51Continental Congress Motion on Officers Holding Brevet Commissions, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved That the officers at present holding brevet commissions in the army be intitled to the pay and emoluments of the ranks which they respectively hold. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The motion is undated, but it is printed in the Journals under date of May 26, 1783.
52Continental 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...
53Continental Congress Motion on Instructions to Francis Dana, [21 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that Mr. Dana be informed that the treaties lately entered into for restoring peace have caused such an alteration in the affairs of these states as to have removed the primary object of his mission to the Court of Russia, the acquisition of new supports to their independence; that though Congress approve the principles of the armed neutrality founded on the liberal basis of a...
54Continental Congress Motion on Prohibition of Naval Forces on Great Lakes, 20 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That the said Ministers also endeavour to stipulate that neither party shall keep any naval force on the lakes on the Northern & Western Frontier. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. H’s motion was one of several on this date suggesting provisions to be included in the final peace treaty. The motion was referred to John Francis Mercer, Thomas FitzSimons, and Theodorick...
55From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 14 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of Congress will of course have transmitted to Your Excellency the plan lately adopted by Congress for funding the public debt. This plan was framed to accommodate it to the objections of some of the states; but this spirit of accomodation will only serve to render it less efficient, without making it more palatable. The opposition of the state of Rhode Island for instance is...
56Continental Congress Report on the Garrisoning of Frontier Posts by Continental Troops, 12 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The same Committee submit the following report on the letter of the 3d. instant from the Commander in Chief: That the Commander in Chief be directed whenever the posts within the United states shall be evacuated pursuant to the articles of peace to place within the same, composed of the troops under his command [who have inlisted for three years &] whose times of service may not then have...
57Continental Congress Report on Peace Arrangements for the Department of Foreign Affairs, 8 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed “to consider what arrangements it will be proper to make relatively to peace,” submit the following report on the department of foreign affairs: Resolved that the ordinances and resolutions heretofore passed relatively to the department of foreign affairs shall continue in force subject to the alterations and additions following: That the Secretary for that department...
58Continental Congress Motion on Funds for Payment of the Army, 2 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is the desire of Congress when the reduction of the army shall take place to enable the officers and soldiers to return to their respective homes with convenience and satisfaction, for which purpose it will be indispensable to advance them a part of their pay before they leave the field: And Whereas at the present juncture, there are many other engagements, for which the public...
59Continental Congress Report on a Treaty of Commerce between the United States and Great Britain, 1 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Commitee to whom was referred the letter from Mr. Adams of the report: That they have examined the different instructions given to our Commissioners and Ministers abroad and find that the Commissioners for making peace have an implied power to comprehend commercial stipulations in a Treaty of peace; but that there is no direct subsisting power of entering into a treaty of commerce with...
60Continental Congress Report on the Corps of Invalids, 1 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that the corps of Invalids be reduced; such officers as have lost a limb or been equally disabled in service to retire on full pay for life, such officers as may not be included in this description to retire on the same principles with other officers of the army; such non commissioned officers and soldiers as being strangers in the country and having been disabled in service are...
61From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [1 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamilton’s compliments to Mr. Chaloner, incloses him a note which he promised Col Wadsworth to leave with Mr Chaloner. The date is blank which Mr Chaloner will be so good as to fill up from the time Col Wadsworth left this city. AL , Mr. James H. Welch, Canton, Ohio. Chaloner, a Philadelphia merchant, was assistant commissary of purchases for the Continental Army during the American...
62Notes on a Plan for Providing for the Debts of the United States, [January–April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Debts to be funded probably consist of Dollars Foreign debt 6000.000— a 4 ⅌ Ct 240000 Army debt for pay— 6000.000 Commutation of half pay 4000 000 10000.000— a 6 ⅌ Ct 600000 Domestic liquidated debt 12000.000— a do — 720000 Unliquidated debt suppose 12000.000—
63Continental Congress Report on Brigadier General Moses Hazen’s Regiment, 29 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 29, 1783 . A committee of Thomas Mifflin, Hamilton, and Theodorick Bland, which had been appointed on April 17 “to enquire into the state of Hazen’s regiment, and the propriety of promotion of officers in that corps,” reported on this date. The report recommended that Hazen “be intitled to the pay and emoluments of his rank from the first day of January last” and “That...
