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

Sir,
War DepartmentAugust 29th. 1799

I received at Trenton on the 27th: instant, your letter dated the 22nd: enclosing a Return and letter from General Wilkinson, relative to Supplies of Cloathing for the Troops on the Northern and Southwestern Frontier, and designating the quantity requisite for the present numbers of the Troops as well as the portions for each post, also a letter from Captain pasteur dated Massac the 30th: June last, exhibiting long arrearages of Cloathing and pay due at that post.
The letter from Massac occasions your observing “The deficiency of Clothing mentioned (which it were to be wished was the only instance had occurred) is a lamentable fact, which places in a strong light the necessity of having an extra quantity of Clothing always in deposit at some one of the Western posts.”
I now recollect but one place on the Northwestern frontier, which has been represented to me, to have been incompetently supplied with Clothing. You will remember that upon an investigation, Major Rivardi’s representation of facts appeared incorrect, and that at the time of making his statement to you, there was Clothing at Niagara and Oswego, sufficient for their respective Garrisons, and a surplus, the return for these posts having been fully complied with.
Respecting the deficiency at Massac, I think it proper to inform you that the requisition or return made by General Wilkinson for Cloathing for the frontier Army was duly attended to, and that I advised him on the 31st: of January last “Cloathing has been forwarded to the extent of our means for all the troops on the frontiers, including the Mississippi, it is however to be regretted that from a failure of the Contract, the Supplies have in some instances fallen short of the complement, and in others have been so long delayed, as to produce without doubt, serious sufferings and complaints.”
The failure of the Contract, was occasioned by circumstances not to be controuled or avoided—there was an actual want in the United States of some of the Articles necessary for Soldiers’ Cloathing, and some importations orders of Kerseys and other articles by the Contractor, were captured on their passage at Sea.
I take the occasion also to observe, that I consider it the duty of a Commanding General, not only to make Returns of all Articles, among these Clothing wanted for his troops, but to make them in such Season, as to allow of making up, and transporting them to their destinations.
That I consider it to be my duty to direct as far as practicable, and as promptly as may be, a compliance with the requisitions made, by causing the delivery of the Articles called for, to the Quarter Master General for transportation. I suppose my duty is completed by such delivery to the Quarter Master—and that all ulterior orders, respecting the destination and distribution of the Articles proportionally at different posts, should exclusively emanate from the Commanding General.
If indeed any of the chain of Officers, concerned in the putting up, labelling, transportation or delivery of the Articles, shall neglect or err in their duties, and can no otherwise be legally punished, than by a reference to the Department of War, it is proper the Secretary should be informed of the circumstances and facts, that the competent authority may judge what is right to be done on every such occasion that may occur.
The letter from Captain Pasteur you say presents also the idea of a very disagreeable procrastination of pay, that “it is extremely to be wished there could be greater exactness in this particular” and that, “the disadvantages of with-holding the pay for a length of time and accumulating the arrears into a mass are obvious and numerous”—and add, “in relation to the subjects of supply and pay, I must be permitted to observe generally, that it is essential to the prosperity of our Military affairs, that there shall be much more system and punctuality, than have heretofore obtained.”
On the subject of the pay of the troops, it is proper there should be a clear understanding. “An Act making alterations in the Treasury and War Department” passed the 8th: of May 1792 Section 3rd: provides, “that there be a paymaster to reside near the Head Quarters of the Troops of the United States—that it shall be the duty of the said paymaster to receive from the Treasurer all the monies which shall be entrusted to him, for the purpose of paying the pay, arrears of pay, Subsistence or Forage, due to the Troops of the United States. That he shall receive the pay Abstracts of the paymasters of the several Regiments or Corps, and compare the same with the returns or Muster Rolls which shall accompany the said pay Abstracts. That he shall certify accurately to the Commanding Officer the Sums due to the respective Corps, who shall thereon issue his Warrant on the said paymaster for the payment accordingly. That copies of all reports to the Commanding Officer, and the Warrants thereon, shall be duly transmitted to the Office of the Accountant of the War Department in order to be there examined and finally adjusted at the Treasury.”
The 15th: Section of “An Act for the better organizing of the Troops of the United States and for other purposes” past the 3rd: of March last, does not appear to modify or change the duties of the paymaster General, altho’ it may substitute his Deputies for certain purposes. The prescriptions of the former Act are definitive and directory, and make it the duty of the Treasurer by Section 2nd: to disburse all such monies, as shall have been previously ordered for the use of the Department of War, by Warrants from the Treasury, which disbursements shall be made, pursuant to Warrants from the Secretary of War countersigned by the Accountant.”
Under the Act cited consider the requisition on the War Department for the pay of the Army to rest with the paymaster General, that when this is made, it is the duty of the Secretary of War to make a demand on the Treasury, to deposit the amount with the Treasurer to be drawn out on his Warrants countersigned by the Accountant in favor of the paymaster General for the purpose of actual payments to the Military by himself or through his Deputies on Warrants drawn by the Commanding General or Officer, the General or paymaster I suppose competent to, and the proper persons, to devise facilities, with a due attention to œconomy and security for the payment of the Army.
Monies for the recruiting Service, Bounties, Subsistence and forage of the Army, it is understood are to take the same course. In a word the Secretary ’tis supposed, has only to sanction the disbursement of monies required for all the said purposes, by his Warrants on the Treasurer, in favor of the paymaster, who will apply the same according to the Warrants and orders of the Commanding General.
I have the honor to be,   with great respect, Sir   Your obedt: servant
James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton.


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

War Department, August 29, 1799. Writes in reply to Hamilton’s letter of August 25 and states: “It is understood to have been the general custom in the Army to act, pro hac vice, as Judge Advocate on General Courts Martial, whenever the Judge Advocate to the Army, could not be present, or that Office, as is now the case, was vacant; it is not known that any established pay or compensation was allowed to the person thus acting.” Adds that for “expences on the road and for boarding and lodging” an allowance is granted and that it is “the duty of the Accountant to settle the quantum.” Discusses the question of Charles W. Hare’s compensation as judge advocate at two courts-martial. States that payment for Lieutenant William W. Wands’s service as a member of the court that tried Captain Samuel C. Vance will be determined by the regulations of December 19, 1798, which established “the allowance to be made to officers detached on Service so as to be obliged to incur expences on the road, and at places not Military posts.” Declares “that the allowance to Recruiting officers of two dollars for every Recruit they enlist was designed to cover the whole expences of the Services, and that it precluded a further allowance.” Concludes that it would be “dangerous and inexpedient” to increase the allowance.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 30 August 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
War DepartmentTrenton 30th: August 1799

