11From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th ultimo, with it’s enclosures, has been duly received. And, agreeably to the arrangements made for the meeting of the General Officers on or about the 10th inst., I intend setting out tomorrow for Trenton; but, as I shall have some business in the Federal City which may detain me for a short time, and shall travel with my own Horses, which must necessarily be slower than...
12From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 12th ultimo—and am much obliged by your kind attention to the business which I desired McAlpin to execute for me. Enclosed is a letter from Mr Alexr A. Peters requesting to be appointed Surgeon or Lieutt in the Army—also one addressed to yourself which came to my hands by the last Mail. I am dear Sir, with due respect & esteem, Your mo. ob. st...
13From George Washington to James McHenry, 22 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been desired by Mr Saml Love, of Loudoun County, in this State, to mention to you his wish to contract for furnishing Horses for the Army. I have informed him that I am unacquainted with the mode in which it is contemplated to obtain Horses, leaving the business of contracts & supplies to the departments to which they are assigned; but that I would mention his name to you in the way he...
14From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
At the earnest request of General Hamilton, that I would give instructions for having the eighth, ninth and tenth Regiments of Infantry provided with Winter Quarters, which it was very desireable should be at Harper’s Ferry, I have departed from the resolution which I had formed, not to take charge of any military operations, unless the Army should be called into the Field, so far as to Order...
15From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
I observe by the concluding paragraph of your letter of the 10th instant that you contemplate conferences between the Secretaries of State and of the Treasury and myself, for the purpose of obtaining auxiliary information from their departments—Several of the questions which you state seem indeed to require such information. But on reflection, it has occurred to me as most regular, that you...
16From George Washington to James McHenry, 16 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Major Lawrence Lewis requires explanation, and it is the purpose of this letter to give it. He had, it seems, been making Overtures of Marriage to Miss Custis some time previous to the formation of the Augmented Corps in November last, at Philadelphia; without any apparent impression, until she found he was arranged as a Captain in the Regiment of Light Dragoons, and...
17From George Washington to James McHenry, 1 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
You will be at no loss to perceive, from my private letter to you of the 16th ulto, extracts from which you sent to the President of the United States; and from my representation to him, dated the 25th following, the rough draught of wch was enclosed in my last, what my determination is, if he perseveres in his Resolution to change the order of the Major Generals, and to disregard the...
18From George Washington to James McHenry, 28 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
Knowing that the War Office has an Agency in the Western Lands, I take the liberty of putting the enclosed letters to General Putnam and Colo. Sargent under cover to you, open. By doing so, it supercedes the necessity of a repetition of what is therein mentioned. Another reason for giving you this trouble, is, that if Mr Massey is a Surveyor in the Northwestern Territory, it is highly probable...
19From George Washington to James McHenry, 10 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
The letter from Mr Ames to Mr Bent, containing further evidence to his good character, I send. The other letter from Mr Carter (who married a Niece of mine) though private, I send also but request it may b⟨e⟩ returned; what he says of a cert⟨ain⟩ character—may be treasured up, but reported as coming from him. His brother is an utter stranger to me, and therefore I can add nothing to what he...
20From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are two letters of application for Appointments in the Army of the United States—One from Genl Morgan covering a letter from Capt. A. C. Randolph applying for an office in the Cavalry instead of the Infantry where you will find him among the newly appointed Captains. I have little or no personal knowledge of Capt. Randolph; but from the manner in which Genl Morgan speaks of him, and...
21From George Washington to James McHenry, 14 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
In order to form an opinion on the query contained in your letter of the 10th instant, whether it will be best to furnish Rations for the Troops by Contracts, or by purchasing and issuing Commissaries, it will be necessary that I should know the prices of Rations, now paid by Contract, at the several places where Troops are sta⟨tione⟩d. You will therefore be pleased to add this to the...
22From George Washington to James McHenry, 1 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
The letters herewith, from Colonels Fitzgerald & Simms, conveys all the information I am enabled to give you relatively to the characters of Captn Piercy (who is a good looking man—apparently turned of Forty) and Mr Bent. Where applications are made to me by persons whom I know, or from the Report of those in whom I can confide, believe are deserving, I shall pass them on to your Office; with...
