James McHenry Papers
375 documents
Concerning the rank of Major-Generals in the Provisional Army
Firmly insists upon the order of rank for Major General of the Provisional Army to be Knox, Pinckney, and Hamilton, in accordance to their experience. Expresses deep respect for Washington, but states …
James McHenry PapersConcerning the political mood of the nation
Notes that a leaked conversation on the Jay Treaty led to the defeat of a Congressman as a result of the fear that Britain was running United States foreign policy. Mentions John Henry - the …
James McHenry PapersConcerning the bill to establish the Provisional Army
Encloses the act to establish the Provisional Army, which he says does not provide for a quartermaster general.
James McHenry PapersConcerning the appointment of officers for the Provisional Army
Asks Washington if it would be proper for John Adams to proceed in appointing officers for the proposed Provisional Army, which he says will consist of approximately 10,000 troops.
James McHenry PapersConcerning rebellion in the French West Indies
Encloses a memorandum on the French West India Islands that suggests that it is sensible for the United States to give aid to the rebels if they declare independence from France. Desires that Great …
James McHenry PapersConcerning galleys and peace with the Miami tribe
Encourages Wilkinson to reprimand the officer responsible for leaking orders to the Pittsburgh Gazette, who promptly published them without the army's consent. Informs Wilkinson that it is desirable …
James McHenry PapersConcerning electoral politics
Writes on the political climate and electoral atmosphere from a Federalist perspective, concerning partisanship and opposition.
James McHenry PapersConcerning domestic opposition in the United States
Discusses the domestic situation in the U.S., where he says the opposition has been viciously opposing the government and possibly inciting insurrection or a foreign invasion.
James McHenry PapersCommunication between the State Departments
Transmits a copy of correspondence between him and Washington, where Washington suggests that communication between the Secretary of War, State, and Treasury occur.
James McHenry PapersCommissioning George Washington to be Lieutenant-General and Commander-in-chief
President John Adams asks James McHenry to offer George Washington the commission of Lieutenant-General and Commander-in-chief of the U.S. armies. Adams also seeks Washington's advice in the formation …
James McHenry PapersCommand of a regiment to be raised in Maryland
Writes the U.S. Senator from Maryland that he is at a loss respecting a proper and fit character to command a regiment to be raised in Maryland. Mentions Colonel Hall as a possibility.
James McHenry PapersCaptain Mitchell's frontier unit in Kentucky and Ohio
Thomas Lewis reports to James McHenry on the progress of Capt. Mitchell's unit on the western frontier around Kentucky and Ohio.
James McHenry PapersCandidates for the Provisional Army
Responds to an earlier letter by affirming that he has placed a recommended individual's name on the list of candidates - to be presented to the President - for a position in the Provisional Army.
James McHenry PapersCalling for official written opinions outside of the direction of the President
Wolcott informs McHenry that he has responded to his request for the opinion of the Department Secretaries on the issue of the Provisional Army and its order of rank. Wolcott strongly suggests, …
James McHenry PapersBasic correspondence on military matters
Basic correspondence between General James Wilkinson and James McHenry, including rules and regulations.
James McHenry PapersBalance of military appropriations
Balances of appropriations for the general account of the military.
James McHenry PapersBalance of appropriations for fortifications of ports and harbors
Balance of appropriations for fortifications of ports and harbors. The Treasury Department notes that there are some unsettled accounts that will likely amount to not much more than $2,000.
James McHenry PapersAuthorization to assume the seat of Secretary of War in James McHenry's absence
President John Adams authorizes Secretary of State Timothy Pickering to assume the duties of the Secretary of War James McHenry in his absence from the seat of government.
James McHenry PapersArrangment of rank for Generals in the Provisional Army
James McHenry had solicited the opinions of the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and the Navy on the matter of seniority for the Generals selected by George Washington for the Provisional Army. The …
James McHenry PapersArrangment of rank for Generals in the Provisional Army
Washington determines the arrangement of rank for the Generals in the Provisional Army: Henry Knox first, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney second, and Alexander Hamilton third. Actual letter not available.
James McHenry PapersAppointment of officers for the Provisional Army
Reaffirms Washington's right to appoint whoever he pleases to positions in the Provisional Army. Informs him that John Adams' nomination of Smith for Adjutant General was rejected by Senate.
James McHenry PapersAppointment of Hamilton into the Provisional Army
Alexander Hamilton acknowledges James McHenry's suggestion to the President calling Hamilton and Henry Knox into immediate service in the Provisional Army. Hamilton assures McHenry that he is willing …
James McHenry PapersAppointment as volunteer aid-de-camp to General Washington
Carroll expresses his gratitude of McHenry's recommendation that he become a volunteer aid-de-camp to General Washington as soon as he enters into active service.
James McHenry PapersAppointment as consul of the United States in Spain
Informs McHenry that Colonel Humphreys had asked him a few months prior to fulfill the position of consul of the United States in Spain, and requests that the executive branch officially and formally …
James McHenry PapersAppointing aids for General Washington
Reports that Washington will not be making any appointments for an aid any time soon, as he has determined to come to no conclusions until he has properly prepared to take the field as Lieutenant …
James McHenry Papers
