1From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, [22 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 22, 1792. On September 10, 1792, Lee wrote to Hamilton : “I found on my return from a visit … your letter of the 22d. Ult.” Letter not found. ] From 1792 to 1794 Lee was governor of Virginia.
2To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 13 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Nailer’s Farm , Pennsylvania, November 13, 1794 . On November 13, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “I have received your Letter of this day.” Letter not found. ] On November 12 and November 13, 1794, Lee issued orders from his headquarters at Nailer’s farm ( Baldwin, “Orders Issued by General Henry Lee,” Leland D. Baldwin, ed., “Orders Issued by General Henry Lee during the Campaign against the...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 16 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Major Campbell is solicitous to obtain the appointment of Division inspector—He is in every walk of life exemplary & is well qualified for the station he aspires to. I commend him to Yr. patronage. Yrs. truely ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). An endorsement on the cover reads: " Filed ."
4From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 25 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 25, 1794. On September 2, 1794, Lee wrote to Hamilton : “I am extremely chagrined on finding from your private letter accompanying your public letter [of August 25, 1794] that the intended secrecy is entirely baffled.” Private letter not found. ] On August 26, 1794, George Washington wrote to Lee: “.… I shall refer you to letters from the War office, and to a private one...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 17 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 17, 1794. On the back of a letter which Lee wrote to Hamilton on March 6, 1794 , Hamilton wrote: “Answered June 17th.” Letter not found. ]
6From Alexander Hamilton to Major Henry Lee, 9 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Near Philadelphia, October 9, 1779. On October 15, 1779, Lee wrote to Hamilton : “I have your letters of the 9th & 13th Octobr.” Letter of October 9 not found .]
7From Alexander Hamilton to Major Henry Lee, 13 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Lewes, Delaware, October 13, 1779. On October 15, 1779, Lee wrote to Hamilton : “I have your letters of the 9th & 13th Octobr.” Letter of October 13 not found .]
8From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 15 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 15, 1793. On the back of Lee’s letter to him of May 6, 1793 , Hamilton wrote: “Answered June 15.” Letter not found. ]
9From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of 24 March with the one subsequent to it both on the concerning the Recruiting service. The pains and trouble you have given yourself in this business call s particularly for my thanks and obligations. with the regard I remain Dr Sir Yr obed Sert. ( Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
10From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
[ n.p., n.d. “… Pray resolve my doubts. For a man in my situation ought at least to take care how he fails in his pecuniary duty.…” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by Sotheby & Company, December 15, 1953, Item 453. Extract taken from dealer’s catalogue.
11To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 19 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Richmond, August 19, 1794. On August 27, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “I have … received your letter to me of the 19th.” Letter not found. ] Lee was governor of Virginia.
12From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 19 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 19, 1794. On December 31, 1794, Lee wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your favor of the 19th. Decr.” Letter not found. ]
13To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 29 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
October 29, 1779. Reports “two naval actions the one in the english channel between the grand fleets the second in the West indies.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See Lee to H, October 15 , 22, 1779 , and Washington’s correspondence with H and Brigadier General Du Portail for background to this letter.
14To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 31 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Forced to meander on my ride home to close as far as I could the various matters which I considered under my care I never got to Richmond until the 29th. when Col. Carrington gave to me your favor of the 19th Decr. I am sure you understand too well my conviction of your constant efforts to give comfort to the late army with me, to suppose that I could for a moment impute to want of exertion in...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 9 March 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I trust you have got back to New York where I hope among many delights which will encircle you, may be the leisure necessary to attend to distant friends. I very much wish to derive for a good purpose a piece of information which you only can give. If you feel yourself at liberty to do so in the strictest confidence pray impart to me the authors of the several pieces of publius. This you can...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 4 October [1794] (Hamilton Papers)
There is something about our friend Smith that perplexes and distresses me. I cannot suppose any thing wrong yet it is certain that he has done nothing but paint black from the beginning. However the force of Maryland may be suffered to melt away it is a consolation that a sufficient force will be had elsewhere. Smith is mistaken when he supposes Pensylvania will do nothing. She has now on the...
17To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [10 September 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I found on my return from a visit to the southwestern frontier of this state your letter of the 22d. Ult. I am still depressed in my mind & continue to be the subject to unavailing woe. My son on whom I cheifly counted for future comfort was suddenly deprived of life during my absence, which event on the back of what took place two years past has removed me far from the happy enjoyment of...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [5 July 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
You must know that we Virginians think that the president seems to undervalue us as seamen. I wish you could change this turn of mind in the illustrious sachem, & by way of beginning bring into a Lieutenancy the bearer Mr. Shore. He is well connected in the southern parts of the state, (where you want acquaintances), is excellenty charactered & bred to the sea service. His manners bespeak him...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 5 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you the other day in reply to your ler. recd from Col. Carrington. The communications from my friends since my return go to tell me that I have become an object of the most virulent enmity of a certain political junto who affect to govern the U S & belch their venom on every Citizen not subservient to their will. Mr. Marshall says that my imagination cannot present to me in true...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 20 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosure concerns a subject in which Genl. Irvine’s feelings cannot but be deeply interested. I persuade myself you will take pleasure in gratifying yr. old brother soldier if compatible with duty. Yr. answer sent to me will with certainty reach the general. You may have seen in some opposition papers paragraphs placing me as yr. rival. I must assure you (tho I know it is not necessary)...
