Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 28 April 1799
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
Boston April 28 1799

In compliance with your directions, I have proceeded to compleat the division of the State into subdistricts, at least that part of it which constitutes circle 14. I have not yet seen Colonel Hunnewell, & that no further delay might take place I entered on the business without him.
It will be perceivd., that I have not exactly conformed to the division of the districts which was sketched by General Brooks: But he approves the alterations. Conforming to the geographical rule, I began at the western extremity of the State to number the districts and subdistricts, the first of which is comprisd. of the Counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, & two thirds of Worcester. The 2d.—of Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes County & Nantucket. This Mode of division while it includes a pretty equal division of the Inhabitants, preserves also the greatest possible compactness of each circle. I have inclosed the distribution, with the names of the principal officers of each subdistrict, & place of rendezvous to which he is assignd. & hope it will meet with your approbation. I have not delineated the bounds of each subdistrict, not supposing it necessary, if however you think otherwise I shall do it.
In regard to the distribution of Cloathing to the Recruits, I think œconomy in saving the expence of transportation, & the danger of loss in distribution would dictate a preference for a regimental deposite & issue. But I doubt whether the recruiting service would be so greatly promoted thereby; as by a prompt issue of the cloaths to the recruits as soon as they are inlisted. This will be attended with difficulty, as they will undoubtedly need alterations—but the commanding officer at each rendezvous must be made responsible to the pay master for the cloathing, & chargd. with the superintendance of the issues, & fiting them to the Soldiers, by the Taylors who can be procured undoubtedly, in each of those Towns.
Was it consistent with the Character of a soldier to enquire of his superior officers the reasons of his orders, I should be led to query why the regimental rendezvous was assignd to so uncentral a spot in the center. I myself happen to be entirely unacquainted with Sommerset, & cannot send an opinion of the eligibility of that spot, for the accomodation of a regiment with Barracks or supplies of any kind.
I presume Sir, that the rank of the officers commanding regiments, is not designated, by the Geographical rule, which has determined the no. of their Regiments. I shall be obligd by yr. ideas on this subject.
No delay need be had in the recruiting service, by my not nominating my regimental Staff. I hold myself responsible for the performance of the duties of those officers untill I make the appointments.
The plan of districting the state referd to in one of your favours of the 15th. instant is not receivd. & I presume was not inclosd.
I have the Honor to be with great respect yr very humble Sevt
N Rice


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 29 April 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamtramck, John F.

New York, April 29, 1799. “… Are the Regimental Staff of the Regiments of the Western army complete? If not, let them be completed. I am not certain what has been the mode in time past of appointing Officers in that army; but the mode intended to be pursued hereafter is this—The commander of each Regiment is to nominate his Quarter Master & Adjutant, and the Pay Master so far as may be practicable is to be nominated by the Regimental officers by plurality of voices. Where the Regiment is so dispersed as to prevent the assembly of the Officers generally for this purpose the nomination must be made by the Commander and so many of his Officers as can conveniently assemble. The nomination when made must be reported to be submitted for Confirmation to The President. But the persons nominated will in the mean time perform the duties. Communicate to me freely whatever may be in your opinion of sufficient importance respecting the Western Army. I am particularly solicitous to be informed of its state, in point of organisation and discipline. As you have formerly served under my immediate command, you are well apprised how essential is the latter in my eyes.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 29 April 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamtramck, John F.

New York, April 29, 1799. “… a Galley lately built at Pittsburgh called the Senator Ross has been … ordered to Massac there to receive further orders. The Commander of the Western Army being from situation most competent to judge what will be the most useful employment of this Galley, I leave it with you to dispose of her as you shall think best; observing only that the lower posts on the Mississippi would seem to me the most fit destination.… I think it most expedient for the present that the Galley should be officered and manned by officers and men to be detached from the line. I presume it will not be difficult to find those who have sufficient marine knowlege to answer the purpose.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 29 April 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamtramck, John F.

[New York, April 29, 1799. On July 17, 1799, Hamtramck wrote to Hamilton acknowledging receipt of “three letters of the 29th of April.” Third letter of April 29 not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 29 April 1799
From: King, Rufus
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[London, April 29, 1799. Letter not found.]


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

Private
[Philadelphia] 29 April 1799
Dear Sir

Has it struck you, that it will be proper, notwithstanding the Commander in chief of the army has formally declined taking any agency or responsibility in its affairs until a certain state of things shall occur, for you to correspond with him, as the Chief, and give him such information from time to time relative to your comand as will enable him when he may enter upon actual service to exercise his functions with promptitude and a knowledge of previous arrangements and circumstances?
If you have not adverted to this idea, will you turn it in your mind and do what may be proper?
Yours affect.
James McHenry
Gen Hamilton.


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

War Department [Philadelphia] April 30, 1799. “The Governor of the North Western Territory Arthur St. Clair Esquire being ex-officio, Superintendant of Indian Affairs within the said Territory he is to be respected as such by all military Officers within the sphere of his Jurisdiction, you will be pleased therefore to direct the said military Officers to respect him as such, and to cause to be issued at their respective posts such provisions to the Indians as he may think it adviseable should be issued to them from time to time, and to be executed his instructions relative to the safekeeping and delivery of the annual stipends promised to the Indians by the Treaty of Greenville.…”


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

My Dear friend
New York April 30. 1799

I hear of no Cloathing arrived. The recruiting service is now actually begun here and elsewhere. I trust that the cloathing and other articles will certainly reach the Regimental rendezvousses before any of the men are there. It will be a discouraging omen if it proves otherwise. I beg you to appreciate the importance of having the articles forwarded as soon as they can be, even to those places where the business is not yet completely organised in the reliance that what remains to be done must be quickly completed.
Yrs. truly
A H
James Mc. Henry Esqr


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 1 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

Sir
New York May 1st. 1799

It is proper for you to be informed officially that I have appointed Capt. Church of your Regiment my Aid de Camp. I am sensible that in strict propriety, this ought to have been done previous to his appointment—in order that you might have had an opportunity to state to me if any particular reasons, in respect to the interests of the Regiment stood in the way of the appointment. The Omission I trust will be considered as the mere effect of inadvertence. It will be my constant aim to pay due respect to every Officer and to no one more than to yourself.
Captain Church nevertheless has my permission to commence the recruiting services for his Company and is ready to obey your Commands for this purpose.
The Agent for the Contractor has informed me that he waits your particular instructions to make provision for the recruits at the respective Rendezvouses.
With great Consideration   I am Sir   Yr. Obedient servant
Lieut. Col: Smith


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

New York, May 2, 1799. “I have received yours of the 30 April. and your directions will be immediately complied with.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 2 May 1799
From: Rivardi, John J. U.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Niagara [New York] May 2, 1799. Sends a plan of Michilimackinac. Defends his request for extra pay for extra duty. Quotes from the following letter which he received from the Issuing Commissary: “By a letter which I received yesterday from the Contractor I am instructed (as this Garrison does not exceed 50 Men) To give up Stores under my charge To The Commanding Officer.… I hold myself in readiness To make the transfer whenever you think proper.…” States that he rejected this proposal on the grounds that the size of the garrison would soon be increased and that the proposal violated the “contract of 98.” Complains that the contractor wishes him to accept “46000 lb of flour (the two thirds of which must be condemned when warm weather comes).” States: “The Rumours respecting the Indians have greatly Subsided.” Complains of shortage of clothing. Asks for leave for Captain Alexander Thompson “To fetch his family.” States that Dr. John G. Coffin has requested a leave, but that he cannot be spared “before an other Surgeon takes his place.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 2 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir,
New York May 2nd. 1799

When lately in Philadelphia, I mention’d to you that the Secretary of War had given me to expect some Communication from you previous to the Execution of an Order which he has given me respecting a Military Escort to protect the marking of an Indian boundary line.
This is intended to remind you of the matter and to repeat to you that I wait for this Communication.
With great respect   I have the honor &c
Oliver Wolcott EsqrSecy. of the Treasury


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

Philadelphia, May 3, 1799. “… The cloathing for New York, New Haven & Trenton is packed up and will be immediately forwarded.… That for Pennsylvania is also ready to be delivered. To guard against a failure in the quantity of coats wanted for Massachusetts, I have obliged the Purveyor … to get made up in the most expeditious manner 640 Infantry coats … to be divided equally between the two Regiments.… I have taken the same step for half a Regiment from Maryland.…”


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

Sir
New York May 3d. 1799

After mature reflection on the subject of your letter of the 26th. of last month; I am clearly of opinion that the President has no power to make alone the appointment of Officers to the Batalion, which is to be added to the second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers.
In my opinion Vacancy is a relative term, and presupposes that the Office has been once filled. If so, the power to fill the Vacancy is not the power to make an original appointment. The phrase “Which may have happened” serves to confirm this construction. It implies casualty—and denotes such Offices as having been once filled, have become vacant by accidental circumstances. This at least is the most familiar and obvious sense, and in a matter of this kind it could not be adviseable to exercise a doubtful authority.
It is clear, that independent of the authority of a special law, the President cannot fill a vacancy which happens during a session of the Senate.
With great respect   I am Sir Yr.   Obedt. servt.
A Hamilton
The Secretary of War


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Zebulon M. Pike, 3 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pike, Zebulon M.

