61From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The near approach of a Session of Congress will naturally lead you to the consideration of such measures for the improvement of our military System as may require legislative Sanction. Under this impression, I am induced now to present to you some objects, which appear to me very interesting, and shall take the liberty to add, hereafter, such others as shall have occurred. One which I have...
62From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter which I have just written to Col. Parker. When I shall be informed of your arrival within the limits of your district all correspondence between me and the particular Officers in that district will, of course, cease, unless you should think it proper that I should continue to direct them in matters that relate to the recruiting service. I would request an explanation...
63To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 24 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just receivd your favour of the 14th. inst inclosing a General order for holding a General Court martial. On the arrival of the 15th. and 16th. regt. at this post, I considered myself autherised, by your construction of the articles of war, in your order of the 18th. of June as to the power of appointing general Court martial. To order one—the Prisoners have been tryed & punished. The...
64To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, November 25, 1799. Questions the validity of John F. Hamtramck’s statement that a number of officers do not know “the common rules of arithmetic and how to write.” States that if the officers are so illiterate, “it is high time, that the facts be ascertained and a decisive remedy adopted.” Requests that Hamilton “require Colonel Hamtramck to designate the officers who come...
65From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
From information which I have occasionally received it would appear that abuses are, from time to time, committed by particular officers, involving the irregular expenditure of money, that can appear only at the office of the Accountant of the War department. The thing seems to me to be sufficiently important to engage your attention, and I should suppose it would be proper to di[r]ect the...
66To Alexander Hamilton from Robert W. Hamilton, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ U.S. Frigate Constitution, at Sea off Cape François, November 26, 1799 . On February 26, 1800, Robert W. Hamilton wrote to Hamilton : “I did myself the pleasure of writing you on the 26 November.” Letter not found. ] Robert W. Hamilton, a lieutenant in the United States Navy, was H’s first cousin. See H to William Hamilton, May 2, 1797, note 5 .
67To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As it is more easy to avoid an expence than to persuade the War Departmt. to pay for it, when it is incurred, I have the honor of submitting to your approbation, the following plan for me this approaching winter. You ordered me, for the winter, at or near New york. Major Hoops & myself are to execute the duty which you will prescribe. The immoderate expences attending the spending of a winter...
68From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have written to the Secretary of War on the subject of a military Academy. Two reasons have prevented me from communicating it to you at an earlier day. My avocations rendered it imposible for me to complete the letter till very lately, and I had had opportunities of knowing your opinion on the subject generally. Any alterations in the plan which you may...
69To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 29 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 11th Inst. and shall pay particular attention to its contents. The packet Boat at Detroit is a small Vessell which (I have been informed) was directed to be built by General Wilkinson as also a nother Vessell which is to be a Brigg. the Packet is begun, the Brig which is a very handsome one, was, when I was at Detroit nearly finished. there is...
70From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The preparation of a good system for the Tactics and police of the different portions of our Army is probably the most valuable service which it may be in my power to render the UStates in my present station & there are urgent reasons why this should be accomplished in the course of the present winter. To do it at all would in every situation require the aid of others; since I do not pretend,...
71From Alexander Hamilton to Lewis Tousard, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty eighth, but do not perceive in it any sufficient reason for preferring Philadelphia to N York or its vicinity for your residence during the ensuing winter. Any military books belonging to the public can be sent to you, and if you are in a town near this city I can correspond regular with you by post, which would supersede the necessity of a personal...
72From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 2 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to a conversation which we had while you were in this city I have directed Lieutenant Walbach to repair to your Head Quarters for the purpose of assisting in preparing a system for the Tactics and police of the Cavalry. It being of importance that this object should be accomplished in the course of the ensuing winter I shall count on your obliging disposition towards me no less than...
73From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 3, 1799. “… In conformity with your letter of the 25th of November I have written to Colonel Hamtramck requesting him to point out the individual officers whose ignorance is so strongly spoken of in his letter of the 5th of October. The remark of the Colonel did not appear to me to be directed particularly against late appointments but to embrace all appointments for the...
74From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish to employ General North with your assistance in preparing regulations for the police of the troops in Camp Quarters and garrisons. There will be no necessity for your residing in New York. Occasional visits to the city will be sufficient for the accomplishment of the object. I have proposed to the Secretary of War the allowance of an extra compensation, but I can not say what...
