to sow discord, and create insurrection in this country, his conduct merits epithets much more severe than weakness and inconsistency."
France had, meanwhile, grown tired of the trouble, and possibly hesitated because-of the energetic preparation for war that had been already undertaken in the United States. Murray was really sent in response to a hint from Talleyrand, who saw the drift of things, and the advisability of avoiding an expensive war. Hamilton, whose policy had been to proceed in such a way as to make France see the error of her ways and herself make diplomatic overtures, was already planning defensive measures. He, as well as the other Federalists, was naturally incensed when Adams supinely sent some one to actually sue for peace, thus humiliating the nation he represented.
Upon the ignominious return of the original commission, whose unsuccessful efforts only widened the breach that had previously existed, the exasperation of an insulted people passed all bounds and a general popular movement was started to furnish ships and munitions of war. Of this commission, Marshall appears really to have been the only member who saved its face, while Gerry, by his weakness, greatly compromised his fellow members.
Washington, who already in 1798, had been appointed Commander-in-Chief, insisted that Hamilton should, as Major-General, come after him, while Generals Pinckney and Knox were to follow in the order named. President Adams, who even then disliked Hamilton intensely, would not endorse Washington's choice, insisting that Knox should be the second in command. "He refused to admit that Hamilton was the man best fitted for the post, and was so considered by the Public; he plunged himself and his party into a bitter, personal quarrel, and all because he disliked Hamilton and was enraged at the opposition of the Cabinet to himself."1 The ultimate result was that Washington gave his ultimatum that Hamilton should have the place or he would resign. This was too much for Adams and he reluctantly gave Hamilton the first command.
Alexander Hamilton to George Washington
NEW YORK, 9th August, 1798.
MY DEAR SIR: A necessary absence from this City prevented the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant till yesterday.
It is very grateful! to me to discover in each preceding occurrence a new mark of your friendship towards me. Time will evince that it makes the impression it ought on my mind.
The effect which the course of the late military appointment has produced on General Knox though not very unexpected is very painful to me. I have a respectful sense of his pretentions as an officer -- and I have a warm personal regard for him -- My embarrasment is not inconsiderable between these sentiments, and what I owe to a reasonable conduct on my own part, both in respect to myself and to the public.
It is a fact that a number of the most influencial men in our affairs would think in waving the preference given to me I acted a weak part in a personal vein -- And General Knox is much mistaken if he does not believe that this sentiment would emphatically prevail in that Region, to which he supposes his character most interesting, I mean New England.
Yet, My Dear Sir, I can never consent to see you seriously compromitted or embarrassed. -- I shall cheerfully place myself in your disposal, and facilitate any arrangement you may think for the general good -- It does not however seem necessary to precipitate anything -- It may be well to see first what part General Pinckney will act when he arrives. --
The Secretary at War has sent me a copy of General Knox's letter to him on the subject of his appointment. -- It does not absolutely decline, but implies the intention to do it, unless a Rule of the late Army giving in cases of promotions on the same day privately according to former relative rank is understood to govern. I have advised a reply, of which a copy is inclosed. --
The Commissions have issued so that no alteration can be now made as between Generals Knox and Pinckney -- if there
were not the serious difficulties in the way which you seem to have anticipated. --
The Secretary at War has proposed to the President a change of the plan announced in the first instance -- which may bring into immediate activity the Inspector General and General Knox. -- In this case you may depend upon the best efforts in my power with a peculiar attention to the objects you mention and you shall be carefully and fully advised of whatever it interests you to know.
Col. Walker resides at present in the Western parts of this place. He is occupied in some important agencies for persons abroad which render it doubtful whether he would now accept Military employment. He has been written to and will be proposed for the command of a Regiment -- is in many respects very desirable in the capacity you mention. But you are I presume aware of the impracticability of his temper. -- With the most respectful and affectionate attachment I have the honor to remain --
My dear General your very obedt. servt.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
The papers sent by you are now returned.
Timothy Pickering, then a member of Adams's Cabinet, later wrote to James A. Hamilton, a letter which has not, until now, been published. It refers to a conversation held with Adams in July, 1798.
Timothy Pickering to James J. Hamilton
SALEM, June 14, 1821.
DEAR SIR: I forgot whether I did or did not mention to you and your mother, at my house, what passed between President Adams and me, in July, 1798, in relation to the command of the little army which Congress were then about authorizing to be raised.
A. "Whom shall we appoint Commander-in-Chief?"
P. " Colonel Hamilton."
On a subsequent day:
A. "Whom shall we appoint Commander-in-Chief?"
P. " Colonel Hamilton."
On a third day:
A. "Whom shall we appoint Commander-in-Chief?"
P. " Colonel Hamilton."
A. "O no! It is not his turn by a great deal. I would sooner appoint Gates, or Lincoln, or Morgan."
P. "GeneralMorgan is now here in Congress, a very sick man, with one foot in the grave. He distinguished himself as a brave and good officer in the Revolutionary War; and his present informities may be owing, in part, to the hardships then endured: but his talents would never entitle him to rise beyond the command of a brigade" -- "as for Gates, he is now an old woman -- and Lincoln is always asleep."
To my answers, in these short dialogues, Mr. Adams made no reply, except once, as just recited. My answers marked with double commas, are verbatim as I uttered them. My observations on Morgan, as above stated, exhibit precisely the ideas I expressed; but I cannot undertake to give the very words; tho' I am sure they were substantially as above written.
It was from these occurrences that I first learned Mr. Adams's extreme aversion to or hatred of your father.
General Washington was appointed to the chief command, I wrote him a letter to apprise him of the necessity of his interposition to secure to your father that place in the army to which he was entitled -- the second when he was present, and the first in his absence. This first letter on the subject was followed by others of considerable length; when Mr. Adams attempted to derange the order in which Washington had designated the three major Generals -- Hamilton -- Pinckney -- Knox; and to make it Knox -- Pinckney -- Hamilton. And because this inversion was not effected, Knox refused to serve.
I am, Sir, your obedt Servt
TIMOTHY PICKERING.
General Schuyler, on July 16, 1798, wrote to his daughter:
Many have been the conjectures as to my dear Hamilton's visit to Philadelphia. Some believed it was to assist in preventing a bill for the punishment of seditious persons others that he wished to converse with the president previous to accepting a military appointment. Time will develop the cause of his journey. General Washington's acceptance of the command of the army affords great satisfaction to the friends of order, and is doubtless chagrining to those of a contrary complexion. The former wishes Col° Hamilton second in command as that would place