31 July 1800

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter

Title: to Charles C. Pinckney re: (retained draft) Federalist party factionalism

Written two months after President Adams demanded his resignation as Secretary of War. Curiously, McHenry writes his belief that (due to Adams' refusal to go to war with France) he had formed a coaltion with Jefferson.

GLC03254

23 October 1791

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Jefferson

Requests a foreign appointment in Europe. Hopes the sea voyage will restore his health. Remarks that he does not want to deprive James Madison of the post, if he or another qualified person desires it. Hopes Jefferson will recommend him to President Washington. Also discusses shipping and commerce with Britain, relaying information from the debate in the Maryland legislature, of which McHenry was then a member. Docketed by Jefferson

GLC03802

May 1, 1787

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [George Washington] re: explaining his absence from the Convention

Misdated May. McHenry writes the Convention's president, Washington, that he was unable to attend the opening sessions because his brother lay ill. He did attend in August and kept a private record of proceedings.

GLC04842.29

28 October 1778

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hugh Williamson

A retained working draft (see strikeouts and docket). Written by McHenry as an aide-de-camp to General Washington to Dr. Williamson as a merchant importing medicines in Edenton, North Carolina. Williamson began a partnership with his brother to import medicines through the British blockade from the West Indies. Claims to have poor intelligence on the enemy in New York, but proceeds to give some details of their situation. Says 150 vessels, including 15 ships of the line, sailed from Sandy Hook on the 19 and 20 October 1778. Says they appear to be bound for Britain. Was only carrying home…

GLC04701

8 May 1779

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to S. Smith

Written by McHenry as a secretary to General George Washington to Colonel Smith. References Smith's previous letter. It appears that Smith is trying to decide if he should leave the army to deal with business affairs. McHenry says he is sure Smith wouldn't leave the army except reluctantly. McHenry then claims he is desirous to stay in the army because he doesn't hold riches to as high a regard as others do. Says "For my own part I shall be prouder in poverty should the war terminate in the happiness of the people, than in any wealth, which I might accumulate from the civil exercise of any…

GLC05715

17 August 1799

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Dayton

References Dayton's letter of 16 August 1799. Writes to tell Dayton, Senator from New Jersey, that he should tell his brother that the three regiments being raised in New Jersey for the Provisional Army during the Quasi War with France might not quarter there. Dayton's brother wanted a contract to provide rations for the three regiments in the year 1800, but McHenry fears he based his contract on the fact the three regiments would remain in New Jersey. Says the regiments might actually quarter in Carlisle, Pennsylvania if the barracks prove feasible. McHenry awaits final word from General…

GLC05229

29 May 1800

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Letter signed

Title: [Report on Department of War to the successor of James McHenry]

Written shortly after McHenry's resignation as Secretary of War on 13 May 1800. McHenry wrote this report to his successor. He offered his resignation to President John Adams after an angry Adams accused him of working behind the scenes with Alexander Hamilton. Adams eventually selected Massachusetts Senator Samuel Dexter to the post. Report details instructions for the Provisional Army, created in the face of French aggression in 1798. McHenry, attempting to facilitate a smooth transition, touches upon many subjects important to the War Department. These include: logistics of clothing and…

GLC05230

27 March 1799

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Letter signed

Title: to William North

Written in a secretarial hand and signed by McHenry as Secretary of War to Brigadier General North as Adjutant General of the Provisional Army during the Quasi War. McHenry reminds North that the law organzing the Provisional Army states the Adjutant General shall be the ex-officio assistant Inspector General. Since Alexander Hamilton has been called to serve as Inspector General, North is to consider himself under Hamilton's orders.

GLC02542.19

March 14, 1781

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Vose

As Lafayette's Aide-de-Camp, informing Col. Vose that British vessels may be near mouth of the Chesapeake intent on upsetting the plan of combined French and American operations in Virginia. "At present we do not apprehend any danger."

GLC09338.02

1799/04/05

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Letter signed

Title: to Brig. Gen. James Wilkinson re: forwarding an act to reorganize troops

Written at the War Department

GLC02470.26