10 recruits, to send them over for clothes &c; but as my instructions & your letter are silent as to the names & agency of my Subalterns—from whom they are to derive recruiting instructions & money: I apprehend, I may have been premature in directing Mr. Heath &c. Permit me, therefore to suggest that it might relieve us from uncertainty and error if we were instructed in these particulars.
          Cannot the sphere for self and Subalterns be enlarged so as to embrace the State? Recruiting in this town appears over done; yet it has many advantages as a company rendezvous—for instruction clothing & equipment—but better men can be got in the counties—
          A good drummer cannot be hired under 2 dollars pr. day—my being deprived of mine—first to assist the marine recruiting party in Philada. until I shou’d, commence recruiting myself—and then just before I arrived; suffered to be taken by Captain Elliott as a waiter into the country of the insurgents is a considerable disadvantage to my party—It is not to be presumed that a party without musick can make as much progress—or be on equal ground with parties who have it—or that 8 or 10 dollars & a ration will procure a fifer & drummer. I hope, therefore, that you will see it expedient & just to order my drummer (who I inlisted a boy & had instructed) to join his proper company without delay—and thereby place — mine on an equal footing with the marine party here—
          On my arrival I applied to the contractor for the usual allowance of quarters for self and party; but after 10 days, search he was obliged to leave Town on business—in his absence I procured quarters containing 3 rooms for self, a small room for an orderly Serjt. to write in &c, store rooms for the clothing, arms, accoutrements &c and seperate quarters sufficient for my present party at 36 dollars 66 cents pr. Month—they are situated on the out skirts of the town—& considering the demand for houses of every discription—in all situations, and the enormous rents given, I think them not unreasonable.
          Finding it necessary to have some of my recruits inoculated, and medicine administred to a Soldier & Soldier’s child bet on with me; I mentioned it to Captain Morris, who replied that his surgeon was too much engaged with the sick at the Fort to attend in town—I have, therefore, imployed a Physician of this place—
          With respect to Major Rivardi & the court contemplated at Niagara; I will thank you to give me a fortnight’s notice before it may be necessary for me to set off—and to inform me whether witnesses, more certainly to establish the charges—may be taken with me—at whose expense, and if any allowance will be made citizens so called upon—my late orderly, First serjeant & an Artificer being now such, & important witnesses to facts intended to be established at the enquiery: Other witnesses to substantiate charges (not yet exhibited) are in the neighbourhoods of New York, Norfolk &c but will not be wanted until a Court Martial shall be orderd—which I presume will be on the sea coast. The testimony of Doctr. Coffin—& David Thompson (issuing Commissy for Mr. O’Harra) and the principal artificer—all at Niagara—will be wanted at the inquiery.
          I am advised by a friend at West Niagara that Major Rivardi—from motives you can judge of—has had some of his soldiers before a Majistrate to attest to a paper previously drawn up & intended to implicate me in some charge or charges, the nature of which he had not then learned—Nor can I conceive—But as the men I left then were principally deserters who had been taken, or had gave themselves up; I apprehend they might be got to swear anything the inventive brain of the Major cou’d suggest: I beg, however, of anything of this nature comes before you that I may be timely and particularly acquainted with it—& not suffered to be taken by surprize in a situation where I cannot procure testimony either to controvert or explain—
          The objects of this letter, I hope you will be so good as to consider separately and such as require it—please to answer—
          With respect & Esteem, I have the honor to be Your Obedient Servant

            J Bruff

            I have no return from Lt. Heath yet; but expect he has inlisted several—

            J. Bruff

          The Honble. Major Genl. Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Taylor, 27 May 1799
From: Taylor, Timothy
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            Danbury May 27th 1799

          I have the Honor to inform you that the recruiting service in the circle under my Command has begun and as far as I can learn with tolerable success—from reflection & the best information I can obtain by visiting the sub district quarters, I am led to believe it would fecilitate the recruiting of the Regt. by delivering the cloathing to the recruits at the sub districts; that the Officers would feel greater responsibility in enlisting good men if they was to retain them for a while under thier immediate Command, & would be more emulous to excell each other in disaplineing the soldiers in thier respective Companies; that a number of likely recruits in Uniform in the different Towns would have great effect in induceing others to enlist; thier Uniforms could be altered to fit them with more convenience, and they would have a better oppertunity to dispose of the Cloathing they might have on hand—
          As tents is not furnished I find it would be imposable to cover the recruits were they all to be ordered to the districts rendizvouse; consiquently I have directed them to be cloathed & disaplined at the sub districts for the present—
          General Ebenezr. Huntington, & Major Huntington, has recommended to me Mr. John Brown of Preston for the appointment of Captain in the 13th Regiment Vice Capt. Chew declined; Austin Ledyard of New London for a Lieutenancy in said Company; & Nathaniel Noyes of Stonington in the place of Peter Richards Lieut. declined; & I would take the liberty to recommend Nathaniel Ruggles of Brookfield for Lieutenant to Capt. Bulfords Company Vice Truman Moseley, Paymaster; & John Beers of Darby who served as a Sergeant in the late American Army with reputation, for the Appointment of Lieut in Capt. Sanfords Company in the place of Waters Clark, Adjutant; & John Spaldin Jnr. of New Haven for the Appointment of Surgeons Mate to the Regiment; and as I fully believe they would do Honor to themselves & render service to the public was they to be appointed I wish they may suceed in obtaining them—
          I have the Honor to be Sir with Great respect your Obedient Servant—

            Timo. Taylor

          Honble. A. Hamelton Esquire—


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 28 May 1799
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            New London 28 May 1799

          I have at length agreed for the Supply of Rations throughout the state of Connecticut—the Contract with E House & Son will embrace any other place of Rendezvous than those already appointed—The one for Brooklyn will follow soon—
          I am very respectfully sir, your obedt Servant

            Jed Huntington

          Major General Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Adam Hoops, 29 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hoops, Adam, Jr.

