751Continental Congress Report on the Discharge of Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, 23 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee consisting of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Peters and Mr. Gorham to whom was referred a letter of the 9th. from the Superintendent of finance and Secretary at war, in order to confer with them on the resolutions of the 7th. & 28th. of April and 2d Inst report “that all the non commissioned officers and soldiers in the service of the United States, enlisted to serve during the war, be...
752Continental Congress Motion on the Evacuation of New York, 29 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that General Washington be informed in answer to his letter of the that it is the desire of Congress the evacuation of New York and its dependencies may not be retarded by a preference to that of any other place. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Space left blank in MS. On May 14, 1783, Washington wrote to the President of Congress: “I shall wait the...
753Remarks on the Quebec Bill: Part Two, [22 June 1775] (Hamilton Papers)
Having considered the nature of this bill, with regard to civil government, I am next to examine it with relation to religion, and to endeavour to shew, that the Church of Rome has now the sanction of a legal establishment, in the province of Quebec. In order to do this the more satisfactorily, I beg leave to adopt the definition given of an established religion, by a certain writer, who has...
754Continental Congress Motion on Instructions to be Given the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, [18 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
On motion of Mr Carroll seconded by Mr Ramsay Resolved That the Secy for foreign affairs be discharged from the instruction given him on the 12 instant Mr. Howel delegate from the State of R Island having acknowleged himself the author of the extract of the letter quoted in the report of the Committee of that day. D , in the writings of Charles Thomson and H, Papers of the Continental...
755Plan for an Attack on New York, [August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
If upon reconnoitring Dobbes ferry it is found susceptible of batteries to establish a communication, So soon as we can assemble ten thousand men leaving a sufficient garrison at West Point, let them be drawn to Dobbe’s ferry this side of the River and immediately set about erecting batteries; let a sufficient number of boats be brought from Kings ferry, by water if practicable, if not by...
756Continental Congress Motion on Abatements for States in Possession of the Enemy, 4 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas in the opinion of Congress it is essential to those principles of justice and liberality which ought to govern the intercourse between these states that in the final adjustment of accounts for the supplies or contributions of the states respectively towards the common expences in the course of the war equitable allowances should be made in favour of those states parts of which have...
757Continental Congress Motion of Protest against British Practice of Carrying off American Negroes, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 26, 1783. ] A motion made by Hamilton on this date protested against the British seizure of Negroes belonging to citizens of the United States. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937). , XXIV, 363–64. The motion is in the writing of John Rutledge; D , in the handwriting of John Rutledge, Reel 42, Item 36, II, p. 129, Papers of the...
758Continental Congress Motion on Appointment of Committee to Consider Allowances of Land for the Army, 30 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That a Committee be appointed to consider of the best manner of carrying into execution the engagements of the United States for certain allowances of land to the army at the conclusion of the war. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. In September, 1776, Congress, to encourage enlistments in the Continental Army, had offered bounties of land to all officers and soldiers...
759Continental Congress Report on the Suspension of Acts Relating to State Militia, 31 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the 24th. instant from the Secretary at War with the inclosure from the Commander in Chief report that it will be expedient to suspend the operation of the resolution of the so far as relates to the lines of New Hampshire Rhode Island & New Jersey be suspended till the first day of March next and also as to the Pennsylvania Line so far as to...
760The Continentalist No. VI, [4 July 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Let us see what will be the consequences of not authorising the Fœderal Government to regulate the trade of these states. Besides the want of revenue and of power, besides the immediate risk to our independence, the danger of all the future evils of a precarious union, besides the deficiency of a wholesome concert and provident superintendence to advance the general prosperity of trade, the...
761Continental Congress Report on the Ratification of the Provisional Peace Treaty, 15 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved a Committee be appointed to prepare and lay before Congress a draft of a ratification of the articles entered into between the Commissioners of the United States & the commissioner of His Britannic Majesty at Paris on the 30th day of November last. Resolved that the Commander in Chief be directed to enter into preparatory arrangements relative to the 7th. article of the said treaty...