I received yesterday evening your two letters dated the 25th: and 27th: instant.
On the subject of late Military appointments, presented by a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Bently dated the 17th: copy of which you enclose—I have to observe, First—That it was the established practice of the Department of War, previous to my coming into it, to fill vacancies in newly created Regiments or Corps with new Men, and to continue to do so, until the Regiment, Legion, or Corps was recruited, or nearly so, and had marched to Head Quarters, after which and not before, the relative Rank was settled, and the rise of Officers took place, according to the known principle of succession. Second—That most of the Regimental Officers lately appointed, were recommended by the Lieutenant Colonels, and it was understood to fill the vacancies to which they have been appointed. Third—That no appointments are recollected to have been made lately, except to vacancies occasioned by non-acceptances or selections for the Regimental Staff, and never in cases of resignation after acceptance, a few instances of which have occurred. Fourth—That the Regiments were to be considered on every principle open to new appointments, without cause for sensibility in those previously appointed, until the relative Rank was settled, and that I had no information either from you or any other Officer, through you, that the relative Rank for the Regiments mentioned, or any other, had been settled in consequence of my letter to you dated the 31st: March last, until I received your letter of the 25th: instant. Fifth—That the provisional designation to Grades and Ranks in the Twelve Regiments now raising, made by the Board of General Officers last winter at the Seat of Government could only be considered as an adapting of Office from the information before them, to the pretensions and abilities of the Candidates, and not in any measure as giving a right to preferment in consequence of non-acceptances by those placed above them. Sixth—That Vacancies in Regiments, other than those you contemplate, have been filled, generally by the recommendations of the Lieutenant Colonels without respect to Officers, who would have been next in succession, if promotion had commenced, and this without occasioning any complaint, that has come to my knowlege. Seventh. That it was natural hence to conclude that it was almost universally understood by the officers themselves that vacancies occasioned by non-acceptance, or Staff regimental appointments were open, and might be filled by persons, not hitherto selected to office without derogation to their respective pretensions, or characters, or injury to their feelings.
The Commander in Chief in a letter to me dated the 25th March last, expressed himself in the words following: “I would not be understood to mean that if a Captain, (and so of any other Grade) declines his appointment that during the act of formation, the vacancy is to be filled by the next in seniority necessarily; so far from this I maintain, that where a vacancy is occasioned by non-acceptance, that it may without injustice, be filled by a new character as in the first instance; but it is my opinion at the same time, that if you have recourse to promotion, that the arrangement which was made by the Board of General Officers (in all its posts) who had regard to all the combinations and qualifications, that have been enumerated in settling the relative rank, is the safest guide you could have resorted to.” The occasion of the observations just quoted, was the annunciation in the public prints of the appointment of Mr. Mercer of Virginia to a Captaincy in the Cavalry and on the supposition, that it was a promotion, as this Gentleman had been originally arranged a Lieutenant. The fact however is, that Mr. Mercer had declined the Lieutenancy and was afterwards appointed as a new man to a vacant Captaincy.
I have presented the opinion of General Washington to shew it coincides with that I have uniformly held, viz: That all vacancies occasioned by non-acceptances during the formation of a Regiment or Corps, are to be considered open to new appointments, and that new characters, not heretofore selected (and Mr: Mercer’s was a stronger case) may be placed in them without injustice to those already appointed. The new character to stand precisely on the ground he would have occupied, if appointed originally, and to have the same pretensions respecting relative Rank. Acting from such impressions, the General has recommended to vacancies in Grades superior to Lieutenants occasioned by non-acceptances.
Proceeding upon this principle, the Senate were apprized by the president, when the first nominations were made to them that the relative Rank of the Candidates would be in abeyance until the appointments for the whole Twelve Regiments were filled, and Commissions have not yet been issued to the Officers, but wait the final and full adjustment of relative Rank throughout the Army, of which the Officers have been informed individually by circular letters from this Department.
From the considerations and for the reasons detailed, it will be perceived I do not think it proper, to revise, the late appointments which have been made, upon the ground that the rule of succession had been established, this cannot be supposed previous to the settlement of relative Rank and a promulgation accordingly of such rank.
If however Colonel Bentley will signify to me (what it was impossible to collect from a general recommendation) that when he recommended certain characters lately appointed to fill vacancies to his Regiment, he meant and intended they should only be appointed Junior Second Lieutenants, and did not so express himself, or particularize, from a presumption that his arrangement was before me, and also represent that the measure will now have no inconveniencies, nor occasion discontent, I shall have no objection to act upon such information, and correct an error produced by his general recommendation.
Rules of promotion have been delayed until the appointments for the whole Twelve Regiments were completed. I shall however transmit them as soon as the derangement consequent upon a removal of the Office will permit.
You observe, “the total defect of organization in the Western Army (the extent of which I did not know till very lately) has encreased my solicitude for another course of things, lest we get every where, into an inextricable chaos.” I must request to be informed on this subject of particulars in order, that if the defect of organization mentioned, has been occasioned by error or inattention on my part, I may in future avoid it.
The existing regulations respecting fuel and Straw, and Stationery, I have supposed were not so exceptionable, or important, as to make it necessary, to lay aside more important business to take up the revised regulations, so far as they relate to these Articles, for consideration. A cursory view of the same, as extended to the number of Horses, to be allowed to certain Grades of Officers, also left an impression upon my mind, that upon this subject of them, a mature deliberation is requisite, previous to their being transmitted to the president for his Sanction, especially as in this part of them, you appeared to have trusted more to others than to yourself. The whole of the revised regulations (which were not received by me, before the first of this month) will be taken as soon as practicable, into consideration, and when sanctioned by the president, they will be immediately transmitted to you.
The existing regulations respecting fuel, Straw &c: must be considered in force, until the revised and extended ones supercede them by their adoption. It is therefore presumeable that Major Tousard may have received them in the course of the correspondence relative to his accounts, from the Accountant of the Department. It is certain I have lately neither transmitted, nor given any orders on the subject to this Officer. The occurrence is regretted, but you must permit me to observe, that it will always be the safest course, and most effectual to prevent Embarrassments, and apparent clashing of dispositions to forbear acting upon regulations, which are to emanate from the president, until they have been confirmed by him, and regularly communicated.
With the greatest respect,   I have the honor to be, Sir,   Your most obedt: servant,
James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 31 August 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, August 31, 1799. “I have lately received pressing applications from various quarters … for a supply of Horsemens Tents. On this subject I can only renew the urgent requests which I have so frequently made to you.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 31 August 1799
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My General
Hingham [Massachusetts] August 31st 1799

Your several favours of the 14th, and the 22d instant I have recvd. Severe indisposition of body and deep affliction for the loss of my eldest Son prevented my acknowledging the receipt of the former untill now. I communicated to Capt. Ashmun your ideas, and my opinion on the several subjects of his letter. I have advised Lieut Samuel W. Church this day of the acceptance of his resignation by the Secretary of War, and have directed him to inform me the precise time of his receiving the Notice.
The deserter shall be forwarded to Rode Island and with as little delay as possible I will devote my personal attention to reconnoitreing the country for a situation, for winter quarters, which shall embrace the several advantages you propose.
I presume Sir, you have by this, received my two monthly recruiting returns. Altho our success, has not equaled my wishes, it has exceeded my expectations. A more favorable season for the service is approaching, when I hope the regiment will be soon compleated.

Pray Sir are the officers on the recruiting service, to be allowed their premium out of the money which they receive of the pay master for that service? and are they to appropriate a part of the same to pay the Musick which they hire (this I find has been done by most of them). If this is the case there may be a propriety in the application which they are making for a further supply of money. I have required of them, the expenditure of the whole of the payment of the bounty to the recruits. I think it a hardship on them.
The present System of discipline contemplates a regiment to consist of eight companies & points out the manner in which those companies & the officers commanding them are posted in the formation of a regiment. Our present Establishment making a regiment consists of Ten companies and no disposition being made for the two additions leaves the officers at a loss. Uniformity ought to prevail throughout the army in the minutia of discipline. Will therefore thank you for some directions on the subject.
The recommendation of Mr. Boyle which I have enclosed, coming from so respectable a sourse, induces me altho ignorant of the character to sollicit your support thereof and likewise of a Gentleman I lately recommended to the Secretary of War, by the name of Wilson, an Englishman, not naturalised, has resided in this country three years, & means to remain here, is a genteel well informed man, & his zeal for our service gives him a strong claim on my friendship he asks but for a Lieutenancy.
Should a vacancy of a first Lieutenancy be made in my Regt. by the appointment of an adjutant from that Grade whom I shall very soon nominate—I must intreat in justice, to as much merit as I have known in any officer of his grade, that it might be filled by the promotion of Mr. Roulstone, who was (altho recommended as I am informd for a company) appointed & stands a 2d Lieutenant, his abilities attention & exertions will I am sure justify my request.
With the highest respect   I am Sir yr Obt Servt
N: Rice
Maj Genl Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, August 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York, August, 1799]

Genl. Hamilton will find in the “Reglemens pour L’infanterie Prussienne” many substantial principles of duty & of service, inapplicable perhaps to our Modes of thinking & acting, but susceptible of modification. Brig Genl. W. begs leave to refer to the Chapter on “Subordination” in the second Volume particularly—and will be obliged by General Hamiltons attention to the Letter for Lt. Boote.
Saturday Morning
Maj Genl Hamilton


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

Trenton, War Department, September 2, 1799. “I have received your letter of the 28th August ulto representing that the number of Officers of the four old Regiments, who have reported themselves to you in pursuance of my notification, bear no comparison to the number actually absent, and requiring some more decisive measure. I shall issue, in conformity with your suggestion, the inclosed notification to all the Officers of the 1st Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers and the four old Regiments absent from their commands.…”


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

Sir
New York Sepr. 2nd 1799

Your letter of the 29 instant is received.
I shall conform to what I understand to be the spirit of the practice of which it gives examples. It is right not to make an extra allowance to officers for performing a military duty at a place where they are stationed or where they actually are resident, or where there is a military post at which they can be accommodated as usual except for travelling from another place to that post. But I submit that this is not applicable to a person, not a member of the army, who may be specially designated to such a duty. Nor do I think that it consists with the dignity or policy of the government to desire the service of such a person gratis. A person not of the army acting as Judge Advocate ought in my opinion to be compensated. Trials in some instances exhaust too large a portion of time to be employed for a public purpose without an equivalent. It will be agreeable to me in the three instances in which I have been the Agent to announce that an allowance is to be received. I have thought of three dollars per day. The persons are Mr. Hare in the trial of Capt. Vance Mr. Morton in the Trials of captains Freye and Doctor Osborne and Mr Malcom in those of Major Hoops & Captain cochran. The state of the military hereafter will obviate the necessity of incurring a similar expence.
In the case of the Court Martial of which Major Wilcocks was President, I applied the regulations of December 1798, though from the wording of them I thought there might be some doubt of their applicability; but your construction will solve the doubt: It is the convenient one.
I shall announce to the several commandants that law and usage consider the two dollars per head as the equivalent for the extra expences of recruiting officers and that no further allowance can be made.
Nothing is more just than your observation that “officers instead of encouraging the complaints of their men on the occasions to which you refer ought to endeavour to satisfy them that the articles complained of for some good reason could not be otherwise.” I have inculcated this doctrine in different instances and shall make it the subject of a circular instruction.
You add that nothing is more common among officers than complaints about every thing furnished by the public. I am inclined to believe with you that the spirit of complaint is apt to be carried to an excess. But it is important, when it is observed to prevail, to inquire with candour and calmness whether it has not been produced in whole or in part from real causes of complaint. If it has, it is then essential that any defects in the public plan which may have occasionned these should be corrected. This is essential for two reasons, one that justice the success of the service and the public good require that right should be done to the troops, the other that the doing of it will most certainly and effectually remedy the evil. In a new army especially, the force of discipline can hardly be expected to stifle complaint if material grounds for it truly exist.
To be frank on this point is a duty. Viewing the matter from a variety of positions in which I have stood, it is an opinion of some standing with me that the supply of the army, except in the article of provisions, has been most commonly so defective as to render a considerable degree of discontent a natural consequence. In some instances, the quality of articles, in others their form or workmanship have been faulty. In others they have been supplied too irregularly and too much by retail. These things amidst a revolution will be acquiesced in—in the first essays of a new government they will be tolerated; but in a more mature state of its affairs, as that of ours at present, a government should not stand in need of indulgence from its armies. In strict justice to them it should lay the foundation of an absolute claim to their strict obedience and rigid compliance with every duty.
In recurring to ideas of this sort I only embrace an occasion which seems to call for the expression of them. I well know your disposition to ameliorate our plan. I count upon the success of your efforts but till the amelioration has been exemplified you are not to wonder if murmurs continue. It will not be my fault if they are not as moderate as possible.
With great respect   I have the honor to be Sir   Yr. Obed ser
The Scy of War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 2 September 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[New York] 2nd. Sept. 1799.