64Continental Congress Report on Conference with the Superintendent of Finance, 28 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[The Committee appointed to confer with the superintendant of Finance respecting his Continuance in his Office have conferred with him accordingly] and report that [the Substance] of the conferrence [was on the Part of Mr. Morris as follows:] That his continuance in office was highly injurious to his private affairs and contrary to his private inclinations; but that he felt the importance of...
65Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, 2[3] April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
We have the honor to inclose Your Excellency a copy of the resolutions passed on the [fifteenth Instant] relative to a ratification of the preliminary treaty—the reception of the posts in possession of the British troops and the surrender of the prisoners. We have this day received a letter from Sir Guy Carleton proposing that Congress should appoint one or more persons to assist persons...
66From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 23 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 23, 1783. On May 4, 1783, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult: were delivered me … that of the 23d April I had the pleasure to receive yesterday.” Letter of April 23 not found. ]
67Continental Congress Report on Continuance in Office of the Superintendent of Finance, 23 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 23, 1783 . On this date a committee, consisting of Samuel Osgood, Theodorick Bland, Hamilton, James Madison, and Richard Peters, reported on plans to be adopted for paying and discharging the Army. It was recommended that Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, continue in office until funds could be procured for paying the officers and soldiers of the Army. To this...
68Continental 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...
69Continental 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....
70Continental Congress Motion on Committee Reports, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 22, 1783 . On this date Hamilton offered a motion, seconded by Hugh Williamson, which reads as follows: “That the Secretary lay before Congress on every Monday a List of all the Committees which have been apointed at any time before the preceding Week and have not reported and that such Committees shall be then calld on to state the Reasons why they have not reported.” D...
71Continental 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...
72Continental 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...
73Continental Congress Report on Sale of Military Equipment, 17 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Secretary of war of the 14th. instant submit the following resolution Resolved that immediate measures be taken for the sale of all the dragoon horses belonging to the United States and of all such articles in the several military departments as may not be necessary for the use of the army previous to its reduction or for the formation of...
74From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 15 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 15, 1783. On April 16 Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I have been duly honored with the Receipt of your favor of the fifteenth Instant.” Letter not found. ]
75From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [15 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
There are two resolutions passed relative to the restoration of the British Prisoners and to making arrangements for the surrender of the posts in the possession of the British troops, the first of which is to be transacted by you in conjunction with the secretary of War—the latter by yourself alone. I will explain to you some doubts which have arisen in Congress with regard to the true...
76Continental 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...
77To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
There are two resolutions passed relative to the restoration of the British Prisoners and to making arrangements for the surrender of the posts in the possession of the British troops, the first of which is to be transacted by you in conjunction with the secretary of War—the latter by yourself alone. I will explain to you some doubts which have arisen in Congress with regard to the true...
78Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, [9 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
We inclose Your Excellency a letter to the corporation of Kingston open for your perusal that you may be informed what is likely to be the fate of their late offer. Your letter [with the Concurrent Resolves of the Senate and Assembly] on the subject of the state troops has been committed. We think it improbable Congress will accede to the idea. We congratulate your Excellency on the further...
79From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 9 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Congress having appointed a committee consisting of Messrs. Maddison Osgood, Wilson, Elseworth and myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the military department. The Committee wish Your Excellency’s sentiments at large on such...
80From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [9 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 9, 1783. In a letter dated May, 1783, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “I have been honored with your letter of the 9th ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Lincoln was appointed Secretary at War on October 30, 1781 ( JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937; Reprinted, New York, 1968). , XXI, 1087). Printed in this volume.
81To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Congress having appointed a committee consisting of Messrs Maddison Osgood, Wilson, Elseworth and myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a plan; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the military Department. The Committee wish Your Excellency’s sentiments at large on such institutions...
82From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [8 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s letters of the 31st of March & 4th. of April, the last to day. The one to Col Bland as member of the Committee has been read in Committee confidentially and gave great satisfaction. The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts corresponds with my proposition. That of endeavouring to let them have some pay had also appeared...
