Letter

Discussion & Judgment of Issues Arising from Adams' Approval of the New York Defense Plan

McHenry begins a discussion of Adams' handling of the plan proposed by New York for the development of its own defenses, with Alexander Hamilton in command of its execution. Adams has asked the department heads [Cabinet] to review his actions in the matter, and see if it is necessary to reverse them. He then quotes extracts of all the relevant correspondence [which are also listed separately by their dates in this collection]. At [Image 14], McHenry presents his own opinions, considering laws which empower the president to authorize [money for?] defensive preparations by the states [without the prior approval of Congress?]. He appears to come out in favor of the president's authorization for New York to "go ahead," though warning that close observation should be leveled on the New Yorkers now spending the government's money.

1798

10

26

War Department

Enclosed in McHenry to Adams, 10/27/1798.

[Much is illegible due to fading or handwriting].

John Adams

James McHenry

President United States

Secretary of War

Alexander Hamilton

congress

New York legislature

Governor John Jay

Governor New York

War Department

New York

money

bank of New York

accounts

expenditures

work

s pay

1798102600201

5