Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow TO J. McHENRY, SECRETARY OF WAR. - The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799)

Return to Title Page for The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799)

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO J. McHENRY, SECRETARY OF WAR. - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799) [1853]

Edition used:

The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, Notes and Illustrations, by his Grandson Charles Francis Adams (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856). 10 volumes. Vol. 8.

Part of: The Works of John Adams, 10 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO J. McHENRY, SECRETARY OF WAR.

Sir,

I have received, in your favor of the 16th, Major General Pinckney’s list, arranged in concert with Governor Davie. This list has my approbation, and you may announce as soon as possible to the persons their appointments.

I expect that all the vacancies in the army be first communicated to me, and the candidates, with their recommendations, be transmitted to me, before commissions are sent them, or appointments announced to them.

Inclosed is a letter from Benjamin Beale, Jr., which I request you to consider. He cannot accept a lieutenancy, and I cannot blame him. His age, education, travels, manners, and irreproachable character merit a captaincy, if any one is vacant.

Mr. Hastings has been with me. I wish you to examine his recommendations, and weigh his pretensions. He is a warlike-looking officer, and served the whole revolutionary war.

Major Lillie also has been here. His merits must be attended to. There is also a Mr. Burbeck, who must be provided for in the artillery. He has talents, and experience which no other man in the United States possesses, in compositions which are important in that line of service. A soldier from his birth, he shall be so till his death, if it depends on, Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

John Adams.

P. S. I return General Pinckney’s letter and list. I desire, too, that Mr. Barron’s commission as captain of artillery be sent him immediately. The New England officers, I am told, are impatient for their commissions. I desire that all the commissions may be sent to the officers throughout the States, without loss of time.