New York, May 3, 1799. “The Secretary of War has transmitted me your letter of 23rd April. The practice of drawing rations for the Sons of Soldiers cannot be sanctioned.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 3 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
New York May 3rd. 1799

Your letter with the ones therein mentioned have come to hand. Inclosed is the Act for better organizing the army of the United States which will give you all necessary information.
with true consideration   I am Sir   y ob S
⟨Nath⟩an Rice Esqr.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 3 May 1799
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Hamilton, Alexander

East Chester [New York] May 3, 1799. “I have been honoured with your Letter of the first of may; having always understood that Capt Church tho’ honoured by the appointment of being your Aid De Camp, intended, with your permission to recruit his Company; I mentioned to him, when in Town last, that the money & recruiting instructions, were ready for him, when it was convenient for you to spare him, & for himself to proceed; I have however no particular wish that he should perform this duty, unless it should be pointedly agreable to you, as I conclude you cannot at present spare him, I take the liberty of requesting your influence with the war-office that the 6th. section of the act for the better organizing of the Troops of the United States, be executed as promptly as possible.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 3 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Private
New York May 3d. 1799.
Dr. Sir

At length the recruiting for the additional regiments has begun in Connecticut New York New Jersey Pensylvania and Delaware. The enclosed return of cloathing will sufficiently explain to you that it has commenced at least as soon as the preparations by the Department of War would permit. It might now also proceed in Maryland and Massachusettes, and the next post will I trust enable me to add Virginia—but that I do not think it expedient to outgo our supply of Cloathing. It will have the worst possible effect—if the recruits are to wait a length of time for their cloathing.
I anticipate your mortification at such a state of things. Various causes are supposed to contribute to it.
It is said that the President has heretofore not thought it of importance to accelerate the raising of the army—and it is well understood that the Secretary of the Treasury is not convinced of its utility. Yet he affirms that for a long time past he has been ready & willing to give every aid depending on his department.
The Secretary of War imputes the deficiency in the article of Cloathing to a failure of a contract which he had made and to the difficulty of suddenly finding a substitute by purchases in the market. It is however obvious that the means which have been since pursued have not been the best calculated for dispatch. The materials procured at distant places have been brought to Philadelphia to be made up. They are stated to be adequate in quantity.
You will observe that 6⟨00 suits⟩ are numbered 1—This applies to a Regiment in the Western Country. I proposed to the Secretary to change the buttons. It has not been done.
Yet if the Secretary’s energies for execution were equal to his good dispositions, the public service under his care would prosper as much as could be desired. It is only to be regretted that good dispositions will not alone suffice, and that in the nature of things there can be no reliance that the future progress will be more satisfactory than the past.
Means, I trust sufficient, have been taken to procure from Europe a supply of Cloathing for the next year. And the Secy has assured me that he would immediately take measures for procuring a supply for the succeeding year.
As to other supplies I believe things are in tolerable train—and that there is a certainty of the most essential articles in due abundance.
The officers for North Carolina have been appointed. No nomination has yet come forward from South Carolina.
Not a single field Officer has yet been appointed for the Regiment to be raised in New Hampshire Vermont & Rhode Island. It seems the members of Congress dissuaded from the nomination of those who were proposed by the General Officers and promised to recommend preferable characters—but this promise has not yet been performed. This want of organisation is an obstacle to the progress of the affairs of this Regiment.
It is understood that the President has resolved to appoint the Officers to the provisional army and that the Secretary has thought fit to charge the Senators of each state with the designation of characters.
With the truest respect & attachment   I have the honor to be Dr. Sir   Your Obed ser
A Hamilton
General Washington


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 4 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
New York May 4 1799

I have received your letter of the 18. April, and hope that as soon as convenient the nomination of Quarter master and Adjutant to your Regiment may take place. There is no objection to a change in the association of the company officers for good reasons; you will propose therefore such as you may deem proper. The bond of your Pay Master Mr Duncan did not accompany your letter of the 29 April: you must however have a new one executed made payable to the United States of America.
I am particularly obliged by those of your observations which are personal to me. Whenever I see a deserving fellow Soldier resuming the Sword to cooperate with me it affords peculiar satisfaction.
with true regard   I am Sir   Your obed Servt.
Nathan Rice Esqr:


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 7 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, May 7, 1799. “… Col Smith … recommends as his Major … Theodosius Fowler Esqr.… I do not find among the p⟨apers before⟩ me any list of the Officers of the Additional Troops of C⟨avalry⟩. Will you be pleased to have it transmitted? I promised Mr. Jones your C⟨lerk⟩ a memorandum of the number of printed copies of oat⟨hs⟩ and weekly returns which it would be expedient to ⟨send⟩ to the several commandants of the Twelve Regiments. Wil⟨l⟩ you be so good as to direct him to forward to each Commandant 704 copies of oaths three hundred copies of weekly returns of recruits—and to add to these thirteen copies of the Articles of War? Col Stevens has renewed his inquiries of me as to his compensation. I am anxious that this and the duties he is to perform, which is connected with the general plan you had under consideration, should be determined. The orderly and prosperous course of the service can only be the ⟨r⟩esult of a good organisation. And it is in every thing desireable to begin to lay the foundations well.… It has been well determined ⟨tha⟩t none but natives shall be enlisted for the ⟨ca⟩valry. I earnestly wish that this rule was adopted ⟨by⟩ the Artillery. It is extremely important that ⟨each⟩ corps shall be well composed and especially ⟨that⟩ there shall be every ground of reliance ⟨on⟩ its fidelity.”


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

Detroit [Territory Northwest of the River Ohio] May 7, 1799. Calls attention to the “slender state of the Ammunition at this Post.” States that no supplies from the hospital department have arrived in two years. Complains that “his many Communications of a Public nature to the Secretary of War” are not acknowledged. Reports that “there is one uniform sentiment of discontent pervading the Indian Tribes, and it is said they are now collecting in a body and meditate some hostile operations against our Government, and in all probability against that of Great Britain.” Denies the suggestion “from an Extract of a letter from … the Secretary of War of there having been issued a larger number of Rations … than the number of Troops.”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 8 May 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
Treasury DepartmentMay 8 1799

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2d instant.
The business to which you allude, relates to an application made to me by the Surveyor General, for a party of Men to assist in marking the Indian boundary line agreeably to, General Waynes Treaty; but, as the Surveyor General omitted to designate the time when and the place where the men would be required, I have written to him for the necessary information. In the mean time I beg leave to suggest, whether it would not operate to prevent delay, if you were, to direct the Commanding Officer in the North Western Territory, to confer with the Surveyor General on the subject—and to afford him such assistance as he may deem adequate to the object.
I have the honor to be   very respectfully   Sir,   Your Obedtt. Servant
Oliv. Wolcott.
Major General HamiltonNew York


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

Sir
New York May 9. 1799

It is desireable as fast as possible to execute the arrangement which you have adopted for the Distribution of the Artillery. The great distance of General Pinckney from the position of a large proportion of the companies allotted to his command seems to render the intervention of some other authority necessary in the first instance to cause them to be transported within the sphere of their destination. The company of Capt Frye ought to proceed to Charles Town and the batalion of the first Regiment reserved for the Field ought to be collected on the Potowmack. As the removal of these troops from their present positions will require the concurring movement of those which are to replace them you will perhaps think it best to authorise me to give the requisite directions for the one purpose as well as for the other.
There are several considerations which induce me to think that it will be adviseable to annex the state of Maryland to the limits of General Pinckneys command. If on reflection you should be of the same opinion you will be pleased to signify it. This suggestion by a very obvious train of Ideas brings to my recollection a letter from General Washington of the  of which the following is an extract—“When the disposition was contemplated of assigning to Major Genl. Pinckney and yourself your respective districts of superintendance, I was of opinion (as you will see by the inclosed copy of a letter which I wrote to the Secy. of War on my way from Philadelphia to this place) that the whole of General Wilkinson’s Brigade should be considered as under your immediate direction; because, if a part of it which is, or may be stationed Within States Kentuckey and Tenassee, should be under the superintendance of Genl. Pinckney, and the other part under yours, it might occasion great inconvenience, and perhaps confusion, for General Wilkinson to have to communicate sometimes with one of the Major Generals and sometimes with the other. This I conceive, will still be the case, if the disposition which mention to have been communicated by the Secy. of War should continue. I am therefore yet decidedly of opinion, that the whole of Genl. Wilkinson’s Brigade should be under your Superintendance.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 9 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Rice, Nathan

Sir
New York May 9. 1799

Your letters of the 19 & 28 of April have duly come to hand.
You have been informed that the Bond of your Pay Master must be to the UStates of America. The orderly course of supplies to your Regiment requires the speedy appointment of your Quarter Master. That of your Adjutant may wait as long as you shall find expedient.
I am satisfied with the division you have made for the Circle within which your Regiment is to be raised. You have I presume communicated it to Col. Hunnewell as a guide in making the division of the residue of the State. If not, you will do it without delay. I am at a loss to imagine why it has happened that I have not as yet received a line from that officer.
The disposition of the cloathing for your Regiment is left to your own judgment. Any alterations which they may require must be at the expence of the soldiers.
If there was no omission, in the copy of my letter, which was circular, you were invited to offer your opinion concerning the fitness of the place mentioned for your Regimental rendezvous. The reasons for naming Somerset were 1 its vicinity to Rhode Island & to water Communication, which will facilitate the transmission of whatever supplies are to come from a distance 2 Its not being far distant from Uxbrige where it is contemplated that three Regiments will be stationed for a time.
But it is expected, that you will inform yourself of the local advantages and disadvantages of the place and if you judge it inexpedient will suggest a preferable substitute—bearing in mind that a great City is to be avoided & that facility of access for distant supplies is a consideration of weight.
The numbering of the Regiment has nothing to do with the relative ranks of the Commandants.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Yr obed
P.S. Money for the recruiting service of your Regiment has been forwarded to Jonathan Jackson Esq Boston who will deliver it to your Pay Master upon your order. It is hoped that cloathing and other articles will speedily be furnished likewise. If you judge it expedient to begin to recruit before their arrival you will do it—otherwise you will content yourself with having every thing prepared. I understand that Mr. Jackson has been instructed to form contracts for supplies. Communicate with him & see that every necessary arrangement be mature.
Col RiceHingham


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

War Department, May 10, 1799. Encloses a letter from William Macpherson “relative to the positions proper to be maintained … by the regular troops, in the Country late the scene of insurrection and disaffection.”


