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Front Page  Titles (by Subject) hamilton to mchenry 1 (Private.) - The Works of Alexander Hamilton, (Federal Edition), vol. 7
hamilton to mchenry 1 (Private.) - Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, (Federal Edition), vol. 7 [1774]Edition used:The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 7.
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hamilton to mchenry
(Private.)
December 26, 1798. Dear Sir:
As it may possibly not have come to you through any other channel, I think it well to inform you that General Huntington has been displeased at not having received official notice of his appointment, with his commission. This, if not already so, ought to be remedied.
I hear nothing of nominations. What malignant influence hangs upon our military affairs?
With great esteem and regard,
Your obedient servant,
A. Hamilton
P. S.—I left with General Pinckney a project of a military school which he was to have sent me. Has he quitted Philadelphia? If so, have you heard any thing of this paper? I want it.
James McHenry, Esq.
measures of defence
1799
Further measures to be taken without delay :
- I.—To authorize the President to proceed forthwith to raise the 10,000 men already ordered.
- II.—To establish an academy for military and naval instruction. This is a very important measure and ought to be permanent.
- III.—To provide for the immediate raising of a corps of non-commissioned officers, viz., sergeants and corporals, sufficient with the present establishment for an army of 50,000 men. The having these men prepared and disciplined will accelerate extremely the disciplining of an additional force.
- IV.—To provide before Congress rise that in case it shall appear that an invasion of this country by a large army is actually on foot, there shall be a draft from the militia to be classed, of a number sufficient to complete the army of 30,000 men. Provision for volunteers in lieu of drafts. A bounty to be given.
- V.—To authorize the President to provide a further naval force of six ships of the line, and twelve frigates, with twenty small vessels not exceeding sixteen guns. It is possible the ships of the line and frigates may be purchased of Great Britain, to be paid for in stock. We ought to be ready to cut up all the small privateers and gun-boats in the West Indies, so as at the same time to distress the French islands as much as possible and protect our trade.
- IV.—Is not the independence of the French colonies under the guaranty of the United States to be aimed at? If it is, there cannot be too much promptness in opening negotiations for the purpose. Victor Hugues is probably an excellent subject. This idea, however, deserves mature consideration.
- VII.—It is essential the Executive should have half a million of secret-service money. If the measure cannot be carried without it, the expenditure may be with the approbation of three members of each House of Congress.
- VIII.—Revenue in addition to the $2,000,000 of land tax, say:
 In lieu of tax on slavas, which is liable to much objection. - IX.—A loan of $10,000,000. The interest to be such as will insure the loan at par. It is better to give high interest, redeemable at pleasure, than low interest with accumulation of capital as in England.
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