From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 2 January 1800
To James McHenry
N Y Jan. 2. 1800
Sir
Application has been made to me on the Subject of Chaplains.1 I find by recurrence to the laws that four of these characters are provided for.2 This will furnish one to each brigade. I doubt not you will feel with me strong motives which recommend the speedily going into these appointments. The Revd. Mr. Hill has been proposed by Col. Parker3 and I now offer him to you as a Candidate. It appears from the letter of Col. Parker that this Gentleman has been officiating in the character of Chaplain for some time.
S of War
Df, in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
2. H is referring to Section 3 of “An Act to augment the Army of the United States, and for other purposes” ( 604–05 [July 16, 1798]).
3. On October 29, 1799, in a letter which is listed in the appendix to Volume XXIII, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Parker, commanding officer of the Eighth Regiment of Infantry, wrote to H: “The Reverend Mr [William] Hill of Berkley offers his Services as chaplain Shoud one be appointed to the troops at Harpers ferry. He is a man of unblemished Character and warmly attached to Government. I Beg that you will be so good as to mention his prestentions to the S of War.”