21To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 15 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have your letters of the 9th & 13th Octobr. The Pilots have orders one half to proceed to Lewis Town, there to wait on you. The route I can not yet determine, as I am not sufficiently acquainted. They will be sent the shortest & every assistance given them to expedite their arrival. Should you leave the Capes before they get there, it would be necessary to dispatch a courier to cross at...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 15 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
We have heard here that a circular ltr. from you to the several collectors relative to French prizes has given great offence to the British minister & that this conduct on the part of the U.S. will contribute to produce a rupture with G.B. I should be very much obliged to you for the truth on this point & its expected consequences. Peace to America is in one word, our all. A set of clamorous...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 25 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
In place of The Secretary at War, who is absent, I am instructed by The President to signify to you his wish and request that you will come forth in the command of the Militia, which is to be detached from Virginia against the Insurgents in the Western parts of Pensylvania; in which case You will have the command of the whole force that may be employed upon that Enterprise. The President...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 18 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letter to Colonel Parker will explain to you the plan upon which it is deemed expedient to pursue the recruiting service within the State of Virginia. It would be very pleasing to me, if you could yourself make it convenient to digest the arrangement which is referred to the Colonel. In this case, the letter need not be sent to him, unless you think his cooperation may be useful...
25From Alexander Hamilton to Major Henry Lee, or in his absence, Captain Allan McLane, [17 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
There is an incampment of the enemy or a demonstration of one which appears on the other side of the River considerably on this side of Tarry Town. You will be pleased in conse[que]nce to have patroles kept from this till morning seven or eight miles down along the shore & on the roads leading to this place on our right. This may be a critical night and demands the greatest vigilance. I am Sir...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 17 September 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Among the late exiles from St. Domingo in consequence of the misfortunes to which the inhabitants of that island have been subjected in the course of human events are a few desirous of settling in this state. They offer governmental bills received by them as remittances to France in their prosperity. Doubts arise respecting their payment on presentment to Paris. Please to tell me what you...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 12 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Parker has visited me in consequence of yr. letr. of which I informed him & we have jointly laid off this state as you desired. A copy whereof I now enclose. We were governed by convenience, cheapness of provision & population & of course occasionally were obliged to render some districts smaller than others. Colo. Parker being the Senior officer in this state will of Course have to...
28To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Yr. very friendly letter I duely recd, & altho I was persuaded you could not listen a moment to the base insinuations to which I referred, yet I felt not inconsiderable satisfaction in the explicit contempt which yr. answer manifests. This game yet continues, in a late aurora an absolute falshood is issued to the world in which I am at large named & my friend Ludwell Lee by initials. The...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 22 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your two letrs announcing your object route & wishes. I sent to you at Lewis-town two pilots—one of them Captain Johnston from whom you may know more than from any other, as he was particularly active. The enemy’s strength at the hook consists in two 64, the Europa & Russell—the Raisonable, Renown Roebuck & Romulus. Besides these they have a few frigates & some armed Schooners. They...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 21 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 21, 1794. “In the absence of The Secretary at War, I have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your letter to him of the 13th instant. The contents of it are such as were expected from your patriotism, from the steady zeal you have manifested for the support of the Government of the Union, and from the Chief Magistrate of a State, where the laws resisted are executed...
31From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 7 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The letters to which you allude in yours of the 5th. instant have never been seen by me. The truth is that I pay very little attention to such Newspaper ebulitions, unless some friend points out a particular case which may demand attention. But be assured once for all, that it is not easy for these miscreants to impair the confidence in and friendship for you which are long habits of my mind....
32From Alexander Hamilton to Major Henry Lee, [13 September 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt McCallister delivered me your note. I applied to Col: Scammel for copies of the order of approbation and the sentence of confirmation; but he informs me that they had been already forwarded to you by express. The inclosed copy of the Generals letter, if I have not misunderstood you, executes the rest of my commission. If I did not think your vanity would be intolerable at the manner of...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [16 July 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
To shew you that all is not anger & that truth may perhaps regain its empire I enclose the gazette of the day. Adieu ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is endorsed in an unidentified handwriting as follows: “Inclosing printed Report of Committee of enquiry into the Treasury.” It is more likely, however, that the enclosure was a copy of the [Richmond] Virginia Gazette and...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [22 August 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Cox was about taking to you my riding horse, but my apprehension of yr. necessary hurry & my wish to compare him with a horse I have sent for, concluded a procrastination of my execution of your request & my ardent desire. No other consideration could have induced me to postpone a measure you reckon essential to your health. Nor shall time be lost in presenting you with this trivial...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [16 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
God bless you & your efforts to save me from the manifold ⟨–⟩ misfortunes which have & continue to oppress me, whenever I attempt to aid human nature. You will do what you think best & whatever you do I will confirm. Hazard has acted the part of a decided rascal & if I fail in my right, I may not in personal revenge. Our Convention is in full debate on the great business of Federal...