23From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 13th Augt 1798. It was not (as you will perceive by the letter herewith) until after I had written my private, & confidential letter of the 10th, to you, that I was favoured with the details contained in your letter of the 8th—The receipt of which, and finding that my ideas accorded so well with the measures you had suggested, for the consideration of the...
24From George Washington to James McHenry, 30 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are letters from several persons, as mentioned at foot, applying for appointments in the actual Army. I have no personal knowledge of the Characters of the Applicants, nor do I know whether there are any vacancies to which they can be appointed, however deserving they may be. With due consideration I have the honor to be Sir Yr mo. ob. St Df , in Tobias Lear’s hand, DLC:GW . Below “G....
25From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are sundry letters which have come to my hands, requesting Appointments in the Army of the United States. You will observe that all these letters, excepting one, are from foreigners; and as I presume it is a principle pretty well established, that it would be improper to admit persons of this description into our Army, unless it is a few Characters well skilled as Engineers or...
26From George Washington to James McHenry, 14 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
It is a little out of time, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th ulto; but “better late than never.” and one object in doing it, is to pray you to thank Mr Bordly in my name, for the work he had the goodness to send me, through the channel of your conveyance. I presume the affair of Mr Blount will lye dormant until the Committee of Congress make a Report at the ensuing Session....
27From George Washington to James McHenry, 2 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private Dear Sir, Mount Vernon 2d Augt 1798 Finding that I was not altogether correct, in giving the Uniform of the Company of Greyheads in the Town of Alexandria, I amend, as soon as possible, the mistake, by transmitting the letter of the Captn thereof—Colo. Simms—to Mrs Washington. Have you received my letter of the 22d of July? The enquiry there made, respecting the Quarter Master General...
28From George Washington to James McHenry, 10 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter and sundry Certificates which have been handed to me by a Monsr Demoumonier, a French Gentln who is desirious of entering into the service of the United States in the military line. I forward this letter & these documents to you as I have done all of a similar nature which have come to my hand; but how far it may comport with the line of policy marked out by the Govt of...
29From George Washington to James McHenry, 24 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 19th inst. enclosing recommendns of sundry persons in Kanhawa County for Military appointmts—These shall be Ret[urne]d in due time, agreeably to your desire. I forward to you a letter from Gustavus B. Wallace Junr of King George County, requesting an appointment in the present Cavalry. I am entirely unacquainted with the Applicant, and have had no opportunity...
30From George Washington to James McHenry, 16 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 2d instt came duly to hand. For the perusal of the enclosure I thank you—It is returned. We heard with much concern, but long after the thing had happened, of the accident which befel your son. We hope he is perfectly recovered from the fall, and you from your billious attack. Having no news to entertain you with, and could only fill a letter with the perplexities I...
31From George Washington to James McHenry, 17 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are two letters of application for appointments in the immediate Army. One from John Smith, for a Lieutenancy, recommended by General Posey, and Captn Presley Thornton—the other a Recommendation of Richd Robey, by Captn Garnett Peyton and others, for the appointment of Cadet. Captn George S. Washington has requested that I would mention to you the name of John Stephens, of Berkley...
32From George Washington to James McHenry, 10 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 1st instant is received. Whatever appearance, or shape, the Uniform intended for me, may take, by your direction, will be entirely agreeable to my taste. It being the commencement of a distinguishing dress for the Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States (whomsoever he maybe) and probably will be a permanent one—my wish (although as it respects myself personally...
33From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
Knowing nothing of Mr John Parker (whose letter I enclose you); of his fitness for the work he contemplates; or the utility of it when done; except bringing all these matters into a connected view; which indeed might be useful. But knowing as I well do, that many men when they want money, and do not readily know how else to come at it, are too apt to set projects of this kind on foot, to...
34From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 February 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your two letters, both dated the 1st instant, came to hand yesterday only. I thank you for giving me the perusal of their enclosures; and as I am upon the point of setting out to a meeting of the Stockholders of the Potomack Navigation, and may be from home two or three days, I return them without delay. I had, it is true, entirely forgot my old Coach until reminded thereof by Mr Small; upon...
35From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of——came safe, and in due time; for the information contained in it I thank you; your request was immediately complied with, as every one of a similar nature shall be. A Report is circulated in Alexandria and its vicinity, transmitted (it is said) in private letters from Philadelphia, that a correspondence has been discovered, or more properly, letters have been intercepted from...
