Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) Measures in the War Department which it may be expedient to adopt
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09952 Author/Creator: Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph document Date: circa December 1794 Pagination: 4 p. ; 32.4 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Hamilton outlines suggestions for improving the military. The first point describes organizing the militia into five classes divided up by age and marital status, beginning with unmarried men age 18-25, excepting certain apprentices and students. Each of the classes will be formed into infantry, artillery and cavalry. Provides details on the order in which each class will be called, and states "In case of domestic insurrection no man able to serve shall be excused on any condition. In case of foreign war any man may be excused paying 50/100 Dollars." Only militia in frontier counties will have to serve against the Indians. Men who refuse to serve will be imprisoned and put to work in some public service. The second point describes raising a regiment of commissioned officers and sergeants. All new regiments raised will have a sergeant from this corps. States, "This corps to constitute the bones of an army in case of need." Point three recommends establishing a provisional army to be raised by voluntary enlistment in certain parts of the country. The last section details miscellaneous items such as establishing a system of trade with the Indians, and "establishing it as a principle that every man in arms to attack or resist Indians except in some Country under the actual jurisdiction of the laws shall be ipso facto liable to the rules for the Government of the Army." Also advises establishing stores of arms and supplies. Date added later in pencil.
Dated to December 1794 per Syrett's "Papers of Alexander Hamilton" and per the Library of Congress finding aid for Hamilton manuscripts (http://www.loc.gov/rr/mss/text/hamiltona.html).
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