Indisposition Sir has prevented my seeing you, since the day before the last. I have a terible Cold, caught I know not how. If the Ministers report be correct, & it accords with my own information, & that of the adjutant Generals Office—the 1st. and 2d. Regiments want each two Mates, and the 3d. and 4th. each one, to compleat the Establishment, which should I humbly conceive be appointed, & ordered to join their respective Corps, but whether taken from those in Service, or out of it, cannot be very material. When I left the Mississippi Territory—for the Posts of Massac, Pickering, McHenry, Sargent, Loftus’s Heights & Stoddert on the Mobile, we had a single surgeon only—of the appointment, or the Movement of the Gentlemen, directed to that Quarter I was unadvised. We have neither mate nor Surgeon, at the secluded post of Macanac, and my Camp of two hundred & odd men near Natchez, depends entirely on the Surgeon to Fort Sargent. Two additional Mates are Certainly necessary on the Mississippi & Tombigby, whether we increase our force in that Quarter or not.

I am at this moment in a profuse Sweat, but will see you in the afternoon, if I may go out with propriety.
What can be the policy of appointing temporary Mates, while the Regimental Staff is incompleat? I cannot comprehend it.
With respectful & true Attachment   I am sir   Yr. Obdt & Hbl sert
Ja. Wilkinson
Maj. General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 September 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Trenton War Department 3d. Septr. 1799

Inclosed are regulations adopted by the President of the United States, relative to military rank and promotion. The Commander in chief, to whom they were submitted, made no objection to take upon himself, to determine the relative rank of those officers who had not been in service. I have therefore prefered leaving this point as it stood originally. I shall transmit to the Commander in Chief all the information I have obtained from the Lieutenant Colonels and Majors respecting their claims, together with such information as the office affords, that as little delay as possible may take place in the assignment to the field officers of their relative rank and its due promulgation accordingly. In the mean while you will hasten to fix the relative rank of the Company Officers of such Regiments as you have not yet reported to me. I have only received your arrangement for the 7, 10, 11, & 12, transmitted in your letter of the 25th Ultimo.
I think the rule a good one, that in promotions to the rank of General, the officers of Cavalry, Artillery, & Infantry, should be considered as eligible indiscriminately, or without distinction of one Corps from another. The probability is that this rule will generally govern. I have not however found a fit opportunty to submit it to the President; it has not therefore been incorporated with the regulations. Is there no danger, if established and published, that the latter rule will induce in the Army, an idea, that all appointments of Generals must be made from the Officers of the Army, and in a regular ro[u]tine of promotion, which is by no means intended?
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir,   Your Most Obedient Servant
James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 5 September 1799
From: Rivardi, John J. U.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Niagara [New York] September 5, 1799. “… I hope Captain Thompson will by the time this letter comes to hand, have had the honor of Seeing you & as I requested him To lay the different wants of this Garrison &a. before you.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 6 September 1799
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My General
Hingham [Massachusetts] Sepr. 6th. 1799

I am sorry to be under the necessity (in conformity with the directions given in the 34th article, in the recruiting instructions), to report to you the desertion of Six recruits, from the district rendezvous at Taunton. I enclose the list forwarded me by Major Winslow who commands there. He writes me, they had expressed some uneasiness at not receiving the remaining four dollars of their bounty, which they said was promised by Captain Chandler who inlisted them, should be paid them immediately on their arrival at the district rendezvous. Every step is taking in order to apprehend them.
A man in Captain Chandlers Company by the name of Sewall Moore, has applyed for a discharge or an exchange of him for another man, he pleads I am informd, among other reasons therefor, intoxication at the time of inlistment. I have inclosed the Statement of Lieutenant Flagg—please to communicate directions for a guide to me herein.
With the utmost respect   I am Sir your Obt Servant
Nathan Rice
N:B In case of the apprehention of all, or any of the deserters, how shall they be tryed & punished?

N Rice
Major Genl Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 6 September 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
New York September 6, 1799