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

War Department, May 10, 1799. “… I should prefer for the present, to continue the distribution of the command of the troops of the United States, as declared in your instructions dated the 4th. of February ultimo. If hereafter, without reference merely to the Artillery, and upon general considerations, it should be found convenient to annex Maryland to General Pinckneys district it will be done.… In all cases, in which persons have been requested to send forward recommendations, I have experienced complaints from them, if others than those they selected happened to be prefered. I shall however, be very well pleased, to possess the recommendations of the Commandants of Regiments, if to be obtained without my asking for it directly or indirectly; for altho these Gentlemen are interested in having well qualifyed persons under them as Officers, yet they cannot be considered exempt from the partialities but too apt to intrude upon such occasions: I wish to be under as little restraint as possible, for reasons which need not be enumerated.… I do not recollect whether I have mentioned to you, that it will be proper the Contractors should be early apprized of any change which may be made in recruiting districts, and also of the districts where provisions &c will be required: You will give the necessary orders on this head.… Inclosed is the list of Officers in the Regiment of Cavalry.”


Title: Enclosure: [List of Cavalry Officers], [10 May 1799]
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

John Watts
Colonel
Virginia

Solomon Van Rensselaer
Major
New York

John Taylor
ditto
Virginia

James Taylor
Captain

James V. Ball
ditto

Richard Willing
ditto
Pennsylvania

Benjamin Williamson
ditto
New Jersey

John B. Armistead
ditto
Virginia

William Spencer
ditto
Maryland

James Burn
ditto
South Carolina

John Webb
Lieutenant

Stephen G. Simmons
ditto

William Tharp
ditto

Robert Gray
ditto
Pennsylvania

John Walbach
ditto
ditto

George Washington Craik
ditto
Virginia

Laurence Washington
ditto
ditto

Richard Tilghman
ditto
Maryland

William C. Rogers
2. Lieut.
Pennsylvania

Alexander McComb Junr.
ditto
New York

Charles Tutt
ditto
Virginia

George W. P. Custus
ditto
ditto

Carter B. Fontaine
ditto
ditto

Richard Cooke
ditto
Maryland


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
War department May 11. 1799.

If the new recruiting instructions have not been forwarded to the several Officers who are inlisting men for the regiments of Artillery and four old regiments of Infantry, whose names & places of rendezvous are contained in the list some time since sent you, I would suggest the propriety of your transmitting them as early as possible together with the law making an alteration in the ration.
Will it not be proper that the several Contractors should be notified of the alteration that they may govern themselves accordingly?
I am Sir   with great respect   Your obed servant
James McHenry
Major General Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir
War Department 11th. May 1799

Lieutenant General Washington in a letter dated the 28th. of January ultimo observes—
“In speaking of the Cavalry I must observe, that in specifying their uniform it was intended that their breeches should be of leather and consequently buff instead of white. This I doubt not will strike you as being most proper on every account, and in that case no time should be lost in correcting the error before the officers shall have provided their uniform.”
This information having arrived after the regulations for the uniform for the army of the United States reported by the General Officers convened at Philadelphia had received the approbation of the President, and been promulged, it was not conceived sufficiently important to demand a revision, especially as in its operation it could affect the officers only; and as leather breeches might be either white or buff, according to the manner of dressing the skins &c.
There have been some remonstrances made to me, respecting the change of buttons from yellow mettal to white in the artillery uniform. Yellow while it would serve as a mark of distinction between the Infantry and Artillery is considered less subject to be tarnished by powder and therefore thought to be preferable to white.
I have also been harrassed to make explanations to Officers relative to a more particular description of the regulations respecting their uniforms.
These circumstances have induced me, to refer the regulations to you, to request that you will carefully revise them; extend the descriptions of the several parts of the uniform of the Regimental and other Officers so as to relieve them from any ambiguity; correct whatever errors they may contain, and report the same as soon as convenient.
I have the honor to be   with great respect,   Sir   Your Obedient Servant
James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 12 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamtramck, John F.

Sir
New York May 12th. 1799

In the same expectation, which has dictated preceding letters to you; namely that Brigadier General Wilkinson has left his station for the seat of Government & that the command in his absence has devolved upon you, I send you the copy of a letter from the Secy of War to me of the 11 of April last and of the inclosures to which it refers respecting the marking of the Indian Boundary line, also the copy of a letter from the Secy of The Treasury of the 8th instant on the same subject.
Agreeably to the intimation in the last letter it is my desire that you immediately communicate with the Surveyor General and afford him such assistance for effecting the object as he may deem adequate. In this you will fulfil the direction of the Secretary of War.
As this is a matter of great importance to the UStates, I shall rely that nothing on the part of the military will be wanting which can tend to a speedy and effectual execution.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Yr. Obed serv
If the cause of the past disappointments can be ascertained by you, I shall be glad that you will communicate it.

Col. HamtramckFort Wayne.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Ellery, 14 May 1799
From: Ellery, Abraham R.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Newport [Rhode Island] May 14, 1799. “… Adjutant General North, in a letter, of the 30th. ult., did me the honor to offer me, the appointment of Assistant Adjutant Genl. and requests me to communicate to you, my answer, in case of acceptance. From a total inexperience of its duties, I felt a hesitation in making my determination, resulting from doubts of my adequacy to the employment, & it is with diffidence I now accept of it; but, I trust, no exertions on my part will be wanting to diminish my incompetence.…”


Title: Circular to the Artillery Field Officers, 15 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Artillery Field Officers

Circular
New York May 15. 1799
Sir

I send you for your information the arrangement which has been adopted for the organisation and disposition of the  Regt. of Artillerists.
You will perceive that the batalion which you are to command is to be stationed in

You will do well to apprise without delay the officers who are to compose this batalion of the arrangement—so that such of them who may not at present be with their companies may join them, and that the companies which are not now at their proper destinations may be getting into readiness to proceed thither when the order shall be given for that purpose.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Your Obed servt


Title: General Orders, 16 May 1799
From: Church, Philip,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

New York, May 16, 1799. States: “The following disposition of the two Regiments of Artillerists and Engineers has been adopted. Of the first Regiment, one battalion commanded by Major Rivardi is assigned to the Western Army, another Battalion commanded by Major Freeman is to garrison the posts in Georgia and South Carolina, another Battalion commanded by Major Ford is to garrison the posts in North Carolina Virginia and Maryland, and the remaining Battalion commanded by Major Toussard is reserved for the service of the field. Of the Second Regiment, one Battalion commanded by Major Brooks is to garrison the posts in Delaware Pennsylvania New Jersey and New York, another Battalion commanded by Major Jackson is to garrison the posts in Connecticut Rhode Island Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the remaining Battalion (one not having yet been raised) commanded by Major Hoops is reserved for the service of the field. The definitive arrangement of Officers to the respective companies of the battalion of the first Regiment annexed to the Western Army is referred to Colonel Burbeck.” Lists the officers in the other battalions.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 18 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

Dr Sir
New York May 18th. 1799

I stand extremely in need of a capable prudent and trust worthy man to aid me in capacity of Secretary. He must possess a clear comprehension and a perspicuous correct and neat Style. I wish the emoluments which the law allows me to offer were a more adequate inducement to such a character. They are only the pay and emoluments of a Captain in the Army—in other words forty dollars per month and three rations per day or an equivalent in money. Perhaps it may hereafter be in my power to obtain an extension; but as this is casual the person must undertake upon the basis of the existing provision.
If you can find out & recommend to me such a person, willing to engage in the Station, you will do me a great favor. As I shall write to several Friends in different States on the same Subject, you must so manage the matter in sounding the disposition of the person as that no expectation is excited which in case of another appointment would embarrass you.

with very great esteem and regard   I remain Dr Sir   Your obed Serv
Alexander Hamilton
Jeremiah Wadsworth Esqr:Hartford Connecticut


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hunewell and Nathan Rice, 21 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hunewell, Richard,Rice, Nathan

Sir
New York May 21. 1799

The following are the different contractors of the State of Massachusetts Joseph Ruggles Nathl: Ruggles Ralph Smith Aaron & Charles Davis all of Roxbury.
You will please as soon as be to make arrangements with them for the supply of the troops at the several Recruiting Rendezvouses.
with true consideration
A H
Col Rice & Hunnewell


