26001Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 November … (Hamilton Papers)
We last night received the honor of Your Excellency’s letter of the 25th. of October; on the 26th. we had the pleasure of advising you fully of our situation and motives for coming to this place. We have since received no further intelligence of the Count, his operations, or ultimate intentions; on which account and from the late period of the season, we have given over all expectation of any...
26002Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [8 November … (Hamilton Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 30th. of October reached us yesterday. We hope before this you will have received our two letters of the 26th of October and 1st instant. We have received no late advices from the Southward, which confirms us in the ideas of our last. Major Lee will no doubt have communicated to Your Excellency what he mentions to us, that the enemy are preparing at New York for...
26003To Alexander Hamilton from John Mitchell, 10 November 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, November 10, 1779. Reports defeat of French and American forces in attack on Savannah on October 9. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
26004George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 11 November … (Hamilton Papers)
Being absent from Head Qrs. on a visit to the several Outposts of the Army, when your favor of the 2d Instant arrived—and not returning till last night—it was not in my power to answer it before. I am precisely in the predicament you are with respect to the Count, his intentions or ultimate operations. I have not heard a single syllable about either since your departure, except what was...
26005To Alexander Hamilton from William Gordon, 15 November 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last of Sepr. 23. I mentioned my having sent to my informer; have received an answer from him wherein he writes “As to the subject of your letter (for which I have now an opportunity to return my thanks) what was said was very confidential, & influenced by nothing but an anxious regard & attachment to our public cause. To affect the character of any one from a malignant principle is...
26006From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Irvine, [1 December 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Complements to General Irvin, wishes to converse with him on a particular subject, for which purpose he will call at his lodgings tomorrow Morning at Nine oClock December 1 AL , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
26007George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 4 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] December 4, 1779 . States that $10,000 have been issued to Sheldon. Authorizes Sheldon to enlist infantrymen whose terms of service are near expiration. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Sheldon was a colonel of the Second Continental Dragoons.
26008George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 7, 1779 . Sends information concerning British fleet; enemy attempts to depreciate American currency; and probable future movements of British army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26009George Washington to Juan de Miralles, 7 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 7, 1779 . Agrees with proposals made by De Miralles. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26010George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 8 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 8, 1779 . Instructs Knox to send artillery pieces and men to man them to the Southern Department. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
26011From Alexander Hamilton to William Gordon, [10 December 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
As your letter of the 23d of September offered nothing conclusive I delayed acknowledging it ’till I should receive the result of your pretended application to your informer. This is contained in your last of the 15th. of November which arrived while I was absent from Head Quarters. The unravelment of the plot in the ridiculous farce you have been acting proves, as I at first suspected, that...
26012George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 11, 1779 . Warns of a probable British undertaking involving the Convention troops. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Jefferson was governor of Virginia.
26013To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 12 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon my arrival here yesterday evening I communicated the intelligence received from General Wayne to the President of Congress and the french minister. The latter surprised me greatly by informing me that only one 74 gun ship of the Count de Grasses division and the fier Rodrigue had arrived at Chesapeak. I am at a loss how to account for the absence of the rest. They have not been within the...
26014George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 12 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 12, 1779 . Reports that Major General Benedict Arnold’s court-martial is to be held at Morristown on December 20, 1779. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26015George Washington to the Board of War, 12 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 12, 1779 . Discusses appointment of Captain William Galvan. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26016George Washington to Major William Hudson Ballard, 13 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 13, 1779 . States that Governor George Clinton will investigate Ballard’s case. Advises Ballard to consult with Clinton. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Ballard was a major of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment.
26017George Washington to George Clinton, 13 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 13, 1779 . Asks Clinton to investigate case of Major William Hudson Ballard. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26018George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 13, 1779 . Instructs Maxwell to march to Camp when Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons reaches the Sound. Informs Maxwell that part of the clothing for his men is at Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26019George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 13 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] December 13, 1779 . Sends instruction for Parsons and his men to cover the area from Newark to Perth Amboy. Warns of surprise attacks. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26020George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 13 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 13, 1779 . Announces that Virginia Line is ready to march. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26021George Washington to Colonel James Wood, 14 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 14, 1779 . Orders Wood to replace Colonel Theodorick Bland as officer in charge of Convention troops. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Wood was a colonel of the Eighth Virginia Regiment.
26022George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 15 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1779 . Asks Du Portail to assist Major General Nathanael Greene in drawing up a report on the defense of the present Army encampment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26023George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1779 . Asks Greene to assist Brigadier General Du Portail in drawing up a report on the defenses needed to withstand an attack on the winter camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26024George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1779 . Reiterates need for food for the Army. States that news of the sailing of British fleet was premature. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26025George Washington to John Sullivan, [15 December 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, December 15, 1779. ] Assures Sullivan of friendship and esteem. Thanks Sullivan for news concerning an intrigue against Washington. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Sullivan had resigned his commission on November 30, 1779.
