From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 17 July 1799
To James McHenry1
New York, July 17, 1799. “Power has been given to the Inspector General to appoint a Secretary.2 For some time I have employed in this Capacity a person, who is a mere copyist,3 with an allowance less than the law authorises to be given to the Secretary. But I have now appointed as permanent Secretary, Thomas Y How of Trenton in New Jersey. The Kind of person required for this station, and who has actually been obtained, is such, that a Captain’s emoluments afford a very inadequate compensation. Hence I am led to request for Mr. Howe the appointment of second Lieutenant in the Eleventh Regiment, a circumstance which will be perfectly agreeable to its Commandant.…”
Df, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. For background to this letter, see H to Thomas Y. How, July 3, 1799; H to Aaron Ogden, July 3, 1799; Ogden to H, July 13, 1799.
2. See Section 26 of “An Act for the better organizing of the Troops of the United States; and for other purposes” ( 755 [March 3, 1799]).
3. Ethan Brown.