I have the Honor to submit to your Consideration, a rough delineation of the Maritime Coast of the United States, and those parts of the interior of our Country, which lay contiguous to the Dominions of Great Britain and Spain, as far North as the “Saut de St. Marie,” with the intention to exhibit to you, at one View, the Military posts occupied at this time by the several Powers, and such as have been heretofore occupied & abandoned by us, to which I have added projections of other Posts, recommended to our occupancy by sound policy—with this sketch you will also receive sundry Documents, numbered progressively from 1. to 9, to which I shall, in the Course of this report, find it necessary to have reference.
In the exposition of the Ideas, the opinions, & the facts which I am about to render you, I shall avail myself of the Lattitude you have allowed me, & banishing reserve, will repose on your magnanimity, for indulgence to my Errors & a liberal interpretation of my motives. Should my Language appear either Confident or dictatorial, I pray you impute it to my desire to avoid verbosity, on a Subject necessarily too prolix, & to acquit me of any indecorous propensity. Pardon this exordium perhaps too formal.
When we survey the Geographical position, investigate the local properties, and cast an Eye to the Agricultural improvements of the United States; the extent & the Direction of the St. Lawrence & Mississippi Rivers will not escape the attention of the intelligent, nor fail to excite the Sollicitudes of every sound American Breast, for future Consequences.
These immense Rivers, together with the infinity of their Ramifications, traverse almost every Clime, circumscribe our most valuable Domains, embrace our whole interior population, and open Avenues to the Heart of our Country, by which in the present State of National incaution, we are liable to be successfully attacked by an inconsiderable force.
The attempt to dispossess a respectable Enemy, once in possession of our Western or Northern Frontier, will be found expensive, (beyond Calculation) difficult in the extreme, and at best of doubtful issue. For while He may derive powerful Aids, from the unconquerable animosities of the Savages, and the versatility of our own Erratics, we shall be exposed to the solid obstructions and impediments, which arise from the distance of our resources, and the Difficulties of the route. To wait for events, will put it out of our power to guard against them. We should therefore, anticipate probabilities at least, & determine to erect substantial Barriers, against those dangerous Portals, which open the way directly to our most vulnerable Parts. To this end, we should augment our force on the Mississippi & the Lakes, we should condense that which is now there, and occupy the most Critical and commanding passes, by durable Works judiciously constructed.
We at present hold several useless Posts on the North-western Frontier, merely to awe to conciliate & to watch the Indians, or to aid the transition of Public Stores in their progress—such are Oswego, Presque Isle, Fort Fayette, Fort Washington, Fort Wayne & Fort Knox, these should be broken up and the Troops incorporated, for by such fritterings we destroy both Officer and Soldier, & expose ourselves always to be beaten in Detail. Should the disposition & the clamours of our transmontane Settlers, be offered in opposition to this proposition, I answer that while We command the House, we shall be able to govern the Inhabitants, and therefore the Hostility of the Indians within our Cordon, who are dependent on us for the implements of War, cannot eventuate in any thing serious, and as to the clamour of the Inhabitants it is desireable, because a State of Alarm or “le petite Guerre” will find employ for our Frontier discontents, will silence their political misrepresentations, & bring home to the Heart their dependence on Government. As to those posts which protect the Transport of the Public p[r]operty, they are surrounded by strong settlements and embosomed by the Civil Authority, which can certainly effect the same Security of the National Interest as those of Individuals; it is therefore presumed, that suitable Agents in charge for the Public, will suffice for every object of Utility at such points.
The Notes attached to the Garrisons, enumerated in the proposed disposition No. 1, will exhibit in brief, the motives which have directed the Distribution & Station of the Troops therein refered to, but as I deem it highly necessary, strong Works should be erected near the Head of the Straits, which lead from Lake Huron and from Lake Erie, it is proper I should assign my reasons for this opinion.
It is presumed, the British Government will never again attempt, the Strength of our Country on the Atlantic Quarter, by an invasion from the Northward, but it is possible a state of things may occur to invite a repossession, and even the extention, of their former occupancies to the North and Westward; in such case, she must commence Her operation from Montreal, and may approach us by the direct route of Cataraqui, or by what is called the Back route, of Grand River and French River into Lake Huron—or by both at the same time.
The Scite which I recommend for a Post at the Bottom of Lake Ærie, was pointed out to me by one McNiff, formerly an Engineer in the British Service, who represented the Ground to be well adapted to fortification, with the advantage of a good Harbour & safe Anchorage, which is not I understand to be found elsewhere in that neighbourhood. He added, that immediately Anterior to Mr. Jay’s Treaty, Lord Dorchester had determined to Erect a fortification on that spot. A post there, I am informed, will overlook Fort Ærie, and command the Mouth of the Strait, in case of Hostility it will leave no Harbour in that Vicinity, for the Vessels of the Enemy on Lake Ærie; & at the same time will afford protection to our own, it will form a second Barrier, & preserve the Communication with Pennsylvania, & it will oppose additional obstacles to the advance of an Enemy, by the route of the Cataraqui & Lake Ontario; considered in these Views, merely to the defence of the Country, I conceive the Subject worthy examination, but viewed irrelativly to Military purpose, it will not I believe be found undeserving attention. For at the present time, the want of a road within our own Limits, & a place of “Depot” near Lake Ærie, oblige us to carry our Stores & Merchandize, public & private, through the British Territory, from New Ark to Chepawa Creek by Land, and from the last place to Fort Ærie in Batteaux, which involves much delay and expence, and exposes our Citizens to undue Constraints & partialities. The Scite of Old Ft. Schlosser, erected anterior to the Revolution & long since Destroyed, was occupied under my orders in 1797, but the rapidity of the Current at that point, forbiding the approach of Vessels of Burthen, & the ascent of the Stream being found difficult to Batteaux, the Small garrison was withdrawn. These difficulties and disadvantages will all be removed, by the establishment proposed at the Head of the strait, as the Ground from thence to Niagara is, I am assured, susceptible of a good road.
If in our course we examine the position of Presque Isle, it will be found, that it can have no controul over the Navigation of Lake Ærie. The present Work is injudiciously posted, and consists merely of Block houses connected by ranges of pickets. The scite presents no Critical Spot for occupancy, the surface being towards the Country every where flat. Six & an half feet water only, can be carried into the Harbour. The settlements around it are considerable, & are progressing rapidly—it cannot be possessed by an Enemy, before the Posts in advance are carried—and on an exigency, in twelve Days notice, four Thousand Men may be assembled there with Arms, from the State of Pensylvania. Under these Circumstances, I have recommended the removal of the Garrison.
From this point, passing Detroit, we will proceed to the Head of the Strait, leading from Lake Huron, where a post, in case of hostility, will be found indispensable, to cut off the communication to & from that Lake, with the British settlements below. The Nature of the Ground, & the narrowness of the pass, will enable us to do this effectually, and by such Establishment, we guard against a Coup de main by French River, which is very practicable in Birch Canoes. No. 2 covers a particular Sketch of the Spot taken by me in 1797, and the Post becomes the more indispensable, because Detroit, altho’ proper for a place of Arms & of General “Depot” and necessary to keep the Indians in Check, & to cover the settlements in that Quarter, does not command the Strait, which opposite to the Fort is a mile Wide, and the main Channel running close under the British Shore. Whenever it may be found expedient, to shut out the British from Lake Superior, a Post must be established at the “Saut de St. Marie,” which may be conveniently done from Macanac, in Vessels drawing 7 feet water or by Batteaux & Birch Canoes.
As this Chain of Posts may Effectually exclude all foreign intercourse (from the Northward) with our Citizens & our Savages, which we are not disposed to permit, as it may effectually bar all communication between Canada & Louisiana, at our will, and cannot be forced but by a regular attack, (which with tolerable Vigilance in the Government we shall always be able to anticipate by a Superior force) I consider the positions well adapted, and the force assigned, in our present relation with Great Britain, competent to every object of national security; it is however my decided opinion, that the height which looks into the present Works of Macanac, should be occupied by a small but strong regular Work, and the Garrison transfered to it. This precaution & proper endowments, will enable 250 Men to defend the place, against any force which can be brought against it; such are the obstacles in the approach to it, the difficulty of finding Subsistence there, & the shortness of the season for operations—combined to these preparations, we must have a Navy for Lake Ærie, to bear some proportion to that of the Enemy.
In addition to the motives assigned for maintaining & reinforcing Fort Massac, it may be observed, that this post, constituting the immediate portal of the Ohio, in the Face of the whole Western Country, is viewed with exultation by the Friends of Government, & with infinite disgust by its Enemies; it should therefore be made to take a respectable aspect, in order to give confidence to the well disposed, to appal the Turbulent & to convert the wavering. The works, at present a mere stockade, should be strengthened, and then it may be employed to coerce obedience by the occlusion of the River, should the step become necessary, or in case of exigency, an hundred men may be spared from thence to the Service below.
In this place perhaps it may be most proper, to call your attention to the State of our Ordnance at the several frontier Posts. The Return under Cover No. 3 will exhibit our whole Artillery with their appertinents at every Post except Macanac & Niagara, & in No. 4 you have a brief Abstract of the Cannon & Howitz at each post, to which I have annexed an Estimate of the pieces indispensable, to the Safety of our Fortifications and the Honor of our Arms; on this Subject it would be presumptuous in me, to adress you in detail, as your peculiar intimacy with this branch of service, will best enable you to form the proper Conclusions; it may however be proper for me to inform you, that altho’ I have no Return from Macanac, I believe the heaviest metal there, are Brass 6 pounders & 5½ inch Howitz. Look Sir at the Endowments of Fort Lernoult, (at Detroit) a work of some Regularity, & you will find our field Artillery sadly misapplied. It may be material also to add, that Shot and Shells of any Diameter & in any Quantity, can be had from the furnaces on the Monongahela, well executed under the direction of Major Craig of Pittsburgh, for less than 6 Cents per Lb. The Mass which you will find reported on the Mississippi, was cast there in the spring 1798 by my Orders. On this subject I have written urged and intreated again & again, and for fear it should be forgotten, I send you under Cover No. 5 the transcript of a requisition, made in February or March 1798, which has not been attended to in any respect. The Artillery for the Lakes, may I presume be most promptly & (Economically transported, from this place by the Mohawk River & Fort Schuyler, in the proper season, and that for the Mississippi may, in the present moment, with facility & very light expence, be safely sent forward by the City of New Orleans. With Submission I will ask should this moment be lost?
