701Declaration on Prisoners, [4 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
In the Name of His Excellency General Washington and by virtue of His authority to me, I declare, that on his being properly notified of time and place, he will appoint a person then and there to receive all Prisoners of War, in possession of the enemy, at present in the city of Philadelphia, and that He will return as speedily as possible an equal number of prisoners of war, in lieu of them,...
702Enclosure: To Robert Morris, [13 August 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
To the Governor for salary £ 1600 To the Chancellor do 400 To the Secretary of State & Clerks about 300 To the Attorney General by estimation 100 To the Chief Justice salary 400 Puisne Justices each 350£ do 700 for travelling expences by estimation 40 days 100 in the year at 12/ per day each Auditor
703Continental Congress Remarks on the Redemption of Continental Currency, [26 November 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That Congress sd. renew their call on the States to execute the Acts of the 18th. of M. 1780 and leave it to the States to level the money by negotiations among themselves. This was Mr. Hamilton’s idea.… One consideration suggested by Mr. Hamilton in its favor was that it would multiply the advocates for federal funds for discharging the public debts, and tend to cement the Union. “Notes of...
704The Continentalist No. III, [9 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The situation of these states is very unlike that of the United Provinces. Remote as we are from Europe, in a little time, we should fancy ourselves out of the reach of attempts from abroad, and in full liberty, at our leisure and convenience, to try our strength at home. This might not happen at once; but if the FOEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOSE ITS AUTHORITY, it would CERTAINLY FOLLOW....
705From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [12 October 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I expect early in next month to go to Philadelphia, and I do not believe Mrs. H will continue house keeping after I am gone. I consider myself as answerable for a years rent of your house, unless we can find some person whom it will be agreeable to you to accept as tenant for the residue of the year. If you hear of any such person I will thank you to inform me of it; but if the house should be...
706Continental Congress Resolutions on Measures to be Taken in Consequence of the Pennsylvania Mutiny, 21 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that the President and Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania be informed that the authority of the United States having been this day grossly insulted by the disorderly and menacing appearance of a body of armed soldiers about the place within which Congress were assembled, and the peace of this City being endangered by the mutinous disposition of the said troops now in the...
707Continental Congress Motion by Alexander Hamilton and Richard Peters, Regarding Lewis Morris, [25 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved That Lieut. Col Morris Aid de Camp to Major General Greene be allowed the Pay & Emoluments of a Lieut Colonel & that his Accounts be adjusted accordingly. D , Reel 163, Item 149, II, p. 224, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Peters was secretary of the board of war from 1776 to 1781 with a few interruptions and was elected to Congress from Pennsylvania on November...
708Account of a Duel between Major General Charles Lee and Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [24 December 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Narrative of an Affair of Honor between General Lee and Col Laurens General Lee attended by Major Edwards and Col Laurens attended by Col Hamilton met agreeable to appointment on Wednesday afternoon half past three in a wood situate near the four mile stone on the Point no point road. Pistols having been the weapons previously fixed upon, and the combatants being provided with a brace each, it...
709Continental Congress Remarks on the Collection of Funds by Officers of the United States, [28 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton, in reply to Mr. Elseworth dwelt long on the inefficacy of State funds. He supposed too that greater obstacles would arise to the execution of the plan than to that of a general revenue. As an additional reason for the latter to be collected by officers under the appointment of Congress, he signified that as the energy of the fœderal Govt. was evidently short of the degree...
710Continental Congress Second Motion on Evaluation of State Lands for Carrying into Effect Article 8 of the Articles of … (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas the carrying into execution the 8th article of the confederation relative to a valuation of land for ascertaining the quotas of each state towards the general expence in a manner consistent with justice to all the members of the Union and with such accuracy as the importance of the subject demands will necessarily be attended with very considerable expence to which the present state of...
711Pay Order, 2 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fishkill, New York ] October 2, 1778 . Directs Paymaster to send pay to Godlip Danroth of the German Regiment. ADS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
712Continental 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...
713Continental 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...
714Continental Congress Motion on the Provisional Peace Treaty, 19 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that as Congress are desirous of manifesting at all times the most perfect confidence in their ally, the Secretary for foreign affairs be directed to Communicate to the Minister P. from the Court of France to these states the separate article of the provisional treaty between The United States and His Britannic Majesty and that he inform the Commissioners from these states for making...
715Continental Congress Report on the Memorials of Chevalier de Cambray-Digby and Captain Jacques Schreiber, 4 December … (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the memorials of Lt Col Cambray & Capt Schreiber beg leave to report That although they consider the situation of foreigners in the service of this country, remote from any resources which they may have in their own, and destitute of any competent provision here, as involving a peculiar hardship and requiring if possible some discrimination in their favour,...
716Continental Congress Report on a Memorial from the Legislature of Pennsylvania, [December 1782–January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December, 1782–January, 1783. “In a late report which had been drawn up by Mr. Hamilton & made to Congress, in answr. to a Memorial from the Legislatre. of Pa.… among other things shewing the impossibility Congress had been under of payg. their Credrs. it was observed that the aid afforded by the Ct. of France had been appropriated by that Court at the time to the immediate use...
717Continental Congress Report of a Committee Appointed to Confer with the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania on the … (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to confer with the Supreme Executive Council of Pensylvania on the practicability of taking effectual measures to support the public authority, in consequence of the disorderly and menacing appearance of a body of armed soldiers surrounding the place where Congress were assembled on Saturday the 21st instant beg leave to report: That they had a conference the morning...
718Continental Congress Motion that Major General Howe be Directed to March Troops to Philadelphia, 1 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That Major General Howe be directed to march such part of the force under his command as he shall judge necessary to the state of Pensylvania; in order that immediate measures may be taken to confine and bring to trial all such persons belonging to the army, as have been principally active in the late mutiny, to disarm the remainder and to examine fully into all the circumstances relating...