36From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 5th May 1799 Your private letter of the 29th Ulto was received yesterday, and requires but a short reply. From an observation of yours, in answer to my letter of the 23d Ulto, I perceive my meaning with respect to the settlement of relative Rank, has been misunderstood; or, if taken properly, I must adhere to the opinion I gave of the injustice which would be...
37From George Washington to James McHenry, 20 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
I was very glad to find by your letter of the 13th instant that you had got well enough to resume your seat in the Office. On this circumstance I sincerely congratulate you. You must know as much of Mr Hoops as I do, and have it more in your power to obtain correct information of his character & fitness for the place that is suggested; but from respect to Mr Morris, and in justice to Mr Hoops,...
38From George Washington to James McHenry, 2 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
This letter will be presented to you by Mr Elliot, the son of a meritorious Officer in the Revolutionary War. He has equitable (if not legal) claim to Land. I have advised him to shew you the nature of it. If it is within your power to serve him, I am sure you will. If not, you can advise him as to the course best to be taken. Always, & sincerely, I am Your Affectionate Humble Servant ALS...
39From George Washington to James McHenry, 23 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
It gave me very sincere pleasure to find by your letter of the 17th —recd last night—that Genl Pinckney accepts his appointment in the Army of the Unite[d] States. If it would not be too inconvenient for him to remain at the Seat of Government until the 10th of next month (the ulterior day, allotted for the assembling of the Majors General at Trenton or Philadelphia) and you would advise me...
40From George Washington to James McHenry, 26 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 26th Sepr 1798. Your confidential letter of the 21st instant is before me; but the long letter which is promised therein, has not got to hand. Probably the messenger who carries this, and other letters to the Post Office this afternoon, may return with it. As you have given extracts of my letter of the 16th to the President, & informed him, that you thought it...
41From George Washington to James McHenry, 25 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Some of the Officers of Cavalry, who accepted their appointments, and were informed by you in the Public Gazettes, that their Pay would commence therewith, have applied to me to know where, & in what manner they were to draw for it. Not being able to supply them on these points, I take the liberty of troubling you with this Address, on the subject; that I may be enabled to answer any enquiries...
42From George Washington to James McHenry, 29 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I am indebted to you for several unacknowledged letters, but ne’er mind that; go on, as if you had them. You are at the source of information & can find many things to relate, while I have nothing to say that could either inform, or amuse a Secretary of War in Philadelphia. To tell him that I begin my diurnal course with the Sun; that if my hirelings are not in their places at that time I send...
43From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Amongst the variety of matters which have come before Congress for the purpose of preparation, in the dernier resort; in short as a salutary measure at all times, & under all circumstances; Arsenals and Cannon Founderies, have occupied its attention. This leads me to ask what steps have been taken relative to the Site for one at the Mouth of Shanondoah? I will pledge myself that there is not a...
44From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private Dear Sir Mount Vernon 27th July 1798 The Greyheads of Alexandria, pretty numerous it seems, and composed of all the respectable old People of the place; having formed themselves into a company for the ^defence of the Town & its Vicinity, are in want of Colours; and it being intimated that the Presentation of them by Mrs Washington would be flattering to them; I take the liberty of...
45From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
It is a point from which I have not deviated, to forward all recommendations, & applications, which have been made to me for Military appointments, to the Department of War. In confirmation of what is said in the enclosed letters from General Morgan, and the Colonels Meade and Parker, I may add that, the same good report of the merits of Major Lawe Butler has, verbally, been made to me by...
46From George Washington to James McHenry, 14 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
After reading, & putting a wafer into the enclosed letter, be so kind as to send it as directed. The young Cornet (in my family) is anxious to receive his Military equipments. Daily, fruitless enquiries are made of me to know when they may be expected. Perhaps if you were to jog Mr Francis, the Purveyor, the sooner they might be Purveyed, and the young Gentleman gratified. I wish them to be...
47From George Washington to James McHenry, 28 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
From a mistaken idea, numberless applications for appointments in the Army of the U. States are made to me. Where the applicants are known, or come under favourable auspices, I shall think it a duty incumbent on me to transmit them to the War Office. Mr Triplet’s family are respectable—of his medical or Surgical abilities I have no knowledge; Colo. Little whose letter I enclose, is the...
