101From 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...
102From 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...
103From 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...
104From 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...
105From George Washington to James McHenry, 23 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 23d April 1799 Six days do I labour, or, in other words, take exercise and devote my time to various occupations in Husbandry, and about my Mansion. On the seventh, now called the first day, for want of a place of Worship (within less than nine miles) such letters as do not require immediate acknowledgment I give answers to (Mr Lear being sick & absent). But...
106From 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...
107From 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...
108From George Washington to James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 2d Instt, covering your dispatches of the 10th Ultimo, was brought to me by the Messenger who carried my letters to you (of the 5 & 6th) to the Post Office in Alexandria. That no time might be lost in carrying the Presidents Plan, and the request contained in your letter of the 10th Ult., into effect, I have solicited the aid of Generals Morgan, Lee, & Marshall; & the...
109From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letters of the 11th, 19th and 21st of last month, with their inclosures. Referring to my letter of the 13th ultimo for the reasons which prevented my having a personal knowledge of such Characters in Virginia, as may be proper to be selected for Officers in the eventual or provisional Army—and having shewn therein the difficulties which would arise from the...
110From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 7th June 1799 When I began the enclosed letter (left open for your perusal) I intended to address it to Colo. Biddle; who transacts all matters of that sort for me in Philadelphia; but as I wrote on, it occurred that, possibly, the Quarter Master might be a more appropriate character to accomplish my order: for this reason, I have left the letter without a...
111From 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...
112From 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...
113From 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...
114From 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....
115From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your private letter of the 29th Ulto with its enclosures, and return your letters to and from General Hamilton. In my letter to Genl Hamilton, which has been before you, you find I have fully expressed my opinion on the expediency—regarding circumstances—of promoting General Wilkinson to the Rank of Major General and I am always willing to give publicity to any sentiment...
116From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have considered, with attention, the Rules adopted by the President of the U.S. relative to rank & promotion in the Army, which were enclosed in your letter of the 2d inst. wherein you request me to suggest any alterations which may appear proper, to make them more perfect. These Rules meet my full approbatn, and I see no inconvenience that can arise from the establishment of them unless it...
117From 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...
118From 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...
119From George Washington to James McHenry, 11 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your private letters of the 29th Ulto & 5th instant, have been duly received. Mr Bordley for presenting, and you for forwarding his Essays on Husbandry, are entitled to, and, accordingly receive, my thanks for these instances of both your kindnesses. (Confidential) I think you Wisemen of the East, have got yourselves into a hobble, relatively to France, Great Britain, Russia & the Porte—to...
120From George Washington to James McHenry, 12 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 7th inst., enclosing reccommendations in favor of Mr James Glenn for a Captaincy in the Provisional Army; and shall attend to your request to return this, and similar papers, whenever the list for Virginia shall be completed. But, Sir, I must candidly acknowledge to you that I see no prospect of completing the selection of Officers from this State, for...
121From 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...
122From 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...
123From George Washington to James McHenry, 9 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Monsr Augustus de Grass, requesting an appointment in the Corps of Engineers; which I forward to you, as I have done all letters of a similar nature. I received, this morning, under a blank cover from the War Office, a letter for myself from Govr Rutledge of So. Carolina, and one for Brigadier Genl Washington, which I have forwarded so as to get to his hands before he...
124From George Washington to James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private Dear Sir Mount Vernon 14th Sepr 1799 I feel much obliged, and accordingly thank you, for your kind intention of ordering me two months pay; and I shall not suffer false modesty to assert, that my finances stand in no need of it; because it is not the time, nor the attention only; which the Public duties I am engaged in require; but their bringing upon me Applicants—recommenders of...
125From 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...
126From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letters, from Genl Morgan and Captn G. S. Washington, recommending the Revd Mr Hill, as Chaplin to the Troops about to be stationed at Harper’s Ferry, have come to my hands, and are now forwarded for your inspection. I do not observe in the “Act for the better organizing the Troops of the U.S. &c.” that any provision is made for Chaplins. Whether they are provided for in any other...
127From 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...
128From George Washington to James McHenry, 17 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your confidential and interesting letter of the 10th instant, came duly, and safely to hand. With the contents of which I have been stricken dumb; and I believe it is better that I should remain mute than to express any sentiment on the important matters which are related therein. I have, for sometime past, viewed the political concerns of the United States with an anxious, and painful eye....
129From 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...
130From George Washington to James McHenry, 11 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 3d Inst. inclosing your Resignation which I have delivered in to the Secy at War. I am convinced your transition from the Military to the Civil Line will be attended with good consequences, as you will be able to communicate that kind of information to the Body of which you are now a Member, which they often stand in need of in times like the present—And as...
