Autograph Letter Signed

Troop Movements & Considerations Regarding the Insurrection in Northampton, Pennsylvania

Reminds Adams of his earlier letter regarding troops sent to put down the insurrection at Northampton, Pennsylvania. McHenry had believed that 5 companies of regulars and two companies of volunteer horsemen would be sufficient, but the small size of the volunteer companies and the perceived greater threat of the insurgents have caused him to ask the governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey to ready their militia. These to amount to 9 companies of cavalry from the former, 8 companies of cavalry from the latter. Details the disposition and origins of units already moving into position in Pennsylvania, saying most have already reached their first rendezvous. The composite force, of about 600 men, is under General MacPherson; a set of the instructions to that officer is enclosed. Hopes that the show of force will be sufficient to halt the insurrection, and reinforce the collection of the land and house tax. Mentions that a Judge Peters had requested, and been dispatched upon, a mission to help the troops arrest the insurgents.

1799

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War Department

Cited in Adams to McHenry, 04/13/1799..

Cited document sent from the War Office

John Adams

James McHenry

regular army

volunteer companies

Heads of Departments

Attorney General

Governor of Pennsylvania

Governor of New Jersey

militia

cavalry

Captain Henry

Captain Shoemaker

artillerists

troops of horse

Brigadier General Macpherson

Judge Peters

War Department

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

Northampton

New Jersey

New York

Brunswick

Frederick town, Maryland

Carlisle

Windsor, Vermont

Eastown

Easton

insurrection

state of preparation

hold in readiness

roads

instructions

law

land and house tax

arrest

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