48From George Washington to James McHenry, 26 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
The enclosures transmitted in your letter of the 20th instant are retd. I derived great pleasure from General Pinkneys declaration to General Hamilton; and wish you to inform him, that I feel happy in the thought of having him as a Coadjutor, if our disputes with France are to be decided by the Sword. Let me hear from you as soon as possible on the subject of my last letters to you—dated the...
49From George Washington to James McHenry, 30 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have lately received information, which, in my opinion, merits attention. It is that the brawlers against Governmental measures in some of the most discontented parts of this state, have, all of a sudden, become silent; and, it is added, are very desirous of obtaining Commissions in the Army, about to be raised. This information did not fail to leave an impression upon my mind at the time I...
50From George Washington to James McHenry, 31 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
To a person as well acquainted with the writers of the letters herewith enclosed, as you are, it is hardly necessary to add a word in further recommendation of Major Parker to an appointment in the augmented army. and yet, there is some thing so singularly meritorious in his whole family as Military men that I shd think I was not doing Justice to the Service were I not to advise—if in...
51From George Washington to James McHenry, 22 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
I am not disposed to withdraw your attention from more important matters; or to be troublesome in any degree; or to press my correspondence upon you. But not having even heard whether my letter, of which the enclosed is taken from a Press copy ever reached your hands, I am induced to make the enquiry. I wish also to know what has been done with a letter of mine, put under cover to you (early...
52From George Washington to James McHenry, 1 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
I find, by looking over my files, that your favours of the 14th & 24th of August have never been acknowledged. I now do, the receipt of them. I thank you, and through you, Governor Davie, for his “Instructions to be observed for the formations and movements of Cavalry” and would thank you to mention this to him, when you shall see him, which I presume must be soon. I pray you to direct Mr...
53From George Washington to James McHenry, 30 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 24th & 25th instant have been received. For the Stars, enclosed in the latter, I thank you. The amount of cost, Six dollars, is herein remitted. I preferred sending a Columbia Bank note for a dollar, to one of Silver (in a letter), as it can readily be exchanged for the latter, and the other Banks issue no notes under five dollars. For the Box which accompanied the letter...
54From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 7th April 1799 When your letters of the 30th & 31st Ulto were brought here, I was on a Survey of some land I hold in the vicinity of Alexandria; on which, as I was informed, & as the fact proved, considerable trespass had been committed. To complete this business I was employed near three days; and now, company will allow me to do but little more than to...
55From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
The Messenger that carried my letters of the 10th to the Post Office brought me your favour of the 6th—and yesterday I received that of the 8th. It gave me sincere pleasure to find by the latter, that you had suggested to the President, prompt & decisive measures for Organizing and recruiting the twelve Regiments of Infantry, &ca; and the propriety also of requiring the Services of the...
56From George Washington to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing a letter from Colo. Parker to Mr Lear, in which he requests that I will write to the proper department, to have arrangements made for the payment of two thousand one hundred & seventy five dollars and one third, being the amount of the purchase of one hundred and ninety six acres of land, bought, for the United States, adjoining the public ground at Harper’s...
57From George Washington to James McHenry, 25 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
You will not only consider this letter as a private one, but as a friendly one, from G: W. to J: M. And if the sentiments which you will find in it, are delivered with more freedom and candour than are agreeable, say so; not by implication only, but in explicit language; and I will promise to offend no more by such conduct; but confine myself (if occasion should require it) to an Official...
58From George Washington to James McHenry, 15 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 2d, and three of the 5th instant, came duly to hand. Those of the latter date, were received late in the evening preceeding my visit to the Federal City, where I was detained several days on business; and is the cause of their remaining unacknowledged so long. In the former, you ask if I am acquainted with characters, who have talents and acquirements to fit them for the...
59From George Washington to James McHenry, 15 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 3d instant, with the papers accompanying it, did not get to my hands ’till the 11th—At the same time I received a long letter from Genl Hamilton, with voluminous references, to which he requested my immediate attention, and the communication of my sentiments thereon. These circumstances will account for your not having received an answer before this time. The Rules which...
60From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 5th July 1798. I am perfectly satisfied that the duties of your Office were not diminished by the business thrown upon it in the course of the present Session of Congress; and far was it from my wish to add to the trouble of them. I expected no more than a simple acknowledgment of my letters, and with respect to the proposed Arsenal at the confluence of the...