51To George Washington from James McHenry, 11 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am just now honored with your letter of the 6th. You have indeed gone over a great deal of ground in a very short time. The first motive for bringing you here was to get you out of a disagreeable situation, to one less disagreeable. The second was to get your assistance and advice in the arrangements for peace. It may be necessary besides to consult you respecting promotions, and on a...
52To George Washington from James McHenry, 19 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
It having been intimated to me that two of the commissioners for the federal City intended soon to resign, and that Major Davidson of the Council of this State was desirous to devote his time to the duties of that trust if appointed, I beg leave at the request of the gentleman who gave me this information to state, that Mr Davidson has been a member of the council for several years, and...
53To George Washington from James McHenry, 11 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you three letters, one from Mr Posey recommending Mr Thomas Hord to a Majority in the provisional army; another from James Machir Esqr. recommending Mr William Bullett for the same grade; and one from Alexander Spotswood offering his services. You will please to return these letters with the list you have been requested to furnish, when it shall be completed. I have the honor to be,...
54To George Washington from James McHenry, 9 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
I reced about 2 o’clock P.M. Col. Lear’s letter, dated at Wilmington, and a few minutes since, his second letter, dated at Chester. I have engaged lodgings for you at Mrs Whites, in eighth Street near the corner of Market Street, and stabling for your horses at Dunwoody’s which is in its neighbourhood. There has been no fever in the house, and I think under all circumstances, it is the most...
55To George Washington from James McHenry, 20 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I would have thanked your Excellency for your very interesting letter, if I had not waited to render my acknowledgements more valuable by the hand who should present them. It is at least one of the fairest in the world. I need not add that it is Mrs Lloyds. We are just about closing our session. The only novelty which it has given birth to, is a man called an Intendant, whom we have vested...
56To George Washington from James McHenry, 26 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
Mr Liston has this moment favoured me with the inclosed letter. If you have time to look over the draught of the letter to Capn De Butts, and can return it to-day I shall endeavour to get him dispached to-morrow. I have the honour to be Sir with the highest respect Your most ob. st ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The docket reads “May 27th 1796” on the ALS , and the letter-book copy shows the...
57To George Washington from James McHenry, 31 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the inclosed application to Gen: Howe the sick privates and those who remained of the well were ordered off on parole under my care as Doctor, and the conduct of a bristish officer &c. But As the officer leaves them here, he gets no receipt. Six have died since our leaving New-York; But I flatter myself, should the weather moderate a little that most of the remainder will...
58To George Washington from James McHenry, 26 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
(private & confidential) My dear General 26 Octbr 1798 I received last night your letter of the 21 st, and also your private and confidential one of the same date. I find the President is extremely guarded in his expressions; but I perceive, at the same time, that he will not refuse himself to any of your recommendations. I have you will see by my letter of the 16th of Octbr given you the...
59To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am going to receive your thanks for putting it in your power to do good. A Miss Howard, a citizen of Annapolis, of an amiable character and reputable connections married a Capn Le Vacher de Vanbruen, a French gentleman. The Capn served with reputation in our army from the year 1776 til the capture of Lord Cornwallis when he obtained a furlough to visit France. He embarked in the Favorite...
60To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 16th this evening and am extremely sorry at the loss of the French mans pocket book; but I flatter myself that your name being on the letters will be a means of recovering it. With respect to Campion the conductor of the asses he has no other claim to your consideration than as a faithful servant. I collect from himself that he is an expert swordsman, and that his...
61To George Washington from James McHenry, 11–12 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
I received the inclosed letter from Mr Hendricks on the 9th and that from Mr Clymer the 6th inst. One of these gentlemen you will perceive thinks another negotiation indispensible to prevent war; the other, that an augmentation of the regular force is absolutely necessary to the preservation of peace. Both, of course, meet in the opinion, that there is serious ground to apprehend hostility on...
62To George Washington from James McHenry, 16 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
(Confidential) my dear Sir. Trenton [N.J] 16 Octbr 1798 You will see by the inclosed the step I have taken, and the information and aid which I expect to derive from the Major Generals in case it is approved, and also the desire I have to draw you for a short time to Philadelphia. I know not how all this is to end, and feel perfectly tired of the uncertainty in which so many important measures...