762Plan for the Department of Inspector General, [28 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 28, 1779. ] Outlines duties, powers, regulations, and structure of department of inspector general. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937). , XIII, 196–200. In JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851). , II, 168, it is stated that the draft of this document was written by H. This draft has not been...
763Continental Congress Report on Land for the Army, 4 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider of the best manner of carrying into execution the engagements of the United States for certain allowances of land to the army at the conclusion of the war submit the following resolution: Congress having by their resolution of the promised certain allowances of land to all officers, and to such soldiers of the United States engaged to serve during the war,...
764Continental Congress Report on the Memorials of Pelatiah Webster and William Judd, 6 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was committed the report of the Grand Committee on the memorial of Pelatiah Webster & William Judd in behalf of the deranged officers of the lines of Massachusettes & Connecticut submit the following resolution: That the accounts of the officers who have retired on half pay at different periods of the war [or their representatives] be settled on the same principles with...
765The Continentalist No. II, [19 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
In a single state, where the sovereign power is exercised by delegation, whether it be a limitted monarchy or a republic, the danger most commonly is, that the sovereign will become too powerful for his constituents; in fœderal governments, where different states are represented in a general council, the danger is on the other side—that the members will be an overmatch for the common head, or...
766Subscription for Dancing Assembly, [January–February 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subscribers agree to pay the Sums annexed to their respective Names, and an equal quota of any further Expence which may be incurred in the promotion and Support of a dancing assembly to be held in Morristown this present Winter 1780. Subscription Monies to be paid into the hands of a Treasurer, hereafter to be appointed. DS , facsimile in John Jay Smith and John F. Watson, American...
767Deposition in Favor of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 31 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, October 31, 1780. “Personally appeared before me John Glover, Brigadier General in the Army of the United States, Alex. Hamilton, Lt. Colonel and Aide De Camp to The Commander in Chief, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that from all the circumstances of the behaviour of Richard Varick, Esqr., on the late occasion of the desertion of Major General Arnold, so...
768Continental Congress Report on American Participation in a European Neutral Confederacy, 12 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that the Ministers Plenipotentia[r]y be instructed in case they should comprise in the definitive treaty any stipulations amounting to a recognition of the rights of neutral nations, to avoid accompanying them by any engagements which shall oblige the contracting parties to support those stipulations by arms. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. This resolution...
769Release of Officer from German Battalion, 7 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp Near German Town [ Pennsylvania ] August 7, 1777. Certifies that “Monsieur Bernard Pally De Couseau, Ensign in the German Batalion, is by his own request permitted to leave said batalion.” ADS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
770Notes on a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Memorandums Arts: All officers and soldiers, prisoners of war on either side shall be exchanged on the terms and in the manner following. Those first captured shall be first exchanged. Every officer shall be exchanged for one of equal rank, as far as number will apply, except when there are officers, who have been longer in captivity, that cannot be so exchanged; in which case, these shall...
771Publius Letter, I, [16 October 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
There are abuses in the State, which demand an immediate remedy. Important political characters must be brought upon the stage, and animadverted upon with freedom. The opinion I have of the independence of your spirit, convinces me you will ever be a faithful guardian of the liberty of the press; and determine me to commit to you the publication of a series of letters, which will give you an...
772Account with Alsop Hunt and James Hunt, [11 October 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] October 11, 1776. Account between Alsop Hunt and James Hunt and Hamilton for “Buckskin Breeches Delivered the Soldiers of the New york Artillery” company commanded by Hamilton. The account runs from March 5 to October 11, 1776, and was not settled until 1785. A receipt, verso, reads: “Received Payment of the within Acct. in full thereof and all other Demands, per Alsop Hunt & Jas...
773Continental Congress Resolution on the Services of Comte de Rochambeau, [1 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
That the President make the acknowlegements of Congress in a particular manner to His Excellency The Count De Rochambeau and signify to him the high sense they entertain of the distinguished talents displayed by him with so much advantage to these states in the most important conjunctures as well as of the strict and exemplary discipline which have been uniformly conspicuous in the troops...
774Continental Congress Report on the Quartermaster Department, 9 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Qr. Mr. General of the 4th. of December last have conferred with him find that there are several omissions in the plan adopted by Congress the 23d. of October last for regulating the Qr. Mrs. department and are of opinion that some of the salaries of particular officers therein are reduced too low. They therefore recommend that the...
775Publius Letter, III, [16 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
It may appear strange, that you should be made a second time the principal figure of a piece intended for the public eye. But a character, insignificant in every other respect, may become interesting from the number and magnitude of its vices. In this view you have a right to the first marks of distinction; and I regret that I feel any reluctance to render you the liberal tribute you deserve:...
776Continental Congress Motion on the Appointment of Collectors, [11 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
A motion was made by Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Wilson to strike out the clauses relative to the appointment of Collectors, and to provide that the Collectors shd. be inhabitants of the States within which they sd. collect should be nominated by Congs. and appointed by the States, and in case such nomination should not be accepted or rejected within days it should stand good. “Notes of Debates in the...
777The Continentalist No. I, [12 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the first number of a series of papers which I intend to publish on matters of the greatest importance to these States; I hope they will be read with as much candour and attention as the object of them deserve, and that no conclusions will be drawn till these are fully developed. I am, Sir , Your most obedient humble servant, A.B. The Continentalist. No. I . It would be the...
778List of Officers and Men Who Have Received One Month’s Pay, [7 September 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Whole Amount Names Company Regiment Dol 90th Thads Weed Capt Colo Swift 50 2nd Cornelius Russell Lt Capt Weed Colo Swift 32 2nd William Lord Ensn Selden Butler 25 4th
779General Orders by George Washington, 1 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Totowa [ New Jersey ] November 1, 1780 . Announces regulation of Army by the Congressional resolves of October 3 and 21. Directs officers to meet and make arrangements conformable to these regulations. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
780Receipt to Jacob Cuyler, 5 February 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, February 5, 1782. On behalf of Philip Schuyler, acknowledges receipt of twenty pounds and six shillings from Jacob Cuyler. ADS , Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, Mount Vernon, Virginia. Jacob Cuyler, who represented Albany County in the New York legislature in 1777, was engaged during the Revolution in supplying the American army.
781Continental Congress Report on a Motion of the Rhode Island Delegate on the Communication of Information to His State … (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the motion of Mr. Arnold and those subsequent thereupon report that in their opinion it would be improper for Congress to concur in the object of that motion, as with respect to a part of the extracts specified relating merely to the general growing political importance of these states, the injunction of secrecy being taken off, any member who inclines to...
782Resolution of the New York Legislature Calling for a Convention of the States to Revise and Amend the Articles of … (Hamilton Papers)
The Senate again resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into Consideration the State of the Nation; and after some considerable Time spent therein, the President resumed the Chair, and Mr. Ten Broeck from the said Committee, delivered in a Report; which he read in his Place, and delivered in at the Table, where it was again read, considered by Paragraphs, and agreed to....
783Continental Congress Report on Peace with the Indians, 21 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Report of a Committee to whom was committed the letter from His Excelly The President of the State of Pensylvania respecting a peace with the Indians. Whereas by the 9th article of the confederation The United States in Congress assembled are vested with the sole and exclusive right and power among other things “of regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians not members of...
784Continental Congress Report on Proposal of Sir Guy Carleton, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter of the 14th instant from His Excellency Sir Guy Carelton submit the following resolution. Whereas His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton has proposed to Congress to empower one or more persons on behalf of The United States to be present at New York and to assist such persons as shall be appointed by him to inspect and superintend all embarkations which the evacuation of...