26026George Washington to the Governors of the Middle States, 16 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 16, 1779 . Appeals to the states for food. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26027George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 17, 1779 . Suggests sending the Reverend Hyacinthe de la Motte to Canada as a secret emissary. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
26028To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 18 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
On my arrival in town I was informed by the president, that Congress had suspended the business of appointing a Secretary to their Minister plenipotentiary at Versailles until my return, in hopes that I might still be prevailed upon to accept the office. I replied that I thought my letter upon the subject sufficiently explicit and assured him of my sincere desire to be excused from serving in...
26029George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 20, 1779 . Instructs Greene to assist the clothier in forwarding clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26030George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 21, 1779 . States reasons that make it probable that British will attack Army’s winter quarters. Asks Livingston for support if this should happen. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26031George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 21, 1779 . States probability of an attack on the Army by the British. Asks Livingston to form a plan by which militia can be called into action on short notice. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26032From Alexander Hamilton to Royal Flint, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, December 23, 1779. “By a return of provisions on hand it appears there is only two day’s meat. The General’s anxiety induces him to inquire again into your prospects; and to request you will inform him with precision what present supply you can depend upon.” Letter not found. ] Sold at American Art Association—Anderson Galleries, January 12, 1932, Lot 69. Flint was...
26033To Alexander Hamilton from Royal Flint, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 23, 1779 . States that there appears to be an ample supply of cattle in Connecticut for the Army’s use. LC , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford.
26034To Alexander Hamilton from Royal Flint, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 23, 1779 . States that earlier report on same day is too optimistic, but nevertheless hopes to obtain “fat cattle sufficient for our subsistence several weeks.” LC , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford.
26035George Washington to Colonel Charles Armand, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 23, 1779 . Instructs Armand to proceed to Monmouth to contact Major Henry Lee. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26036George Washington to the Board of War, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 23, 1779 . Forwards Colonel Armand’s request for horses and supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26037George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 23, 1779 . Asks that Colonel John Mitchell be allowed to come to Camp to testify in Major General Benedict Arnold’s behalf. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26038George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 25 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 25, 1779 . Instructs Moylan to move to Colchester. Asks for a return of Virginia men in his regiment. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26039George Washington to Colonel Charles Armand, 28 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 28, 1779 . Refuses to recommend promotion that Armand requests as it will cause discontent among equally qualified officers. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26040George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 28, 1779 . States that, since the second British fleet has sailed, Wayne is to return his men to their respective regiments. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26041Introductory Note: To ———, [December–March 1779–1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Generations of H scholars have not been able either to date this letter or to determine its addressee with any certainty. The date has been variously given as 1779 and 1780 without naming a particular month. In the present instance the date assigned has been based on three factors: First, in the next to last paragraph, H writes that he can be reached through James Montague at the post office...
26042From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [December–March 1779–1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The present conjuncture is by all allowed to be peculiarly critical. Every man of reflexion employs his thoughts about the remedies proper to be applied to the national disorders; and every one from a partiality to his own ideas wishes to convey them to those who are charged with the management of affairs. The channel of the public papers commonly made use of for the purpose appears to me...
26043To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, [1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ 1779 ] States his willingness to go to South Carolina, but does not wish to ask for such a mission. Asks Hamilton to suggest to Washington that he be sent south. AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French. On March 27, 1780, Washington recommended to Congress that Du Portail be sent to Charleston, South Carolina ( Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers,...
26044George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 2, 1780 . Asks intentions of Congress concerning continuance of Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Colonels Laumoy and Gouvion in service. Commends their service and recommends that they be retained. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Colonel Jean Baptiste Joseph, Chevalier de Laumoy, and Colonel Jean Baptiste...
26045George Washington to William A. Livingston, 2 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 2, 1780 . Discusses Livingston’s parole and the possibility of his becoming a “subject” of the United States. Thanks him for his offer of service. Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26046From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [4 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you will let him know your opinion of the number of expresses necessary to be kept in constant pay, considering the late regulation of the post office. You know the necessity of œconomy and he is persuaded will rate the number as low as possible. You will have in view the occasional employment of trusty serjeants. He is writing to Congress. Dr Sir Your most Obedt & very...
26047To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, 4 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
It is impossible for me to tell the number of Expresses that may be necessary to do the public business, that depending so much upon contingencies, and the manner of conducting it. We have heretofore kept about Thirty in pay with the Army; and the duty has been so hard, and the encouragement so small, that the greater part have given me warning, to provide others in their place. If the...
26048George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 4 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 4, 1780 . Regrets postponement of attack on Detroit. Doubts that Brodhead will have sufficient men for expedition against Natchez, but does not discourage plan if Brodhead believes it feasible. Cautions secrecy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26049George Washington to Royal Flint, 4 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 4, 1780 . Requests an estimate of supplies available in each county of New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26050George Washington to Baron de Kalb, 6 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 6, 1780 . Asks De Kalb to deliver enclosed orders. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.