63To George Washington from James McHenry, 30 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I am much to blame. I have neither congratulated you on your recovery from a dangerous illness, nor yet sympathized with you in those many and perplexed labors in which you have been involved during the late important session of Congress. I will tell you the truth. Every sorrow and consideration whatever has been swallowed up or diminished in the depth of affliction I felt on the loss of my...
64To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr McHenry begs the President will do him the honor to accept a small parcel of asparagus sent by the stage. It is carefully packed up in dry earth, and if delivered according to directions Mr McHenry hopes it will be found to have lost but little of its vegetable properties ALS , DLC:GW . Tobias Lear replied to McHenry on 31 Jan. 1791: “The President of the United States has received Mr...
65To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
It appears by a letter from the President, dated Quincy Octbr 22d 1798, that it will not be in his power to be in Philadelphia ’till near the time fixed upon for the meeting of Congress. In order however, to prevent any injury to the public service, as it respects officering the troops, directed to be raised by the late acts of Congress, he has written to me as follows. “If you, and the...
66To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. I made a visit yesterday to Chevr Freire, and to-day he called to let me know, that his secretary had seen Mr Listons Secretary, who told him that Mr & Madam Liston would set out for Mount Vernon on friday, and that he and Madam Freire would follow on the 18th inst. Seeing that these ministers will avail themselves of your politeness, may it not be proper to be a little more...
67To George Washington from James McHenry, 16–17 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. I have just reced your private letter of the 13th inst. I am sorry and vexed, that what I said in my letter of the 7th should have conveyed an idea that the least avoidable delay had taken place in the arrangements for the Algiers frigate; nothing like which was intended. But the inclosed papers will shew you that every thing has been done which the case required. You will see by Mr...
68To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 March 1797 (Washington Papers)
Once more at home, and I flatter myself recovered from the fatigues of your journey. You have witnessed on your route the great affection and attachment of the people and the sound part of the community, which is still visible in every company I go into, and which I am persuaded will not diminish, though the external marks of it may gradually be less strongly expressessed. This is the least...
69To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
The annexed packets contain the most essential letters received since my last. No. 1. Gen. Wilkinsons letters of the 11th, 16, 17th ulto. I have not thought it necessary to send the continuation of his charges which came by the same mail. No. 2. Is copy of a letter to Major Gen. Wayne resulting from Gen. Wilkinsons information relative to Fort Miamis. No. 3. A dispatch from Mr Seagrove and...
70To George Washington from James McHenry, 27 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inclose you Adjutant General Beckwiths answer to my dispach to Lord Dorchester of the 10th of last month. I inclose, likewise, copy of the orders for the evacuation of the posts of Fort Miamis—Detroit and Michilimackinac the originals of which will leave this to-morrow morning at 5 o’clock by express. Capn Lewis delivered the orders requiring the evacuation of Oswego &...
71To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is copy of a letter from General Pinckney received yesterday morning. I immediately answered it, a copy of which is also inclosed. Yours ever and affectionately ALS , DLC:GW . The enclosed letters, both of which are in DLC:GW , are Charles Cotesworth Pinckney’s to McHenry of 14 Oct. and McHenry’s to Pinckney of 17 October. In his letter to McHenry, Pinckney indicates his...
72To George Washington from James McHenry, 15 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Because I have no reason to believe myself forgotten, notwithstanding you have not written to me for a long time. I would not leave Philadelphia without congratulating with you upon an event the most fortunate for America, and the most glorious for my general. You have carried us through a long war; you have not sunk under the severest tryals; and you live to see a country enjoy the blessings...
73To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here between 7 & 8 o’clock on tuesday morning, and before seeing my family presented your letter to the President. He was at breakfast with Mrs Adams. They both read it and expressed themselves pleased. The same day I waited upon him to arrange the nominations. They stand as follows and are now before the Senate. vz. Alexander Hamilton Inspector &c. Charles C. Pinckney } Major Genls...
74To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Doctor Craik gives me but a moment to acknowlege your Excellency’s letter of the 12 of last month. I think precisely with your Excellency in your observations on the war. Its prosecution is certainly intended, and it is our business to bring as early as possible a respectable force into the field. Shall I tell you, that we inlist but slowly, and that I am very apprehensive our Assembly will be...
