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VIRGINIA OFFICERS

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and the other gentlemen, whom I addressed on the subject, to aid me in making a selection of proper Characters to fill the Offices in those Regiments which are allotted to Virginia; for, from the causes which I mentioned in my former letter, I find I must rely for information on others who are better acquainted with the people of this State than I am; and as there are many desireable points to be combined in those who may be selected, particularly for the higher grades, I can apply only to those in whom I place the highest confidence.

In contemplating the subject I have thought it best to follow the four grand Divisions of the State, as laid off by the Inspector General in his arrangements for recruiting. From each of these to select a proper Character for the command of a Regiment, and to request him to furnish me with the names of such persons, in his division, as are fit and willing to fill the other grades.

Enclosed is a letter which I have written to this effect to Colo. Cropper of the Eastern Shore, who, I am told is a person every way qualified to command a Regiment, and who would do credit to the service by his acceptance. I leave it open for the perusal of yourself, Colo. Carrington and Colo. Heth, If you should see no objection, I pray you to seal, direct and forward it; for I do not know the particular part of the Country in which Colo. Cropper lives.

Altho these divisions are marked out for a Regiment each; yet I should not feel myself confined particularly to those limits for the officers of each regiment, if more suitable Characters offer themselves in others.

Major or Colo. Menise (I spell this name as it is pronounced, I do not know whether it is correct or not. It is the gentleman who was on the Grand Jury when Mr Cabell's letter was noticed by them, and who afterwards published a piece in answer to Mr. Cabell on that subject.) has been recommended to me

as a person well qualified to command one of the Regiments, as well from his former services as from his present Character. I must beg the favor of yourself, Colo. Carrington and Colo. Heth for whom also this letter is intended, to let me know his place of Residence and your opinions. Should Colo. Cropper and this gentleman be selected and willing to serve, two of the Districts will be provided with Colonels, vizt. The Eastern Shore District, and that on the So. side of James River. For the other two, vizt. the Middle Country from Rapahannock to James River, and from the Blue Ridge to the Ohio. Provision must yet be made; and I shall be much obliged by your furnishing me with the names of such Characters from these Divisions as are suitable for the higher grades, and any others that you may be able to point out. The Colonels giving in the name of those who are fit and willing to serve in their respective Regiments will assist much in the detail. I should wish, notwithstanding, to get all the information I can from other sources also.

You will oblige me by letting me hear from you on this subject as soon as is convenient. With very great esteem etc.

70

P. S. I will thank you to let me know the Character of Genl. Porterfield of Augusta as to his fitness to command a Regiment, his politics &ca. If he is thought qualified and will accept another of the Divisions will be provided for."1

TO MAJOR GENERAL ALEXANDER HAMILTON

(Private)

Mount Vernon, June 6, 1799.

Dear Sir: I have duly received your letter of the 3d of May, and am glad to find that the recruiting service is likely to

TO Robert Porterfield.

"The draft is in the writing of Tobias Lear.

1799]

A WATER BOUNDARY

229

progress without further delay. [To facilitate this, nothing will contribute more than Clothing.]

It is certainly necessary to push on the business with proper energy, and to be provided with an ample and timely supply of every article wanted, if it is expected that such Troops as we have, should be, in any degree, respectable. This, I trust, will be done. And I should hope, 'ere this, that the field Officers for the Regiment to be raised in New Hampshire &c. have been appointed.

It is very desireable that the selection of Characters to officer the Regiments, eventually to be raised, should be such as will do credit to the service, if they should be called into the field. The Secretary of War has requested me to furnish him with a list of names for the quota from Virginia, which I am taking measures to do; but, owing to my long absence from this State, I have so little personal knowledge of Characters, that I must rely very much on the information of others in whom I can confide. With very sincere regard etc.72

*To WILLIAM H. FOOTE

Mount Vernon, June 7, 1799.

Sir: In searching old Memos., I found notes of which the enclosed is a Copy. I was uncertain at the time of running the meanders of the run, on which side the body of the water went, of course, as the Run is the boundary, it was then, and still may be, uncertain, to whom the Island belongs. But if my memory serves me, I think it was claimed by George Ashford; and the courses will, I believe, comprehend it. That Survey however,

"In the writing of Tobias Lear in the Hamilton Papers in the Library of Congress. The sentence in brackets in the draft, in the Washington Papers, was in pencil and in the writing of Washington, but was, later, inked over by Lear.

being a private one, made for my own satisfaction, can have no binding effect on the adjacent owner.

It will, of course, be recollected, that as my Survey of the Meanders of the Run was made near 30 years ago, that a considerable variation (perhaps two degrees) have taken place since. I am etc.

*To THE SECRETARY OF WAR

(Private)

Mount Vernon, June 7, 1799.

My dear Sir: When I began the enclosed letter 73 (left open for your perusal) I intended to address it to Colo. Biddle; who transacts all matters of that sort for me in Philadelphia; but as I wrote on, it occurred that, possibly, the Quarter Master might be a more appropriate character to accomplish my order: for this reason, I have left the letter without a superscription, in order that you may direct it to the one, or the other, as you shall deem best. and I give you this trouble for the reason which is assigned in it; and for which, and troubling you with such trifles, I pray your excuse.

I had thoughts once, of asking Genl. McPherson to execute this Commission for me; (believing, thereby, that it would be well done) but never having been in the habit of corresponding with him, I declined it, on reflection; and of course the Stars for my Epaulets have stood suspended, and I would thank you for sending them to me; And, if it is not heaping too many trifles upon you, also for requesting Mr. McAlpin (if he has been able to obtain the gold thread) for letting me have my Uniform Cloaths by the Anniversary of our Independence;

See the letter which follows.

1799]

CUSTIS'S OUTFIT

231

forwarded in the manner he has heretofore been directed. I am always and very Affectionately Yours.

Is the Trade with Hispaniola likely to be opened, or not?"

74

*To CLEMENT BIDDLE, OR THE QUARTERMASTER Mount Vernon, June 7, 1799.

Sir: My Ward, Mr. Custis, having entered into the Service of his Country as a (subaltern) Officer of Dragoons, I wish to equip him with every thing suitable thereto; in a handsome, but not an expensive style.

Let me pray you therefore to provide, and send by one of the first Packets bound to Alexandria, the following articles

viz.

A pair of Pistols and Silver mounted.

Horseman's Sword]

A Saddle, best kind. A handsome bridle he already has and proper Halter

Holsters, and caps, to suit the Pistols

A proper Horseman's Cap, or Helmet

A horsemans Cloak, suitable to the Unifm.

If any other necessary article, is omitted, it may be added to the above list. Let the cost accompany the Invoice, and the amount shall be paid so soon as it is made known.

I could get these articles in Alexandria, but prefer sending to Philadelphia for them; because the tradesmen of the latter are more in the habit of accomodating Officers in a proper manner; but more especially, because there may have been some direction from the Department of War with respect to some of the Articles, which is better understood there than in the Country Towns: for which reason (wishing to avoid mistakes) I "From the McHenry Photostats in the Library of Congress.