Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Adlum, 8 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adlum, John

New York, June 8, 1799. “It is concurred to be expedient for some time to come to keep a body of troops in and near that district of Country in which the late insurrection existed. In this Service it is intended for the present to continue the troops now at Reading.… General McPherson recommended the occupying of three stations Reading, Allentown, & Easton. If the Corps of troops was more considerable I should intirely approve this idea. But to render them at all impressive there must not be too few at one point. I have thought that a company at Easton and the remainder at Reading might be the best disposition. It is my desire that you assume the command of the whole body, as above described, and that you make such a disposition of it, in reference to those points as information on the spot shall induce you to prefer.… I confide that you will be especially attentive to the discipline of the Troops & to ⟨the⟩ prevention of injury or insult to the Inhabitants of whatsoever description.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Taylor, 8 June 1799
From: Taylor, Timothy
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Danbury [Connecticut] June 8, 1799. “I have the Honor to inform you that upon my return from New York, I find it has become a Serious question wheather the recruiting Officers have a right to enlist Minors after they arrive to the age of 18 Years, without the consent of their parents, Masters, or Guardians and repeated application has been made for the releasment of some of those so enlisted; it has been my opinion that the officers had a good right to enlist them & that they ought not to be given up, but as I may have errourd in Judgement, I beg the favour of your opinion upon the subject as soon as convenient.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Josias Carvel Hall, 10 June 1799
From: Hall, Josias Carvel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Havre de Grace [Maryland] June 10, 1799. Discusses details of recruiting and states: “The Clothing &c were so long in coming to Hand that the Officers were under the necessity of providing Blankets, Shoes, Potts &c. for the Recruits.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 10 June 1799
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Charleston, South Carolina, June 10, 1799. Discusses recruiting in Georgia and the Carolinas and the disposition of the Fourth Regiment. States: “Mrs. Pinckney (who has been very ill) unites with me in best respects to Mrs. Hamilton. I cannot imagine what gave rise to the Report, you mentioned relative to the Review, as there was not the most distant cause for it.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 11 June 1799
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany, June 11, 1799. “In the papers which Accompany this I have pointed out three modes of wording in Cypher by aid of the copy of Entecks dictionary, but as the copiest has not marked properly the directions for finding a word … It would be best to have two new copies.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Church, 12 June 1799
From: Church, Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany, June 12, 1799. “… My Second Lieutenant went yesterday at New Burgh to bring up my Cloathing, which is there, so that, I shall certainly commence recruiting the latter end of this Week. I have seen some Soldiers from Niagara who have been discharged having served their time; one of them stays with me intending to enlist when I shall have received the Cloathing. In my conversation with them I was astonished to find how lightly they talked of desertion assuring me that it was very common, but that the deserters when recovered were never punished.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Sir
New York June 12. 1799

A late letter from you suggests some doubts whether in the case of the Serjeant, who was convicted of Destertion and Embezzlement, the form in which the proceedings were at first transmitted ought not to prevent the execution of the sentence.
My first impression was to defer a reply till the proceedings had been acted upon by the President; but on further reflection I have concluded to submit to you my ultimate ideas on the subject, in which I am supported by the opinion of Mr. Harrison, Attorney of this District.

They are these—1   In strictness of law, it is not essential that it should appear on the face of the proceedings that two thirds of the members had concurred. When a certain proportion of a Court is required towards the rendering of a Judgment or sentence, and when a Court duly constituted does in fact give one, in a case in which the assent of that proportion is required, and the record of its proceedings, authenticated in the proper form, testifies that the Judgment or sentence was rendered, it is to be presumed, and need not be expressed, that there was a concurrence of the requisite number: Otherwise it could not be true in a legal sense that there was a sentence. Thus The law demands unanimity in the Verdict of a Jury—yet this unanimity is never declared on the Record. It is presumed, on the faith which is given to the Presiding & recording Officers, that the Verdict would not have been received, unless it had been unanimous, in other words unless it had been a legal Verdict. But
2dly.   If this were not true, since the law intrusts the President and Judge Advocate with the duty of authenticating the proceedings, without the signature of any other member of the Court, it will consider them as competent to rectify an omission by an after act and to insert in the proceedings any circumstance, which may be necessary as evidence of their regularity, on the respo[n]sibility of those Officers that nothing shall be inserted which is not true. There can be no reason why as much Credit should not be given to their supplementary as to their original testimony.
On either ground it is conceived that it will be legal and safe to approve and execute the sentence.
It is nevertheless conceived to be a good practice to insert in the proceedings the evidence that two thirds did concur. It will guard against the possibility of mistake through inattention, and will afford more complete satisfaction to the person, to whose approbation the sentence is to be referred, that all is right.
With great respect   I have the honor to be Sir   Yr Obed Serv
P. S. You will oblige me by causing the inclosed to be immediately forwarded. It relates to a matter of urgency.
On recurring to your letter I find two points not noticed above. I am of Opinion that it is not necessary to specify the manner of the death, or to declare on what particular article the sentence is founded. Tis sufficient there is a warrant in the articles.

The Secy of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 12 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, June 12, 1799. Quotes from a “letter from Col: Hall of the 10th. instant” and states: “… In the commencement of similar operations, a good Zeal will occasion some wondering, which must be sanctionned as to the past and checked as to the future. I recommend that provisions be made for reimbursement.…”


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

Niagara [New York] June 12, 1799. Reports that “The British Garrison continues To Work with all Speed at Fort George.… Captn. Pilkington who is the Engineer comunicated all the drawings relative To The execution of the place with a confidence extremely pleasing. It is him who constructed fort Miami & he has lent me all the papers in his possession by which I Shall be able To frame a Plan.…” States that progress is being made on the repair of Fort Niagara, but if the work is to be completed, the soldiers must receive extra pay for extra work.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Taylor, 12 June 1799
From: Taylor, Timothy
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Danbury [Connecticut] June 12, 1799. “From the progressive state of the recruiting service in the Circle under my Command, I have the Honor to inform you that a further supply of bounty Money will be wanted as soon as it can conveniently be sent forward. Thier has been but a small supply of Cloathing furnished for the recruits, and a number are now enlisted and drawn to thier rendizvous, almost naked, Arms are much wanted for some [of] them.…”


Title: General Orders, 13 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Ellery, Abraham R.
To:

New York June 13th 1799.

The Articles of War being obscore and unexplicit as to the power of appointing a General Court Martial, and it being very meterial that there shall be no doubt about the legalaty of the Constitution of a Court which is intrusted with the power of inflicting the highest punishment known in our Military Code, Major General Hamilton thinks it proper to declear the constitution of those Articles upon this point which after careful examination and reflection he has adopted as that which is to govern within the Sphere of his command, it is this, every General of a department or of a Seperate army, Every General Commanding Troops a post or Station So detached from the army as that its ordinary police is of nec[e]ssity distinct every Officer inferior in rank to a General on whom the Command of a General may have devolved in one or other of the above cases may legally Constitute a General Court Martial, but no Officer who does not command as the immediate Representitive of a General especially no Officer mearly commanding a Regiment or other Corps Whether entire or composed of detachments not Superior to a Regiment can Constitute a General Court Martial Consequently no officer Commanding any of the Garrisons on a Sea Board and no Officer Commandg any tract of the Western amy except the Commander of that army for the time being can of his own authority direct the holding of such a court, it follows that all pending Sentences of any courts deno[mi]nated General Courts Martial which have not been appointed in Conformity with the foregoing Constructions are to be Null & Void. It is also considered essential to the regularity of a General Court Martial that there shall be a person who is not a member of the Court acting as Judge advocate. It is also for greater Caution directed that in the cases in which the consequence of two thirds of the members of the Court is required it shall be expressed in the body of the Sentence that two thirds or more than two thirds as the case may be did concur.
A deferrent practice having obtaind at different posts in reguard to issuing Liquor to the Troops, it is thought proper to direct that the allowance of half Gill pr. day may be every whear issued when ever the Contractors can furnish the supply, this however is not to restrain the discresionary power of issuing for fatigue service or on Extraordinary Cases.
Abraham R. Ellery Asst. Adjt. Genl


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 13 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pickering, Timothy

[New York, June 13, 1799. On June 18, 1799, Pickering wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letter of the 13th.” Letter not found.]