The quantum and disposition of our force, on the Mississippi and the Southern Frontier, are subjects, which in the present State of things, have claim to prompt deliberation & decisive Action; the present calm in that Quarter, may prove a deceitful one, and if the Storm should take us unprepared sad scenes may ensue. The handful of Men now on that Station, could make but feeble resistance, even against the enthusiastic yoemanry of Louisiana once put in motion. It appears rational and necessary, that we should determine either to Defend the Country, or to abandon it; in the first case, the means should be correspondent, and in the last case, the Troops now there should be withdrawn, for in the present State of Hands the Game on our part may soon become a desperate one. The imbecility of the Spanish Government on the Mississippi is as manifest, as the ardor of the French fanatics of Louisiana is obvious. A Single Individual of hardy enterprize, presenting himself with directorial Credentials, and hoisting the National Standard at New Orleans, might depose the Spanish administration in one hour, and have the population of the Country at His disposal, for whatever desperate Enterprize—under such circumstances will it be indecorous, should I express my apprehensions, that we repose in false Security & that if we are not seasonably aroused, the dismemberment of the Union may be put to hazard.
Whoever consults the passions and interests of the human Breast, and is acquainted with the Geography of the Country, will discover, that the Nation which holds the arbitrary controul of the Navigation of the Mississippi, must eventually direct the policies of the Western Americans, and it is equally obvious, to all who are acquainted with the habits & relative Interests, of the Citizens and the Indians of the United States, that the latter can never cease to be the enemies of the former, and will continue ever ready to strike for Vengeance, when opportunity may favor. The savages who inhabit the tract of Country, bounded by the Tombigby on the East, The Tennessee on the North, The Mississippi on the West, and the Mexican Gulph on the South, can muster at least 6,000 fighting Men. I speak from good information; we will suppose their force armed against us, and 1,000 regular Troops & 500 Chassieurs, posted at the Walnut Hills (the first spot below the Chickasaw Bluffs which is not inundated during the Winter & Spring) with ten Stout Gallies, bearing 6s. 12s. & 24 pounders, well built and well manned, at a point so remote, with the impediments which intervene, the Casualties to which we shall be subject, the delays which are unavoidable, and the disaffection we may have to encounter, among our own people, who can calculate the time, the toil, the Blood, and Treasure which may be found necessary, to drive the Usurpers out of the National Territory? or if the power in possession, be hardy & enterprizing, who can ascertain the practicability of the attempt? In my own Judgement, the event would, at best, be problematical, because the resources of the usurpers would be more convenient, & their intercourses, more prompt & facile than our own could be. Before we dismiss the Subject, it may be necessary to take into View, that we dare not move out of the Ohio, until we have built a River Navy of decided Superiority, for it may be received as a truth, that an expedition, after four days sail down the Mississippi, must succeed, surrender, or perish, as we can find no retreat to an army, through deep, difficult, extensive, & trackless wilds—for instance an Army driven on Shore near the River St. Francois, with an Enemy in front, will find itself at least four hundred Miles removed from Succour, & without Transport must fall a pray to hostile Savages or Starve. Reverting to the question of abandonment or Defence, which has been suggested for the sake of Argument & Elucidation, let us contemplate the boundless range of the Mississippi, let us view its countless tributaries, which bathe the most extensive tract of Luxuriant soil in the Universe, let us reflect that the most valuable portion of this soil is ours of right, and that on the Maintainance of this right, must depend the National Unison; under such well founded reflexions & the impressions Consequent, I flatter myself we shall not hesitate, and that a Determination may ensue, no longer to hazard such precious and important Interests.
For the safety, the subordination, & prosperity of our Western possessions, the most Cheap and conclusive plan, would be the Capture of New Orleans, but as this Step is at present unwarranted, we must turn our thoughts to the defensive protection of our Settlements in that Quarter, and in this View it will naturally occur, as a general principle, that the means to be opposed, must bear due proportion to the force which may be employed against us, but in the present State of things, I deem three Regiments of Infantry, three Companies of Artillery, Two Troops of Cavalry, and our two Gallies, competent to the Defence of the Country, against any Force which could have been brought into Action from Louisiana, when I left that province in June last, provided we receive a seasonable supply of Artillery & Ordnance Stores.
The particular disposition which I should prefer for this force, under the Circumstances in which I left the Country, may be briefly comprized in the following Detail Vizt. A Subaltern’s Command at Fort Pickering (say Chickasaw Bluffs) as a “locum tenens” to preserve our (exclusive) intercourses with the Chickasaw Indians, and for their accommodation. A Garrison at Fort Adams, competent to command the pass of the River & to protract a Siege for three months, and to this service, I consider 500 Infantry & two Companies of Artillery adequate, the Works being finished and properly armed & endowed. From Fort Adams along the Line of National Demarkation, at the critical passes, I propose a Chain of small Posts, to prevent foreign intrigues with our Indians, & to detect any desultory movements, which might be attempted by our left, & towards our rear. The Garrisons of these Posts may be calculated to repel the attacks of small Arms, & to retire without loss before the approach of Cannon. With my main Body, I would select a healthy position, to cover our settlements, favour a Co-operation with Fort Adams, should it become necessary, & enable me to give Battle to an invading force, or to deny it at my discretion. In this situation I would make soldiers, & wait Events & Orders.
Having thus Sir run over our whole frontier, from Canada to East Florida, permit me to call your attention to the sources, from whence we are to derive the force requisite to carry into Effect, the propositions which I have the Honor to offer to your Consideration.
The Regimental Returns No. 6 are calculated to expose to you, the paucity & terrible derangement of those Corps.
The Battallions of Artillery, necessarily acting in Detachment, we find deficient seventy one privates (more than one fourth of the Establishment) we perceive also one Captain deficient, one Subaltern absent, & another about to resign his Commission.
The first Regiment we find scattered from one extreme of the Nation to the other, we find two Companies mustered to the same Officer (Captain Tinsley),& six Companies furnishing 232 privates only instead of 360, & it is painful to remark, that in this number  consists the Strength of the Regiment. We find also four Captains & four Subalterns only present with those six Companies, (which leaves two Captains and eight Subalterns to be accounted for) and we see a Deficiency of four Lieutenants & two Surgeons mates to complete this Corps.
The second Regiment is more compact, but it is also much dispersed; we perceive a great deficiency in the Ranks of this Corps likewise, eight Companies furnishing 301 privates in place of 480, the Establishment. We find four Captains and sixteen Lieutenants absent, and One Lieutenant & two surgeons Mates wanting to compleat.
Of the Third Regiment, we find five Companies on the Mississippi, and one in the State of Tennessee, of the last I have no Return, the five Companies return only 216 privates instead of 300, and we find in this Corps also, a great dispersion of the Officers, The Lieutenant Colonel being in Georgia, the 1st. Major in New Hampshire, a plurality of the Company Officers, the Surgeon, & Mate absent, and six Lieutenants and one Surgeon’s Mate wanting to compleat.
The Fourth Regiment was taken from my Command in 1797& I have no Return of it.
To Compleat the three first Regiments to the Establishment, the summary annexed to the Regimental Returns, exhibits a deficiency of eleven Lieutenants, five Surgeons mates, thirty Cadets, three Serjeants Major, five Quarter Master Serjeants, five Senior Musicians, Sixty Serjeants, fifty one Corporals, ten Drummers, Sixteen Fifers, & one thousand and fifty one privates, and Eighteen Captains & forty four Lieutenants are reported absent.
This great deficiency, of nearly three fifths of the Establishment, is an affecting circumstance, but the derangements & distraction of the Corps, and the Seperation of the men from the Officers, and the Officers from the men, tear up the fundamental principles of Military institutions—they extinguish the Pride of Corps, that powerfully operative impulse—They prevent Emulation—they perpetuate ignorance—they produce insubordination & indiscipline—and they destroy responsibility, without which all multitudes become Mobs, and an Army the worst of all.
It is irksome to retrace lost ground—it is difficult to combat successfully the prejudices of the ignorant & the indolent—it is sometimes odious to correct abuses—and it is always laborious to extract order out of Confusion, but I and all within the sphere of my Command, look up to you Sir (in full confidence) for such radical reforms, as may rescue the profession from Disgrace, And the Army from utter ruin; we languish to behold innovation & presumption, yield to principle & subordination—we wish to see rightful prorogatives and just distinctions maintained, against partial innovations & capricious whims. And we thirst for the restoration of responsibility, throughout the various Grades. To the accomplishment of these desirable objects, we deem it important, that an immediate Organization of the Companies ensue, that the Officers be ordered to join without delay, and that they be not hereafter seperated from their Companies, but by permission of the Commanding General—That the Regiments be incorporated when practicable, and when impracticable, that the parts be approximated, as nearly as the service may permit. That the Field Officers be attached to, and act with their several Corps, & that in the Gradations of Rank & the relations of Duty, no authority may intervene between a Superior and an inferior.
In the present Situation of the Troops under consideration, I find some difficulty in devising a plan for their incorporation, & to bring the several Garrisons to the Posts proposed for them, but to delay the Corrective, will be to foster the disorder which menaces our dissolution, & with great Objects before us, we must step over small impediments.
With due deference then, and pursuant to the Ideas before expressed, I will propose that the first Regiment & two Companies of Artillery, be assigned to the posts of the Lakes & the Garrison of Massac on the Ohio, and that the 2d, 3d, & 4th. Regiments be ordered to the Mississippi.
Should this proposition be adopted, it seems adviseable that the whole of the Infantry in Georgia, be transfered to some one of the New Corps, and the Officers be ordered to your Head Quarters for instructions; by this arrangement we save the expence of double transport, we prevent delay, and avail ourselves of the services of men, who are Seasoned to an unhealthy Country.
The troops now at Oswego & Niagara, with Whistlers Company from Fort Wayne, will complete the Garrison proposed for the second place, to one Lieutenant of Artillery, & three Lieutenants, one Serjeant, and four privates of Infantry, and will leave us one Serjeant, two Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, two Artificers & sixteen privates of Artillery, with three fifers & one Corporal of Infantry, to be carried forward to Detroit, and transfered to the first Regiment & Captain Thompsons Artillery, to which place also, the Residue of the Garrison of Fort Wayne should be ordered, & that Post left in Charge of the Indian Agent there; we shall then find at Detroit of Artillery 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant 3 Serjeants 4 Corporals 2 Fifers 1 Drummer 2 Artificers & 33 Matrosses, and of the Infantry of the 1st. Regiment One Lieutenant Colonel 1 Major 1 Captain 1 Lieutenant 1 Surgeon 3 Serjts. 5 Corporals 3 Fifes 1 Drum & 36 privates, to which I propose to add by transfer, from the Men of the Second Regiment now there, in exchange for the same Number of the first Regiment on the Mississippi, 6 Serjts. 7 Corporals, 2 Drums, 2 fifes, & 75 privates, which will give us a Total of 9 Serjeants, 12 Corporals, 3 Drums, 5 Fifes, & 111 privates, Infantry, & these I would form into two Companies and Officer compleatly. And of the Supernumerary Non Commissioned Officers, Drums & fifes, One Serjeant, one Corporal, one Drum, and one Fife, may be assigned to Captain Prior, who wants them, and the residue may be either reduced to the Ranks, or employed in the Recruiting Service. Thompson’s Artillery should be compleated without delay, and in the mean time a Detachment sent to relieve Porter at Macanac, who with his Company should be ordered to Massac, via Chicago & the Illinois River, a safe easy & expeditious

