151From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry Jackson, [9 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will put a stop, by every mean in your power to the above practice. Any officer who shall be found impressing this man’s horses without proper authority will be most severely dealt with. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Coburn Library, Colorado College, Colorado Springs. No addressee is given in the MS, but this letter was presumably addressed to Colonel Henry...
152From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [5 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I am directed by The General to inform you in confidence, that the army will march from its present ground as soon as the weather permits. You will make your arrangements accordingly. When the weather clears, if you will call at Head Quarters, you will be informed of the particular disposition. I am D Sir Yr. Obed ser ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Pickering had succeeded Major...
153To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to Your Excellency a day or two ago by express—Since that a Committee appointed on the communications from you have had a meeting, and find themselves embarrassed. They have requested me to communicate our embarrassments to you in confidence and to ask your private opinion. The army by their resolutions express an expectation that Congress will not disband them previous to a settlement...
154From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 22 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last letter My Dearest Angel I informed you that there was a greater prospect of activity now than there had been heretofore. I did this to prepare your mind for an event which I am sure will give you pain. I begged your father at the same time to intimate to you by degrees the probability of its taking place. I used this method to prevent a surprise which might be too severe to you. A...
155From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 5 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Head of Elk, Maryland, September 5, 1781. On September 6, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “Yesterday … I wrote to you … to the care of Mr. Morris.” Letter not found. ]
156From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [24 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 24, 1783. The description of this letter reads: “Referring to a plan for carrying the 8th article of the confederation into execution, etc.” Letter not found. ] Luther S. Livingston, ed., American Book-Prices Current (New York, 1906), 717. See the first and second “Continental Congress. Motion on Evaluation of State Lands for Carrying into Effect Article 8 of the...
157From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 29 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
It is proper I should inform Your Excellency that Congress have lately removed to this place. I cannot enter into a detail of the causes; but I imagine they will shortly be published for the information of the United States. You will have heared of a mutiny among the soldiers stationed in the barracks of Philadelphia, and of their having surrounded the state house where Congress was sitting....
158Continental Congress Motion Regarding Moving Military Lines, [23 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
R[esolved] That the Secy. at War in Conjunction with the Comr of the Southern Army take preparatory Arrangements for removing the Lines of Virginia Maryland & Pennsylvania now with the southern army to such Places within their respective States as they shall think proper, as soon as Circumstances will permit. D , in the handwriting of Elias Boudinot, Reel 42, Item 26, II, p. 59, Papers of the...
159From Alexander Hamilton to the Public Creditors of the State of New York, [30 September 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The appellation by which we have chosen to address you, indicates at once the broad and equitable basis upon which we wish to unite the influence and efforts of those who are Creditors to the Public, to obtain that justice, which the necessities of many, and the rights of all demand. Whatever distinctions may characterize the different classes of Creditors, either of the United States, or of...
160From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [2 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, April 2, 1777. On April 5, 1777, Hamilton, writing to the New York Committee of Correspondence, stated: “Since my last I have had the pleasure of receiving your reply to my two favours of 29th. Ulto. & 2d. current.” Letter of April 2, 1777, not found. ]
161From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, 1[–28] July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the pleasure of writing to you about four Months ago from Philadelphia, since which I have neither had leisure nor opportunity to give you a line, on what is transacting in this part of the world, and in which I know you are deeply interested. I am uncertain even now, whether there may be any mode of conveyance for this letter; but I will do my part, and leave the rest to fortune. I...
162From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, [24 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellys. command I am to request you will be pleased to put General Hands brigade under marching orders to move by break of day tomorrow morning. He will see General Greene and take orders from him. An impress of waggons is the object. I have the honor to be with the truest attacht. Yr Lordships Most Obedt. serv. ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Brigadier General Edward...
163From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 2 March 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 2, 1782. In July 1782, Laurens wrote to Hamilton : “I am indebted to you, my dear Hamilton, for two letters; the first from Albany, as masterly a piece of cynicism as ever was penned: the other from Philadelphia, dated the 2d March.” Letter of March 2 not found. ]
164From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [20 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Be so good as to urge the bringing forward the boats; there is no time to be lost. They ought to be with the others by Wednesday evening, if possible. Yr. very hum serv I think I mentioned to you in my first note, that the boats would be by this time at Dobbes ferry. ’Tis there the teams must go. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the...
165From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [26 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, July 26, 1779. On September 18, 1779, Jay wrote to Hamilton : “Your favors of the 25, 26, & 30 July & 12 Inst have thus long remained unanswered.” Letter of July 26 not found. ]
166From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [23 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Hopewell, New Jersey, June 23, 1778. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries.
167From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [25 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
You will see by the inclosed we are too late. Arnold went by water to the Vulture. I shall write to General Greene advising him without making a bustle to be in readiness to march and even to detach a Brigade this way, for though I do not believe the project will go on, it is possible Arnold has made such dispositions with the Garrison as may tempt the enemy in its present weakness to make the...
