Installation of Benjamin Stoddert
Item
Type
Autograph Draft Letter
Title
Installation of Benjamin Stoddert
Description
In a confidential letter, McHenry informs Hamilton of the installation of Benjamin Stoddert as the new Secretary of War. He encloses a transcript of a conversation with John Adams in which Hamilton is described as an "intriquant" and a "bastard" and "as much a foreigner as Gallatin." McHenry's last day in office was the 1st of June. Samuel Dexter would in actuality be McHenry's replacement.
year created
1800
month created
06
day created
02
author
sent from location
Philadelphia
recipient
in collection
in publication
in image
notable person/group
Alexander Hamilton
James McHenry
Benjamin Stoddert
John Adams
Albert Gallatin
notable location
Philadelphia
Baltimore
France
notable item/thing
French
banquet
document number
1800060200001
page start
1
transcription
2 June 1800
Maj Gen. Alan Hamilton
[undecipherable] sent
2 letters to the President
dated 31 May also
Letter to Major Staggert
& Major Staggs answer.
Confidential /
Philadelphia 2. June. 1800
My Dear Sir,
I [undecipherable] Mr. Stoddert (who [undecipherable]acts as Secretary of war under a temporary commission). this morning about 11 o clock. in the chair I have usually occupied, I then formally laid upon his head eight volumes of the "code militaire" by Banquet with Caesars commentaries in French; kept them upon it 'till he was nearly stupified, when I pronounced him duly installed and as well qualified to discharge the duties of Secretary of War as the President.
Return me the Majors papers - [undecipherable] without taking a copy of any part thereof. [undecipherable] The original was dispatched yesterday to the [undecipherable] old man. What feelings it will excite, or how he will beat the subject I shall not anticipate. Return me also the copies of letters sent you some time since relative to Col. Smith and Jones and under cover to the Seccy. of War, directed to me in my private capacity.
I do not think I shall be able to leave this City for Baltimore before the middle of the month.
I am dear Hamilton
Your sincere friend
Major General Hamilton.
Maj Gen. Alan Hamilton
[undecipherable] sent
2 letters to the President
dated 31 May also
Letter to Major Staggert
& Major Staggs answer.
Confidential /
Philadelphia 2. June. 1800
My Dear Sir,
I [undecipherable] Mr. Stoddert (who [undecipherable]acts as Secretary of war under a temporary commission). this morning about 11 o clock. in the chair I have usually occupied, I then formally laid upon his head eight volumes of the "code militaire" by Banquet with Caesars commentaries in French; kept them upon it 'till he was nearly stupified, when I pronounced him duly installed and as well qualified to discharge the duties of Secretary of War as the President.
Return me the Majors papers - [undecipherable] without taking a copy of any part thereof. [undecipherable] The original was dispatched yesterday to the [undecipherable] old man. What feelings it will excite, or how he will beat the subject I shall not anticipate. Return me also the copies of letters sent you some time since relative to Col. Smith and Jones and under cover to the Seccy. of War, directed to me in my private capacity.
I do not think I shall be able to leave this City for Baltimore before the middle of the month.
I am dear Hamilton
Your sincere friend
Major General Hamilton.
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (2 pages) | KGL04 (2 pages) | Collection: MMC, McHenry, James: mm85004543 | R: 5 |
| [view document] (0 pages) | [no image] | Publication: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton | [unknown] |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | James McHenry | Philadelphia | [n/a] |
| Recipient | Alexander Hamilton | [unknown] | [n/a] |