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

Sir
New York June 14. 1799

I send you copies and extracts of letters from Colonels Taylor and Smith and from Major Willcocks. These shew that further advances of money will be speedily necessary and that there ought to be increased exertion in the business [of] the supplies.
It is my duty to observe that the dilatory and incomplete manner in which supplies are furnished, if not corrected, will quickly have an effect very disadvantageous and disreputable to the service. The Government will have the appearance in the eyes of the soldiery of want of means & of an indisposition to apply them. Either will lead to disrespect and discontent.
The accounts which I received promise a more rapid progress in the inlistment of men than was anticipated. It is probable that in several states the complement will be raised in two or three months. It will never answer to raise the men and suffer them to remain without cloathing arms or any other necessary equipment or supply. It should be reduced to certainty what can be done & if the supply is not likely to keep pace, it is best to arrest the recruiting; a measure however which if unavoidable will be very unfortunate and which it is not easy to suppose will be unavoidable if proper measures are pursued with diligence and energy.
The Pay of the men raised must also begin to be thought of. Men newly enlisted will look for punctuality and it is important that they should not be disappointed.
With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be   Sir Yr Hbe Servt
A H


Title: General Orders, 15 June 1799
From: Ellery, Abraham R.,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

New York June 15th 1799

A pretention having been raised by some of the Contractors, to issue either fresh or salt meat to the Troops at their discretion Major General Hamilton thinks it proper, to declear his Sence that this pretention is unfounded and without an Express declaration in the Contract that the option is reserved to the Contractor, it must be understood that it is reserved to the public, it is expected therefore except in situations which do not admit of it that fresh meat will be furnished five days in every week as the General rule, nevertheless the Commanding Officers of posts or Corps and Detacht are left at liberty to vary this propotion in such manner as may be most sattisfactory to those under their Command, and with reasonable accomodations to public Circumstances.

All letters either to Major General Hamilton or the Adjutant General or his assistant on matters relating to the service which pass though the post office are to be endorsed on public Service and with the name of the writer.
Abraham R. Ellery Asst Adgt Genl


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

Philadelphia, June 15, 1799. “Your observations relative to my agent for procuring supplies and the Superintendant are but too well founded. The last has so strong a supporter, that I cannot see when or how I am to get rid of him. As to the Purveyor, I have for some time been reconnoitring for an assistant to him whose talents and activity joined to mercantile knowledge would supply his defects. Jonathan Williams has appeared to me the best qualified, and I shall not lose a moment to induct him if he will accept of the appointment. The Quarter Master General who is now at Pittsburg ought to be here: He was permitted to go thither to make the necessary dispositions for the western army, and adjust some private business. I shall unless you chuse to do it, write by next post to expedite his return.…”


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

War Department, June 15, 1799. “I received by yesterdays mail, three letters of the 12, and by the mail of this morning, two letters of June 14th instant.… The idea is undoubtedly correct respecting the keeping an extra supply of Clothing at the remote posts. It is not unknown to you, that from circumstances which I could not controul, even the quantity of Cloathing necessary for the old establishment, was not procured last year; that from an absolute deficiency of White Cloth (for Vests and overalls) within the United States the Contracts for these articles utterly failed, and that the utmost exertions may not possibly do more than enable us to keep pace with the demand for the recruiting service now that the spring arrivals have furnished the materials. I shall exert all the authority and power I possess to equalize the supplies to our wants. I think it right that the Commandants of Regiments should be made acquainted with the circumstances which have and may yet occasion some temporary delays.… Money will always be forwarded for the recruiting service when called for and the pay of the recruits immediately transmitted after their pay and Muster Rolls are received; or if you require it a Sum of money on account will be lodged in the hands of the respective regimental Paymasters for this purpose to be applied after the Musters.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 15 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Private
New York June 15. 1799
Dear Sir

I wrote to you a few days since chiefly to inform you of the progress of the measures respecting the recruiting service & that the symptoms with regard to it were sufficiently promising. The accounts continue favourable.
I have just received a letter from General Wilkinson dated the 13 of April, in which he assures me that he will set out in the ensuing month for the seat of Government. The interview with him will be useful.
It strikes me forcibly that it will be both right and expedient to advance this Gentleman to the grade of Major General. He has been long steadily in service and long a Brigadier. This in so considerable an extension of the military establishment gives him a pretension to promotion.
I am aware that some doubts have been entertained of him and that his character on certain sides gives room for doubts. Yet he is at present in the service—is a man of more than ordinary talent—of courage and enterprise—has discovered upon various occasions a good zeal—has embraced military pursuits as a profession and will naturally find his interest as an ambitious man in deserving the favour of the Government; while he will be apt to become disgusted, if neglected and through disgust may be rendered really what he is now only suspected to be. Under such circumstances, it seems to me good policy to avoid all just ground of discontent and to make it the interest of the individual to pursue his duty.
If you should be also of this opinion, I submit to your consideration whether it would not be adviseable for you to express it in a private letter to the Secretary of War.
With great respect & Affection   I have the honor to be Dr Sir   Your obed servt
A Hamilton
General Washington


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

New York, June 16, 1799. States: “… the recruiting service … is … now in a course of execution in all the states from Massachusetts inclusively to Virginia inclusively. Thus the necessity of expedition in regard to the supplies becomes more & more urgent.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Sir
New York June 17. 1799

I have the honor of your letter of the 15 instant. The several points mentioned in it have been attended.
In the commencement of a new branch of service it is necessary for dispatch to wave the usual forms. Hence the omission of returns. But I shall speedily send you an exact statement of the various articles of supply requisite for each Regiment—and which from the accounts received it will be requisite to forward as speedily as shall be practicable.
I shall also mention what further supply of bounty money will be immediately requisite for certain Regiments, and I shall subjoin the result of my reflection on the subject of an advance of pay. The intention of my last was only to call your attention to this as an approaching object of expenditure.
With great respect etc.
The Secy of War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 17 June 1799
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, June 17, 1799. Encloses “a pamphlet on Fortification with six plates, and 122 pages of a Treatise on Artillery with twenty four Tables.” States: “the remainder of the latter Work shall be forwarded as soon as it can be obtained from the Printer.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Burbeck, 18 June 1799
From: Burbeck, Henry
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Michilimackinac [Territory Northwest of the River Ohio] June 18, 1799. “I had the Honour of receiving your letter of the 16th of February.… The Fort is a very irregular work without Bastions or out works is situated on an eminence which completely commands the Harbour and Village its an extensive work and will require Five Hundred Men to completely man it. When I took possession, it was in a total state of ruin not defenceable even against small Arms.… I have repaired all the Stone Walls which were in a very shattered condition and have built new ones where it was necessary, on these Walls I have an excellent range of nine feet Picketts which will be all completed in a short time. So that I can venture to say by the time this reaches you that this Garrison can be calculated on to be in a complete state of defence and repair.… The Indians who are numerous around this Post, by their Speeches and Actions appear perfectly friendly to the United States, and from every information I can obtain from the different Traders which have arrived from the Mississippi &c all is peaceable and friendly.”


Title: Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 18 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Commandants of Regiments

Circularto Lt Col Comr
New York June 18. 1799
Sir

Intimations have been in some instances given that more bounty money will quickly be wanted. The Secy of War will naturally expect that an application of this sort should be accompanied with some view of the progress of the recruiting. I am aware that it requires a little time to get into the train of exact returns—but it is necessary to require the transmission of information more or less correct and a summary of it must be communicated to me.
The form of a monthly return will soon be transmitted & then it will be expected that it will be regularly made.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Yr Obed ser.


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

Sir,
War Department18th June 1799

Officers have been appointed for six additional companies of cavalry. It is not however deemed expedient, at present, to enlist for, or mount the Cavalry.
I submit it, to your consideration, whether these Officers, may not be usefully, and properly employed, untill called into their appropriate service, by being attached to the Infantry companies, as well to assist in recruiting, as in training the men.
This measure would initiate the Cavalry officers, in the general principles of service, and prepare them to execute their duties, with facility, and correctness, with their own companies.
It will be recollected, that the twelve regiments of Infantry, and the six companies of Cavalry, authorized to be raised, and the former now raising, are additional to the existing military establishments—and that “An Act to ascertain, and fix, the military establishment of the United States” passed the 30th. May 1796 provides that the two companies of Light Dragoons, retained in service, shall do duty on horse or foot, at the discretion of the President of the United States.
If you approve of this measure, you will please to issue your orders to the Officers of Cavalry accordingly, and cause so many of them, and at such time as you may think proper, to be employed in the service of the Infantry.
I know objections may be made, but are they of sufficient importance, to prevent these officers, from being usefully employed and instructed, at present? and they are now recieving the pay and emoluments of their respective grades, without rendering any service whatever.
I am Sir   with great respect   Your obedient servant
James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton.


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

New York, June 18, 1799. Quotes an extract from Major Daniel Jackson’s letter of June 6, 1799, concerning the shortage of clothing and lack of money to pay recruits.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 18 June 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Department of StatePhilada June 18th 1799

Mr. Rozier presented yesterday, your letter of the 13th; and, agreeably to my appointment, he called this morning and exhibited his cypher, and comparing with it his cyphered letters to Mr. Talleyrand which were taken in the Astrea and transmitted to me from Gibralter, I found in every passage examined, an exact correspondence with those letters written in words, copies whereof he gave me to read. Their contents justify his assurances to you, that they exhibited nothing which could be construed into a design to injure the United States. The opinions he expressed of the state of parties and of the then recent elections to Congress, are such as might be expected from a French agent to his government, willing to please it with a representation of American affairs in relation to France as favourable to the latter as the information to be derived from French partisans, in news-papers, letters and conversations, would warrant; but the whole without any symptoms of acrimony or ill-will. I took the occasion to remark, That the French Government was encouraged to persevere in its hostile and pernicious designs against the United States by representations importing that they had numerous friends in this country, and perhaps a majority in the ensuing Congress, or if not, that the federal majority would be feeble, and consequently little efficient: adding that he could obtain from you more correct information.
I am with great respect &c
Timothy Pickering.


Title: Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 19 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Commandants of Regiments

Circular to Commanders
Sir
New York June 19. 1799

Inclosed is the form of a monthly return which you are to make to me pursuant to the XXXV of the “Rules and Regulations respecting the Recruiting Service.” It now becomes urgent that these returns shall be regularly made. They will govern my application to the Secy of War for provisions of money.
You will, consequently, enforce punctually in the returns which according to those Rules & Regulations must be the basis of that now prescribed. And you will be particularly attentive to procuring the regular transmission of all those Documents which are to regulate the accountability for money and other supplies.

As soon as Recruits shall reach the Regimental rendezvous they must be definitively mustered. This duty for the present must devolve upon you with the aid of Your Regimental surgeon. If none has been appointed, You must with the cooperation of the Contractor employ a capable Medical Man in his stead. And it is relied upon that this service will be executed with exemplary strictness. The disability of Rupture is found in experience to occur frequently. The Surgeon must inspect without ceremony wherever there may be latent defects. And all disqualified men, from whatever cause, must be instantly discharged; first taking fro⟨m⟩ them as far as practicable whatever they may have obtained fro⟨m⟩ the public by imposing themselves up⟨on⟩ its service.
No money after the arrival at the Regimental Rendezvou⟨s⟩ must be paid to a soldier till he shall have been there carefully examined & mustered.
With great consider⟨ation⟩   I am Sir Yr. obedient servt.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [19 June 1799]
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

private
[Philadelphia, June 19, 1799]
My dear Sir

I wrote a letter yesterday to the Secy. of the Navy respecting the propriety of being alert at our port, knowing that the French fleet is at sea, and the expediency of the measure suggested. Something will be done; but not much partly through want of means.
All these things help forward the army, and the army and the expences attending it, are not to all views equally desirable. The Secy. of the Navy has no objection to a few regts. but thinks the rest of the revenue would be better applied on the marine. I go on.
Yours


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

Philadelphia, June 19, 1799. “I received this morning your letter of the 17th instant. I have ordered two thousand dollars to be forwarded to the Paymaster of the 12 and an equal sum to the Paymaster of the 13th Regiment.… There has been also delivered to the Paymaster of the Tenth Regiment One thousand five hundred and forty four dollars and fifty cents.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 19 June 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon, June 19th: 1799

Your favour of the 7th instant, with its inclosures, has been duly received.
I am very glad to learn that the recruiting business, so far as it has been put in operation, succeeds agreeably to your wishes. It has commenced in Virginia, and I am informed that, in this vicinity (and I have no intelligence from the more distant parts of the State) its progress is very flattering. A supply of Cloathing would, however, promote this service even hereabouts; and unless it be furnished soon I am apprehensive it will languish, if not stop entirely.
I understand, by a letter which I received a few days since from General Pinckney, that the selection of Officers from No. & So. Carolina and Georgia, has been transmitted to the War Office. I hope, on every account, there will be no delay in completing this arrangement.
The disposition you have made of the Artillery Regiments is, I have no doubt, just and proper, and calculated to promote the good of the Service.
I thank you for the information from Mr. King. I have long believed that France owes the facility of her Conquests more to the Jealousy and want of cordial cooperation among the powers of Europe, whose interest it is to check her desolating Ravages, than to any exertions of her own, great as they may have been. It appears from every account (altho’ there is none so full and distinct as I could wish) that her Armies have not only been checked; but obliged to retreat. And her internal affairs do not seem to be in the best situation. Should these advantages be properly improved, I think the happiest effects may result from them.
With very sincere regard   I am, Dear Sir,   Your affecte & Obedt. Servt
Go: Washington
General Hamilton.


Title: General Orders, 20 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, June 20, 1799. On July 11, 1799, John J. U. Rivardi wrote to Hamilton: “I received also General orders of the 6th, 15th, & 20th. of June.” General orders of June 20, 1799, not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 20 June 1799
From: Heth, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Petersburg [Virginia] June 20, 1799. “Your most obliging favor of the 6th found me a day or two ago at the commencement of my spring harvest, the crop of which, I fear will not be very abundant. This kind answer, Tho has settled all my Jealousies, and made me happy. But you must really drop me a line now and then, merely to prove that you some times think of a man, who scarce lets a day pass without giving a glass to Alexander Hamilton. Yes, I ask this—notwithstanding I well know, how fully your time is occupied.… You must have heard ere this, of the death of our great Henry. In the loss of this wonderful man, America itself, hath received a deep wound. But, Virginia, unfortunate, distracted Virginia! hath received a blow, which she will long feel. The good, the virtuous, and the liberal minded of all classes, seem truly sensible of the severe stroke & shew much, & deep affliction; while some few of the Jacobin tribe, are found so lost to every sense of decency & humanity, as openly to express their pleasure at an event, melancholy in the extreme, & which at this crisis of American affairs, may truly be calld a national misfortune. But, what are not such degenerate, & contemptible wretches capable of? You have our last paper, to show how this misfortune has been mentioned here & in Richmond.… I should like to see this published in one of your papers embellished by you—in order to get into ours. If you approve of this, send me yr paper.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Hunewell, 20 June 1799
From: Hunewell, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Portland, District of Maine, June 20, 1799. On July 10, 1799, Hamilton sent to James McHenry “an Extract of a letter of the 20th June from Col: Hunewell.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 June 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] 20 June 1799

I received this morning from on board a vessel from London 4 set of military figures for the practice of tacticks one of which I send you for your amusement. It may be made a substitute for the game of chess.
There is a book which I would advise you to send to England for intitled the Officers manual in the field with 10 copper plates price in boards 15/Sg. It displays a series of military plans, representing the principal operations of a campaign, is a translation from a german work which was published at Berlin, under the auspices of General Czettiritz, & supposed to have been written a few years subsequent to the peace of 1763 in the reign of Frederick the 2d.
I shall order in a few copies and should you decline procuring one, send you one of them.
Yours truly
J McHenry


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Williams, 20 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Williams, Jonathan

[New York, June 20, 1799. “I have to thank you for your obliging attention to my request in transmitting the translations mentioned in your letter of the 17th. I shall peruse them with an eye to the claim of indulgence, which you prefer, though I am persuaded that you might safely have left them to pursue their fortune upon their intrinsic capital. The army is certainly indebted to you for the trouble you have taken.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 21 June 1799
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[London, June 21, 1799. Letter not found.]


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

War Department, June 21, 1799. “… I wish you … to direct … the Quarter Master of the 13th. 14th: and 15th: Regiments to send his order to Mr: Williams Storekeeper at Springfield for the articles to be drawn from thence for these Regiments.… It is expected that Muster Rolls will be made out and precede any disbursement of money to the recruits for their pay. If this is not done I apprehend considerable difficulties in settling the accounts of the Officers, in cases of desertion before Muster. If also the whole of the Bounty should be paid to the Recruit before joining his Regimental Rendezvous, it may occasion like difficulties. I pray you to attend to the 5th: Section of the Act for the better organizing of the Troops of the United States and for other purposes passed the 3rd March ulto: before issuing your orders relative to payments under these two heads. Agreeably to this Section the Officer who enlists a Recruit is not entitled to the compensation of two Dollars unless he stands muster, nor the Recruit to four dollars of the Bounty until he shall have joined the Army.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

[New York] June 21. 1799

I thank you My Dear Sir for the military figures you have sent me. Tactics you know are literally or figuratively of very comprehensive signification. As people grow old they decline in some arts though they may improve in others. I will try to get Mrs. Hamilton to accompany in games of Tactics new to her. Perhaps she may get a taste for them & become better reconciled to my connection with the Trade-Militant.
I will endeavour to get the Book you mention.
Adieu Yr
A H
In answer to a private letter long since received from you I ought to tell you that I am in the habit of writing to General Washington.

Secy of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 21 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, June 21, 1799. “The suggestion respecting the Cavalry in your letter of the 18th. instant leads to the supposition that the actual raising of the additional troops will be postponed for a considerable time. Though I have no doubt that powerful motives will have influenced this intention; yet I cannot but regret their existence; as well because the body of Cavalry provided for would promise signal utility in various ways, as because it is a corps which requires more time for instruction and preparation than the Infantry. It appears reasonable that the Officers of the Cavalry should render services for the emoluments they receive; but the plan of employing them out of their proper line is attended with very great difficulties. Nothing is more delicate than to contravene established prepossessions in an army; and there is none more fixed than the dislike of Officers of Cavalry to serve as Officers of Infantry except in extraordinary & temporary emergencies. Give me leave to offer to your consideration a middle course. Let one Troop be raised and mounted and the non commissioned Officers of the remainder be inlisted. Let these be stationed at some eligible point and let all the officers be collected there for instruction & exercise. In this situation it will be more manageable, if desireable, to detach them from time to time on Infantry service. The Tactics of both corps can be taught them together.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Macpherson, 21 June 1799
From: Macpherson, William
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia, June 21, 1799. “… With respect to the Volunteers it is certainly necessary some arrangement of them shou’d be made, and I suppose the proper mode is, to take the whole of the Troops of that description in the United States, and form them into Battns. Regiments, Brigades, and Divisions agreeably to their numbers. It would also perhaps be proper to make three or more districts, and appoint in each district some proper Character to whom the officers commanding the particular Corps shou’d be accountable. It is to be observed that in some instances it will be impossible without many great inconveniences, indeed injury, to collect the companies together owing to the remoteness of their situation. It will however still have a good effect their being formed into Corps, even if they shou’d never be collected—as the Officers will feel a degree of responsibility they perhaps might not—were they independent.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 21 June 1799
From: Stevens, Ebenezer
To: Hamilton, Alexander

New York, June 21, 1799. Encloses the “extract of a letter” from James McHenry concerning Joseph F. Mangin’s accounts, which reads: “When General Hamilton was here, we examined my letter to you, respecting the pay of the Engineer which you employed. He found it sufficiently explicit. You will receive from him an explanation which I hope will enable you to settle finally his Account.” Asks Hamilton to “give orders to make a settlement with” Mangin.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to David Strong, 21 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Strong, David

New York, June 21, 1799. “Yr. letter of the 7th of May I have received. There are several points in it which will be attended to in the conferences which will speedily be had with Genl. Wilkinson; in conjunction with whom the disposition of the Western Army will be revised.… The paragraphs of your letter respecting the supposed excessive issues of provisions have been communicated to the Secy. of War. As he has made no observation in reply, I presume he is satisfied. I cannot persuade myself that there exists at this time any serious disposition of hostility in the Indians; hence I have contented myself with communicating the information in your letter to Col: Hamtramck & leaving to his discretion to act upon it. My letter of the 22d. of May enables you to derive a reinforcemt. from Michilimacinac if indispensable.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Taylor, 21 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Taylor, Timothy

New York, June 21, 1799. “… In answer to your letter of the 8th Inst. There is no doubt that minors who have arrived at the age of eighteen and who are not Apprentices may and ought to be inlisted and retained in the service without the consent of any other persons.…”


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

New York, June 22, 1799. Encloses a letter from William S. Smith and suggests that it be forwarded to President Adams for his decision. States: “Let me recall to your mind the establishment of rules of promotion & especially the principle that when the field officers of the new Regiments are once appointed the Routine begins.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Stockton, 22 June 1799
From: Stockton, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Princeton [New Jersey] June 22, 1799. “The cause of Samuel & Miers Fisher agt Walter Rutherfurd and others is set down for Argument in the Circuit Court of the U S. for this district on the first day of October next. I am desired by the Complainants to inquire of you whether they may place dependence on your being at the Court to argue this important cause for them.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 23 June 1799
From: Ogden, Aaron
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Elizabeth Town [New Jersey] June 23, 1799. “… The success in recruiting in the several sub-districts, hes been exceedingly various, which may be ascribed in part to the different degrees of address or talent in that way, and of activity, in the recruiting Officers, in part to the good or ill disposition of the inhebitents toward the government and in part, to a went of Officers occesioned by vacancies and sickness—(the former cause has been removed, but we still have two officers who are invalid). In some instences all these causes have unhappily co-operated.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 23 June 1799
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Hingham [Massachusetts] June 23d 1799

I have visited Taunton, Dighton, & Sommerset for the purpose of selecting the most eligible spot for a regimental rendezvous; I am decidedly in favour of Sommerset: It not only embraces the objects which induced you to fix on that spot, but is besides a most healthy situation, in the neighbourhood of a fertile country, abounding with provisions and sufficiently retired, to afford ample opportunity, for training and disciplining a young regiment.
I have not yet received returns from the officers superintending districts, but I have reason to believe there are about one hundred recruits engaged. The service most certainly suffers for the want of officers, there are I believe ten or twelve vacances now in my regiment. I have directed my Quarter master to apply to Mr. Williams for the arms, & as soon as the Cloathing is compleated shall order the recruits to the district rendezvous, & from thence, when Tents arrive to the rendezvous of the regiment.
With the highest respect I am your obt Servt
N: Rice
Major Genl Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Callender Irvine, 24 June 1799
From: Irvine, Callender
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Carlisle [Pennsylvania] June 24, 1799. “I have received your letter of the 6th instant, covering a new set of Recruiting instructions.… I repeatedly reported to the Secretary of War last fall, that I could have enlisted many more men, indeed treble the number, if furnished with money & advice for that purpose. I never was informed what the establishment, was or is to be, nor how many men I should inlist.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 June 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
War Department,June 24. 1799.

Inclosed are certain regulations respecting the delivery of Fuel, Straw and Stationery, and Horses furnished to Officers. I wish you to consider them, and to offer such additional ones to, or alterations in those proposed as in your opinion may be proper. The last has been conceived necessary to check an evil which may grow to magnitude.
I request you particularly to determine how many Horses to the different Grades entitled to receive Forage from the public shall be allowed to each respectively. If this is not determined, a Lieutenant Colonel or Major may keep Six Horses, and draw forage for them all.
I have the honor to be,   with great respect, Sir,   Your obedt. servant,
James McHenry
Major GeneralAlexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 June 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department, June 24, 1799. “I received this morning your letter of the 21st: Instant. The remarks you have offered relative to the Cavalry are deserving of attention, and the course you propose which combines a temporary saving, with immediate employment for the Officers in a mode conformable to the constitution of this kind of Troops will be considered. I shall inform you of the result. I observe however that my present opinion is it will be best to adopt the mode you propose.…”


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

New York, June 24, 1799. Discusses duties and salary of Ebenezer Stevens. States: “The necessity of a more adequate organisation of our Departments of Military supplies (to which adequate compensation is an essential idea) presses more and more upon my conviction. The details of execution are extremely defective.” Gives examples of defects in supply system and concludes: “These are small samples of the continual succession of irregularities of which almost every new occurrence furnishes evidence.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 24 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
New York June 24th. 1799

I am advised by the Secy. of War that Mr. Williams Storekeeper at Springfield has been instructed to furnish to the Quarter master of your Regiment upon your order 680 stands of Arms and as many Gun worms. Mr. Williams is to have them transported to your Regimental Rendezvous if they have not been received, you will take measures to obtain them.
With great consideration   I am &cc


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Josias Carvel Hall, 25 June 1799
From: Hall, Josias Carvel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Havre de Grace [Maryland] June 25, 1799. “… Your order of the 15th explanatory of the Contractor’s agreement with the Secretary at War is very timely.… There are Complaints that the small Parts of Rations are not regularly supplied.… I was … much disappointed, when I arrived at Balt:, to find there was not an article of Quarter Master Stores, except Drums & Fifes & but a very partial Supply of Clothing. Tents & Kittles are much wanted. The Troops are generally but badly Quartered.…”


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

Private
New York June 25. 1799
My Dear Sir

I conclude from your letter by todays post, that your own opinion in regard to the raising of a Troop of horse is made up and that you only delay a determination from the necessity of a reference elsewhere. This is a point, which I have so much at heart that I should be sorry any thing should be risked about it. If you think there is the least danger of disappointment, I will write to the Commander in Chief to obtain for you the support of his ideas.
It is of very material consequence to have a Troop raised as a Stock on which to engraft a system of Tactics for the Cavalry. Hitherto it may be said we have had none. Improvements are going on in Europe; this particular arm is not brought to perfection even there—opinions are somewhat unsettled. It is very desireable to have an organ by which we can essay the various plans and upon which we can establish the model of a good system.
As to the two troops already raised, they ought to remain where they are. Another subject—
General Wilkinson is soon expected. I am strongly inclined to see him made a Major General. He has now had a great deal of experience—he possesses considerable military information—he has activity courage and Talents. His pretensions to promotion in every view are strong. If he should become disgusted without it, it would not be extraordinary.
Half-confidence is always bad. This officer has adopted Military life as a profession. What can his ambition do better than be faithful to the Government if it gives him fair play?
Yrs. Affecly
A Hamilton
Jas. McHenry


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 June[–1 July] 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, June 25 [–July 1] 1799. Summarizes the contents of “letters … from Major Rivardi, at Niagara,” which “contain very unpleasant representations of the state of things at that post.” Describes steps taken to meet some of Rivardi’s complaints. States: “It appears by the statement of which a copy is enclosed that debts have been contracted for purposes of the garrison to the amount of 727 Dollars & 91 Cents. I would advise that besides money for the pay of the troops 1200 Dollars be sent to discharge the debts & the surplus to form a small military chest, which at such very remote points is peculiarly requisite. This fund may among other things be usefully employed as bounties in the reinlistment of soldiers whose time of service shall have expired & in the recovery of Deserters, which must always occasion expence. You will observe that part of the debt now due is for extra pay to soldiers who have performed services in the Quarter Master Department.” Also states: “Major Rivardi strongly recommends Enoch Hunt for the place of Cadet. On the credit of the character he has given of this person I shall be glad to see a confirmation.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 26 June 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

private & confidential
[Philadelphia] 26 June 1799
My dear Sir.

I find from frequent and repeated conversations that we have not been able to remove any one of the prejudices entertained by the Secretary of the treasury against the augmentation of the army: that he thinks, or seems to think, that the means of resources of the U. S. which can be called forth without annual loans, are inadequate to the expenditures required for the support of the army and navy, consequently that some part of the one or the other must soon be suspended or dropped; and that he even contemplates a statement of facts relative to our means to the President. I regret all this from the bottom of my soul, feeling as I do how much, our peace, honour & respect at home and abroad depends upon the permanency of our little army. I continue in the course which I had prescribed to, myself, determined to intermit or suspend indispensible measures only, when officially informed of its being no longer in the competency of the treasury means to support them, or answer the requisite demands. The Secy tells me, that notwithtstanding his opinion about the army, he will not do any thing to prejudice his friends or the public against it. I reason in all forms I can think of, and have thought it proper to keep throwing into Fenno paragraphs tending to shew the necessity of an army.
I know not how all this is to end. It will be mortifying if we have to retrograde altho under an act of Congress. I considered it necessary to apprise you of the state of opinions here, and to request your aid to the Eastward to keep up a due sense of the propriety of the measure among our friends in that quarter. The Secy of State thinks right, at least I have seen no indications to the contrary.
Mr Goodrich has the following paragraph in a letter I recd. from him this morning: “The recruiting service is proceeding successfully in this State; The sooner the troops can be withdrawn from Towns, embo[d]yed, disciplined and employed, the less speculation will be excited about the army.”
I think the plan heretofore recommended ought to be attended to. I mean to hasten the recruits to their respective regimental rendesvouses.
Your affectionate
J McH


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

New York, June 26, 1799. “In consequence of the reference to me by the Secy. of War in the letter which you shewed me, respecting Mr. Mangin’s compensation, I give it as my opinion that you pay him the four Dollars per day for the times of his employment which you have heretofore stated to me.… You have informed me that at the time of employing Mr. Mangin you promised him compensation at the above rate. I consider the public faith as engaged to comply with the promise, and the good of the service as interested in the compliance.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 June 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
War Department27th June. 1799

I enclose a copy of a Letter to me, from John King, the Contractor for District No. 2 including the Counties of Essex, and Morris, in the State of New Jersey, relative to an order issued by you, on the 15th. instant, directing the Contractors, to issue fresh meat to the military. five days in each week; together with a Copy of my answer, and an extract from the particular contract with Mr. King.
You will perceive, that I consider the alternative, or kind of ration permitted by Law, to form the ration for the troops, to be at the discretion, and choice of the Superior or Commanding Officer only, who may issue his orders accordingly, and this for very substantial reasons, as I conceive. A meaning can certainly, niether be given to the Law, nor the Contracts, which will subject the soldiers, to be fed with the most unwholsome provisions, of the kind permitted, in the different seasons.
I am Sir   with great respect   your obedt servant
James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 June 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Private & Confidl.
June 27th 1799

My dear Sir. I answer to yours (just rcd.) of the 25th inst.
It will be agreeable to me to see a troop of horse completely organised, that we may ascertain, as far as it is practicable, with so small a model, the improvements of which cavalry are yet susceptible. You may write therefore an official letter on the subject proposing it, and request my final directions. I shall give them.
General W. has certainly claims to promotion, and so far as it respects myself I shall not oppose it. It will be proper however, that General Washington be consulted before the least step be taken in the business. Your maxim is in general a good one: Half confidence is bad. Of this however be assured that until the commercial pursuits of this gentleman with, and expectations from Spain are annihilated, he will not deserve the confidence of government. Further I recommend it to you most earnestly to avoid saying any thing to him which would induce him to imagine government had in view any hostile project, however remote or dependent on events, against any of the possessions of Spain. I require this caution on good grounds.
Your affecy
J McHenry
Gen Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York June 27. 1799

It is a pity, My Dear Sir, and a reproach, that our administration have no general plan. Certainly there ought to be one formed without delay. If the Chief is too desultory, his Ministers ought to be the more united and steady and well settled in some reasonable system of measures.
Among other things—It should be agreed what precise force should be created naval and land, and this proportioned to the state of our finances. It will be ridiculous to raise troops and immediately after to disband them. Six ships of the line & twenty frigates and sloops of war are desireable—more would not now be comparatively expedient. It is desireable to complete and prepare the land force which has been provided for by law. Besides eventual security against invasion, we ought certainly to look to the possession of the Floridas & Louisiana—and we ought to squint at South America.
Is it possible that the accomplishment of these objects can be attended with financial difficulty? I deny the possibility. Our Revenue can be considerably reinforced. The progress of the Country will quickly supply small deficiencies, and these can be temporarily satisfied by loans—provided our loans are made on the principle that we require the aliment of European Capital & that lenders are to gain and their gains to be facilitated not obstructed.
If all this is not true our situation is much worse than I had any idea of. But I have no doubt that it is easy to devise the means of execution.
And if there was every where a disposition without prejudice and nonsense to concert a rational plan I would chearfully come to Philadelphia and assist in it. Nor can I doubt that success may be ensured.
Break this subject seriously to our friend Pickering. His views are sound and energetic; and try together to bring the other Gentlemen to a consultation. If there is every where a proper temper & it is wished send for me & I will come.
Yrs truly
A H
Js. McHenry Es


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 27 June 1799
From: Rivardi, John J. U.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Niagara [New York] June 27, 1799. Encloses “a Map of river Miami, also a plan of The Fort of the Same Name.” States: “My health is I hope perfectly restored & as the fever has left me I trust soon to recover my usual Strength.” States that he is willing to remain at Niagara throughout the winter. Maintains that “a public Vessel on this lake … would I am Sure prove œconomical in the end.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 28 June 1799
From: Ogden, Aaron
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Elizabeth Town [New Jersey] June 28, 1799. “In order to fulfill your request, I have been casting about, for a character, to be recommended to you, as suitable for your secretary, and, now, beg leave to mention to you Mr Thomas Y. How of Trenton, as a Candidate well-worthy of your consideration.… Mr How has received a liberal education, at Princeton college, and has been lately admitted to the practice of the Law in New-Jersey.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 30 June 1799
From: Parker, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Winchester [Virginia] June 30, 1799. “… We have enlisted nearly Two hundred men for the 8th Regt many of whome are almost naked & extreamly dissatisfied with their Situations, as we were taught to believe that the cloathing would be ready to dress them as soon as they were enlisted. only a small Supply of Hats Shirts & Shoes have yet come to hand. I Beg Sir that you will exert your Influence to have the Residue sent on without delay as I fear the withholding of them much longer will put a Total Stop to the Recruiting service & Create great uneasiness amongst those men who are already enlisted.… I have been obliged to Borrow money for the Recruiting Service.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Pasteur, 30 June 1799
From: Pasteur, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Fort Massac, Territory Northwest of the River Ohio, June 30, 1799. In a letter to James McHenry on August 22, 1799, Hamilton referred to a “letter of the 30 of June from Massac from Capt Pasteur.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 1 July 1799
From: Hamtramck, John F.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Duplicate.
Fort Wayne [Territory Northwest of theRiver Ohio], July 1st [Detroit, July 18], 1799.
Sir

I have to acknowledge your Letters, of the 9th, 12’th and 23’rd of May, with their several inclosures, to which, I shall devote my particular attention, they all came to hand on the 27th Ultimo. The Object of the Indian boundary line, is so much forwarded that Mr Ludlow, Deputy Surveyor will be at Lormies on the 10th Instant. I have this information from the Governor; in consequence of which, I have directed an Escort of an Officer, One Serjeant, One Corporal, and fifteen Men from Fort Washington. I cannot for the present inform you, why there was nothing done last Year, Mr. Ludlow who has been the Executive Officer in this business, can possibly give the reason; I have wrote to him on the Subject, as also to the Surveyor General, but I am induced to believe that no defect will be found on the part of the Military as I never heard that any application has been made for an Escort, since the first Year, at which time, One was furnished.
The Orders respecting the Indian Department are sent to all the Posts, and will relieve the Military from a great deal of trouble.
The extent of the Command of the Western Country, which perhaps comprehends not less than Sixteen or Seventeen Degrees of Latitude, is so extensive, that it is almost impossible for the Commanding Officer to Ascertain a correct State of the different Garrisons, without the Assistance of an Agent. Due credit should no doubt be given to Monthly Reports and to the different Statements made, but, I conceive, that an Officer Visiting himself the extent of his Command, is always conducive to the Interest of the Nation, and to the promotion of Discipline, and on that fixed principle, and as there is no immediate cause that claims my presence to any particular point, I have determined to Visit in Person as many of the Northern Garrisons, as the Season, and the Circumstances will Admit; and have commissioned Major Hunt, to Visit those of the Southward, as far as the Chickasaw Bluff: The Reason why I have not ordered the Major, to go farther down, is, that General Wilkinson having lately left the other Posts, Superceeds the Necessity of an inspection on my part. The Major has Orders to examine into the State of the different Fortifications, to see with his own Eyes all Public property appertaining to the different Departments, and whether the Quantity and Quality agrees with the Returns, and to examine strictly into the Quality of the Ammunition, Arms, and any other Ordnance Stores. To inculcate the principles of rigid economy, in all Issues and Expenditures, by observing to every Commandant of Posts that the Nation will probably be under the Necessity of entering into an Expensive War, to examine into the State of Magazines or other Stores, the kind of Provision whether good or bad, the State of the Barracks and what Reparations are wanted, to Inspect and Exercise the Troops, and strictly to examine into their Police, and to see that all duties are done with precision, to examine strictly, if General Wilkinson’s standing Orders are attended to, to correct all unmilitary conduct, or irregularities, that may have crept into Service, and to receive any cause of complaint if any existed: The whole of which to be faithfully Reported to me; I have been led to take this step, the more so, as I had received good information that a certain Garrison was far from being in Order, but this communication was made me at a time when I had no Authority to interfere; the Posts being independent of each other.
I shall immediately go to Detroit, Visit Michilimacanac, and be back to Detroit by the middle of next Month, and if on my return to Detroit, (to which I shall direct any letters for me to come,) I find no Official communication, which will induce me to counteract my present intention, I shall then proceed to Presque Isle and Pittsburgh.
Inclosed are the Returns of the Garrison, a Copy of my first Order to the Western Army, and also of my last Letter to Governor St. Clair, by which you will see, that some Indians have been killing, and that the Turtle a Miami Chief, who is the Oracle of the Indians is much dissatisfied with the White People.
It is a painful task Sir, that in my first Official Letter I should trouble you with Grievances, but as the Parent and the first Agent of the Regiment I have the honor to Command, I am bound to represent its lawful Claim. The case is this, when the Commission of Commissary General of Issues ceased, the Officers and Soldiers of my Regiment were in possession of a large Number of Due bills, for Rations and Component parts of Rations; all the Regiments were then settled with except the first, this injustice has fallen particularly heavy on me, who in the undoubted expectation, that the first Regt. would be paid as well as the others, Order’d my Quarter Master to purchase half Gaiters for the Men on my Credit, and to have me secur’d by the Mens Due Bills; I once wrote to Mr. Day the Depty Coms’y Genl., who had settled with the other Troops, and his Answer was that if he had any Public Money or Property on hand, that he would settle with the Regiment, but had nothing left. I once laid the matter before General Wilkinson, who I know laid it before the Secretary at War, but I believe Received no Answer, or if he did was the Unsatisfactory, this is humbly laid before you for consideration.)
I have the honor to be,   With every Sentiment of Respect,   Sir, Your Most Obedt., and   Very Humble Servt.

J F Hamtramck
Major Genl. Hamilton.

P. S. We are told, that some Laws and Regulations Relative to the Army, took place last Session of Congress; but nothing Official has yet come to hand. I shall also be Oblig’d to you to inform me, whether the Provisions issued to the Indians by the Governor or Superintendent, is to be taken into the Monthly Abstracts of the Garrison, by its Commanding Officer.

J F H
Detroit July 18th. 1799.

NB. The Returns of the Garrison are not inclosed the Copy of them being left at Fort Wayne, and this Duplicate being sent from Detroit.


Title: Enclosure: John Cole Mountflorence to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney 12 March 1799
From: Mountflorence, John Cole
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth

Sir,
The Hague March 12th 1799

In my letter to the Secry of State of the 9th instant, I communicated the positive intelligence, I had from Paris, that the Consul there & Mr. Barlow, had individually written to the French Directory, praising their wise & prudent conduct towards the U States, & recommending that a Minister be immediately sent to America to adjust matters, & thereby to be beforehand with the President. They recommend particularly, that this person should have manifested even before the French Revolution, if possible, Republican principles, & done some great service to America.
I smell in this, a double intrigue of crafty Talleyrand, & I believe you will be of my opinion, when I inform you, that La Fayette, has been in this country for some weeks, with an intention of going to America—That he has letters from Talleyrand advising him strongly to it, and buoying him up with his canting flattery; that a man of his talent respectability &c. could be of infinite service in settling matters between the two Nations; & sounding his disposition to that effect.
Now the two Letter writers may, possibly, not be informed of the views of Talleyrand, as to the Person, he wishes to be intrusted by the Directory, but it appears evident that he did insinuate to the Writers the manner in which they should word their Addresses which corresponds exactly with the person in question. Another difficulty occurs however, respecting the predicament, this gentleman stands in, as to the laws of France. This can only be remedied by making use of him as an unqualified Agent, & assuring him, should he accomplish in America, what he would be recommended to do, he would be restored to his former situation, in part only, in his own country. Trusting to what popularity, & influence this character may still retain in the U States, especially among the people, Talleyrand expects that on his arrival, he would be courted, flattered & cherished, by the Democrats & Antis, & as he has always been made a tool of by designing & tricky men who knew how to play on his foibles, Talleyrand may have strong reasons to think, that the presence of such a man among us, if properly made use of, would add great strength to the declining party, & bring about events, which would embarrass our Government. Pains will be taken by all the friends of Administration, on this side of the Water, previous to his sailing to enquire into his dispositions, & to be further informed of what may still pass between him & Talleyrand, & every effort will be made to open his eyes to the danger of the character he is sollicited to act in America, which if he accepts it will undoubtedly terminate in the loss of his credit, reputation, & influence together with the loss of the friendship & esteem of the worthy persons, who, took his misfortunes, so much at heart. I have had myself, some conversations with his intimates, on the subject, & you will be duly informed of the Result of our endeavors, & of what further will be done in that business.
Young Dupont will certainly sail soon for Philadelphia, as also Dupuzy, who with his family is looking out for a passage.
with great respect & e——
The Hon’ble Genl Pinckney


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Adlum, 2 July 1799
From: Adlum, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Reading [Pennsylvania] July 2, 1799. “I arrived here on the 29th. Ult. and assumed the Command of the detachment at this place.… Since my arrival at this place I have been at some pains to get information from persons of trust Citizens of this place, and it is very generally their opinion that to take away a part of the troops from this place would have a bad effect, that they ought rather to be augmented to make them have that impression necessary to keep the Country in order. In consequence of the above opinions I have determined to decline sending a detachment for the present to Easton, untill I hear further from you, being of opinion myself it would have a bad tendency, to send off a part of the force from this. And if I understand your letter right, you give me a discretionary power to that effect.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 2 July 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
War Department 2nd July 1799

You will find by copies of the several contracts for the garrisons under your command (with which you have been furnished), compared with the returns of troops in garrison, at which of them it will be proper to provide for the issues of the provisions by an officer appointed and paid by government.
The late Major General Wayne was instructed by me, by letter dated 25th June 1796, as follows “As Mr O Hara is only to deliver to the army in the quantities and at such posts as you may direct, it will be necessary that a qualified person should be appointed at each post, to receive the rations and issue them to the troops.”
“The business of issuing, it is thought, may be conducted by subaltern officers; you will therefore appoint one for each post (where the Contractor is not bound to issue) with an extra monthly pay graduated from 8 to 20 Dollars according to the number of troops to be supplied.”
I expect this arrangement has been regularly carried into effect. You will, however, now, and from time to time, make all appointments, in conformity with the said instructions whereever necessary.
It will, perhaps appear to you, that as each Garrison has an officer, who is charged with the Quarter Masters stores and cloathing, the same person may also be charged with the issuing of the provisions. I mean such Garrisons as are without a regiment Quarter Master.
I am Sir   with respect   your obedient Servant
James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton


Title: Enclosure: [Rank and Promotion Rules in the Army], [2 July 1799]
From:
To:

The following Rules have been adopted by the president of the United States relative to Rank and promotion in the Army.
Rank
The Field Officers of the Twelve Regiments of Infantry raised in pursuance of the Act of the 16th. July 1798 who served in the Regular Army during the late War and continued therein to the end thereof shall take rank of all others of the same Grade who were not in Service or who were deranged in pursuance of any Resolution of Congress—their relative rank with each other to be the same as at the end of the War.
Those Officers who have been deranged in pursuance of any Resolution of Congress to take rank next after those who continued to the expiration of the War—their relative Rank with each other to be agreeably to their respective Grades and dates of Commission.
Provided always that Colonels who were deranged shall take rank of Lieutenant Colonels who served to the end of the War—Lieutenant Colonels of Majors—Majors of Captains &ca. Officers who have served in the Army or Levies since the peace and have been disbanded shall take Rank next after the Officers deranged during the late War.

Resignations shall preclude all claim to Rank.
The Rank of those Officers who have not been in Service shall be determined by the Commander in Chief.
Promotions
The Captains and Subalterns in the Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry shall rise regimentally to the rank of Major inclusive. Promotions from the Rank of Major to that of Lieutenant Colonel shall be in the line of the Army—provided however that the said promotions in the Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry shall be confined to their respective lines.
On a Vacancy happening the Senior Officer of the next inferior Grade in ordinary cases shall be considered as the most proper person to fill the same. But in cases of extraordinary merit, Officers altho’ not senior in rank may be appointed to fill vacancies.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 July 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Sir
New York July 2d. 1799

I beg leave to recall your attention to the suggestion contained in my letter of the 21st. of June, respecting the raising mounting and equipping of one of the Six additional troops of Horse together with the Non commissioned Officers of the other Troops—and to request your final direction on the subject.
The service of the Cavalry in this Country has never been but imperfectly understood. Even in Europe ideas about the formation and tactics of that species of troops appear to be less well settled than about the other branches of Military Service. It is in my opinion very important to possess the means of making an experiment of the different principles in order to the formation of a good system adapted to the Geographical circumstances of the Country. For this purpose alone a Small body of Cavalry is indispensable.
With great respect &c.
Secy. of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Y. How, 3 July 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: How, Thomas Y.

Sir
New York July 3. 1799

It gave me pleasure to learn from Col Ogden that it would probably not be incompatible with your views or inclination to accept the appointment of Secy to the Inspector General. I regret that this place will at present offer to you only the pay & emoluments without the rank of Captain. It will be my endeavour to render it more advantageous but of the success of that endeavour I cannot be certain.
In saying this to you, which I think necessary by way of information, I do not forget that the motives which may induce your acceptance will have a character far more laudable than can arise from considerations of recompence. I trust they will not miss their aim; while on my part I anticipate real advantages from your talents & work.
With great esteem   I am sir   Yr Obed Ser
Thomas Y Howe Es


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 3 July 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ogden, Aaron

Dr. Sir
New York July 3. 1799

I thank you very much for your attention to my request respecting a Secretary. The testimony of Mr Stockdon & yourself would be decisive as to Mr Howe had not information from other quarters prepossessed me extremely in his favour. The enclosed letter offers him the place; have the goodness to forward it without delay.
How would the idea suit you and him of an appointment to a second Lieutenancy in your Regiment? It would increase his advantages among the rest & put him in a course of military promotion. I am aware it is not within the system & would so far mutilate your regiment. But perhaps I may surmount the obstacle from the first consideration & I thought that your friendship for Mr. Howe might dispose you to some sacrifice for his benefit.
Yrs. truly
A H
Col Ogden


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 3 July 1799
From: Parker, Thomas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Winchester [Virginia] July 3, 1799. “… Our Cloathing has not yet arrived which appears unaccountable as I am credably informed that the officers in maryland have received their proportions. My Duty has prevented me from making application in any other way than By letter. I trusted however that no preference would be given to personal applications that might be made by those who were nearer the seat of Government & I hope that a stop will be put to the dissatisfaction that prevails among officers and Soldiers by a Speedy arrival of the Cloathing.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 3 July 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Balise, Mouth of the Mississippi, July 3, 1799. “I reached this place the 30th. Ultimo where we are detained for a Wind to pass the Bar.… Immediately after my Arrival At New Orleans, I droped you a line by a Sloop, bound directly to New York, and I send this by the Schooner two Brothers bound to Baltimore. I am on Board the Willm. of Charlestown bound to London, to touch at the Port of your residence.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 July 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, July 6, 1799. Quotes from Colonel Thomas Parker’s letter of June 30 concerning lack of clothing for recruits and states: “If any thing remains to be done to accelerate the arrival of the Cloathing I pray that it may be done and that inferior considerations may give way to the necessity of preserving contentment among the troops and maintaining in their eyes the justice and respectability of the Government. This circumstance leads me to observe that if there be not an absolute certainty that the supply of cloathing will henceforth keep pace with the progress of recruiting it is better to suspend it than to suffer a number of men to be brought together to contract disgust & discredit the public operation.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 6 July 1799
From: Ogden, Aaron
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir.
Elizabeth Town [New Jersey] July 6 1799

The intervention of the 4th. of July and the Affairs of the Society of Cincinnati having occupied the day succeeding, have delayed my answering yours respecting the appointment of Mr. How to a second Lieutenancy in the 11th. regiment. I beg you to be assured that the measure proposed, will be to me perfectly agreeble, and I have accordingly in my letter to Mr Howe enquired of him whether such an appointment as you have proposed for him in the line would be acceptable.
With the most respectful attachment   I am Dr Sir.   your mo. ob. servt
Aaron Ogden
Major General Alexander Hamilton


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

War Department, July 8, 1799. Discusses Major John J. U. Rivardi’s account of conditions at Fort Niagara. Refers to McHenry’s letter of July 2, 1799, concerning former quartermasters. States that Rivardi disbursed extra pay for extra work and points out that such payments should not be given “for procuring supplies or performing work in the ordinary line of a soldiers duty.…” Encloses quotations from a British work on military finance that present new ideas for “establishing a scale of extra allowance for extra service….” Promises to attend to Enoch Humphrey’s application for an appointment as a cadet. Notes that measures are in progress for establishing a military academy.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 July 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Sir
New York July 8. 1799

I have considered the rules transmitted in your letter of the 2d. instant relative to rank & promotion.
They appear to me founded on just principles nor do I know that they can be improved. I will however present to your consideration some observations on two or three points.

It seems to me questionable whether the preference given to full Colonels of the deranged Officers over Lt Col Comts., who served to the end of the War be expedient. It is making that a matter of substance of which was purely nominal. The grade of Lt Col Commandant was in our system to all purposes of service & promotion equal to that of Colonel. And the general principle of preserving officers who served to the end of the War seems to be as applicable to this particular as to any other.
It is desireable to exempt a military commander from the exercise of a discretion in personal matters which may expose him to the supposition of favouritism. It is possible the Commander in chief may not like to be charged with that which is proposed to be conferred upon him; though he could have no objection to aid the determination of the President with all requisite information.
Perhaps the clause may with advantage be altered to stand thus:
“The relative Rank of officers who have not been in service will be determined by the President. The commander in Chief will report to him their names with such information as he may deem proper.”
The last clause will I think be more accurate, if altered into this form.
“On the happening of a vacancy, the officer next in rank will in ordinary cases be considered as the most proper person to fill the same. But this rule is considered as subject to exceptions in extraordinary cases.”
It will be useful also in my opinion to add a clause to this effect—
In promotions to the several ranks of generals, The officers of Cavalry Artillery & Infantry will be considered as eligible indiscriminately or without distinction of one Corps from another.
To confine the Officers of Artillery and Cavalry to their particular corps with appointments of General Officers is to render the chance of promotion unequal, and to discourage in the several classes of Officers the study of all the branches of Tactics. The contrary principle will have a contrary effect; and though it is rarely to be expected that an officer of Cavalry or infantry will be competent to the service of the Artillery, yet nothing is more easy than for the officers of those corps to be acquainted with the tactics of each, and an officer of Artillery can without difficulty make himself Master of the Tactics of the Cavalry & Infantry. The plan of an indiscriminate choice will also increase the chances of having qualified Generals.

And if the idea itself be approved it is expedient to prepare the army to expect its application by ingrafting it in the system of Promotion.
With great respect   I have the honor to be sir
The Secy of War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 8 July 1799
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear General
Hingham [Massachusetts] July 8th 1799

Your several favours of the 18th. 19th. & 24th. ulto. I have received. I have sent my Quarter Master to Springfield for the arms & have directed him to distribute them to the several companies at their rendesvous, many of which are in the vicinity of Springfield, & will save thereby considerable expence to the public for transportation to the regimental rendesvous. I do not yet find that any provision is made in this quarter for cartridge boxes, pray Sir how shall I obtain them? Knapsacks must be immediately necessary for the soldiers, if such could be had as would keep out the rain, being covered by some kind of skin dressd with the hair in, they would be very much preferable to painted canvass; I think in the end, by their durability they would be cheapest to the public. Canteens will be also wanted, if they are not provided already I think I can procure them cheaper where I live, than they can be obtained in any other place, as that kind of business employs most of its inhabitants. Would it not be best to have a set of Tent poles, provided, made of such wood as would be light for transportation, & in such a manner, as would prevent them injuring the Tents by pitching.
Perhaps Sir there may be an impropriety in addressing these enquiries to you, a conviction of which very forcibly impresses my mind—but Mr Jackson the Supervisor who appears in some instances to be acting, in the department to which these things belong, is destitute of authority & Instructions in many points, & will not act without them. I knew not therefore to whom I am to make application, & pray you to excuse my addressing them to you.
The Hats, as you suggested might, have arrived without cockades; I applied to the Supervisor, he had no instructions, & could not supply them—agreeable to your directions, I have contracted for a sufficient number for the regiment at eight Cents each, a sample of which I have seen. they are well made. The Tin Eagles I have also engaged, for a Cent & half each.
I have received the form of the monthly return, a copy of which I have put into the hands of the commanding officer of each company. I expect to be able to transmit you my monthly return in the course of next week.
You may be assured Sir, the most exemplary strictness shall be had in scrutinising into the state of the recruits on the definitive Muster of them, at the regimental rendezvous. As a caution to my officers I have informed them, that every disqualification for the service which shall be discovered, in a recruit, at this scrutiny, which existed at the time of his inlistment, & which it was in the power of the officer inlisting him to have known—He will be held responsible for; & for all monies he shall have paid him.
General Lincoln has inform’d me that a Mr. Francis Barker who has received letters recomendatory of him, for an appointment, needed an expression of my wishes & approbation only, in order to his meeting with success in his application. I had written at his desire to the Secretary of War in his favour & I can only now say that I believe him to be a deserving young man & would make a good Subaltern officer.
With every expression of esteem   I have the honor to be   Your Most obt Servant
N: Rice


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

New York, July 9, 1799. “I have the honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your letter of yesterday with the list of some new appointments, in the 7th, 8 & 9 Regts which will be communicated to the respective commandants.… On this subject of Cadets it may be proper to fix some rule. I doubt the present expediency of appointing more than two to each Regiment of Infantry. But it is believed to be expedient to appoint the full number allowed in the corps of Artillerists.… A letter from Capt S Morris of the 7 instant has the following paragraph ‘I must take the liberty of repeating to you the necessity of a supply of Cloathing to this Garrison. Some of the men of the infantry are actually almost naked.’ This passage speaks itself the urgency of the demand. I think Col Stevens informed last Evening that he had written ⟨for⟩ a supply of cloathing for the garrisons in this vicinity ⟨and⟩ received for answer that there were none in store. These deficiencies in a time of peace with such a hand⟨ful⟩ of troops to be supplied are greatly to be lamented.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 9 July 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Schuyler, Philip

[New York, July 9, 1799. On July 15, 1799, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton and referred to “Your letter of the 9th Instant.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 July 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
War Department10th July 1799

I enclose you Copies of a letter from J Jackson Esqr. Supervisor at Boston, with my indorsement of reference, to the accountant of this Department, and of the Accountants answer, or report, dated the 6th instant.
The difficulties you will percieve, are almost daily occurring in the Accountants Office, relative to settlements for quarter Master’s supplies, by Contractors, or agents, and for repairs of barracks &c, ordered by Commandants of Posts, induce me, to request, you will report, as soon as convenient, on the regulations, submitted to you, in my letter of the 24t June ultimo.
You will be pleased to add, whatever may appear necessary, to make the regulations apply as much as possible, to all Quarter Masters supplies and to extend them, if proper, so as to give a suitable latitude to, but define the extent of authority in Commandants of Posts, on the subject of repairs for barracks, hospitals, the building of expensive barges &c.
I wish also to call your attention to two subjects which have been presented for decision, one in a letter from Major General Pinckney of the 22d June ulto relative to allowances, to the Servants of Officers, who are entitled to servants, but which servants are not soldiers. The General had been applied to, by Major Freeman, now commanding at Fort Johnson in South Carolina, who stated that his two servants are not taken from the line, that he had not drawn provisions from the Contractors for them for fourteen months, and requested to be permitted to receive the same allowance for them, from the United States as he should have received had he taken them from the line. The General cites a resolve of Congress of the 11th March 1780, which allows clothing, pay, and rations to any Officer entitled to a servant, who shall bring into the field with him a servant of his own: the Officer in such case, not to be allowed a servant out of the line; observes that he does not know accurately, whether this resolve is acted upon at present, but adds that General Wilkinson in his orders of the 3d. June 1797, allows Officers, who provide themselves private servants and do not take them from the line, to draw subsistence for them. Under the impression that such an allowance would be beneficial to the service Major Freeman has been permitted to draw subsistence for his servants, from the 19th June ulto until my decision is known. Since this Subject has presented itself it may require a general regulation, or order. Before however such regulation or order can be formed, it is necessary to settle what officers are or shall be entitled to servants, and whether any officer shall be entitled to more than one.
The other respects, the drawing of provision for the Children of the Army, which Colonel Hamtramck informs me, is authorised by a General Order, and greatly encreases the issues.
On both these subjects of reference, I request your deliberate opinion.
I had omitted to mention that Lieutenant Leonard, for undertaking to order repairs to the Hospital and Officers Quarters on Bedloe’s Island, and more especially to expend Public monies, without your authority, and when an Agent of the war Department was present, whose duty it is to superintend such civil operations, must be considered as highly reprehensible.
I am Sir   with great respect   your obedient servant
James McHenry
Major General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 July 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
War department 10 July 1799

I received your letter of the 6. of July containing a paragraph from a letter from Colonel Parker, by which it appears that his supply of Clothing had not then arrived except some hats and shoes.
The articles in the annexed list No. 1. which comprehends the whole of your requisition left this City as appears by a note made on it by the Assistant Quarter Master General on the 29. May and June 22d. and 29. The distance from hence to Winchester is 192 miles the last parcel therefore ought to have got to hand yesterday. A Warrant has issued for the money required for Col. Parker and will be transmitted by the first mail.
I think with you that if the supply of Cloathing will not henceforth keep pace with the progress of recruiting, it is better to suspend it, than to suffer a number of men to be brought together to contract disgust and discredit the public operations.
It may be proper in reviewing this subject to attend to the following circumstances
1. That the Contract for supplying cloathing for the last year failed in consequence of there not being in the United States a sufficiency of white Kersey for vests and overalls.
2d. That no person could be found to contract to furnish the Cloathing for the present year (to include the additional army) from a well founded belief that a sufficiency of white and blue Cloths for the purpose could not be procured within the United States in season to have enabled them to have completed their Contract before late in the Autumn or beginning of Winter.
3. That a considerable proportion of the Cloth was not obtained till after the arrival of the spring vessels, it not being previous thereto within the United States.
It is presumed these causes will account satisfactorily, and without calling in any others, for the seeming delay that has occurred in furnishing the cloathing required to commence the recruiting service, and must when known to the Officers specially concerned, as well as the persons who may have ascribed these delays to neglects, exculpate the parties that may have been censured. I request these circumstances may be freely communicated to the Officers.
The enclosed schedule No. 2 furnished by the Assistant Quarter Master exhibits the articles of Cloathing &c. and the dates when they left this City for their respective places of destination. It appears that your several requisitions for the twelve regiments of Infantry have been nearly complied with and those for North and South Carolina anticipated.
It will further be seen from the paper No. 3 that Mr Billington expects to be able to deliver into the public Store every Week about four hundred Suits until the whole complement for the Sixteen regiments of Infantry shall be completed.
As I have not received any returns stating the number of recruits inlisted and not being in possession of any facts to enable me to ascertain our future progress, I must with these facts submit it exclusively to you to determine whether (a sufficiency of Cloth being on hand) the weekly supply of four hundred Suits promised by Billington will be sufficient to justify you to continue the recruiting business, or whether it will be proper to suspend it until such time as the whole of the Cloathing required is actually in store.
I have the honor to be   with great respect   Your obedient servant
James McHenry
Major Genl Hamilton

This letter has been delayed waiting for returns.


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

Private
New York July 10 1799

Why, My Dear friend, do you suffer the business of providing to go on as it does. Every moment proves the insufficiency of the existing plan & the necessity of auxiliaries. I have no doubt that at Baltimore N York Providence & Boston additional supplies of Cloathing may promptly be procured & prepared by your Agents & it ought to be done though it should enhance the expence. Tis terrible at this juncture that there should be wants any where.
So of Tents—Calls for them are repeated from Massachusettes where better and cheaper than any where else they can certainly be provided.
Pray take a resolution adequate to the exigency & rescue the credit of your Department.
Yrs. Affecly
A H
J McHenry Es


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 July 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, July 11, 1799. Quotes from Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Parker’s “letter of the 3d Inst.” concerning the shortage of clothing and states: “You see how the delay works & how necessary it is to apply an instant remedy.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 11 July 1799
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear sir
Perth Amboy [New Jersey] July 11 1799

As your favour of the 20th June did not require an immediate reply, I have defered it till I could send the enclosed sheets of my translation: The tables are not yet all printed, but if the plates could be ready, the whole might appear in a fortnight.
The Essay on military fireworks, which does not require plates, will soon be published in a separate Pamphlet.
Nothing could be more gratifying to me, than the kind sentiments with which you close your Letter, although the object hinted it is still in suspense from a cause that would very much wound my feelings, if my conscience did not inform me that I deserve, and must obtain a compleat triumph. You, Sir, are no stranger to such sensations. You have heard the hissings of Calumny and have indignantly crushed the Viper. To your inspection, therefore, should I be happy to unfold the Conduct of my whole life, and expose all its motives; and were it not for the fear of trespassing upon your patience, I would request you to peruse the Papers I have lately submitted to the secretary of War.
My family being here with a view to pass the summer, I shall remain untill I am ordered by the secretary of War, to enter on the duties that may be assigned me. I understand that the office of Purveyor is to be divided into military & maritime, the former of which divisions would be most agreeable to me for many reasons, of which the Opportunity I should have of receiving orders from you is, to my mind, among the greatest.
With perfect Respect and real Esteem   I have the honor to be Sir   Your obliged & most obedient Servant
Jonn. Williams
Inclosed are some crude conjectures in pursuance of the Idea you communicated when I last had the honor of seeing you.

Major General Hamilton