131From George Washington to James McHenry, 12 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
The fair hand to whom your letter of the 20th of Jany was committed presented it safe, & as you rightly observd—the value of it was enhanced by it. Good Laws—ample means—& sufficient powers—may render the birth of your Intendant a public benefit; and from the spirit of your people I hope these are provided— without them the appointment must be nugatory—Never, since the commencement of the...
132From George Washington to James McHenry, 18 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Lindsay handed me your favor of the 14th—the disposition of the Prisoners is not with me, but I have accompanied your request to the Secretary at War, and have no doubt of his acquiescence—If the Ladies should derive as much additional pleasure from the attainment of this Band, as I wish them, they will soon be at the summit of happiness. At present, we are inveloped in darkness; and no...
133From George Washington to James McHenry, 15 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
If the Commanders of the Fleets and Armies of our late, most Gracious Sovereign , in America; are not guilty of more duplicity than comports with candid Minds; we are now advanced to that critical & important Crisis, when our hands are to be tried at the Arts of Negociation. In a Letter which I have receivd and forwarded to Congress, from Sir Guy Carlton & Admiral Digby, are these Words "We...
134From George Washington to James McHenry, 12 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am pained to find by your Letter of the 30th Ulto, that you cannot get rid of your fever. Try change of Air—come to the Camp—Any thing to remove a disorder which seems to pursue you with unabating obstinacy, & may, if suffered to run on you any longer, become too powerful for Medicine. The Army has at length taken the Field, and is Encamped at this place; waiting a junction with the French...
135From George Washington to James McHenry, 17 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
In a visit to the Post of Dobb’s Ferry last Saturday, I accidentally met with Majr Lynch at that place, & received from him your letter of the 30th Ulto. In a time like this, of general uncertainty with respect to the designs of the British Court, it is not at all wonderful to find men enquiring at every Corner for News—The North sends to the South, and the South to the North, to obtain it....
136From George Washington to James McHenry, 23 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am pained because I cannot answer the expectation & request of your letter of the 10th Instt—which only came to my hands on Sunday by the Post—to your satisfaction. To make such an application as you require to the Financier, would, I know, be unavailing—first, because he has most decidedly, refused to adjust, & discharge the claim of any Officer who is a resident in, & the subject of the...
137From George Washington to James McHenry, 18 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Immediately on the Rect of your Letter to me of the 2nd of the Month I orderd an inquirey to be made after the Negro—and have reced the inclosed Letter from Colonel Vose in answer. Had the Negro been in Camp I should have been happy in restoring him to Mrs Dulany—as well on account of her own Merit as the pleasure it would have afforded you, to have obliged a Lady who has so clever a Daughter....
138From George Washington to James McHenry, 24 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Immediately upon the Receipt of your letter of the 15th expressive of your wish to go to the Court of Versailles, or London as Official Secretary to the Embassy; I wrote to Messrs Livingston & Maddison on the subject, & mentioned you in warm terms to them—the Letters will go by this days Post. I thank you very sincerely for your kind congratulation on the approaching Peace; none can enjoy it...
139From George Washington to James McHenry, 14 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
You will see by the inclosed Copies, which are answers to my letters to Mr Livingston and Mr Madison, upon what footing the appointments to Foreign Courts stand. If these Gentlemen should leave Congress previous to the taking place of this Event—Your friends in Congress should advise you thereof, & of the time at which these elections may probably be made—and I can facilitate your wishes by...
140From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
After a tour of at least 750 Miles (performed in Nineteen days) I returned to this place yesterday Afternoon, where I found your favor of the 31st Ulto intimating a resolution of Congress for calling me to Princeton, partly as it would seem, on my own account, and partly for the purpose of giving Aid to Congress; but the President not having sent on the Resolution I am left ignorant of the...
141From George Washington to James McHenry, 5 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have thrown together the following sentiments on the papers you put into my hand yesterday. Brevets which have been given with conditions annexed, ought, undoubtedly, to have the conditions fulfilled; because it is a contract between the Parties. Simple Brevets, must be determined by the usage & Custom of other Armies, if there is no established rule for considering of them in our own; I...
142From George Washington to James McHenry, 10 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
After seeing the backs of the British Forces turned upon us, and the Executive of the State of New York put into the peaceable possession of their Capitol, I set out for this place. On Monday next I expect to leave the City, and by slow traveling arrive at Baltimore on Wednesday, where I will spend one day and then proceed to Annapolis and get translated into a private Citizen. I am y’r...