1To Alexander Hamilton from Walton and Cruger, [19 October 1771] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Jamaica, October 19, 1771 . On November 27, 1771, Hamilton wrote to Jacob Walton and John H. Cruger : “I have now the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your favour dated October the 19th.” Letter not found .] Sometime between 1766 and 1768, H began work as a clerk for the trading firm of Beekman and Cruger in Christiansted, St. Croix. The firm, dealing in both imports and exports,...
2To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Ashburner, [10 December 1771] (Hamilton Papers)
[ St. Eustatius, December 10, 1771 . On January 21, 1772, Hamilton wrote to Ashburner: “I received yours Dated Decemr. 10th.” Letter not found .]
3To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Cruger, [12 December 1771] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York , December 12 , 1771 . On January 10, 1772, Hamilton wrote to Cruger : “Your agreeable Letters of the 12 and 20th Ultimo were yesterday handed me.” Letter of December 12 not found .]
4To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Cruger, [20 December 1771] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 20, 1771 . On January 10, 1772, Hamilton wrote to Cruger : “Your agreeable Letters of the 12 and 20th Ultimo were yesterday handed me.” Letter of December 20 not found .]
5Ann Lytton Venton’s Quittance with Alexander Hamilton, [16 May 1772] (Hamilton Papers)
1059. Ann Ventons quittance ved Hammilton for 45 rdr. contant og et oxehoved sucker of 16de maij 1772. D , Christiansteds byfogedarkiv skifteprot: 1769–80, no. 50, fol. 324, receipt no. 1059, Rigsarkivet, Copenhagen. The translation reads as follows: “1059. Ann Venton’s quittance of the 16th of May 1772 with Hamilton for 45 rigs-dollars cash and a hogshead of sugar.” Ann Lytton Venton, the...
6Ann Lytton Venton’s Quittance with Alexander Hamilton, [23 May 1772] (Hamilton Papers)
1060. Ann Ventons quittance of 23de maij 1772 rdr. for et oxehovet rum. D , Christiansteds byfogedarkiv skifteprot : 1769–80, no. 50, fol. 324–25, receipt no. 1060, Rigsarkivet, Copenhagen. The translation reads as follows: “1060. Ann Venton’s quittance of the 23 of May 1772 rigsdollar for a hogshead of rum.” For information concerning this receipt, see “Ann Lytton Venton’s Quittance with...
7Ann Lytton Venton’s Order in favor of Alexander Hamilton, [3 May 1773] (Hamilton Papers)
1045. Ann Ventons ordre paa capitain Lillie af 3die may 1773 i Alexander Hammiltons faveur for 15 oxehoveder sucker for Lyttons boe. D , Christiansteds byfogedarkiv skifteprot: 1769–80, no. 50, fol. 324–25, receipt no. 1045, Rigsarkivet, Copenhagen. The translation reads as follows: “1045. Ann Venton’s order of the 3rd of May 1773 on Captain Lillie for 15 hogshead of sugar from the Lytton...
8Ann Lytton Venton’s Quittance with Alexander Hamilton, [26 May 1773] (Hamilton Papers)
965. Ann Lyttons quittance ved Alexander Hammilton for 50 rdr. betalt af capitain Lillie dend 26de maij 1773. D , Christiansteds byfogedarkiv skifteprot: 1769–80, no. 50, fol. 324–25, receipt no. 965, Rigsarkivet, Copenhagen. The translation reads as follows: “965. Ann Lytten quittance of the 26th of May 1773 with Alexander Hamilton for 50 rigsdollars paid by Captain Lillie.” For information...
9Ann Lytton Venton’s Quittance with Alexander Hamilton, [3 June 1773] (Hamilton Papers)
994. Ann Ventons quittance til Hammilton, til Lillie, for Lyttons estate, for 25 rdr. af 3die junii 1773. D , Christiansteds byfogedarkiv skifteprot: 1769–80, no. 50, fol. 324–25, receipt no. 994, Rigsarkivet, Copenhagen. The translation reads as follows: “994. Ann Venton’s quittance of the 3rd of June 1773 to Hamilton, to Lillie, for 25 rigsdollars for the Lytton estate.” For information...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Committee of Safety of the New York Provincial Congress, [2 April 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 2, 1776 . An entry in the Journals of the New York Provincial Congress under this date reads: “Ordered That Capt. Hamilton be directed to place and keep a proper guard of his company at the Records until, further order.” Letter not found .] Journals , I, 396. The records were those of the colony. Anticipating the possible capture of New York City by the British, the...