75To George Washington from James McHenry, 17 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
The letter you did me the honor to write which I had not received when I had the honor to see you was handed me the day after. It has the Philadelphia post mark of the 11th and was they tell me overlooked by the post-master here or rather his assistant when my letters were called for. I thought it proper to mention this particular to you that the cause of its detention might not be...
76To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
My attention, for some time past, has been so completely engrossed, that notwithstanding my earnest wish to communicate with you upon several subjects, I could not without neglecting some urgent business devote any moments to that purpose. In truth, the stone, however near I may seem to get it to the summit of the mountain, is perpetually upon the recoil, and demands constant exertion and...
77To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I think it probable that there will be a house of representatives to-morrow and perhaps a Senate on tuesday, the speech of course will be on Wednesday. The speech will state the circumstances which have induced to the call of Congress; express a sincere desire that accommodation may take place; inform, that a fresh attempt will be made to endeavour to effectuate the object; recommend in the...
78To George Washington from James McHenry, 8 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
The situation of the Garrison at West Point has for some time past attracted a considerable share of my attention. I had scarcely entered upon the duties of my Office, before I discovered those materials that soon after gave occasion to the Court of Inquiry upon the Commandant, and produced the Resignation of Capt. Wadsworth (a very valuable Officer) which followed that event. You will...
79To George Washington from James McHenry, 4 April 1790 (Washington Papers)
About two years ago Mr Copeley an English manufacturer did himself the honor to pay his respects to you at Mount Vernon: Being about to return to his own country he wishes to renew his homage and respects, and has intreated me to recal him to your remembrance by another introduction. I pray you to excuse this liberty, and am with the greatest and most sincere respect Sir your most devoted and...
80To George Washington from James McHenry, 1 August 1785 (Washington Papers)
Whilst the Marquiss de la Fayette was on his late visit to this country he suggested to me that if I could recollect the train of his military proceedings and commit them to paper, that you would send them to Doctor Gordon who is engaged in writing a history of the revolution; at least so I understood him on this occasion, for the subject being delicate I did not seek explanation. My desire...
81To George Washington from James McHenry, 6 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
In conformity with your Commands of the 1st instant, I have transmitted to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, letters of which the inclosed is a Copy. In the mean while I shall turn my attention to the subjects on which you have desired my report, which I shall make as soon as the unavoidable duties of the Office will permit. With the greatest respect I am Sir Your most...
82To George Washington from James McHenry, 7 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
private. Since I had the honour of writing you, the Chevalier Freire’s Secry has called to inform me, that the extreme heat of the weather had induced Madam Freire, to induce Chevalier Friere to postpone the projected visit to Mount Vernon till September. You will not therefore I presume have the pleasure of seeing them. Mr Pickering has mentioned to me, that such of the materials as are not...
83To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with the Presidents commands the Secretary of War lays before the President the points that have been submitted for consideration, in the Secretarys letters, bearing date the 8th & 10th of Octtober ulto. Will the President think proper, that detachments be made from West Point to complete the garrisons at Governors Island, Mud Island, Baltimore, Norfolk and Charlestown, to one...
84To George Washington from James McHenry, 3 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
I ought to have mentioned in the letter which I took the liberty to write to you a few days since what I had then chiefly in my mind abstracted from the personal consideration of health. I thought that perhaps it might come within your view at this juncture to send a commissioned person to Vienna to solicit the release of Mr la Fayette with powers to proceed to France on a like errand in favor...
85To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the Command of the President as conveyed in his letter to the Secretary of War dated 1. July Ulto requiring the opinion of the heads of departments upon certain charges exhibited against General Wayne by Brigadier General Wilkinson, as relative to “the measures necessary to be pursued to do justice to the public, the accused, and the accuser,” the Secretary of War submits the...
86To George Washington from James McHenry, 20 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
I received a letter this morning from General Hamilton which I inclose. You will be pleased to return it, as well as the annexed poetry, the production of Mr Horry sent for the perusal of Miss Custis. Yours ever & affectionately ALS , DLC:GW ; ADfS , MiU-C : McHenry Papers. This probably was one of the three letters that Alexander Hamilton wrote McHenry on 19 October. In one of these Hamilton...
87To George Washington from James McHenry, 19 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 13th inst. Before I concluded to request you to take upon yourself a task which involves the delicacies you have suggested, I had foreseen them, and reflected in what manner they might be avoided, and at the same time, the object in view obtained, without subjecting the government to difficulties or inconveniences which might be more sensibly felt by the Country....
88To George Washington from James McHenry, 16 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith a return of Ordnance and Military Stores, which has this moment been delivered to me by the Superintendant. I am with the greatest respect Your obedient Servant LS , DLC:GW . The enclosure, entitled Return of Ordnance, and the most important Articles of Military Stores belonging to the United States at the several Posts; as herein stated, was the...
89To George Washington from James McHenry, 19 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
The enclosures, have been furnished, by the Secretary of the Treasury, in pursuance of the request, contained in my letter to him, of the 14th instant (copy of which you are possessed of) and for the purposes therein mentioned. You are requested, if you wish for copies, of this view, of the Finances, of the United States, to cause the same to be taken, by a confidential person, and to return...
90To George Washington from James McHenry, 1 February 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have been for a long time past so hurried and so loaded with business as not to have a moment which I could devote to private correspondence. This is not an apology for neglect or indolence. I am exceedingly sorry it is true, because I foresee, it may without some change become quite unsupportable. Enjoy your happy situation; or if it is to be disturbed, let it be only by transient domestic...
91To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
In the event of a new arrangement in the judiciary department I beg leave to suggest to your consideration the present chief justice of this State, at the same time I would remark (having had no conversation with Mr Chase) that I do not know whether he would incline to relinquish the office he now holds for one that would be attended with greater fatigue. Among the inducements I feel for...
92To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
I am happy to inform you that I was able to attend in the office to-day. To-morrow I set out with my family to Trenton where we propose to remain ’till we can return with safety to the City. Mr Hodgdon has orders to send you press paper, writing paper, and press ink powder. I have also sent to Mr Law, the tin box received at New York from the East Indies, and directed to you. The colours...
93To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to request your Excellency attention to the inclosed draught of a letter to the Governor of Georgia. If it can be returned today it may go by to-morrows mail. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir Your most obt st ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Jared Irwin (1750–1818), formerly a state senator from Washington County, had been elected governor by the Georgia...
94To George Washington from James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your private letter of the 17th Novr ulto, since which I have been very closely engaged in business. The inclosed news paper contains the Presidents speech delivered to-day. You will find it nearly what it ought to be, I had feared he would have entered into reasoning upon a certain measure which had he would most assuredly have attracted to the subject a very pointed direct or...
95To George Washington from James McHenry, 29 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday your private letter of the 25th inst. and its inclosures which I now return. The objections you suggest relative to the promotion of the officer in question are intitled to very serious consideration. Major Generals Lee & Hand may expect a station in the regular army, and certainly the Eastern quarter of the Union will not be pleased unless they have in it one Major...
96To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
I received this morning your letter of the 6th Inst. I was very certain you had made a short estimate of your expenses when you thought two months pay would cover them. I have therefore directed the month of October to be added and the amount Dolls. 523 20/100 to be remitted you in the usual manner which I hope you will receive. This I presume will about face your expences. The letters...
97To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
Without pursuing any official form, (with which I cannot say I am yet acquainted), I take the liberty to submit the thoughts that have occurred to me on reading the letters you were pleased to put into my hands on saturday last. Were you to conform to the dictates of friendship and receive publicly into your family the son of Mr La Fayette, it might be productive of certain political...
98To George Washington from James McHenry, 19 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 14th instant yesterday evening. Be assured I regret and lament from the bottom of my soul the delays, and heart distressing obstructions which have prevented the nomination of the field and other officers for the 12 additional regiments and cavalry. It is not however (whatever the public opinion may be) to me that any of them can be ascribed; for whatever depended...
99To George Washington from James McHenry, 8 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
As the cases of illegal captures under the British treaty ought to be determined by the laws of nations it has occurred to me that you might think mercantile less necessary than law knowlege in the persons to be appointed commissioners. If one of the judges of the supreme court of the U.S. could be spared and no objection interferes against such an appointment I suppose there would be no...
100To George Washington from James McHenry, 15 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have been very much occupied since I had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 29th of May, and even now am very far from being a man of leisure. From the late events in Europe, there is ground for beleiving that England will be forced to accept of terms of peace, unless indeed France inebriated with victory, should require cessions which even the spirit of opposition would revolt at....