168From Alexander Hamilton to Major James McHenry, [16–20 December 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you Dear Mac for your poetry and your confidence. The piece is a good one—your best. It has wit, which you know is a rare thing. I see by perseverence all ladies may be won. The Muses begin to be civil to you, in spite of Apollo and my prognosis. You know I have often told you, you wrote prose well but had no genius for poetry. I retract. Adieu. Steiner, James McHenry Bernard C....
169From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 29 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Your two favours both of the 22d came to hand yesterday. His Excellency had been all the day out reconnoitring the country and did not return home ’till late in the evening; this morning he again went out upon the same business, and has desired me to acknowlege the receipt of your letters. The signal advantages gained over the enemy by Generals, Stark and Herkemar at so gloomy and distressing...
170From Alexander Hamilton to George Fisher, [9 January 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I am extremely anxious to get across to Head Quarters this night and it seems hardly possible to cross the river here or not without great risk. I wish to hire a couple of horses one for myself and one for my servant to cross the river at West Point with a guide to conduct us across the Mountain. I will pay him handsomely for his trouble. You will oblige me singularly if you can assist me upon...
171From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [13 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Flattering myself that your knowlege of me will induce you to receive the observations I mak⟨e⟩ as dictated by a regard to the public good, I take the liber⟨ty⟩ to suggest to you my ideas on some matters of delicacy and importance. I view the present juncture as a very interesting one. I need not observe how far the temper and situation of the army make it so. The stat⟨e⟩ of our finances was...
172From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 26 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, March 26, 1779. Letter not found .] Sold by Thomas Birch’s Sons, December, 1892, Lot 106.
173From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [23 February 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Have you received any directions from The General concerning some espontoons to be brought from Fish Kill for the use of the Officers here? If you have not be pleased to receive them now and give directions accordingly. Yr. obedient humble serv ALS , Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
174From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [5 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I have told you, and I told you truly that I love you too much. You engross my thoughts too intirely to allow me to think of any thing else—you not only employ my mind all day; but you intrude upon my sleep. I meet you in every dream—and when I wake I cannot close my eyes again for ruminating on your sweetness. ‘Tis a pretty story indeed that I am to be thus monopolized, by a little nut-brown...
175From 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...
176From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 5 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By inquiry, I have learned that General Patterson’s brigade, which is the one you propose to send is, by far, the weakest of the three now here, and does not consist of more than about 600 rank and file fit for duty. It is true there is a militia regiment with it of about 200, but the term of service for which this regiment is engaged is so near expiring, that it would be past by the time the...
177Pay Order for Hire of a Horse, 22 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Piscataway [ New Jersey ] July 22, 1778 . Orders that John Langstaff be paid “the usual hire for a mare of his impressed the morning of the 19th. and returned in the evening of the 22d.…” Signed “Alex Hamilton, Aide De Camp.” ADS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. On verso is written: “Received ten dollars of Colonel Hamilton on account of the within order. John Langstaff.”
178Certificate for Major Robert Forsyth, [10 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that Major Forsyth had served in the Army of the United States as aid de Camp to Major General Stevens during his continuation in the service. Copy, Auditor’s Item 70, Revolutionary Section, File for Major Robert Forsyth, Virginia State Library, Richmond. Forsyth had been a captain in Henry Lee’s Battalion of Light Dragoons from July 1, 1778, to September 5, 1779, when he resigned to...
179From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [June–October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you, my dear, in one of my letters that I had written to our father, but had not heard of him since, that the operations in the islands hitherto cannot affect him, that I had pressed him to come to America after the peace. A gentleman going to the island where he is, will in a few days afford me a safe opportunity to write again. I shall again present him with his black-eyed daughter,...
180From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 3 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, August 3, 1782. On the back of a letter which Robert Morris wrote to H on July 22, 1782 , H wrote: “Ansd. Aug 3d.” Letter not found. ]
181General Orders, 3 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Worcester Township, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1777.] Describes order of march for attack on Germantown. D , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Although the manuscript is undated it is endorsed by George Washington “Order of March and Battle German Town 4th Oct. 1777.”
182From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel John Lamb, [2 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
There is a man of your regiment with Mr. Garanger. The embarrassment of his circumstances induces me to request you will oblige him with permitting the soldier to continue with him ’till his fate is decided which will be in a few weeks. Yrs. with great regard ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. Lamb was a colonel, Continental Artillery. Captain Lewis Garanger, Continental Artillery.
183From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 18 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with a few hints on a matter of some importance. Baron Steuben, who will be the bearer of this waits on Congress to have his office arranged upon some decisive and permanent footing. It will not be amiss to be on your guard. The Baron is a Gentleman for whom, I have a particular esteem; and whose real intelligence and success the consequence of both intitle...
184From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [8 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General is very anxious to hear from you and that your corps should join the army. Your men must have suffered exceedingly yesterday and last night, and your baggage is here. Be with us as soon as you can; but send the express back immediately with an account of your success. Yrs. Affectionately ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lafayette was on a reconnaissance in the...