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

War Department, May 21, 1799. “The house of Panton and Leslie, of Pensacola, had several trading establishments, for supplying the Indians with goods, within that part of the territory of the United States, lately evacuated by Spain, agreeably to Treaty. As these Gentlemen established, and carried on their trade with the Indians, under the protection of Spain, they expect their agents, will be permitted, to collect the debts, owing to them among the Indians, and to close their mercantile transactions, without interruption from our garrisons. Considering the expectation to be reasonable, I informed Brigadier General Wilkinson in a letter dated the 31st. January last ‘that it was proper the Agents of Panton and Leslie, be permitted, to proceed, in the course of winding up the business, and collecting the debts, owing to that house.’ I have no doubt, if my letter has been recieved, by the General, that the necessary orders, have been issued, to the officers commanding on the Mississippi; Lest however my letter may not have been recieved, and to guard against any improper conduct of the Military officers in that quarter, you will be pleased, to issue such orders, as may secure to the agents of Panton and Leslie, all necessary and proper freedom, in the lawful prosecution of their business. I think it of some consequence, not to give offence to these Gentlemen, but to aid them, as far as it can be done with propriety. It has been too much a practice, with the commandants of Garrisons on the frontiers, to hold talks, with Indian tribes, and play parts, which belong exclusively, to the civil officers, employed to superintend the Indian affairs. This has consequently attracted to the Garrisons, numbers of Indians, and occasioned great and unnecessary expenditures of the public provisions. You will be pleased to issue such instructions on this subject, as will prevent as much as possible the continuance of such practices, and oblige the military officers, to refer the Indians in all matters, relating to their national affairs, or grievances, to the Governor of the North Western territory, and Governor of the Mississippi territory, or the temporary Indian agent, nearest to their post, as the case may require. It will also be proper, that you instruct the Commandants of Posts in the Mississippi territory, to furnish on the order of Governor Serjeant, when the same can be spared, such rations for the Indians, who may visit the said posts, as he may from time to time direct.…”


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

New York, May 21, 1799. “… It is … necessary that ⟨t⟩he officers generally should be possessed of ‘The Rgulations for the Order and Discipline of ⟨t⟩he Troops of the UStates.’ I mean those which were instituted in our Revolution War. This system will of course obtain ’till there shall be a substitute. I pray that a competent number may be prepared & transmitted ⟨wi⟩thout delay.”


Title: Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 22 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Commandants of Regiments

New York, May 22, 1799. “It has happened in one instance which has come to my knowledge that the hats sent on for the Recruits have been destitute of Cockades and Loops. In a similar case I authorise you to procure the deficiencies to be supplied and I will take care that the expence be defrayed. Where there is an Agent of the war Department, you will first apply to him to have what is necessary done; but you will at all events have it done. I speak only as to Hats.”


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

Circular
Sir
New York May 23. 1799

It is important to the service in every way that vacancies which happen in the several Regiments should be as speedily as possible filled. As no persons can be more interested in this being done, and with a careful selection of character, than the Commandants of Regiments, it is desireable that they should from time to time propose to the General, under whose command they may be, candidates for filling those vacancies, in order that they may be by him offered to the consideration of the Executive.
In doing this, however, it must be recollected that there is no part of his functions in which it is upon principle more essential that the Executive should be perfectly free from extrinsic influence of every kind than that of the choice of officers. Hence it is proper, that no expectation should be entertained that the characters presented for consideration will be preferred: that no encouragement should be given to them which may occasion embarrassment or chagrin in case of their not being adopted, and that no inferences painful to the person recommending should be drawn from the failure of the recommendation. This failure will doubtless often happen. Information of more eligible candidates will frequently come through other channels. Collateral considerations will in no small number of instances occur, which between candidates of equal pretensions will naturally lead to a preference of persons who may have been presented through other channels.
In a word, the recommendation of the Commandant is only to be considered as one mode in which information of fit characters may be conveyed to the Executive.
It occasionally happens that experience leads to alterations in the subdistricts or their rendezvouses. It is expected that whenever this happens the Commandant within whose circle it occurs will give notice of the change to the Contractor of his circle in order that provision may be made for the requisite supply.
It is understood that some misapprehension has existed among some of the recruiting officers about the articles which the Contractors and their Agents are to supply. It will be proper to signify to them that these are only to embrace Provisions Quarters, fuel straw, stationary and, where there is no surgeon, medical aid and supply.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Yr Obed serv
Lt Cols Commandants


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 23 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamtramck, John F.

Sir
New York May 23. 1799

I send an extract of a letter from the Secy of War of the 21st instant on the subject of the house of Panton and Leslie; and I desire that you will as far as shall depend on the military give effect to his views. He will no doubt have made a similar communication to the Superintendants of Indian Affairs for their government. I know of no particular orders which the nature of the subject permits to be given on my part. The detail must be regulated by the occasion.
You are aware that the Governors of the North Western Territory and of the Mississippi Territory are severally ex Officio Superintendants of Indian Affairs. The management of those affairs under the direction of the Secretary of War appertain to them. The Military in this respect are only to be auxiliary to their plans and measures. In saying this, it mus⟨t⟩ not be understood that they are to direct milita⟨ry⟩ dispositions and operations. But they are to b⟨e⟩ the organs of all negotiations and communicatio⟨ns⟩ between the Indians and the Government. They are to determine when and where supplies ⟨are⟩ to be furnished to those people and what othe⟨r⟩ accommodations they are to have. The Military in regard to all such matters are only to a⟨ct⟩ as far as their cooperation may be required by the Superintenda⟨nts⟩ avoiding interferences without previous concert with them or otherwise than in conformity with their views. This will exempt the military from a responsibility which had better rest elsewhere and it will promote a regular and uniform system of conduct towards the Indians; which cannot exist if every commandant of a Post is to intermeddle seperately and independently in the management of the concerns which relate to them.
This communication is made in conformity with an instruction from the Secretary of War; who particularly desires that “The Military Officers may be required to refer the Indians in all matters relating to their national affairs or grievances to the Governor of the North Western Territory and the Governor of the Mississippi Territory or the temporary Indian Agent nearest to their post as the case may require; and that the Commandants of the Posts on the Mississippi Territory may be instructed to furnish on the order of Governor Serjeant when the same can be spared such rations for the Indians who may visit the said posts as he may from time to time direct.”
This letter being addressed to you as the Temporary Commander in the presumed absence of General Wilkinson—you will act in it accordingly; recollecting that your attention is to extend to all the troops and posts from Pitsburgh Westward, to the Missi[ssi]ppi, on the Mississippi, on the Lakes and in Tenessee; in short to all which constitute the Western army and its dependencies. But in saying this as a guide to you, it is not my intention to contravene any arrangements of command which General Wilkinson may have made previous to his Departure.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Yr Obed serv
Col Hamtramck


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

Sir
War department 23d. May 1799.

I received yesterday your two letters of the 18. and 21. instant. You will see by the enclosed schedule No. 1. the quantity of Clothing Arms accoutrements &c. which has been ordered for the several regiments. Money for the recruiting service and pay and forage for the Officers has been forwarded as is mentioned in Schedule No. 2.

It is to be understood that the whole Clothing for no one Regiment has been sent on, that a part only can or has been forwarded to each; and that the purveyor is using every exertion to complete the reimainder in time to meet the wants of the several Regiments, which he will now be able to do a vessel having arrived from Liverpool supposed to have the articles he wanted.
I am extremely sorry at the misconception that has happened respecting the hats for the Infantry. It could not however have been mentioned by me to you, that they were fashioned to be full cocked for the present year; because the Contract for them had been ordered before the General Officers decided on the Change, and I understood the manufacturer of them had so far advanced as to admit of no change in their form, without a material loss to the public. I shall make enquiry of the Purveyor; who had the exclusive direction of this business, and at all events see that the Contract for the ensuing year shall produce hats of the proper form and dimensions. For this purpose I must request you to send me a pattern hat. The Purveyor expects also a Pattern Haversack.
Cockades and loops have always heretofore been furnished by the Soldier under the direction of his Officer. If you are of opinion the public ought to depart from this practice and furnish loops, cockades, and materials to cock the hats, I shall take measures accordingly.
I have directed sixty Copies of the Baron Steubens regulations for “the order and discipline of the Troops of the United States” to be sent to Colonel Stevens, subject to your disposition.
I received this morning the enclosed letter from Major Daniel Bradley. You will take such order respecting its object as may be proper. I shall send him recruiting money and suspend forwarding Cloathing until I can learn your determination relative to the place he is to recruit at.
I am Sir   With great respect   Your obed servant
James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton


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

Sir
War DepartmentMay 23nd 1799

The President thinks it highly expedient, that no time should be lost in selecting proper characters to officer the twenty four regiments of Infantry, the regiment and Battalion of Riflemen, the Battalion of Artillerists and Engineers and the three regiments of cavalry which may be raised in pursuance of the act giving eventual authority to the President of the United States to augment the army passed the 2nd of March last, and contemplates, as soon as the selection is closed, to make the appointments.
The selection of officers for the eventual army appears to be an object of primary importance, requiring all imaginable circumspection and care: their characters for courage, talents, and conduct, ought, if possible, to be such as to inspire a general, and well grounded confidence that the fate of their country may be safely entrusted to them.
I have, therefore, to request you will accord your full attention to the subject, and furnish me, as soon as practicable, with a list of the names of such characters in your state to fill the annexed military grades, in the eventual army, as in your opinion, are best qualified, and willing to serve in case of an actual war, which will render it indispensable to recruit the men for the most extended army.

You will doubtless find a facility in forming the list from consulting and co-operating with proper persons in the different parts of your State who may be best calculated to give information of the requisite particulars, and upon whose patriotism and judgment a full confidence may be placed.
Every cautionary measure is necessary to guard against errors in appointments, which too frequently result from the case with which recommendations are generally obtained, the partialities of friends, and a delusive hope that men of bad habits, by being transplanted into the army, will become good officers and good men.
The officers proposed to be drawn from the State of New York are Viz

Two Colonels
One Major

Four Majors
Four Captains &

Twenty two Captns &
Eight Subalterns of Artillery

Forty four subalterns of Infty

In making the selection it will be proper to allow, if fit characters present themselves for a choice, a due proportion of Captains and subalterns to the several counties, according to their respective population, as well with a view to facilitate the recruiting service as to give general satisfaction. This rule, however, is not meant to be invariably observed as to exclude great superiority of talents, by too strict an adherence to it.
As circumstances may exist at the time of the Presidents making the appointments which may render it proper to make some changes in the list with which I may be furnished, you are requested not to give the parties recommended such positive assurances as will render a change impracticable without wounding, too sensibly, their feelings.
With great respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, your most ob Hb ser
James McHenry
Major Genl A. Hamilton.


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

My General
Boston May 23d 1799

In your favour of the 4th you have expressed your assent, that a change in the association of the Officers, might be made for good reasons. On a more mature consideration of the Division of my circle into subdistricts, from the information I have obtained, I am led to fix on Brookfield as the rendevous of a subdistrict; I am confident it will be more beneficial for the recruiting service, the young men within the limits of the 2d district have generally been in the habits of entering the sea service, have experienced the superior emoluments of that life & will very few of them I think enlist as Soldiers, & it so happens that not a single Officer who has received an appointment in the Army resides within three of those subdistricts. I have therefore thought it adviseable to remove the One at Bridgewater, to Brookfield. The Exchange therefore I would propose, and I do it by the desire of Colo. Hunnewell & full assent of the parties, is that Captain Draper who is an Inhabitant of Brookfield and his 2d Lieut Mr Durant, might be assigned to my Regiment, in which case I shall station him at Brookfield where his influence is great, & that Captain Brown with his 2d Lieut. Mr. Harrington who belong within the 15th. Circle, where he also is represented as a very influencial and popular man, may be transfered to the 15 Regt. each of which Officers if they continue as now arranged, must be removed to a considerable distance from the places of their abode and their influence in a great measure be lost. I have not other views in proposing these exchanges but the good of the service. Should you assent, Brookfield will be considered as subdistrict No 5. & belonging to the 1st: district under Major Walker Worcester No 6 Capt. Chandler, Boston No 7. Capn. Thwing, Dedham No 8 Capt. Tolman, Taunton No 9 Capt. Emery, Plymouth No 10 Lieut Rand, the 2d. District, under Major Winslow. No reasons at present induce me to propose any other exchange of Officers. There are several vacancies in the Regiment. I am confident, with submission, that the good of the service require them to be filled. I have received a number of applications for my influence in obtaining appointments, I have written to the Secretary of War on the Subject, I could wish to be informed in what way & by whose recommendation the Surgeons and the mates are to be appointed to the Regiment.
I have the honor to be with the utmost respect yr. Humbl. Serv.
N: Rice
Genl Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 23 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wilkinson, James

Sir
New York May 23d. 1799

I begin now to be anxious to learn that you had received my letter desiring you to repair to the seat of Government, in conformity with an intimation from the Secretary of War, to the end that with the aid of your lights and experience, a general plan for the arrangement of the affairs of the Western army, with an eye to the existing posture of our political Concerns, might be digested and adopted. If by any Accident that letter should not have gotten to hand, I must urge you to lose no time in complying with its object. It left to your option to come by way of New Orleans, if you could obtain the needful consent there, and if you should think it the most convenient and a perfectly safe route.
You will of course previous to your departure leave the requisite instructions with the Officer who is to succeed in the command, making the proper reserves as to those discretionary powers which a confidence personal to you may have dictated.
On the presumption that you would have left the Western Army, several late letters from me have been addressed to Col: Hamtramck as the Senior Officer of the Army.
With great consideration & Esteem   I have the honor to be   Sir   Yr. Obedient servt.
Alexander Hamilton
Brigadier Genl. Wilkinson


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

Sir
War Department24th May 1799

Letters similar to the enclosed have been transmitted to the Senators of each State from New Hampshire to Maryland, and to Generals Washington Pinckney and Davie for the States of Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia.
Messrs Watson and Lawrence find it difficult, if not impracticable to co-operate in the object of this letter from the distance of their places of residence from each other, and have declined acting. You will perceive that this measure is purely precautionary, and that the officers who may be appointed are not to receive any pay or emoluments until called into actual service.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Your Most Obt Hb St
James McHenry
Major Genl A Hamilton


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

New York, May 24, 1799. “… I shall confer with Col Smith on the subject of his Major and communicate the result.… I am of opinion that the hat ought to be delivered with its furniture complete. It will often be no easy matter for the Officers to supply a deficiency; and it is one of those instances in which œconomy will be likely to disgust by the air of excessive parsimony. Will it not be well to authorize the Commandants to make provision as to the hats already delivered? Patterns shall shortly be forwarded not only of the articles you mention but of cloathing and accoutrements generally.…”


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

My dear Generial
Boston May the 24th. 1799

By your favour of the 9th you have given me a latitude to exercise my judgment, in entering on the recruiting service or not, previous to the arrival of the cloathing, as I shall judge expedient. I have this day issued my orders for the officers to enter on that service, & I hope it will not be long before the cloathing arrives; I think a district deposit & issue thereof the best mode & the one I shall adopt, a part thereof will of course be wanted at Springfield & part at Taunton, it perhaps would be well as it would save expence of transportation, if that which is to be sent to Springfield, might be stoped there on its way from the war office, unless it is to come to Boston by water. I have applyed to Mr Jackson who appears to have reced no information on the subject. He informs me that one quarter of the coats he was authorised to contract for will be rady for delivery by the last of this month, the remainder in three weeks after provided Buttons come in from Philadelphia, He can not determine by what mode they are to be sent to the districts. There is no Qr Master here & he is not impowered.
Pray Sir how are the troops to be serviced at the districts & regimental Rendezvous? & where are we to apply for Arms.
I have from the best information I can obtain thought proper to recommend Lieut Daniel Hastings to be appointed Quarter Master of my Regiment & wish him confirmed as such.
I must beg Sir that some of the vacancies in the regiment may be fill[ed], as I have one or two companies which will have but one officer in each after the Staff appointments are made.
With the most perfect esteem   I am yr. very Humble Servant
N: Rice
P.S. It will I presume Sir be necessary for the officers to be possessd of the rules & Articles of War. how are they to be supplyed therewith? and the troops with camp Utensils?

N: R
Honbl Majr Genl Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 24 May 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Natchez [Mississippi Territory] May 24, 1799. “Immediately after I received your Letter of the 12th: Feby: I dispatched an Express over land to Mobile, to gain intelligence of the Detachment, which had marched to take post on that River.… The Night before the last, I had the satisfaction to receive assurances from the Commanding officer, that He had reached the point of his destination … and by the same conveyance, I received an accurate chart of the coast from New Orleans … to Mobile Bay, with a survey of the River.… An incident unworthy [of] record, & to be reserved for your presence, had suspended the agreement made with Governor Gayoso for the surrender of Deserters, & in consequence of the suspension, the Scoundrels, in service began again to abandon their colours in such numbers, as to cause me serious alarm; but I have now the pleasure to inform you, that after a short discussion, Mr. Gayoso has been prevailed on to send back, two fugitives from the Corps of Artillerists & Engineers, who have been received at Loftus’s Heights, tried, & sentenced. The papers under cover exhibit details.… I … will commence my Voyage from this place the Day after Tomorrow.…”


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 24 May 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir,
Treasury DepartmentMay 24th. 1799

Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to you, the copy of a Letter from the Surveyor General of the United States in Answer to my enquiries respecting the time when and the place where the troops required to assist in marking the Indian boundary line would be wanted. The opinion of the Surveyor General in relation to this business, confirms the expediency of directing the Commanding Officer in the North Western Territory to afford him the necessary assistance, as suggested in my Letter to you of the 8th. instant.
I have the honour to be   Very respectfully   Sir   Your obedient Servant
Oliv Wolcott
Major General Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 25 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamtramck, John F.

New York, May 25, 1799. “The Secretary of War has transmitted me a copy of your letter of 1st April. Mine of the 24th indicates the train in which it is desired that Indian Affairs may proceed. But I shall be glad to be regularly advised of every interesting matter respecting their movements & views.…”


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

War Department, May 25, 1799. “… I transmitted last Tuesday by a Mr: Jones (lately appointed Consul at Orleans) a Duplicate of your letter to General Wilkinson.… For the present I should not incline to give the Indians any encouragement on the subject of their illegal Sales, or respecting the possibility of a treaty to repurchase &c. Let us see a little more of the development of the plot of the Speculators, and the real intention of the Indians. When they say ‘you wish to reduce the quantity of provisions—will this conciliate their affections?’ This proceeds I imagine from what Col. Strong may have observed to them in consequence of a letter to him of mine dated the 29th: Decr: 1798, containing the following paragraph. ‘The issues of provisions to the Indians appear to be so considerable as to make it proper that the strictest œconomy be observed and that none of them who are not entitled to consideration, should receive the public provision, and those only for as short a time as possible.’… I have heard no complaints relative to the Soldiery being obliged to find their Cockades and Loops. I shall however, as it is not an object of great expence, give orders to the purveyor to procure the necessary furniture which will be forwarded to such of the Recruits as may not be provided. In the mean while you will be pleased to consider yourself authorized to direct the Commandants to make provision as to the Hats already, or that may be delivered without Cockades and Loops. The English Cartouch Box has been adopted. Of course you need not send a pattern for this article.…”


Title: General Orders, 26 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York, May 26, 1799. Hamilton’s general orders, March 13, 1800, refer to “the general order of May 26th. 1799.” General orders not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William MacPherson, 26 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: MacPherson, William

Dr Sir
New York May 26. 1799

The Secy of War has instructed me to digest & propose a plan for the organization and arrangement of the volunteer corps throughout the United States. As this subject has particularly occupied your attention, I shall be glad to be assisted with your ideas at large concerning it. You will be sensible that it is necessary to order that every part of our military system should as nearly as may be correspond and that consequently the establishment of the army ought to form the basis of every plan: Yet so as to have due regard to any peculiarities which ought to discriminate corps of a distinct and particular nature.
With great esteem & regard   I am Dr. Sir   Yr. Obed serv
A H
Brigadier General McPherson


Title: Circular to the Battalion Commanders of the Second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, 27 May[–1 June] 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Battalion Commanders of the Second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers

Circular
New York May 27. [–June 1] 1799
Sir

I have heretofore transmitted ⟨to⟩ you the arrangement of the second Regiment of ⟨Artillerists⟩ shewing the batalion which you are to command and its destination generally. Measures are taking to bring the companies not already there within the sphere of that destination. But you will immediately assume the command of all the fortified posts in the vicinity of the sea board within the States of Connecticut Rhode Island Massachusettes including the Province of Maine & New Hampshire, and you will cause all returns from them to be made to you. These, or abstracts of them, as the nature of each may require are to be forwarded by you in conformity with the General Order herewith transmitted of the 29th of last Month.
If after returns have been duly made apparently unreasonable delays in forwarding supplies shall happen information is to be given to me by you.
I am to be regularly advised of all material occurrences or matters requiring my directions. Your correspondence ⟨on⟩ points of military duty will be with me—on the details usually connected with the office of the Adjutant General with him, on the subject of supplies with Col Stevens. Respecting pay you may correspond with the proper Officer in the Department of War till the Pay Master General shall arrive at the seat of Government when communications on this subject will be to him. No other correspondence is to be had by you or any of the Officers under your command with that Department. It is as unnecessary as it would be irregular and it is essential that we shall as fast as possible get into a systematic course of acting.
You will consider any companies or detachments which are or shall be within your district of those that are to compose your batalion whether now in garrison or at other places as under your command and you will suggest to me such a disposition of your batalion to the several posts as you shall deem adviseable.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Yr. Obed servt


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

[Philadelphia] May 27, 1799. “I have this moment recd. your letter of the 24th and several enclosures, among the latter a letter to Lt Col. Hamtramck which I return for your reperusal. You will recollect, that the troops in Tenessee and on the Georgia Frontier are within Genl Pinckney’s command. Your letter to Hamtramck extends his authority to the troops in Tenessee. Will you be pleased to have this corrected.…”


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

Sir
New York May 27th: 1799

The returns from every quarter shew that desertion prevails to a ruinous extent. For this the remedies are   1:   greater attention to discipline   2.   additional care in furnishing the Supplies due to the Soldiery of such quality and with such exactness as will leave no real cause of dissatisfaction   3,   the forbearance to inlist foreigners, and, lastly, energy in the punishment of Offenders.
To promote the first will be my peculiar care. The Second I doubt not, will have from you all the attention due to a matter of primary importance. The third I hope Soon to receive your instructions to put in execution. As to the fourth I must entreat that you will make Such a representation to the President, as will convince him of the absolute necessity, where his Agency must intervene, of giving effect to the Sentences of the Courts. His determination upon one some time since reported to you has not yet been received. I expect it with great Solicitude; there can not occur a more fit case for exemplary punishment. If this Culprit escapes, the example of his impunity will have a most malignant aspect towards the Service. I repeat it, Sir, this is a point of such essential consequence, that you can not bestow too much pains to Satisfy the President that Severity is indispensible. It is painful to urge a position of this Kind, especially where life is concerned, but a military institution must be worse than useless—it must be pernicious if a just Severity does not uphold and enforce discipline.
With great respect   I have the honor to be   Sir   Your Obt sert.
The Secy of War


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 May 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

War Department, May 28, 1799. “I have received your letter dated 25th instant. The experiment of enlisting none but native citizens or naturalized foreigners at present in our army, I am much disposed to have fully made. The criterion of the latter to be either a residence in this country anterior to the revolution to be proved to the satisfaction of the recruiting officer, or a certificate of naturalization. You will, therefore, be pleased to cause an explanatory article on this subject to be duly promulgated to the recruiting officers. My own impressions would have inclined me to maintain a regular force in the Country, late the scene of insurrection, for some time to come had it been compatible when the public service in other respects, but it is exclusively confided to your judgment to continue, or remove the whole, or any part of the regular force now stationed in that Country. I shall forward your letter to the Commanding officer at Reading, directing him to order Captn Cochran to march his company to Fort Mifflin.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Ellery, 29 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ellery, Abraham R.

Sir
New York May 29. 1799

You having been appointed Assistant to the Adjutant General and he being at this time absent, I think it proper to indicate to you a general outline of the duties which you are to perform.
The duties of Adjutant General, who unites the capacity of Deputy Inspector General, are various and extensive. In the two characters he may be regarded as the Assistant of the Commander of the Army and of the Inspector General in whatever relates to the police, and tactics of the army.
He is to receive from the Commanding General and issue to the Army the general orders, for which purpose he is to attend the Commanding General dayly. He is to regulate the detail of officers and men for guards, fatigue service, commands &c. and to see that they are regularly furnished. All returns of the troops including those relating to the Inspectorship, and when the Pay Master General or his Deputy is not at head Quarters the Muster and Pay Rolls are to be made to him. From the returns of the troops which he receives he is from time to time to make out abstracts for the commander of the Army and the Secretary of War. For the present, a Monthly return for each will suffice. The returns relating to the Inspectorship are to be handed over to the Inspector-General with such remarks as may occur from an examination of them. The Muster and Pay Rolls must be transmitted to the accountant of the Department of War unless when the Pay Master General shall be at the seat of the Government in which case they must be sent to him.
Practice will point out better than a letter can define the modes of executing the duties of the Office.
To understand them perfectly it is essential to be well acquainted with the “Regulations for the Order and discipline of the army” established under the auspices of the Baron De Steuben during our Revolution War, “The Articles of War” and the “Rules and Regulations respecting the Recruiting service”
With great consideration   I am Sir   Yr Obed serv
Capt Abraham R ElleryAssistant to the Adjutant General


Title: General Orders, 29 May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New York] May 29th. 1799.

All Returns of the Troops, in Field and in Garrison, including Inspection Returns, and those relating to the Recruiting Service, and for the present, all Pay and Muster Rolls are to be sent addressed to Brigadier General North, Adjutant General, at New York, indorsed on Public Service.
All Returns of Ordnance, Arms, Accoutrements, Clothing, Forts, Camp Utensils, and in General, of all Public Stores, which are on hand, and those which are wanted, reporting the latter from the former in distinct Returns, are to be sent addressed to Colonel Ebenezer Stevens, Agent for the War Department, at New York, indorsed as above.


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

Sir,
War Department29th May 1799

Complaints having been made, relative to the enlistment of apprentices, for the army of the United States, I have been led to reflect on the propriety, or even general policy of such enlistments.
Young men of respectable families, and handsome properties, are not infrequently bound apprentices, to learn a profession, or be initiated in some lucrative trade, art or mystery, it could only be in moments of indiscretion, that such would offer themselves as privates in the army; if enlisted prejudice would cast a stain on their characters, which would also extend to that of their families, and the act of enlisting them, would tend to make the recruiting service abhorred and unpopular.
A large class of Youths are constantly apprenticed, who are of less respectable connections, and smaller or no property, these are to learn agriculture, trafic, a mechanical trade, or some one of the inferior, and laborious occupations, such in the earlier stages of their apprenticeships, from want of strength, and skill, are a constant charge, altho’ of little or no service to their masters, this charge is borne by the master, in expectation of being remunerated by the services of the apprentices when he acquires sufficient ability of body, and skill, which he does not acquire, untill he approaches, or perhaps arrives at an age, which would qualify him to become a Soldier, at this period to enlist him, would be a real injury to the master who had incurred a charge, for which he was about to be remunerated.
I have seen opinions of English Jurists which denied the capacity in an apprentice to enlist, being incompatible with his former contract, as well as the power or right to hold him to military service, in opposition to the masters claim.
The 14th Section of “An Act authorizing the President of the United States to raise a Provisional Army” exempts private Soldiers who are, and who shall be enlisted, and employed in the service of the United States, during their time of service from all personal arrests, for any debt or contract. This Act appears to me to contemplate only persons, who have not engaged their personal labours, or services, but have the misfortune to be in debt. It is however under the 14th Section of this Act, that Officers have concieved themselves authorized to enlist, and detain apprentices from their masters.
Upon the whole as it appears to me, that the Act cited would not justify the detaining of apprentices if enlisted from their masters; that the detention of them, would do injustice in most cases to their masters; that an apprentice is perhaps disqualified, to enter into engagements for military service; and the enlistment only, altho’ he should be afterwards discharged, would often occasion great affliction in families, I am induced to believe, that the practice of enlisting apprentices is improper, and as it would tend to make the recruiting service extremely unpopular, impolitic.
You will therefore, if you concur, with me in opinion, instruct the different recruiting officers, to avoid as much as possible the enlistment of apprentices, and in no case to do so knowingly, without the consent of their masters.
The enclosed purports to be the proceedings of a General Court Martial, held at West Point, the 23d. May instant, by order of Captain George Ingersoll commandant. You will recollect your opinion, formed after a deliberate perusal, and consideration of the rules an[d] articles of War, and transmitted to me, under date of the 23d February last, “That no Officer commanding only a regiment or other corps (whether entire or consisting of detachments) which forms a command not superior to that of a regiment can appoint a General Court Martial; consequently that no Officer commanding either of the Garrisons on the Sea Board, has power to constitute such a Court. In other words, none but a General, or his representative, can do it.”

Had no objections existed, to the authority of the Officer, who constituted this court, the want of a Judge Advocate (for one of the members is made to sign the Proceedings as Recorder) and neglect to set forth, that two thirds of the members of the court, concurred in a sentence of death, would have rendered it improper to execute the sentence.
You will be pleased to take such order, respecting the Prisoner implicated, as to you shall seem proper.
The Commandant, I have no doubt was induced to order the Court, in consequence of the late general error of opinion, that he in his capacity, had authority.
I am Sir   with great respect   your obedient servant

James McHenry
Major General Alexander Hamilton


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

New York May 29. 1799

The inclosed my Dear Sir was written on the idea that though the Troops in Tennessee are annexed to the command of General Pinckney as far as a distinct supervision on the sea-board is concerned, yet they remain a part of the Western army and are subject to the general superintendance and direction of The Commander of that Army. This connection seems necessary to the due course of service in the Western Quarter. There appears to be an intimate relation of objects between the troops in Tenessee and the other troops in the Western Quarter—as to the Indians and as to military operations—and a necessity of mutual support, perhaps occasionally of detaching from the one to the other. If so the Troops in Tenessee can hardly be detached from the Western Commander and in matters of common concern he must extend his attention to all. If your idea be not radically different, if it extend not to a total separation of the Troops in Tenessee, the letter is proper. If it does extend to a total separation, then I will request you to expunge the words “in Tenessee” and to add after dependencies “except the troops in Tenessee” and thus to forward the letter. As to the troops on St Marys, I understand that they were never considered as forming a part of the Western army & so not included in the letter as it stands. Favour me with a line expressing what you shall have done.
Yrs. Affecly
A H
James McHenry Es


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

My dear Sir
[Philadelphia] 30 May 1799

The Troops in Tenessee have never been considered as forming any part of the North Western army, or the Commander of the Western army as having any controul over them. It was necessary to the success of the objects to be accomplished in Tenessee, and the quick transmission of orders that this should be so.
There is no position, which it is possible for a general to assume in the North Western Country, or Mississippi Territory, which would enable him to correspond promptly with the troops in Tenessee and through you with the seat of Government. The delicate state of things in that quarter, will I am affraid long continue and forbid the intrusting to circuitous routes the orders that may be necessary.
The position to be taken by General Pinckney will lye directly on the shortest line of communication between Tenessee and the seat of Government.
I have made the alterations you propose vz. expunged the words “in Tenessee” and added after dependencies “except the troops in Tenessee” and shall forward the letter to-morrow.
Yours Affly
JMcH


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30[–31] May 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

New York, May 30 [–31] 1799. “… I have this moment recd. your letter of the 29th. instant. I intirely agree with you on the subject of Apprentices & shall instruct accordingly. Indeed I ⟨th⟩ought it was universally to be understood that they were not to be enlisted.… The Court Martial at West Point being a Nullity it is my first impression that I can with propriety order another to try anew. This is not the case of a trial before a competent tribunal which would have rendered a second improper.”


Title: Receipt to the Trustees of the American Iron Company, 30 May 1799
From:
To:

[New York, May 30, 1799. “I have receiv’d a deed from Peter Goelet & other Trustees of the American Iron Company. I certify that the fourth or last installment of the Purchase money with Interest remains to be paid, which will pay on demand. New York, May 30, 1799. Alexr Hambleton.” Receipt not found.]


Title: General Orders, 1 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Ellery, Abraham R.
To:

New York June 1st 1799

Major General Hamilton announces to the officers, of the Troops under his Command, the following regulations respecting Extra allowances to officers established by an act of the War department dated the 19th of December last. In all cases Where officers are detached on Services that oblige them to encur expences on the road and at places where there are not Military posts, except where the Law has Specifically provided for traveling Expences, the following regulations are to govern in their Accounts. 1st Every Officer attached as a fore said, besides his legal pay and Emoluments Shall receive a Dollar and twenty five Cents pr. day for man and Horse, for each day that the Officer Must Sleep at a place not a Military post and when the officer is of a rank to be entitled to a Servent, then the addition of Seventy five Cents pr day for the Servant and his Horse. That the foregoing rules shall apply to all places, but the Seat of government, and the prinsible Towns in each State, at which places the allowances to be a Dollar and a half for the officer and his Horse. 2d That, on extraordinary Cases only for which greater Allowances may be indispensable be referd, to the Special disgession of the Secretary of War to be assissted by a certificate from the Commang: Officer by whom the Officer claiming was detached on the Special Service Stating the reasons and circumstances. 3d That fifty Cents without reference to rank be allowed to every Officer detached from one Military post to another which he may reach the same night not less than forty Miles distant, in this place it is contemplated the Servant cant without inconveniance take his own Provision with him. 4th That the days Jurney be regulated by the number of Miles in the following proportion Viz forty Miles to a day when the whole distance does not exceed two Hundred Miles. Thirty to a day for all above two Hundred and not Exceeding three Hundred and fifty, twenty five to a day for all above three Hundred and fifty, and not exceeding Six Hundred—twenty to a day for all above Six Hundred. 5th. That these rates do not retrospect but reguard future allowances only, that all passed and Intervening cases before a reasonable notice of the Same be Settled on the former principle of reasonable expences according to circumstances it being Supposed that the application of a new rule may produce hardship and injustice where the Service may have been performed in the expectation of the practice on former Occation may prevail—respecting the greater allowances in extraordinary Cases which by the 2d Article is referd to the Special descristion of the Secretary of War it is understood that no application to that Effect Can be made with propriety until a Certificate is produced from the Commanding by whom the Officer claiming Such Extra allowance was detached Stating particularly the reasons and circumstances inducing Extraordinary Expences and that in all cases that the Orders of the Commanding Officer must be produced in writing previous to any allowance being made.
Abraham R. Ellery Asst.Agt. Genl.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [4 June 1799]
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My dear Sir
[Philadelphia, June 4, 1799]

I think the information contained in the inclosed letter from Mr Patterson intitled to attention. The writer stands high in the opinion of Mr Sitgreaves, and I have always heard him spoken of as a man of honour and veracity. He was a candidate for one of the Regiments. Be pleased to return me the letter.
Yours Affely
James McHenry
4 June 1799
Majr Gen Alex Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 5 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamtramck, John F.

Sir
New York June 5. 1799

I have received a letter from Col Strong dated at Detroit the 7th. of May last. You will judge from the information which you shall have when this reaches you how far it may be expedient to reinforce his post and from what quarter. The inclosed extract of a letter to him may serve as a guide. I will only add that my view of the subject, probably imperfect at this distance, does not impress me with the probability of approaching Indian hostilities, or with the necessity of a further accumulation of force at Detroit.
With great consideration   I am Sir   Yr Obed serv
Hamtramck


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

New York, June 5, 1799. “… As yet I have to regret that I am without the needful assistance to enable me to keep pace with the various objects of service—which occasions more delay in respect to the less urgent than is agreable to my plan. Measures are in train to obtain efficient aid and I hope ere long the whole Machinery will be in complete operation.…”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Staats Morris, George Ingersoll, and Ebenezer Massey, 5 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Staats,Ingersoll, George,Massey, Ebenezer

Sir
New York June 5. 1799

All the Garrison Posts within the Vicinity of the Sea Board in the States of Maryland Delaware Pensylvania New Jersey and New York are placed under the command of Major Brooks. His general station will be at Fort Jay in the neighbourhood of this City.
You will communicate with him and obey his orders. Your returns of every kind are to be made directly to him.
But till he shall be at his station Major Hoops will command in his stead; and until you shall be advised of his being there you will address your letters to him to the care of Major Hoops at New York, whose orders in the interim you will obey.
With consideration   I am Sir   Yr Obed serv
Capt Staats Morris Commanding Officer Fort McHenry near Baltimore
  George Ingersoll &c. West Point
  The Commanding Officer at Fort Mifflin near Philadelphia


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 5 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Smith, William Stephens

[New York, June 5, 1799. On June 12, 1799, Smith wrote to Hamilton and acknowledged “the receipt of your Letter of the 5th. inst.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Decius Wadsworth, William Littlefield, Lemuel Gates, and Amos Stoddard, 5 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Wadsworth, Decius,Littlefield, William,Gates, Lemuel,Stoddard, Amos

Sir
New York June 5, 1799

All the garrison posts within the vicinity of the Sea Board in the States of Connecticut Rhode Island Massachusettes including the Province of Maine and New Hampshire are placed under the command of Major Jackson. His general station will be at or near New Port Rhode Island. You will consequently communicate with him and obey his orders. Your returns of every kind are to be made directly to him.
With consideration   I am Sir   Yr. Obed serv
Captains Decius Wadsworth Commanding Officer New London
   William Littlefield Fort Wolcott Rhode Island
   Lemuel Gates Castle William near Boston
   Amos Stoddard Portland Province of Maine
        To the care of Jackson Supervisor
P.S. to Capt. Littlefield. You will understand that Major Toussard will exercise the same command as heretofore till Major Jackson assumes it; after which he will take care of all the ordinary details of service subject to the order of Major Toussard as senior officer while the latter continues within his district.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, [6 June 1799]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hamtramck, John F.

New York [June 6, 1799]. “… Such of your remarks as are personal to me are very gratifying. I hope your expectation will not finally be disappointed, though it will require time before a complete organisation, of what is now a very disjointed mass, will enable me to establish a perfect order. Zeal at least my friends know will not be wanting. The request you make with respect to yourself though unusual is very natural considering past experience. It will not fail to influence my Advice, unless I perceive that your feelings and your interest as a soldier can be mutually consulted. Communicate to me freely and confidentially on the subject of Western Affairs. You are sure of my discretion and honor.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Heth, 6 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Heth, William

[New York, June 6, 1799. On June 20, 1799, Heth wrote to Hamilton and acknowledged “Your most obliging favor of the 6th.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Jackson, 6 June 1799
From: Jackson, Daniel
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Castle William [Boston] June 6, 1799. “… I find Capt. Lemuel Gates Company has upwards twenty Men distitute of cloathing and some of them have been so about four months. Capt Gates informs me that he has wrote several times on the subject, has had fair promises, but that those promises are not yet complied with. I find the Cloathing for the Infantry is ready, and in the mean time the Artillery is destitute. If the Officers here upon the recruiting service had complied with their instructions in taking from the recruits their Cloaths, the Men would now have been naked in Garrison, All these circumstances which I have mentioned prevent the Officers, from complying with their promises to the Men, and enforcing that strict discipline which the Service requires.…”


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

New York June 6. 1799

I return Mr. Patterson’s letter. It is not my intention immediately to withdraw more than Cochran’s & Henry’s Companies. The other troops may remain on the insurgents scene. I should prefer their remaining together. Perhaps the vicinity of Easton may be the best single station. But I am not without apprehension that the Troops may be corrupted by remaining long in a disaffected scene. Is there no well affected spot in the neighbourhood of Easton where they may answer the end?
Yrs. Affecly.
A H
J. McHenry Esq


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [6 June 1799]
From: McHenry, James
To: Hamilton, Alexander

private
[Philadelphia, June 6, 1799]
My dear Sir

Since my confidential letter to you, inclosing one from Mr. Patterson, relative to stationing some troops at Easton, I have had verbal information, which shews, if not an absolute necessity for, yet that the stationing troops there would produce immediate salutary effects, upon the disorganizing inhabitants in that neighbourhood. I would advise therefore, if no important objection exists which ought to prevent it that the troops originally ordered to Easton be sent thither, or an equivalent force.
I had written the above when I reced. your letter returning Mr Patterson’s. Easton itself I have understood to be inhabited by people well disposed to the government. It is certain, the officers, who command the troops in the disaffected Country ought to be vigilant, and feel the necessity of keeping steadily with their men and constantly employing them in their exercises and discipline. If this is not the case, the consequences you suggest will be more or less experienced.
Yours Affly
J McHenry
Majr. Gen Alex Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 6 June 1799
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander

My Dear Sir
Albany Thursday June 6th 1799

We all arrived in good health at two O’Clock yesterday afternoon, the passage would have been perfectly agreable had It not been alloyed by the reflection that we had parted from friends so dear to us.
I hope My beloved Eliza is in better health than when we left her, perswaded that a change of air would benefit her we entreat her to come up as Speedily as possible, and to bring at least the two Youngest children with her, Johnny will be Attended to by his Aunt and myself, and from his own avidity to acquire information he will not suffer from his absence from School.
I shall transmit you the Cypher by Capt: Bogert.
Accept our Love and Let My Dear Eliza and the Children participate in. Adieu My Dear Sir
Yours ever most affectionately
Ph: Schuyler
Hon: In: G. Hamilton

My son Philip has procured a teacher for his children and they are now with him at Rhynbeck, so that the house will be perfectly quiet, and all our attention can be bestowed on my Eliza and the Children.


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

Sir
New OrleansJune 6th: 1799

I arrived here on the 3rd Inst. & expect to Embark on the 10th. directly for the port of your residence.
I have Offered two & would have given four hundred do⟨l⟩lars for a passage in the Sloop which bears this as she is reputed a good sailer, but find myself excluded by a band of Kentuckeans, who anticipated my application.
Contrary to my expectations I do not find an armed Vessel in port, & that on which I am obliged to Embark is a clumsy Ship. The circumstance is a painful one, but it is unavoidable.
You have under cover a duplicate of my last, the Original being transmitted agreably to Order.
With perfect consideration & respect I have the Honor to be Sir   Yr. Mo Obe St.
Majr. General Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 7 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Ogden, Aaron

Sir
New York June 7th. 1799

I do not recollect whether you have mentioned to me the points at which your majors will more particularly take their stations. It is in contemplation to order a detachment of Troops to Easton with a view to the insurgent spirit in that quarter, and if it would not interfere with his duties in relation to the recruiting service, I should like very well to give the command of that detachment to Major Adlum. Let me hear from you promptly on the subject.
With great consideration   I am Sir,   Yr. obedient Servt
A Hamilton
Col: A. OgdenE Town N. Jersey


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Ogden, 7 June 1799
From: Ogden, Aaron
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Sir.
Elizabeth Town [New Jersey] June 7. 1799

In answer to yours of this day, I have to inform, that Reading was the more particular station, contemplated to have been taken by Major Adlum. Easton is within his district, and perhaps, nearly equally convenient. He has written to me that the spirit of disaffection, in the greater part of his district, will retard the recruiting very much, so that his aid in this service will be very important, and I should be really sorry if the nature of the Command of a detachment at Easton, should be such, as would necessarily confine him there, altogether, or otherwise very materially interfere with the service in which he is, at present, zealously engaged.
With the highest respect   I have the honor to be   Sir. your mo ob Servt.
Aaron Ogden


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 7 June 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dr. Sir
New York June 7. 1799

I did myself the honor to write to you at some length on the 3 of May. I hope the letter got safe to hand.
The recruiting service is now in motion, in Maryland, Delaware Pensylvania New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Massachusettes. I might perhaps add Virginia, from the assurances which I have received as to the transmission of supplies. But I am not as yet informed of its actual commencement in that state. This cannot be much longer delayed.
The field Officers for the Regiment which embraces New Hampshire Vermont and Rhode Island have been lately appointed. They are Rufus Graves Lt Col Comdt Timothy Darling and Cornelius Lynde Majors. The moment money and cloathing shall arrive the recruiting will begin there and in North Carolina. But I do not view this as very near.
I do not understand that the Officers for South Carolina and Georgia have yet been recommended.
The information I receive as to the progress and prospects of the recruiting service are sufficiently encouraging. Colonel Taylor, Commandant of the Regiment raising in Connecticut assures me that he is persuaded if no obstacle arises from supplies, that in two Months his Regiment will be filled by native Americans. From other quarters the intelligence is very well. I permit myself to hope that in this summer and fall the army will be at its complement.
I send you a copy of the arrangement which has been made of the two Regiments of Artillerists. Measures are taking to carry it into execution. The distribution of the Officers with the Western army is referred to Col Burbeck.
There is nothing further in the military line worthy of your attention to communicate. When I shall have obtained more assistance I shall write more frequently.
A letter from Mr. King contains this unpleasant intelligence. The publication of the Treaty of Campo Formio by the Directory will injure the affairs of the Emperor. It will increase the jealousy of the King of Prussia and of the Empire; whose safety and interests were too little in view in that Treaty. There is no end to the folly of the Potentates who are arrayed against France. We impatiently expect further accounts of the operations of the Arch Duke and entertain a strong hope that his genius and energy will turn to good account the advantage he has gained.
Most respectfully & Affecty   I have the honor to be Dr Sir   Yr very Obed
A Hamilton
General Washington