Draft Letter
1028 documents
Instructions to the commanders of warships to protect American trade
General instructions to commanders of armed vessels in the service of the United States in order to protect United States trade on the coast. Urges them to defend selves with all necessary force …
James McHenry PapersGeneral Smith's Conversation
Apparently General Smith, sitting at the President's table, stated that he wished that our envoys had given the French the money they demanded but General Smith denies the charge. Since Bayard was at …
Special Collections, MSA SC 1407. McHenry Collection, M11697.Furloughs for officers headed to the Mississippi
Directs that none of the officers scheduled to the Mississippi be granted furloughs unless the commander can adequately replace them.
James McHenry PapersForeign Affairs and Officer Recommendations
Since it will be necessary to begin enlistments to the southward , Washington should send his list of men to be assigned to the proposed four regiments. McHenry admits he is at a loss in selecting a …
Special Collections, MSA SC 1407. McHenry Collection, M11697.Explanation of orders and instructions
McHenry responds with "candor" and "frankness" to complaints from General James Wilkinson on orders and instructions. The Secretary of War offers explanations for each specific complaint levied by the …
James McHenry PapersEnclosed copies of correspondence with Pinckney
Encloses a copy of the correspondence between McHenry and Pinckney over the commission of Major General in the Provisional Army.
James McHenry PapersDistribution of General Officers, Etc.
McHenry assures Washington that his ideas relative to the distribution of the general officers and their respective duties and commands correspond with his own. McHenry has reported to the President …
Special Collections, MSA SC 1407. McHenry Collection, M11697.Detailed plans for the organization of the Provisional Army
McHenry fears delay on the part of Adams in responding to his propositions for the Provisional Army, along with his insistence that Knox be ranked first and Hamilton last among the three Major …
James McHenry PapersDangers in re-arranging the rank of Major-Generals in the Provisional Army
Informs Tracy that Adams wishes to change the order of rank for the Major-Generals of the Provisional Army, with Knox first, then Pinckney, then Hamilton. States that such a re-arrangement would lead …
James McHenry PapersConcerning the Society of United Irishmen or United Men
Regarding the activities of a Catholic priest named Madgit, believed to be a spy in the employment of the Directory. Substance of information by the superior of the Roman Catholic clergy in …
James McHenry PapersConcerning the recommendation of Mr. Bradley
States that he will pay particular attention to the recommendation of Mr. Bradley (most likely for the proposed Provisional Army), but reminds him that it is neither proper nor fitting at this time to …
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 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 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 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 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 PapersAscertaining the Truth Respecting General Smith
Despite being afflicted with a vicious fever, McHenry has attempted to ascertain whether the sentiments attributed to General Smith have been correctly stated. Before he died, Captain Mitchell had …
Special Collections, MSA SC 1407. McHenry Collection, M11697.Appointment 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 and Instructions
Appoints superintendent and gives preliminary instructions on starting work on armory at Harpers Ferry.
General Information Index, 1794-1918. (RG94)Appointing 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 PapersApplications for compensation and allowances
Refers several applications from officers and agents for compensation for services performed, or allowances for expanses.
James McHenry PapersWant of clothing for troops in Connecticut
Expresses regret that soldiers in Litchfield are in need of clothing, stating that it harms efforts to encourage recruitment into the army. Explains the deficiencies by arguing that occasions arise …
James McHenry Papers