83To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s letters of the 31st of March & 4th of April, the last to day—The one to Col. Bland as members of the Committee has been read in Committee confidentially and gave great satisfaction. The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts corresponds with my proposition—That of endeavouring to let them have some pay had also appeared...
84Continental Congress Report on Reduction of Expenses in the War Department, 7 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider and report such eoconomical measures as may be proper and necessary beg leave to report the following. Resolve That the Secretary at war in concert with the Commander in Chief be directed to consider and report to Congress as speedily as may be such measures as it will be proper to take in the present juncture for reducing the expences of The United States...
85From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 2 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 2, 1783. On May 4, 1783, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult. were delivered me.” Letter of April 2 not found. ]
86Continental Congress Resolution on the Conduct of Officers of the Army, [1 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the letters from The Commander in Chief submit the following resolut⟨ions⟩: Resolved That Congress consider the conduct of the Commander in Chief on the occasion of some late attempts to create disturbances in the army as a new proof of his prudence and zealous attachment to the welfare of the community. That he be informed, Congress also entertain a high...
87Continental Congress Remarks on the Calling of States Conventions, [1 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Madison & Mr. Hamilton disapproved of these partial conventions, not as absolute violations of the Confederacy, but as ultimately leading to them & in the mean time exciting pernicious jealousies; the latter observing that he wished instead of them to see a general Convention take place & that he sd. soon in pursuance of instructions from his Constituents propose to Congs. a plan for that...
88Continental Congress Report on Colonel Charles Armand, 26 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the letters from the Commander in Chief & from Col Armand submit the following resolution: Col Armand having entered at an early period of the war into the army of The United States with the rank of Colonel, and having served with distinction in that rank, so as to acquire the particular approbation of the Commander in Chief for his intelligence zeal and...
89From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 25 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 25, 1783. On May 4, 1783, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult. were delivered me.” Letter of March 25 not found. ]
90From 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...
91From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [25 March 1783] (Hamilton 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...
92To 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...
93To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 March 1783 (Washington 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 every thing 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...
94Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, [24 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
We have the happiness to inform your Excellency that yesterday arrived the Triumph a Cutter from Cadiz, with letters from the Marquis La Fayette announc⟨ing⟩ the certainty of the preliminaries of a general peace signed between all the belligerent powers the 20th. of January. There are letters from the Count D’Estaing to the French Minister to the same effect, and an instruction from him to the...
95From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [24 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Your Excellency will before this reaches you have received a letter from the Marquis De la Fayette informing you that the preliminaries of peace between all the belligerent powers have been concluded. I congratulate your Excellency on this happy conclusion of your labours. It now only remains to make solid establishments within to perpetuate our union to prevent our being a ball in the hands...
96Continental Congress Remarks on the Provisional Peace Treaty, [24 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton said that whilst he despised the man who wd. enslave himself to the policy even of our Friends, he could not but lament the overweening readiness which appeared in many, to suspect every thing on that side & to throw themselves into the bosom of our enemies. He urged the necessity of vindicating our public honor by renouncing that concealment to which it was the wish of so many to...
97To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 24 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will before this reaches you have received a letter from the Marquis De la Fayette informing you that the preliminaries of peace between all the belligerent powers have been concluded—I congratulate your Excellency on this happy conclusion of your labours—It now only remains to make solid establishments within to perpetuate our union to prevent our being a ball in the hands of...
98Continental Congress Motion on Establishment of Permanent Funds, 21 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas Congress did on the 12 day of February last resolve—“that it is the opinion of Congress that the establishment of permanent and adequate funds on taxes or duties which shall operate generally and on the whole in just proportions, throughout the United States are indispensably necessary towards doing complete justice to the public creditors for restoring public credit and for providing...
99Continental Congress Report on Half Pay to the Army, 21 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas the officers of the several lines under the immediate command of His Excellency General Washington did, by their late memorial transmitted by their committee, represent to Congress that the half pay granted by sundry resolutions was regarded in an unfavourable light by the citizens of some of these states, who would prefer a compensation for a limited term of years, or by a sum in...
100Continental 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...