75To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hamilton, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Hudson [ New York ] December 4, 1799 . “As the inclosed Pamphlet was written Chiefly with a View to be put into the Hands of the Officers of the Army, & Navy of the united States, I beg leave at this early Moment to Present it to you; which if it Should gain your approbation, I flatter Myself will be more Speedily, and abundantly Serviceable to the Public.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
76From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1799. “In your letter of the fifth of October you speak in strong terms of the ignorance of particular officers of the old regiments. It is desirable that you should point out the individuals who are incapable of writing or reading. The communication will be received in confidence as it respects the individuals.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
77From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1799. “I take the liberty to request of you information whether the claims of old Soldiers who served in the Revolution war, are still admissible. I make this inquiry to Serve an old Soldier who has consulted me on the subject.” Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In MS this word is “Served.”
78From Alexander Hamilton to William North, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1799. “I wish to employ you during the ensuing winter in preparing regulations for the Police of the Troops in Camp Quarters and garrisons. It is my intention to associate Colonel Ogden with you in the business. The state of things renders it important that a system should be completed during the winter. I rely therefore on your zeal for the service that all practicable...
79From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Having some private business of importance to transact at Philadelphia, and there being several objects of a military nature which perhaps may be facilitated by a personal interview with you, it is my intention to leave this city on Monday next for the seat of government. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir yr. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
80From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 20th and 25th of November. A Judge Advocate General it is expected will be appointed, but permanent appointments of an inferior kind are not provided for by law. Of course only occasional appointments can be made on special occasions, and to these no compensation can be annexed. I am satisfied with what you have done on the subject of the Court Martial; But...
81From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the fourth of October, and of the fourteenth and twenty sixth of November. Lt. Col. Burbeck commands the first regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. He is now at Michillimackinac, but will be stationed at the future Head Quarters of General Wilkinson upon the Ohio. Major Tousard commands the Field battallion to be stationed during the Winter at Harper’s ferry....
82From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you an arrangement of the Officers of Artillery attached to the Western army into companies as proposed by Col. Burbeck. You will consider this arrangement as confirmed. You will of course make known the confirmation to the commanding officer of the regiment. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
83Enclosure: Arrangement of the Companies in the First Battalion of Artillery, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Names Rank Places Moses Porter Captain Michilimackinac James Sterrett Lieutenant Mississipi Richard Whiley Do Michilimackinac Alexander Thompson Captain Niagara Theophilus Elmer Lieutenant Mississipi Peter Tolman Do
84From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 6 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20. of November with its inclosure. I am pleased with the measure on the part of your state and shall embrace every proper opportunity of recommending its being met here with a spirit of accommodation. But I cannot foresee what will be the temper of the State upon the occasion. Yrs. with true esteem & regard ALS , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford....
85To Alexander Hamilton from John Laughton, 9 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my arrival here I have been making further enquiry into the business I did myself the Honor of mentioning to you when at Newyork. I find that neer 3000 Barrels of salt are annually brought from Oswego to this place besides dry goods And Liquors and these last would increase were they a sure mode of transporting them a cross the Lake, the present method by boat being found extremely...
86To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Jackson, 12 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] December 12, 1799 . “… I enclose you a copy of Major Jonathan Waldos letter to me & his bill of the repairs of the Barracks at Salem, which repairs I should have ordered done by my own Artificers, had they not been engaged at that time at Fort Wolcott, New Port. For the expenditure I expected to have given an order on the Agent or Contractor at Boston for payments;...
87To Alexander Hamilton from William North, [12 December 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing a letter from Captain Ellery, directed to me, respecting the additional pay and emoluments, which it is presumed ought to be annexed to the pay of Officers who have acted, or may act as Assistants in the Office of the Adjutant General. You are better acquainted, Sir, than any one, what Captn Ellery’s duties have been, & what will be his, or the duties of any...
88To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 12 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of your letter of the 4th. Ultimo informing me that you had appointed Capt. Edmund Taylor of the 8th. Regt. Brigade Inspector, I have put him in Orders; from the little I have seen of him, he appears to have been judiciously selected. He is very desirous of receiving instructions from you marking out his duty. I wish you could transmit a short summary of them as soon as you...
89To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 12 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Niagara [ New York ] December 12, 1799 . Discusses need for medical supplies, the difficulty of operating without a quartermaster, and the relative weakness of the garrison. States: “… Captain Laughton Spoke To me Since his return as if it was a matter fixed upon & as if he was already appointed for the Superintendance of the construction as well as for the command of the Vessel when built—he...
90To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 12 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 28th ultimo, enclosing a Copy of what you had written to the Secretary of War, on the subject of a Military Academy. The Establishment of an Institution of this kind, upon a respectable and extensive basis, has ever been considered by me as an Object of primary importance to this Country; and while I was in the Chair of Government, I omitted no proper...