Posts
Species of Troops
Lieut. Colonel
Majors
Captains
Subalterns
Surgeons
Mates
Serjeants
Corporals
Drummers
Fifers
Artificers
Privates & Mattrosses
Total Non Commissd. officers Rank & file
Companies

Niagara
Artillery
"
1
"
"
"
1
1
1
"
"
2
16
20
Thompsons

Infantry
"
"
1
"
"
"
3
4
1
1
"
56
65
Whistlers

Detroit
Artillery
"
"
1
"
"
"
3
4
1
2
2
20
32
Thompsons

Infantry
1
1
1
1
1
"
8
12
2
4
"
111
137
Britts &

Macanac
Artillery
"
"
"
1
"
"
1
1
"
"
"
13
15
Thompsons

Infantry
"
"
1
"
"
"
4
4
1
1
"
32
42
Priors

Massac
Artillery
"
"
1
1
1
"
3
4
1
1
7
26
42
Porters

Infantry
"
"
1
"
"
"
3
4
1
1
"
49
58
Pasteurs

Route, during Spring or Autumn, in Perogues Or Birch Canoes & for the sake of Responsibility & Œconomy, the Detachment of Thompsons Company now at Massac, should be transfered to Porter. The following will then be found, the Actual Strength of the 1st. Regimt. & the force of those Garrisons respectively.
A Comparison of this Return, with the Garrisons proposed for the Posts it Comprehends, will exhibit a great deficiency of men and Officers, to repair these defects, the due Complement of Officers for the five Companies, should be ordered immediately to Join, and the residue should be actively employed in the recruiting service, and it is presumed that fifteen Officers, which will be left for that Duty, may with industry, compleat the Regiment by the next Spring, before which period we have little to apprehend, as the frost will soon lock up that Country.
Of the second Regiment, we have eight Companies returned, which gives us 301 privates, these should be organized into Six Companies compleatly Officered, and the residue of the Gentlemen in Commission, the surplus Non Commissioned Officers Drums & Fifers, Should be ordered to the recruiting service. The detachments of this Corps may with facility, with expedition, & Œconomy, reach the destination proposed for it, by the Miamis of the Lakes, the Wabash, & the Ohio Rivers, and should the proposition be adopted, Orders ought to be immediately issued for the movement, as the Autumnal floods are at Hand, and it is important to the Health of Troops destined to the South, that they should reach their Stations in autumn.
The Third Regiment Returns five weak Companies in the Mississippi Territory, & we are assured of one Company in the State of Tennessee, this last should be ordered to join the main Body. The whole should be officered to the Establishment, & the Recruiting Service should be pushed by the Supernumeraries. The Colonel, who has never seen his Regiment in seven Years service, should be ordered to Join it, & the first Major, who has been more than three years absent, should be ordered to do Duty, either with his Corps or at a recruiting Rendezvous.
With respect to the 4th Regiment, Stationed in the State of Tennessee, I have no report on which to found Details, but as it appears that Peace & Content have been restored in that Quarter, The objects of the Command there have ceased and the Corps may with Facility & without expence, be readily transfered to the Mississippi. The fragment of an Artillery Company, & a troop of Dragoons attached to this Regiment, may also be ordered by the same Route, to the most feeble, exposed, & succourless frontier of the Nation—but Special Care should be had, in the removal of this Corps, that the due Complement of Officers march with it.
Under the Cover No. 7, you will find (respectfully submitted) a plan for the Organization of the four old Regiments, which by the late Augmentation& change of establishment, have been entirely disorganized; in the distribution of the Officers, I have consulted Talents, Qualifications, & Merits, as far as my knowledge extends, & when this failed me, I have cast lotts. I beg to call the Generals attention to my preference of Captains, as I have seen most of them tried, and have made the selection with a View to Combat.
In examining the Ordnance Return for Fort Wayne, you will perceive a handsome stock of small Arms and a small Quantity of Powder; should the Garrison be removed, it will become a matter worthy Consideration, whether these articles should be carried to Detroit or forwarded to the Mississippi, the expence will be nothing in either Case, and the reflexion which should determine us, will rest on the greater or less Safety and Utility of those Articles, at the respective posts. To account to you for the small Quantity of our fixed ammunition, at the Barrier on the Mississippi, I must observe, that we sat down in the Woods, & had our Buildings to form from the Stump, which prevented the completion of an Elaboratory, until within a few days of my departure; and I may add with great truth, (I do it with sensible pain) that I have not an Officer there who knows how to drive a fuze or fix a Shell. This is a point of too much magnitude to escape your attention, & I trust some Officers of skill & Experience, may be forthwith Ordered to that Quarter, & among them a Field Officer is indispensable. Pope is now Senior on that Station, and he is not only ignorant, but at intervals his Conduct actually approaches to insanity. It appears essential, that some person should be Employed for that Station, capable of instructing our Officers in the inferior Branches of the Mathematics (to comprehend the Doctrine of projectiles) & in the use of the necessary instruments, as I know not an Individual in service there, who can take either height or Distance, or who understands the application of Hadleys Quadrant. on this subject it is necessary to add, that Books & Instruments should be furnished, as I have never received either from the public. A Theodolite, a Sextant, a circumferenter with a Chain, and three setts of packets Instruments would I apprehend suffice.
Under the Cover No. 8. I take leave to offer you a Variety of information relative to the interior communications of our Country from Michilimacanac to “le prarie des Chiens” by the West Shore of Lake Michigan, Green Bay Fox River & the Ouisconson, & by the East Coast of the same Lake, to the River St. Joseph & Chicago, and from thence across into the Illinois River, & by that Stream into the Mississippi, & down to Cahokia. Also the route from Cahokia up the Mississippi, to “le prarie des Chiens,” where we have annually, the most numerous assemblage of Savages, & the most considerable mart for Indian Traffic, within our Limits, or within one Thousand miles of the same point. Under the same Cover, you will find reports touching the Tombigby, and the Country intervening from thence, to our lowest Establishments on the Mississippi, which will be accompanied by a General (tho’ incorrect) Map of the Country, & a Sea Coast Chart from New Orleans to Mobile Bay, with a pretty exact projection of the Mobile River up to Fort Stoddart & a Sketch of Lake Michigan from Macanac to Chicago, for which I must refer you to Lieutenant Heton.

Under No. 9 I take the Liberty to offer you certain Manuscripts from my Orderly Book, which taken with my Order of the 22nd. May 1797. before submitted to you, have constituted Standing Rules of Service which it may be necessary for the Commanding General to Change, modify or sanction in order to prevent the quibbles & controversies of the impatient & Litigious.
The moral, physical & political principles, ⟨pro⟩perties, & relations of several Subjects, which we have glanced at in this detail will be examined in another report, which I Shall digest during my Journey to the Eastward, and may be conveniently suspended, as it can have no influence on any immediate Operation.
I am conscious Sir that you will find in these Sheets much useless prattle, but in ballancing between precision & prolixity, I decided that it was safer to tresspass on your time, than to suppress information however frivolous. In matters of Speculation your Intelligence will correct my Errors, But in Matters of Fact, you may repose confidently on this report, which is most respectfully submited to you
By Sir   Your Obliged, faithful & Affectionate Servant
Ja Wilkinson
Major General Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 7 September 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
New York Sepr 7. 1799

General Wilkinson, who has been some weeks in the City, in consequence of an invitation having for object the readjustment of our Western Military affairs, is about to make a journey to Bra[i]ntree to pay his respects to you. On such an occasion, I hope it will not be thought improper that I should address you on the subject of this officer; since what I shall say will accord with what I know to be the views of General Washington and with what I have reason to believe has been already suggested to you, with his support, by the Secretary of War.

You are apprised, Sir, that General Wilkinson served with distinction in our revolutionary war, and acquired in it the rank of Brigadier General—that for many years since that war he has been in the military service of the Government with the same rank, in which rank he for some time had the chief command of the army—That he has also served with distinction, in this latter period, General Wayne, who was not his friend, has, in one instance within my knowlege, very amply testified.
The decided impression on my mind as the result of all that I have heard or known of this Officer, is that he is eminently qualified as to talents, is brave enterprising active and diligent, warmly animated by the genuine spirit of his profession and devoted to it. The recent communications between us have satisfied me more than ever that he is well intitled to the character I have just given of him.
So circumstanced and so qualified, all military usage and analogy give the General a very strong claim to promotion. His sensibility would suffer with reason, if he has it not, and it would require more than usual patriotism and magnanimity to preserve him from discontent and disgust.
I, as well as others, have heard hard things said of the General, but I have never seen the shadow of proof, and I have been myself too much the victim of obloquy, to listen to detraction unsupported by facts.
Permit me to add, that I hold nothing so unsafe in public affairs as half confidence—that in my opinion to imploy a man in delicate and important stations, and to act towards him so as to convince him that he is not trusted and is not to receive the common share of public reward, is the most effectual way that can be adopted to make him unfaithful: while, if we only allow him a well-informed ambition, his fidelity may be assured by letting him see that it will best advance the interest of his ambition.
In hazarding these remarks, I do not mean to present to you observations which could possibly excape your own reflections; but merely to indicate the manner of viewing the subject which determines my judgment that it is both right and expedient to promote General Wilkinson to the rank of Major General in the present army.
Should the matter appear to you, in the same light, I submit whether it will not be proper previously to understand with General Wilkinson, that it may happen in the event that General Knox may be called into the army with a priority to him. For this there are many reasons which will occur to you without being mentioned, and I may without impropriety add that it will meet the ideas of General Washington.
In the course of his conversations with me General Wilkinson has stated that important advantages might result from the appointment of leading characters at the Natches and elsewhere on the Western Waters as officers in the Evenutal army; calling them immediately into service with a title to the emoluments of their grades.
I have not had time to reflect so maturely on the proposition as to have formed a definitive opinion of its expediency—But it strikes me in a very agreeable manner & accordingly I offer it to your consideration. The arguments in its favour will not require to be specified in order to be appreciated by you. It is obviously a powerful mean of conciliating the inhabitants, in the quarter to which it applies, and of rend[er]ing them auxiliary in case of need to our military operations. It is presumed they may be provisionally embodied under the leader who may be selected.
I will make no apology for the liberty I take by this letter. The solitariness of the example will I trust evince that it is not my wish to travel out of the regular and ordinary road of communication.
With high respect and true esteem   I have the honor to be   Sir Your obedient serv
Alex Hamilton
The President of the U States