11To Alexander Hamilton from the Provincial Congress of the Colony of New York, [31 May 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 31, 1776 . An entry in the Journals of the New York Provincial Congress under this date reads: “Ordered, that Capt. Alexander Hamilton, or any or either of his officers, be and they are hereby authorized to go on board any ship or vessel in this harbour, and take with them such guard as may be necessary, and that they make strict search for any men who may have deserted from...
12Warrant to Captain Alexander Hamilton, 29 September 1776 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Harlem Heights, New York ] September 29, 1776. In George Washington’s “Warrant Book No 2” an entry for this date reads “To Capn Hamilton for his Co Arty. Aug–774. 3/72 [dollars].” D , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13Warrant for Captain Alexander Hamilton, [19 December 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bucks County, Pennsylvania ] December 19, 1776. In George Washington’s “Warrant Book No. 2” an entry for this date reads:”To Capn Alexr Hamilton his pay for his Coy. Arty from 1st Sepr to 1 Decr—1562 [dollars].” D , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [20 January 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, January 20, 1777. A statement in George Washington’s letter to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison of this date reads: “Be so good as to forward the Inclosed to Captn. Hamilton.” Letter not found. ] Before the Revolution, Harrison, who was a native of Maryland, was a lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia, where he met Washington and became his occasional legal adviser....
15To Alexander Hamilton from The Pennsylvania Evening Post, [25 January 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Alexander Hamilton, of the New-York company of artillery, by applying to the printer of this paper, may hear of something to his advantage. The Pennsylvania Evening Post , January 25, 1777.
16General Orders, Appointing Alexander Hamilton Aide-de-Camp to General Washington, 1 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Alexander Hamilton Esquire is appointed Aide-De-Camp to the Commander in Chief; and is to be respected and obeyed as such. Facsimile, Hamilton, Intimate Life Allan McLane Hamilton, The Intimate Life of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1910). , 37. H’s copy of the General Orders has not been found. Washington’s General Orders of March 1, 1777, are printed in GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The...
17To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 17 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We are to inform you that Robt. R Livingston is with us a Committee appointed by Convention to correspond with you at Head Quarters. You will give us Pleasure in the Information that his Excellency is recovered from the Illness which had seized him the Day before Messrs. Cuyler and Taylor left Head Quarters. Any Occurrences in the Army which may have happened you will please to communicate. In...
18To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 19 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Kingston, New York, March 19, 1777. On March 22, 1777, Hamilton wrote to the Committee of Correspondence: “I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 19th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
19Warrant for Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 21 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] March 21, 1777. An entry in George Washington’s “Warrant Book No 2” reads: “To Captain Alexr Hamilton for 1 Months Pay of the N. York Artillery to Jany. 1st—420 9/72 [dollars].” Another entry for the same date reads: “To Ditto of Do. For 2 Months Pay to 1st March—766 22/72 [dollars].” D , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
20To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 26 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By unavoidable Incidents this Letter is delayed beyond the usual Time for which I assure you I am extremely sorry. Your Favor gave great Pleasure as well to the Committee as to several Members of the House who are much pleased with your judicious Caution to distinguish between what you sport as your private Opinion and the weighty Sentiments of the General. No Circumstance could have more...
21To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 29 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We received your favor of the [22] Instant and am obliged to you not only for your Acceptance of a very troublesome Challenge, but for the Alacrity with which you meet us in the field. We wish it would Afford you as many Laurels, as you are like to reap elsewhere! You have heard of the Enemy’s little Excursion to Peeks ⟨Kill⟩; we wish it may not encourage them, to make a more serious Attempt,...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Knox, [April–May 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
A pretty fair opportunity Just offering for Philada., I could not omit acknowledging the receipt of you⟨r⟩ Very Circumstantial and Satisfactory Letter of the 14th. Feby. The thing has Happen’d which I wish’d for. We have been amased here by vague, imperfect, & very false accts. of matters from the Continent, & I always told my friends that if you Surviv’d the Campain & had an hour of leisure...