185From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 25 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed I write more in a public than in a private capacity. Here I write as a citizen zealous for the true happiness of this country, as a soldier who feels what is due to an army which has suffered everything and done much for the safety of America. I sincerly wish ingratitude was not so natural to the human heart as it is. I sincerely wish there were no seeds of it in those who direct...
186From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [29 March 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
It is His Excellency’s desire that you immediately send to camp a good active vigilant officer with twenty horse. Let both horses and men be picked, as the service they are intended for will require able horses and trusty men who will not desert. They are wanted to relieve Capt Lee, and perform the duties his parties did. Be pleased to have it done without delay. Dr Col: Yrs. with regard ALS...
187To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 29 June 1783—Note on Letter (Madison Papers)
FC ( LC : Hamilton Papers). Lacks salutation and the signature has been excised. Dated by Hamilton, “Princeton June 29. 178[3],” and docketed by him, “1783 29 June—To Mr Madison abt. the removal of Congress.” 29 June 1783. Several circumstances appear to warrant the belief that Hamilton did not post this letter: (1) the RC is not among the Madison Papers in the Library of Congress; (2) in his...
188Conference between the Chevalier de la Luzerne and General George Washington, [16 September 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Substance of a Conference between The Chevalier De la Luzerne Minister Plenipotentiary of France and General Washington at Head Quarters West Point Septr. 16th. 1779. The Minister opened the conference by observing, that The Council of Massachusettes had represented to him the disadvantages, which their commerce was likely to suffer from the late misfortune in Penobscot, and the advantages...
189From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 6 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday, my lovely wife, I wrote to you, inclosing you a letter in one to your father, to the care of Mr. Morris. To-morrow the post sets out, and to-morrow we embark for Yorktown. I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of writing you a few lines. Constantly uppermost in my thoughts and affections, I am happy only when my moments are devoted to some office that respects you. I would give the...
190From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Irvine, 21 September [1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] September 21 , [ 1779 ]. Explains that no clothing is available, for the “few articles of Cloathing now in store are appropriated to The Carolina officers.” ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
191From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Pettit, [3 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Two things I am charged by the General to write to you upon. One is to prevent any more wood being cut on Mr. Jay’s farm. Another is, to begin to cast about for providing materials for building Winter Quarters in case we should be obliged to winter in this part of the country—⟨––––⟩ boards tools &c. I am sir Yr. humb ser ALS , facsimile in Isographie des Hommes Celebres (Paris, 1843), II,...
192From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 8 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a long time since I have had either the pleasure of writing to you or of hearing from you. The long letter you promised me through Colonel Harrison, which was to come by Baron Steuben has not made its appearance. I imagine you must have changed your mind. You are not to expect when you see this letter, that I have anything worth your attention to say to you; I write merely to show you...
193From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, [March 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, March, 1777. On December 10, 1777, Knox, writing to Hamilton, referred to “The fine, impartial, laconic & highly descriptive account you favour’d me with of the last Years Campain, in your letter of March last.” Letter not found. ]
194From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 5 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last I have had the pleasure of receiving your reply to my two favours of 29th. Ulto & 2d. current. I am happy enough to be able to inform you that my indisposition, which was the occasion of my brevity when I last wrote, is now removed. The opinion I advanced respecting the Enemy’s not moving before the beginning of May seems to be Shaken, though not entirely overthrown by some...
195From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [12 November 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York, November 12, 1777. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries. Two letters from H to Washington on November 12, 1777, are listed. One of these letters is printed in PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , I, 360–62.
196From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [6 July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
On my arrival in this city I am more convinced than I was before of the necessity of giving a just state of facts to the public. The current runs strongly against Congress and in a great measure for want of information. When facts are explained they make an impression and incline to conclusions more favourable to us. I have no copy of the reports in my possession, which puts it out of my power...
197From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [12 October 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
It is an age since I have either written to you or received a line from you; yet I persuade myself you have not been the less convinced of my affectionate attachment and warm participation in all those events which have given you that place in your countrys esteem and approbation which I have know⟨n⟩ you to deserve while your enemies and rivals were most active in sullying your reputation. You...
198From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Charles Stewart, [18 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires to know the number of rations issued daily to the Park of Artillery including officers and all others. I am Sir Yr Obed ser ALS , sold by Kenneth W. Rendell, Kingston Galleries, Inc., Somerville, Massachusetts, 1965, facsimile on cover of Catalogue 18, Item 77; ALS , dated November 10, 1776, sold by Patrick Madigan, New York City, 1914, New Series 2, Item C9175. Stewart,...
199[From Alexander Hamilton to Chevalier de Ternay], [13 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter has been incorrectly attributed to H in both John C. Fitzpatrick, Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington with the Officers (Washington, 1915), II, 1362, and in JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851). , I, 140–42. Actually it was written by Major William Galvan, who had been sent by...
200From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 29, 1777. Sends extract from General Orders of June 18, 1777, stating that “Timothy Pickering Esquire is appointed Adjutant General in the Armies of the United States of America.” ADS , Pickering Foundation, Salem, Massachusetts. Before his appointment as adjutant general, Timothy Pickering had served as colonel of a Massachusetts militia regiment.