36To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 23 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot so well execute Mr. Randolph’s desire as by enclosing his letter to me. Whatever he has said in favor of Mr. Johnston may be reckoned on with certainty. It has been a long time since I have heard from you, tho daily I hear of you: commended by some, condemned by others—sometimes you are mounted to the skys on the wings of fame, again whisked into the infernal pit. I have withdrawn...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 7 October 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I heard of your illness, with pain I heard of your repulse in n jersey, of your consternating Mr. Mrs Morris & above all the angelic Miss Morris in their retreat with wonder. I wished for your return to health with affectionate sincerity, & I feel astonished at the recollection of this wish, in as much as you seemed to me long ago beset with trouble, & I have ever held death a sleep ending in...
38From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, [1 December 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 16th instant. I am sure you are sincere when you say, you would not subject me to an impropriety. Nor do I know that there would be any in my answering your queries. But you remember the saying with regard to Caesar’s Wife. I think the spirit of it applicable to every man concerned in the administration of the finances of a Country. With respect to the...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 2 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I am extremely chagrined on finding from your private letter accompanying your public letter that the intended secrecy is entirely baffled as it respected the call on me to take care of the insurgents. Being absent from Richmond on a visit to the forts at Norfolk, the public letr. was opened by the Lt. Govenor & there being no injunction of secrecy on it, The purport was divulged without...
40To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 24 March [1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I never received yr letr. on the subject of the recruiting service enclosing one to Colo Parker till the last evening. I woud with much pleasure contribute any aid in my power towards the successful execution of yr object for I really believe the best plan & the best execution will still be very slow in fruit among us. A consultation with the officers to be employed in the conduct of the...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 12 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 22d. Ultimo and submitted the same to the Council of State. In conformity with their advice, I have given directions to the proper officer of this Commonwealth to Supply the loan officer of the United States with the information requested. Some doubts arise with respect to the propriety of the measure adopted, but our Solicitude to prevent any...
42From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 3 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, September 3, 1794. “As it will be highly necessary that the Militia called out by order of the President, agreeably to the Secretary of War’s letter of the 7. of August last, should be mustered and inspected at their respective rendezvous, I have to request the favor of your Excellency to appoint some suitable character in your State to perform that service.…” LS , Archives...
43To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [16 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The letr. sent to your care, be pleased to return. Your undertaking is truely arduous but I trust as you progress in the work, difficulty will vanish. From your situation you must be able to form with some certainty an opinion concerning the domestic debt. Will it speedily rise, will the interest accruing command specie or any thing nearly as valuable, what will become of the indents already...
44To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 6 May [1793] (Hamilton Papers)
I had your letter delivered to me last evening & feel myself hurt at the suggestions it contains concerning your own situation. Knowing you as I do I should ever give to your political conduct the basis of truth honor & love of country however I might have differed from you on some measures. When therefore I feel undiminished regard to you, I cannot help lamenting the misery to which you...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 6 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Use your first leisure & tell me all the political news, especially whether it is possible that Congress mean to pick a quarrel with G. B. An alarm on this subject affects many here. Is it not better to bear temporary evils & by negotiation to diminish or dismiss them, than with a view to releive ourselves from them to plunge ourselves into the miserys of war? If our councillors be so lost to...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 27 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are duplicates of two letters which went by the last Post. I have since received your letter to me of the 19th. and I have seen one to the War Office which came by the last Post but which having been sent to the President, I have not now before me. If there should be any thing in it requiring an answer more than I have said in mine of the 25th. and may say in this—the next post will...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, [10 September 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I wish you would send me a copy of Gen Washingtons letr. of instructions to me, a copy of gen orders on the subject of the 19th. & the sentence of the court martial. The emissarys from the virginia party have been industrious to injure my military character. I am dr sir yours sincerely ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The background of this letter can be briefly summarized:...
48From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lee, 22 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
There is no foundation, My Dear Sir, that I know of, for the Report of the Offence said to have [been] taken by the British Minister, in relation to the subject of my circular letter. No symptom of dissatisfaction on this score has appeared; nor, as I believe, exists. I presume, it is regarded as a measure, in which the Executive Government had no option. I need not tell you how much my ideas...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 12 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Our parting conversation has deeply employed my mind & I continue to lament exceedingly the existence of any event which puts us even politically opposite. No man is more warmly attached to his friends than I am; among the first of whom my heart places you. I thoroughly confide in the unstained purity of your principles, altho I feel enmity to the measures flowing from them. I am solicitous...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 6 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Yr. favor was duely recd & would have been replied to immediately, had not the subject it regards been so momentous & was I not solicitous to communicate my final decision to you thereupon. It is certainly cause of no little regret in my mind to find myself in opposition to you on any occurrence, especially on one so important as that which now presents itself. But really my friend after much...