Title: Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 7[–17] September 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Commandants of Regiments

Circular
New York Sepr. 7th [–17] 1799
Sir

It has been suggested to me that particular officers in some instances have incautiously indulged remarks in the presence of their men respecting the bad qualities of articles furnished, which were of a nature to foster discontent in the minds of the soldiery. Instances of this sort, I am persuaded, must have been very rare, as the impropriety of the thing is too glaring to escape an officer of the least reflection; and I am convinced it is only necessary to mention the matter to you to engage your endeavours to prevent the repetition of a similar imprudence. If any articles of supply are exceptionable, the proper course is to represent it to me, in order that the remedy if in my power may be applied, if not that it may be sought through the Secy of War. Of my constant exertions to place the army on a comfortable and respectable footing no doubt need be entertained.
Desultory observations have from time to time been made to me respecting particular articles. I am desirous of having a special & very accurate report from the commandant of each Regiment of the quantity and quality of all the articles which have been received for its use (viz) arms accoutrements cloathing tents and camp utensils. You will as soon as possible transmit one. Any suggestions [for] improvements in the articles which are supplied will be acceptable.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Yr. obed serv
The several Colonels


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 September 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Trenton War Department7th September 1799

Inclosed is copy of a letter from Colonel Stevens to me dated the 6th inst and of one to him from Major Jackson dated the 29th Ulto.
You will perceive that Major Jackson conceives Colonel Stevens to be the proper person to apply to for authority to procure a Boat for the use of the Garrison on castle Island, to make carriages for Cannon, and for the erection of Barracks, or other buildings at Fort Independence.
If inferior Officers are to be permitted to consider themselves empowered to demand the acquiescence of Agents in such cases as are presented in Major Jacksons letter, an immence portion of the time of the Secretary of War must be employed in a correspondence with the commanding General, and the accountant of the War Department before the expenditures incurred can be admitted to a course of settlement. This consideration added to the total irregularity of the acts, the confusion they lead to and increased expence they necessarily involve, renders it indispensible that a stop be put to such attempts in future.
For the present and untill an Inspector of Fortifications is appointed under the 18th Section of the “Act for the better organizing of the Troops of the United States and for other purposes,” passed the 3rd March 1799, the following course may be observed.
1st When a Boat or Seine is wanted for a Garrison, let the kind required, and an estimate of what it will probably cost be reported by the Commandant of the Garrison to the artillery officer who commands over the District. If he considers the estimate and requisition proper, let him so certify and transmit it to the Commanding General, who will decide upon the propriety of the requisition and estimate, and if approved of transmit the same with his approbation entered thereon to the agent of the Department of War in the vicinity of the Garrison where there is one, or to the Secretary of War, when there is none.
2d Let the same mode of ascertaining the expence and necessity for Gun Carriages, additional Barracks or other buildings appertaining to the Fortifications, be observed, and the estimates and approvals as aforesaid transmitted to the Secretary of War for his final orders, except in cases, when in the opinion of the Commanding General the service would materially suffer by the time which must elapse by a strict observance of this procedure. In such cases the Commanding General, upon the estimate and requisition of the Commandant of the Garrison, approved of by the Commandant of the District, will certify his approbation and will transmit the whole to the agent of the War Department, where there is one, with his orders to execute the requisition, and where there is no agent, will direct a proper person accordingly, giving immediate information of the proceeding to the Secretary of War, and of the circumstances which rendered the measure necessary.
These estimates ought to be formed with care, and the approvals unequivocal, being authorities which the Agents must lodge with the Accountant to justify him in admitting their Accounts. These points will deserve your attention.
It is proper to inform you that I have directed a quantity of suitable timber to be procured and stored at Fort Mifflin with a view of constructing Gun Carriages, from approved models, under the direction of an intelligent officer, and that I contemplate to supply from that place a number for the use of other Garrisons, particularly in the Southern quarter of the Union.
With great respect I have the honor to be,   Sir,   Your obedient Servt
James McHenry
Major General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 7 September 1799
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Camp, 12th Regiment [Bronx, New York] September 7, 1799. “… Upon a close inspection of the Regiments arms at present issued It pains me to observe, that they too generally appear to be old furbished up barrels, many of them full of flaws, new stocked & dressed perhaps to fulfil a contract, certainly not render essential service; of one hundred and ninety men inspected, including music, I have marked fifty three musquets unfit for service, some fused, some without touch hole & some touch holes covered by the lock, my duty to the public obliges me to be thus particular, & my duty to you as Inspector General, forces me to make the communication that you may guard the public hereafter from similar imposition. In short Sir I protest against the arms, and solicit that they may be proved, for the Regiment would feel no confidence in entering upon actual service, with the arms at present furnished.… Duty further obliges me to state, that the Horseman’s tents Supplyed the Regt. are not fit for service, they are old & worn out & many of them in a filthy condition.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Strong, 7 September 1799
From: Strong, David
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Detroit [Territory Northwest of the River Ohio] September 7, 1799. “I received your favour of the 22d. July, and am pleased with the hopes of greater Uniformity in the Clothing in future. The Indians in this quarter seem much dissatisfied at the promises made them by the Secretary of War, that the Governor of the Territory should be at D’Etroit in the course of the present summer to redres any Complaints (many of which they have) which might be laid before him, and attend to the equal and Just distribution of their annual Presents.…”


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

Sir
New York Sepr. 10th. 1799

I have been lately honored with several letters from you down to the ninth inst. inclusively to all which due attention will be paid.
I am on the point of setting out to accompany Mrs. Hamilton a part of her way on a visit to her father; with the expectation of being back in five days. My return shall be immediately communicated. The model of a Coat and vest for the Dragoons will be sent addressed to you for your decision. If approved you will cause it to be sent to the Contractor. The Specimens only aim at colour and fashion. The quality you will prescribe. There is also the model of a Helmet for the Officers.
I have the honor to be, Sir yr. obt
Secy of War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Josiah Ogden Hoffman, [11 September 1799]
From: Hoffman, Josiah Ogden
To: Hamilton, Alexander

D Sir
[Albany, September 11, 1799]

I mentioned to you some time since, a request by the G.——for my opinion, on the subject of appointment of Auctioneers under the Laws of Congress in this State. On my return to this City, I sent him my sentiments, a Copy of which, I now inclose you. He yesterday returned them to me—and at the same time observed, that I had no[t] fairly met the question—that Auctioneers perhaps were to be considered merely, as municipal Officers—(his own phrasing) not in any way to be appointed by Congress—that in Counties, where we had not appointed, they had—and if we could agree in judgment, he was determined to lay the business before the Legislature, that an Act might be passed, making it penal for any one to sell at Auction, without being first appointed by this State. I only replied, I meant to be explicit, for my Mind was very decided on this question. He wished me however to reconsider my opinion—adding, he had no doubt, of the power of the U.S. to appoint Collectors of Excise Taxes &c but, repeating the Idea, Auctioneers were our municipal Officers, and meaning, as I judged, the duty could be collected from them, without any of the Checks contained in the Act of Congress. I foresee a difference in opinion between the G. & myself and it is not improbable, my opinion may be submitted to the Legislature. The subject therefore perhaps ought to be gone into, more thoroughly, than my Information will enable me to do—indeed, I barely know how to express myself in stronger Terms, than I have already done. Will you have the goodness to devote some Consideration to the business, and to favour me with your ideas, in the shape of an Argument, or otherwise, as you shall find convenient. It is of importance, that no delay take place in my receiving your Communications. I would wish to meet fairly the question, although I must confess myself wholly at a Loss for the Necessity of making any question about it.
I can only offer my federal Motives, as the best Apology for giving you this trouble; and the same Motive I flatter myself will ensure your aid & assistance.
I need not remind you, that this Letter is perfectly confidential—it might perhaps do me an injury to have it known, that its Contents were imparted even to you. Had you not therefore for fear of accident better destroy it, after perusal.
Pray let me hear from you by the first Mail, as I may be called upon for an Answer to his last Request, and permit me to assure of the great Esteem and Attachment of, D Sir
Your respectful hl ser
Jos: Ogden Hoffman
Albany. Sepr 11. 1799


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

War Department, Trenton, September 13, 1799. “I herewith transmit you a Copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Navy of this date requesting that the Marine Guard at Norris Town may be relieved by a competent number of Infantry of the Army. You will be pleased to take such order thereon as to you may appear proper.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 13 September 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
New York Sepr. 13. 1799

I enclose to you the copy of a letter from Captain Draper of your regiment. I am of opinion, from the circumstances which are stated, that it will be proper to discharge the person to whom the letter relates. You will therefore discharge him accordingly.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 14 September 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
New York Sepr. 14. 1799

Your letter of the Sixth of this month has been delivered to me. I have no objection to the discharge of Sewal Moore if he will procure a good and substantial person in his place. With regard to the pay to which he supposes himself to be entitled I would observe that it can not be advanced to him because altho’ he has served three months yet that service must be considered as merely a preparation for future and more important service. This last, in consequence of the discharge, will never be rendered to the US. You will take care that the business be so conducted as to involve no loss to the public.
With great consn   I am, Sir
Col. Rice


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 15 September 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon, September 15th: 1799.