785Continental Congress Report on the Memorial of Thomas Wiggins, 18 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] March 18, 1783 . A memorial of Thomas Wiggins, a Canadian merchant and Indian trader near Detroit during the American Revolution, was read in Congress on February 4, 1783, and referred to a committee consisting of Hamilton, Richard Peters, and Samuel Osgood. Wiggins, whose aid to the American cause had occasioned imprisonment and the seizure of his property by the British,...
786Continental Congress Remarks on the Exchange of Charles, Earl Cornwallis, [25 November 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Hamilton who warmly & cogently espoused the ratification, as an additional argument mentioned, that some intimations had been given by Col: Laurens of the army with the privity of Genl. Washington, to Cornwallis previous to his capitulation, that he might be exchanged for his father, then in the Tower. “Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress,” MS, James Madison Papers, Library of...
787Continental Congress Motion on Appointment of Committee to Confer with Legislature of Pennsylvania, [4 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
On motion of Mr. (Alexander) Hamilton, seconded by Mr. (David) Howell, Resolved , That a committee be appointed to confer with a committee of the legislature of Pensylvania, relative to the subjects of their late memorial to Congress. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937). , XXIII, 761. The members appointed to the committee were H, John Rutledge of South...
788Continental Congress Report on Conference with the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania on the Mutiny, 20 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom you were referred the letters & papers communicated to Congress by the Executive council of Pensylvania, through their delegates report. That they had a conference yesterday as directed with the Supreme Executive Council, in which in the first instance the propriety of calling out a detachment of Militia to intercept the mutineers on their march from Lancaster was...
789Continental Congress Remarks on Raising Funds for the United States, [27 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton went extensively into the subject; the sum of it was as follows: he observed that funds considered as permanent sources of revenue were of two kinds: 1st. Such as wd. extend generally & uniformly throughout the U.S., & wd. be collected under the authority of Congs. 2dly., such as might be established separately within each State, & might consist of any objects which were chosen by...
790Continental Congress First Motion on Evaluation of State Lands for Carrying into Effect Article 8 of the Articles of … (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved , That in order to enable Congress to form an eventual plan towards carrying into execution the 8th. article of confederation the several States be required to pass laws for forming or dividing their respective states into such districts as they judge most convenient for procuring an accurate valuation of the lands and of the buildings and improvements thereon, & to appoint...
791Continental Congress Report on a Letter from the President of Pennsylvania, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from His Excellency The President of Pensylvania to the Delegates of that state of the 18th. instant report that in their opinion it is inexpedient for Congress to come to any formal decision on the subject of that letter. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The committee consisted of H, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson....
792Continental Congress Remarks on the Provisional Peace Treaty, [19 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton urged the propriety of proceeding with coolness and circumspection. He thought it proper in order to form a right judgment of the conduct of our Ministers, that the views of the French & British Courts should be examined. He admitted it as not improbable that it had been the policy of France to procrastinate the definite acknowledgmt. of our Independence on the part of G B in...
793Testimony at the Trial of Joshua Hett Smith, [2 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant-colonel Alexander Hamilton was next produced on the part of the Prosecution, and sworn. Q. Please to declare what you know respecting Mr. Smith, the Prisoner, declaring that he had been on board the Vulture , sloop-of-war, belonging to the enemy, and fetching a person on shore from that vessel? A. I was present when Mr. Smith, the Prisoner, made his Confession before the gentlemen...
794Continental Congress Report on a Letter from Captain John Paul Jones, [4 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 4, 1782. ] Report of a committee, consisting of Samuel Osgood, James Madison, and Hamilton on a request of Captain John Paul Jones for permission to serve on a campaign with the Marquis de Vaudreuil. The committee reported that, “Congress having a high sense of the merit and services of Capt Jones,” the permission be granted. D , in writing of James Madison, with...
795The Continentalist No. IV, [30 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The preceding numbers are chiefly intended to confirm an opinion, already pretty generally received, that it is necessary to augment the powers of the confederation. The principal difficulty yet remains, to fix the public judgment, definitively, on the points, which ought to compose that augmentation. It may be pronounced with confidence, that nothing short of the following articles can...