23To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 2 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We received Your’s of the 29th. Ultimo and are extream⟨ly⟩ sorry to hear of your Indisposition. In our last we expressed an Apprehension that the Enemy might possibly make Hudson’s River their first Object; not only because they could open their Campaign there earlier than they could go to Pensilvania as in one Case their Army would move by land and in the other by Water; But because having...
24To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 8 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the third came safe⟨ly to hand⟩ this Day and gave us great Pleasure by certifying your Hea⟨lth. The scantiness of⟩ our Numbers will not permit the Loss of one useful ⟨citizen. It is⟩, therefore, a determined Point that sick or well, you are by no means ⟨to⟩ die. At this Distance it is impossible to determine what the Enemy can or what they can not do. But certainly if we can bring a...
25To Alexander Hamilton from William Smith, 9 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The Convention on having granted a Permission to Mr. Le Roy to repair to head Quarters in order to solicit leave to go to New York; And having omitted to take his Parole, they beg the favor of you to carry the enclosed Resolution into execution. I am Sir Your most Obedt. Servt. By Order. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Smith, a delegate from Suffolk, wrote in his capacity as...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Basking Ridge [ New Jersey ] April 12, 1777. “… the time of Capt. James Scotts Company will expire the 14th.… I believe it will be best that I be furnished with His Excellency’s dismission of them by the day. I wrote to his Excellency … about the Appointment of Wilcocks. If he is approved of, I wish you would get both McWilliams & him in orders.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....
27To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 17 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Kingston [ New York ] April 17, 1777. “We are directed by Convention to enclose a resolution passed this day in addition to that of the 1st. of Apl. which we before did ourselves the honor to transmit to his Excellency.…” Asks Hamilton to consult with Washington on propriety of enlisting “ignorant young lads,” who had joined the enemy and now wish “to enlist in our regiments.” ALS , Hamilton...
28To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 24 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Kingston, New York, April 24, 1777. On this date the Provincial Convention of New York adopted the following resolution: “ Resolved , That Major Lawrence and Capt. Rutgers, be a committee to confer with Colonel Robert Livingston on the subject of making field cannon out of wrought iron; and that the committee of correspondence be directed to write to Colonel Hamilton for his opinion on the...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 11 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Kingston, New York, May 11, 1777. On May 12, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Morris: “I have received the pleasure of your favour of yesterday’s date.” Letter not found. ]
30To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 16 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the Pleasure of your two Favors within two Days of each other and am very happy to find that our Form of Government meets with your Approbation. That there are Faults in it is not to be wondered at for it is the Work of Men and of Men perhaps not the best qualified for such Undertakings. I think it deficient for the Want of Vigor in the executive unstable from the very Nature of popular...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 24 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Kingston [ New York ] May 24, 1777. Has no news of the destruction of stores at St. Johns. Speculates on future course of the war and discusses need for maintaining health of troops. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter was written by Morris in his capacity as a member of the New York Committee of Correspondence.
32To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 7 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
With my place at Council I resume the agreeable task of writing to you & answering your Letter directed to Mr. Jay. I see with you the propriety of collecting our army to a point & have often been under apprehentions least the enemy should take advantage of our former dispersed state & the necessity that drove us into it. But they have wanted the spirit of enterprize or been deceived greatly...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, [25 June 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Kingston, New York, June 25, 1777. On June 28, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Robert R. Livingston: “Yours of the 25th came to hand last night.” Letter not found. ]
34To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 4 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Letter gave me the Pleasure of knowing with Certainty what might be depended upon among the numerous Reports circulated Thro the Country with Relation to the Several movements of the Enemy. That Howe wishes to draw you to a General Action is highly Probable because certainly he hath no other Means of conquering the Country, but the time when he wishes to Engage must depend upon a General...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, [18 July 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Saratoga, New York, July 18, 1777. On July 22, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Morris: “Your favour of the 18th ⟨from Saratoga reached me⟩ yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
36To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 25 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ July 25, 1777. On July 29, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Livingston: “I have the pleasure of your favour of the 25th.” Letter not found. ]
37To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 2 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I wish I Could beleive as You do with respect to the Enemies Strenght, but in order to do this I must prefer loose Conjectures to the Greatest Variety of Concurring testimoneys—That prisoners may Endeavour to Deceive I think probable, but that a number of Men should agree to tell a Similar tale, & give like Answers to questions without knowing what those questions will be, I Cannot beleive,...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 10 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I was much disappointed at not hearing from you by the return of the express, which I attribute in great measure to his negligence in not calling for an Answer to my Letter. I am sorry to inform you that things wear a more gloomy aspect here than ever, that our army instead of being increased daily diminishes, that the Troops of which it is composed are so dispersed, as to be unable to stop...
39Major General John Sullivan to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, [21 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ September 20, 1777. On September 21, 1777, Hamilton and Laurens wrote to Sullivan : “We have just received your favour of Yesterday.” Letter not found .] Laurens, like H, was an aide-de-camp of Washington. A native of South Carolina and the son of Henry Laurens, John Laurens was H’s closest friend in Washington’s official family.
40To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [21 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The distressed situation of the army for want of blankets and many necessary articles of Cloathing, is truly deplorable; and must inevitably be destructive to it, unless a speedy remedy be applied. Without a better supply than they at present have, it will be impossible for the men to support the fatigues of the campaign in the further progress of the approaching inclement season. This you...
41To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 22 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I have order’d eight or Ten light Horse more to your assistance, and if you should find a further force necessary to facilitate the business you are upon, there are fifty or sixty dismounted No Carolinians attach’d at present to Colo. Nicholas Corps. These must be subject to your order. I have been just now inform’d, that there are not less than three thousand pair of Shoes in the hands of...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 15–19 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 15–19, 1777 . Discusses defences of Fort Mifflin and the British attack on the fort. Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. MS which is headed “Substance of Captain Fleury’s Letter to Col. Hamilton” can be found in a journal kept by Fleury from October 15 to November 8, 1777. François Louis...
43[To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington], [21 October 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The Magazine of History , VI (November, 1907), 294. This letter is listed here because it is attributed to H in The Magazine of History . Actually it was written by Robert Hanson Harrison for Washington to Brigadier General James Potter and is printed in GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , IX, 408–09.
44Baron d’Arendt to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, 26 October [1777] (Hamilton Papers)
Fort Mifflin [ on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 26 [ 1777 ]. Discusses plans for defence of Fort Mifflin. ALS , MS Division New York Public Library. This letter is in French. There is no addressee on the MS. In unidentified handwriting on the last page the following is written, “Col Hamilton Col John Larens.” The contents of the letter indicate that it was written to someone at...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 26 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 26, 1777 . Describes the situation at Fort Mifflin. Expects an assault. Copy, in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. John C. Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington with the Officers John C. Fitzpatrick, Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington, Commander...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 28 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 28, 1777 . Expects an attack on the Fort. Describes the victory of October 23, 1777. Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington with the Officers John C. Fitzpatrick, Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington,...
47To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 30 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
It having been judged expedient by the Members of ⟨a⟨ Council of War held yesterday, that one of the Gentlemen of my family should be sent to Genl: Gates in order to lay befor⟨e⟩ him the State of this Army; and the Situation of the Ene⟨my⟩ and to point out to him the many happy Consequences that will accrue from an immediate reinforceme⟨nt⟩ being sent from the Nothern Army; I have thought ⟨it⟩...
48To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 2–3 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] November 2–3, 1777 . Describes the erection of a battery on the British ship Augusta. Complains of his lack of authority at the fort. Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This MS is entitled “Major Fleury’s Journal and Letter to Colonel Hamilton.” Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 4–8 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] November 4–8, 1777 . Acknowledges receipt of “His Excellencys order authorizing me to exercise the functions of Engineer at Fort Mifflin.” Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington with the Officers John C. Fitzpatrick, Calendar of...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 11 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fishkill, New York, November 11, 1777 . On November 12, Hamilton wrote to Washington : “By a letter … of yesterday, General Poor informs me… “ Letter not found .]