Mrs. Washington’s indisposition (being confined eight or ten days) and other circumstances, would not allow me to give your letter of the 9th instant, and the Reports, Journals &c. &c. which accompanied it, an earlier consideration.
Having done this, however, with as much thought as I have been able to bestow, under the circumstances mentioned, I can see no cause (with the limited force which has been enumerated, and which, I presume, is all that can be calculated upon) to differ from you in the disposition of it. Although, at the same time, I shall make some observations thereupon for consideration.
It may be remembered, that, at the time the Secretary of War laid before the General Officers in Philadelphia, the letters of General Wilkinson respecting the propriety (in his Judgment) of placing a considerable force at the Natches, I gave it my decided disapprobation. Inasmuch as it would excite, in the Spaniards, distrust and jealousy of our pacific disposition, would cause an augmentation of force on their part; and so on with both, if our Government would go into the measure, until the thing which was intended to be avoided would, more than probable, be produced—i.e.— hostility. Whereas, keeping that force in the upper Country, besides its looking to all points, and exciting no alarm in any, might, if occasion should require it, either for defence or Offence, descend the stream like lightening, with all its munitions and equipments; which could be accumulated with ease, and without noise, at the upper Posts, and make the surprise more complete.
Although I have said (in effect) that the Corps de reserve, or Army of Observation, should take post at the place you have mentioned—namely—in the vicinity of the Rapids of the Ohio (Louisville);—yet I can see but two reasons which entitle it to be prefered to the present Post above, i.e. Fort Washington, in a geographical point of view:—And these are—that there is no water above the former, that can float large Vessels at all seasons,—And that, by being so much lower down, the passage of the Ohio would be facilitated if an Expedition should descend the Mississippi. In other respects the latter, in my Opinion, has the advantage. 1st. Because it is a Post already established, and would incur no additional expense. 2dly. Because it is more contiguous to Fort Wayne, Detroit, Michilimacanac, and all the Indians on the Lakes, from whom, in that quarter, we have most danger to apprehend. 3dly. Because communications with it (and for the most part by water) are already established. And 4thly. In case of Insurrections above or below, it is equally as well, if not better situated.
Were it not that the Mouth of the Wabash empties itself into the Ohio so low down, and yet above its confluence with Cumberland and Tennessee, I should be inclined to give a position thereabouts the preference of either the Rapids or Fort Washington; because it would command a greater water Inlet towards the Lakes.
But, whether the position for the Corps de reserve be chosen at the Rapids of the Ohio—above—or below—it had better, I conceive, be on the North side of the Ohio than within the State of Kentucky—Thereby impeding more the intercourse between the Army and the Citizens, and guarding against the evils which result from that mixture, and too much familiarity.
I am so far from agreeing with General Wilkinson that Fort Wayne ought to be abolished, that, if I mistake not the place (central between the heads of the Miamis of Lake Erie and the Ohio;—the St. Joseph and the Wabash;) affording good water transportation, with small portages, in every direction, I would pronounce it (were it not for the expence of subsisting Troops there) the most eligible position for the Army of observation of any in that Country. It would be an effectual security against all the Indians who could annoy us in that Region; it would cover our Barrier Posts, on the line between the British and us; and Troops from thence might descend rapidly into the Mississippi by the Wabash.

General Wilkinson, in speaking of Posts along our Southern Frontier, is general; and you only notice Fort Stoddart. But, on an inspection of the Maps, a place presents itself, to my view, as very eligible to occupy; provided the Creek Indians would consent to it. I mean the Apalachicoli—at its confluence with Flint River, where the line of demarkation strikes it.
But, in my opinion, if we had, or could obtain an Engineer of real skill, and attached to the true policy and interest of the United States, he ought to devote his whole time to the investigation of our interior Country; and mark and erect its proper defences; for these, hitherto, have been more the work of chance and local consideration, than national design.
If the harbour of Presque Isle is good, I should think a small Garrison ought to be retained there. It certainly is the best on the American side of Lake Erie; and one there is important; but I see very little use of a Sergeant and 8 privates at Fort Knox. It is either unnecessary, or too small; and Sergeants at a distance rarely conduct well, when they have not the eye of an Officer to inspect their conduct.
There are several references in General Wilkinson’s Report which were not sent. No. 1 appears to have been essential. They are all returned.
By his statement of the mutilated condition of the Troops, and present disposition of them, there must have been most horrible mismanagement somewhere. A corrective is, indeed, highly necessary. The practise of furloughing Officers, and then renewing the furloughs from time to time, is extremely injurious to the Service, and ought to be discontinued on ordinary occasions.
And that of frittering the Army into small Garrisons, is, if possible, worse. It will never be respectable where these evils exist; and until it can be more concentrated, and Garrisons frequently releived by detachments from the main body, discipline will always be lax, and impositions on the public will prevail.
If the British are resolved to keep up armed Vessels on the lakes, I presume it will be expedient for us to do the same; but in time of peace a better way, in my opinion, is, for neither to have any. In case of a rupture, or the appearance of one, with that nation, there can be no doubt of our arming on those waters much more expeditiously than they would be able to do.
I have now gone over the material points in your letter and General Wilkinson’s Report; but, as I mentioned before, it has been done under circumstances unfavorable to minute investigation or mature deliberation, and my sentiments, where differing from you, given more for consideration than decision. Should anything of importance on this subject, not noticed here, occur to me, I shall not fail to communicate it to you; for the measures now taken with respect to guarding our Frontiers and interior Country ought to be such as will be permanent and respectable.
With very great regard,   I am, Dear Sir,   Your most Obedt. Servant
Go: Washington
Major General Alexander Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William C. Bentley, 16 September 1799
From: Bentley, William C.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Richmond [Virginia] September 16, 1799. “I have this day forwarded to the proper officer A return of my Regiment up to the 1st day of this month—the number returnd is only 133. I lament that our success has not been greater, but you may be assured that no blame ought to be ascrib’d to the Recruiting officers, they have been incessant in their labors. It is not easily to conceive the Democratic rage that we have had to encounter. But appearances are now more flattering; the approaching Season will facilitate the business.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 September 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
War DepartmentTrenton 16 September 1799

In answer to the last paragraph of your letter of the 13~ instant, just received—I observe—That I have already informed you, Law and express instructions from the Treasury Department, to the Pay Master General, have opposed obstacles to making advances of pay to the troops. After a mature deliberation on the subject, by the Comptroller, he appears indisposed to alter the instructions to the Pay Master General, and strongly bears, against the expediency of advances.
It is certain, that advances involve many inconveniencies; they promote irregularity in accounts, favour indolence in officers, by dispencing with forms, that ought to precede receipts, and may, in cases of premature deaths occasion losses to the public. Persuaded of these truths, I have no hesitation to avow, that I am desirous of avoiding responsibility on the score of advances myself, and to compel Officers to produce their returns and rolls in due form and in proper time, to the appropriate offices.
Would I be justified, in acting contrary to a course specifically prescribed by a law, and deemed indispensible by the Treasury Department, unless indeed circumstances exist, of such a nature, and urgency, as to render a strict compliance, manifestly prejudicial to the Public interests?
It will ever be proper, that the Commanding General of the Army, should represent, the circumstances of urgency, which impose a necessity for a departure from established forms, to the Secretary of war—military operations in all countries, do frequently impose such necessities, but contemplating the existing law of the United States, will it not be proper to endeavour in all possible cases in this Country, to make the usage of armies, bend as much as possible to the law—and considering the intimate connection, the lat[t]er has created, between the General and the Pay Master of an army, will it not always be most congenial with the existing law, while it continues in force, that the General direct his order or warrant to the Pay Master General, when advances are required—that he make his requisition of the secretary, who previously informed of circumstances imposing the necessity of a call, and approving thereof, can give every facility to the attainment of the object.
Permit me to intimate that Colonel Ogden was lately with me, and proposed an advance, under a full impression, that the present circumstances of his regiment required established forms should be dispenced with. I thought otherwise and succeeded in convincing him, that no difficulty attended a due compliance with the law.
Nothing more seems to me to be required, than 1st, That the Inspector General shall name persons to muster the troops monthly at every regimental rendezvous Sub rendezvous or in whatever situation they may be. 2d. That where there is no muster master the officer commanding each troop or company or parts thereof, with one other officer provided there is one, shall sign the usual certificate. This regulation which dispences with a muster master is agreeable to instructions from the Comptroller to the Pay master General.
This course being pursued the pay of the troops may immediately assume its legal channel. I pray you therefore to give it your early attention, that we may be respectively relieved from embarrassement and responsibility, and preserve an attitude superior to insinuation.
I shall direct the Pay master General to report to me the advance required as far as he has any information on the subject, and will for this time sanction it.
I inclose the instructions to the Pay Master General by the Comptroller, for your more particular information.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,   Sir, Your Most Obedient and Huml. Servant
James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton