51George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, March 21st [–22] 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To The Secretary of State—The Secretary of the Treasury—The Secretary of War and The Attorney General of the United States. Gentlemen, The Treaty which is agreed to be held on or about the first of June next at the Lower Sandusky of Lake Erie, being of great moment to the interests and peace of this Country; and likely to be attended with difficulties arising from circumstances (not unknown to...
52From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The requests contained in your letter of the 15 of April have been complied with. There are two points arising out of the Estimate of the Qr. Master General, which you transmitted, to which I beg leave to call your attention. One Item of Expenditure in the estimate is 450 Pack-Horses. It has been noticed to me by the Accounting Officers of the Treasury, that there appear to have been already...
53George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to...
54From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 13 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose an extract of a letter from me of this date to General Wilkinson, on a question of some importance lately raised by the Contractors. I need not observe of how much moment it is, that the Commanding General should without delay establish with the Contractors the construction which I put on the Contract; about which I have no idea that they can mean any serious...
55From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 25 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Mr Stephen Bruce, on the subject of certain articles furnished by him upon the order of Lieutenant Greaton and disallowed in the settlement of his accounts on the principle of their not having been conformable to instructions—together with a copy of the settlement at the Treasury shewing what those articles were. I request to be informed whether the requisition of...
56George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 12 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
As you are about to meet on other business, it is my desire, that you would take the enclosed application into consideration. It is not my wish, on one hand, to throw unnecessary obstacles in the way of gratifying the wishes of the applicants. On the other, it is incumbent on me to proceed with regularity. Would not the granting a Patent then, which I believe is always the concluding Act and...
57Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, [19 June 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the Secretaries of the Treasury & war, draughts of two letters of this day’s date to the Ministers of France & England. He confesses himself not satisfied with the latter altogether, as it has somewhat of the appearance of evasion. The gentlemen will be pleased to propose any alteration either may desire, handing the letters round to him to be finally...
58Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, [25 June 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Th. Jefferson has the honor to submit to the correction & approbation of the Secretaries of the Treasury & War, the inclosed draughts of letters to the French minister on the subject of the ship William & others in her situation, & to Mr. Hammond & mr. Pinckney on the subject of the Snow Suckey. AL , letterpress copy, Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress. The William , a British...
59From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 25 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have concluded to direct purchases of distilled spirits to be made on account of the Government and for the use of the army in the Western Parts of Pensylvania Maryland & Virginia and in the State of Kentucke, to be delivered; according to the convenience of the sellers, at the several Forts McIntosh, Washington and Steuben, and also at the Mouth of Musskingum; a mode in which I intend by...
60George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [29 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
It will not be amiss, I conceive, at the meeting you are about to have to day, to consider the expediency of directing the Customhouse Officers to be attentive to the arming or equipping Vessels, either for offensive or defensive war, in the several ports to which they belong; and make report thereof to the Governor or some other proper Officer. Unless this, or some other effectual mode is...
61George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [3 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Fresh occurrences, but communicated thro’ private channels, make it indispensable that the general principles which have already been the subject of discussion should be fixed, & made known for the government of all concerned, as soon as it can be done with propriety. To fix rules on substantial ground, conformably to treaties & the Laws of nations, is extremely desireable. The verdict of the...
62Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [24 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Th. Jefferson submits to the Secretaries of the treasury & War & the Atty Genl. some sketches of Notes to be signed for the President. As they are done from memory only, they will be pleased to insert whatever more their memories suggest as material. Particularly, the final conclusion as to the express-vessel will be to be inserted, which is most accurately know to the Secy. of the Treasury....
63From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 29 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from the Comptroller of the Treasury of this date of which the inclosed is a copy. The practice therein mentioned, illustrated by the papers to which it refers, is directly in the face of law and instructions—absolutely inconsistent with order and due responsibility in the public expenditures—and consequently both inadmissible and inexcuseable. I must therefore request...
64John Jay and Rufus King to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 26 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
You will recieve herewith enclosed a Publication by Mr Genet denying his having declared that he wd. appeal from the President to the People —a publication by us that we would shortly proceed to state the Evidence and Circumstances relative to that Transaction, and also our manuscript address to the public containing such Statemt. We think it more expedient as well as more delicate with...
65From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 10 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
An arrangement has been made in consequence of your representation to the comptroller of the Treasury, of the 13th of August last, for discharging at the office of the accountant such part of the pay due to the Commissioned officers of the Army as they may desire to have paid here. The following plan has been devised for the purpose: Let the officers who wish to be availed of the arrangement,...
66From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 28 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 28, 1793. On December 30, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Knox and referred to “My Letter of the 28 instant.” Letter not found. ]
67From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 30 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I am content that the Post of Fort Franklin be supplied with Whiskey for the time mentioned in Major Craigs letter on the account of the Contractors and upon the terms mentioned. My Letter of the 28 instant marks out generally the plan to be pursued with regard to the supply of the army with Whiskey. You will perceive that the places of Deposit are Forts Washington Steuben & that lately...
68Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 2 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just taken the oath of office, which reminds me that I am brought into a nearer relation to your department than hitherto. While official men are under no less an obligation than others, to live in harmony; there are too many opportunities for misconception and misrepresentation to interrupt it. I have therefore prescribed this rule for myself: that if anything, supposed to be done in...
69From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 12 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you will find the copy of a letter from Mr. Habersham of the 16th ultimo. The bearer of it (who is mentioned in it) informs me that from the month of June last till he left Georgia, there had been kept on foot from a thousand to twelve hundred Militia and that arrangements appeared to be going on for encreasing the number. The expense you will perceive, has been out of all proportion...
70Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 13 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I had a personal interview with Mr. Fauchet yesterday; and endeavoured to satisfy him of the difficulty, and, as I conceived, the impracticability of advancing the million of Dollars, which he requested. He described his distress, produced by the various draughts of the French Consuls, with great force, and in strong colours; and begged, that he might be permitted to state it on paper. This of...
71Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 15 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has it in charge from the President of the United States, to request the attendance of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, and the Attorney General, at his Room on Monday next 11. o’Clock. The following, among other subjects, will be submitted. 1. Whether it be expedient to send, to England with the complaints of spoliation, some agent to manage them,...
72Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 5 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of inclosing for the consideration of the Secretaries of the Treasury and of War and the Attorney General of the United States, the papers in the case of the British Ship William, a prize to a French vessel of war. The Secretary of State is of opinion, that it is not proved, that she was taken within the protection of our Coasts, and therefore that she...
73Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and William Bradford, 14 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The President wishes your opinion, as to the step, proper to be taken, upon the inclosed address. To send to congress, what the President thinks unfit for himself, will be unkindly received; being uncivil in itself. To acknowledge the body, as such, is in every view inadmissible. So that the question seems to turn upon this; whether it be better to treat the paper with unqualiffied and silent...
74Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 2 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] May 2, 1794 . “The Secretary of State submits to the Secretaries of the Treasury and War, whether any, and what step can be taken upon the inclosed memorial of John Leamy.” LC , RG 59, Domestic Letters of the Department of State, Vol. 6, January 2–June 26, 1794, National Archives. Leamy was a Philadelphia merchant. His memorial has not been found.
75Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 20 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] May 20, 1794 . “The Secretary of State presents his respectful compliments to the Secretaries of the Treasury & of war and requests the favor of them to forward to him the papers in the case of the Ship William, transmitted on the 5th. of April last; together with their opinions thereon.” LC , RG 59, Domestic Letters of the Department of State, Vol. 6, January 2-June 26, 1794,...
76George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [10 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish to set off for Mount Vernon on Monday next. With some inconvenience to myself, it might be delayed until Wednesday; beyond which the purposes of my journey would, in a great measure, be defeated by further delay. I therefore desire that everything which requires my attention in your Department previous to my absence, may be laid before me with as much promptitude as the case will...
77George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [16 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Tomorrow I shall commence my journey for Virginia. My absence from the seat of Government will be as short as I can make it, to answer the purposes of my going. In the interim, occurrences may happen, out of the common routine which might suffer by delay. Where this is the case, & the matter is of importance, advise with the other Secretaries, & the Attorney General, and carry any unanimous...
78Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, [17 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of informing the Secretaries of the Treasury and of war and the Attorney General, that subscriptions have been carried on in Boston and Norfolk, and the monies, arising therefrom have been tendered to the President for the relief of the Unhappy Citizens of the United States now in captivity in Algiers. Sometime ago the Citizens of Philadelphia were in...
79From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 20 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
A Commissary of Stores having been appointed, it is necessary to fulfil the main object of that appointment that a very regular system of accountability should be established. As the accounts of the expenditures of money are connected with the subject I submit to you whether it will not be adviseable to instruct Mr. Hodgdon to concert with the Comptroller of the Treasury a plan for regulating...
80Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, [30 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of informing the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, and the Attorney General of the United States, that he has this day received a Convention bearing date the 27th. of March 1794 between Denmark and Sweden for the maintenance of the rights of neutral navigation. It is proper to notify the Gentlemen, that Mr. Jay is instructed, if he should...
81Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, [1 July 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of submitting to the Secretaries of the Treasury and of War, whether the enclosed letter from Mr. Hollingsworth, the attorney of the United States for the district of Maryland, does not place the case of the British vessel Pilgrim, which has been determined to be captured within the protection of our Coast, upon such a footing, that Mr. Fauchet may be...
82Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 2 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, July 2, 1794. “The Secretary of State has the honor of forwarding to the Secretaries of the Treasury and of War the opinion of the President, as to the answer to be returned to Mr. Hammond on the subject of compensation; and requests their judgment upon the kind of answer, which will best conform to the President’s views.” LC , RG 59, Domestic Letters of the Department of State,...
83From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 7 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] July 7, 1794 . “The Congress of the United States having … appropriated a further Sum of Thirty Thousand dollars in addition to the Seventy Six Thousand dollars heretofore granted for the purpose of fortifying certain ports and Harbours in the United States … I have to request you will be pleased to furnish me as soon as convenient with a Memorandum of the manner in which the...
84Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 11 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of informing the Secretaries of the Treasury and of war and the attorney general, that the President is desirous, that they would take into consideration the Resolutions lately passed by the Inhabitants of Kentucky, and the intelligence lately received from Mr. Seagrove relative to the affairs in Georgia. The President wishes to see the Gentlemen at his...
85Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 11 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of conveying to the Secretaries of the Treasury and of War, and the Attorney General the wish of the President, that instead of a meeting at his house at 12 oClock on Monday next the opinions upon the two points suggested in a note of this morning should be committed to writing, and sent to the President by that time. LC , RG 59, Domestic Letters of the...
86From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 8 October 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Hodgsdon is a worthy man but between us incompetent to a great operation. It is impossible in my judgment that transportation should be so difficult to procure as he makes it. The troops are every where a head of their supplies. Before I left Town I directed some Cloathing to be forwarded. Not an iota of them has arrived or that I can find had been sent so late as the 6th & some of the Militia...
87Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 9 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State begs the favor of the opinion of the Secretaries of the Treasury and of War, and of the Attorney General upon the inclosed Letter of Mr. Hammond, of the 9th. ultimo. The point on which your advice will be particularly interesting is, whether the government of the United States is bound to urge the payment requested? LC , RG 59, Domestic Letters of the Department of...
88From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 17 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
In reply to your letter of this date I have the honor to inform you, that no general Instructions have gone from this department to the Collectors relative to the purchase of the Lands on which Fortifications might be erected, from an expectation, that the information necessary for the Government of the Treasury would come in course through the Channel designated in your letter to me of the...
89From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 23 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 23, 1794. “I send you a letter this moment received from the Commissioner of the Revenue, dated yesterday which contains the answer to your letter founded upon the order of the House of Representatives relative to the measures which have been adopted concerning the naval armament.” Copy, RG 233, Reports of the Secretary of War, Third Congress, National Archives....
90Enclosure: James McHenry to Henry Knox, [19 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
An answer to your letter of the 5th instant has been delayed by some degree of ill health on my part. The general disposition it marks accords with the patriotic sentiments you have so consistently manifested. It is extremely regretted that any circumstance should induce you to hesitate about the acceptance of an appointment in which it is not to be doubted your services would be eminently...
91From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 14 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letters, as I conclude from others which accompanied them, have been a long time getting to hand. There was a moment, when their object seemed to present itself as one not intirely chimerical—but the probability has diminished. Tis however a thing on which the mind may still speculate as in the Chapter of extraordinary events which characterise the present wonderful epoch. My...
92From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [26 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Headquarters, Middlebrook, New Jersey, March 26, 1779. “This will be delivered to you by Mr. Garranger, who comes to pass through a probation with you. He is to give you such proofs of his knowledge in the theory and practice of artillery as you shall deem satisfactory. He will, on your certificate of the same, be recommended to Congress for an appointment as Preceptor to the artillery, or...
93From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [24 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated your letter to The General. He thinks Col Harrison’s regiment not intitled to a ⟨part⟩ of the present supply. I inclose you by the General’s order a letter from General Gates, with sundry papers respe⟨cti⟩ng powder Springfield &c. on which yo⟨ur opi⟩nion is requested. The question is—W⟨hat is t⟩o be done? Col Nixon sent to Springfield ⟨to be in⟩ charge of the Massachusettes...
94From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [30 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General ⟨consents to – –⟩ officers to recover your deserters and to reimburse their reasonable expences. He only makes two conditions, that you will send as few as possible & that they keep and exact and particular account of their expences. The sentence of The Court Marti⟨al⟩ will probably be determined tomorrow; it is too late for to day’s orders. I am ordered to return you the inclosed...
95From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [4 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Gilliland, the most helpless mortal in the world, and the most ignorant of every thing he ought to know, represents that he has been two years without pay. He begs this line to you to have justice done him and seems even not to know to whom he ought to apply. In pity give him such information and advice as you can and at least enable him to have some idea of his own affairs & to give me...
96From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [9 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
We wish to know the number of heavy cannon we might bring into an operation against New York—already in the possession of The Continental distinguishing the Iron from the Brass. We are writing to The French General. Yr most Obed also the Mortars their different sizes. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. These cannons were to be used for an attack on New York City, which Washington...
97Instructions to Colonel Henry Knox, 16 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to examine into the state of the Artillery of this army & take an account of the Cannon, Mortars, Shels, Lead & ammunition that are wanting; When you have done that, you are to proceed in the most expeditious manner to New York; There apply to the president of the provincial Congress, and learn of him, whether Col. Reed did any thing, or left any orders—respecting these...
98Invitation to Colonel Henry and Lucy Flucker Knox, 1 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
The General & Mrs Washington, present their Compliments, to Colo. Knox & Lady, begs the favor of their Company at dinner, on Friday half after 2 oClock. D , in George Baylor’s writing, NNGL : Knox Papers. Henry Knox married Lucy Flucker (c.1756–1824), a daughter of the royal secretary of Massachusetts, on 16 June 1774.
99Orders and Instructions for Colonel Henry Knox, 3 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
It being of the Utmost Importance to the Publick Service, that the Main Body of The Regiment of Artillery, together with The Field Cannon, Ammunition, Stores &c., should as speedily as possible be Assembled at New York, I have thought proper to give you The following Orders, and Instructions. The Legislature of this Colony, having determined to Assemble three Hundred Teams, upon the Common in...
100From George Washington to Col. Henry Knox, 19 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Col. Henry Knox, 19 Aug. 1776. GW wrote to William Heath on this date : “I have wrote to Colo. Knox this morning.”