            Sir,
            New York May 29. 1799

          Capt Frye’s company is to embark — the Delaware on the Frigate UStates for Charles town South Carolina. You will order the officer next in — command immediately to proceed with that Company by way of Elizabeth Town New Brunswick and Trenton to Philadelphia, and there to apply to the Secretary of inform himself from the Secy of War where and when he is to embark. When arrived at Charlestown, he will receive orders from Major Freeman commandant of the batalion to which that company is annexed,  or if absent from Major General Pinckney. You will instruct him accordingly. At each of  the places above mentioned there is a contractor who will supply what may be furnish the necessary supply. Col Stevens will prompt You will arrange with Col Stevens the means of transportation from hence. Capt Frye will remain for his trial. Any other of the company necessary as a Witness may be detained reporting to me.
          With consideration I am Sir Yr Obed St
          Major Hoops


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Ingersoll, 29 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ingersoll, George

            Sir,
            New York May 29, 1799

          I have just received your two letters of the 20th. and 23 of May instant.
          According to your statement of the affair of Corporal Wilson, there is nothing which the good of the service did not require and which military discipline will not warrant. Yet it would be now premature in me to give a definitive opinion. And it must be regretted, that for the sake of humanity that an affair accident of this kind should have been rendered necessary occurred.
          Major Hoops has informed me that the Corporal was here. I believe that In point of regularity I must order him to be brought before a Court Martial. His acquittal there, which may be expected, will be a complete bar to any civil prosecution. Indeed, though and no attempt must be made to avoid civil process, yet should it take place, it will doubtless to be proper to —— Submit immediately to the Tribunals of the u states, whether the important question, whether an accident of this kind, between members persons of the army in the course of military service is cognizable by the Civil Courts. Send down without delay the two of the most intelligent of those and faithful of those who were present when the man was shot to attest the circumstances
          You will learn from a General order of to day that The Officers who command at the several garrisons are thought incompetent of their own authority to: direct the holding of General Courts-Martial and consequently that all pend— sentences are deemed nullities. Corporal Wilson will of course pass through a trial here, And you will also without delay send to this City under a small but sufficient guard such prisoners at your post as are proper subjects of a General Court Martial including such on whom sentences have been passed which have not been executed.
          With con


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

            Sir,
            New York May 29th. 1799—

          Annexed I send you an Extract of a letter from Col: Taylor to me of the 27th. Inst. Confiding in the Judgment of that officer, and considering the importance of promptly filling the vacancies, I beg leave to second his recommendation of the Gentlemen mentioned therein and shall be glad to have them officer approved
          With great consideration &c—
           Secretary of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Staats Morris, 29 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Staats

            Sir,
            New York May 29th. 1799

          I do hereby place under your command till further order Lt. Thomas Laurence to be employed in such way at your post as you shall find convenient. You will desire him to accompany you accordingly
          With consideration &c
          Capt. S. Morris


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            War Department 29 May 1799

          Inclosed are three letters which I received yesterday from Brigader Genl. Wilkinson—vz. two of the 3 & 21st of March and one of the 10th of April ulto.
          The Sketches of the coast and Country, and report on the death of Cap Demlar alluded to have not been received.
          I have the honour to be Sir your most ob St

            James McHenry

          Majr Gen Alexr Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir,
            War department May 29. 1799

          Captain Joseph Brock of the 4. regiment of Infantry who is now recruiting at Fredericksburg has written to me for a supply of Clothing arms and accoutrements.
          Previously to my taking order thereon I request you would inform me whether it is your intention to continue Mr Brock on the recruiting service or to order him with his recruits to join his regiment in Tennessee—
          I am Sir with respect Your obedient Servant.

            James McHenry

          Major Genl. Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Josias Carvel Hall, 29 May 1799
From: Hall, Josias Carvel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            Havre de Grace May 29th—99

          I am honored with yours of the 23d Inst: approving the alteration of the Company Rendezvous from Risters Town to Havre de-Grace. There is no Company either at either Place. A Change of Battalion Rendezvous was suggested by mine of the 19th. on a Presumption that I did not express myself with sufficient clearness or that it had escaped your Memory & perswaded of the Advantages attending the alteration I have ventured to have it into Effect to direct it to be carried into Effect in 15 Days if not countermanded & will this Day write to Major Hopkens to that Purpose & also to the Contracter of this State, who has informed me it will be much more convenient to him as he can have daily Intercourse by Water If you disapprove of it your Instructions will reach me in time to prevent it. The Platoon Officers in general are extreemly defective in Military Information. Major Hopkens served during the Revolutionary War (with Reputation) in the Dragoons it possible he also will be at a Loss in the minuter Duties of Infantry. Mr Campbell Smith, of the 4th Regt., Western Army, a Lieut: of eight Years standing six of those in the Staff, I find perfectly qualified them to instruct them. From a Wound thro’ his Breast he is not at this Time competent to the Duties of his Station in his Regt. His Knowledge, Education & Activity would make him extreemly useful here, for sometime at least, in some of the Posts contemplated by Law for the Inspector generals Department.
          With great Consideration I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt

            Jo. Carvel Hall

          Genl Hamilton