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Hamilton, Alexander (1755-1804). Draft circular letter signed ("Alexander Hamilton"), as Inspector General, accomplished in clerical hand with two autograph additions in Hamilton's hand, to Lt. Col. Hall, New York February 18, 1799. 1 p, folio. Framed with an engraved portrait of Hamilton. C losed tears at vertical creases, Not examined out of frame. Inventory# 20888 $7,500
Transcript: "Circular New York, [February] 18. 1799 Sir, The recruiting service as connected with the duties of Inspector General, has been committed by the department of War to my superintendence. It is expected that it will shortly commence for the additional troops which are to be raised. One regiment of Infantry is assigned to Maryland. It is conceived to be expedient that for the purpose of recruiting them the state shall be divided into two districts and these two into ten Subdistricts or company rendez-vouses within each of which a company is to be raised. You will be pleased “ [in his own hand](consulting first of your Major on you can conveniently & expeditiously call to your aid), etc., etc., etc….”to devise a plan for the distribution of the State into the necessary number of districts and subdistricts and you will without delay report the result to me. Dispatch is essential; and I doubt not that upon this and upon every other occasion you will display zeal and activity." “[in his own hand] A plan for the headquarter of each, proper for assembly & accommodating the recruits, must be named." With great consideration I am Sir Your obed servant Alexander Hamilton Lt. Col. Hall ” Historical Note: When the outrage of the "XYZ Affair" brought France and America to the brink of war in 1798, President Adams turned to George Washington to lead a new Army. The General agreed to serve on condition that he had Hamilton "as a Coadjutor, and as assistant in the turmoils I have consented to encounter" (McDonald, 340). For his part, Hamilton told Adams "the place in which I should hope to be most useful is that of Inspector General with a command in the line," (McDonald, 340) and he assumed his new post (along with the rank of major-general) in July 1798.
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