719Continental Congress Motion on the Establishment of Permanent Funds, [12 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
That it is the Opinion of Congress that complete justice cannot be done to the Creditors of the United States nor the restoration of public Credit be effected; nor the future exigencies of the war provided for, but by the establishment of [permanent & adequate funds to operate generally throughout the united States, to be collected by Congress]. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress,...
720Continental 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...
721Continental 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...
722Continental Congress Motion on Payment of Interest on the Domestic Debt and on Sending a Deputation to Rhode Island, 6 … (Hamilton Papers)
That the Superintendant of Finance be & he is hereby directed to represent to the Legislatures of the several States the indispensible Necessity for their complying with the requisitions of Congress for raising 1,200,000 dollars for paying a years Interest of the Domestick Debt of the U.S. & 2 Millions towards defraying the Expences of the Estimate for the ensuing year & the Inconveniences,...
723Continental Congress Motion that Congress Return to Philadelphia, 2 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Princeton, New Jersey ] July 2, 1783 . On this date, John Francis Mercer moved that Congress adjourn and return to Philadelphia. This motion was written and seconded by Hamilton. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
724From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [16 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests to see you at Head Quarters today, as he wishes to give you some directions previous to your setting out for Albany. Yr Most Obed Serv Will you be here to dinner? ALS , Northwestern University.
725Continental Congress Motion and Remarks Against Limiting the Duration of the Proposed Impost, [19 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
A motion was made by Mr. Hamilton seconded by Mr. Bland to postpone the clause of the report made by the Come. of the whole, for altering the Impost, viz. the clause limiting its duration to 25 years, in order to substitute a proposition declaring it to be inexpedient to limit the period of its duration; first because it ought to be commensurate to the duration of the debt, 2dly. because it...
726Report on John Paul Jones’s Request, [4 December] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, III, 303). In JM’s hand, except for a clause written by Alexander Hamilton (n. 2, below). Docketed by Charles Thomson: “Report of Mr Osgood Mr Madison Mr Hamilton Passed Decr. 3. 1782.” Below this in Samuel Osgood’s hand appears: “of letter from J: P. Jones for leave to serve with Mr. Vaudriel.” The date docketed by Thomson should have been “Decr. 4.” His committee...
727Continental 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...
728Continental 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...
729Continental Congress Report on a Letter from the Speaker of the Rhode Island Assembly, 16 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from The Honorable William Bradford Esquire speaker of the lower house of Assembly of the state of Rhode Island containing under three heads the reasons of that state for refusing their compliance with the recommendation of Congress for a duty on imports and prize goods, after having maturely considered the same beg leave to report. That your...
730State of the Opposing Forces, [6–11 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
State of our force Rank & file The three divisions in our camp amount by a field return of the 5th to 5047 The troops under General McDougall may be about— 2300 The troops at West Point may be abt— 1700 9047 There may be besides these militia about— 2000 11047 State of the enemy’s force By General McDougalls accots. their force on Ver Planks point may be about 5000 on Stoney point abt.—...
731Continental Congress Motion that the States Settle the Accounts of Officers in the Mustering Department, 18 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That it be recommended to the several states to liquidate & settle the accounts of the depreciation of the officers employed in the Mustering department on the same principles as have been observed in liquidating & settling those of other officers of the army. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives; copy, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The...
732The Continentalist No. V, [18 April 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The vesting Congress with the power of regulating trade ought to have been a principal object of the confederation for a variety of reasons. It is as necessary for the purposes of commerce as of revenue. There are some, who maintain, that trade will regulate itself, and is not to be benefitted by the encouragements, or restraints of government. Such persons will imagine, that there is no need...
733Continental Congress Motion on Abatements for States in Possession of the Enemy, 17 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is in the opinion of Congress essential to those principles of justice & liberality which ought to govern the intercourse between these states that equitable abatements shall be made in favour of such states, parts of which have been for different periods in the course of the war in possession of the enemy, in the application of the rule prescribed by the confederation and on which...
734Continental Congress Report on a Letter from the Commander in Chief, 20 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the letter from The Commander in Chief with its inclosures submit the following resolution Resolved that The Commander in Chief be informed that Congress always happy to receive his sentiments either on the political or military affairs of these states the utility of which they have upon so many occasions experienced have paid all the attention to his letter...
735Continental 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...
736Examination of Two British Deserters from Halifax, [25 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Jacob Harman, of the Royal Highland Emigrants, formerly in Col Smallwoods Maryland regiment—from Halifax which he left the first of May. When he left Halifax there was only the corps he belonged to consisting of about 300 & the marines about 700—1000 in all. He went from Halifax to the River St Johns on the bay of fundy which he left six weeks ago where he heard three thousand recruits were...
737Continental Congress Report on the Deputation to Rhode Island, [17 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That the deputation appointed to go to the state of Rhode Island to Urge the Necessity of a Compliance with the recommendation of Congress for laying an impost of 5 ⅌ Ct. delay their journey till the further order of Congress The Committee to whom was referred the foregoing motion beg leave to report it as their opinion that the deputation ought to proceed as soon as possible. D , in the...
738From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [12 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Chouin the French Gentleman who lives at Head Quarters informs he has heard you had a bear-skin, which you would part with; and requests me to inquire if it is so. I told him I thought it very improbable you should have any but what you wanted for your own use; but for his satisfaction would inquire how the matter stands. I am Sir Yr most Obed ser ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library.
739Continental Congress Unsubmitted Resolution Calling for a Convention to Amend the Articles of Confederation, [July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas in the opinion of this Congress the confederation of the United States is defective in the following essential points, to wit: First and generally in confining the power of the fœderal government within too narrow limits, withholding from it that efficacious authority and influence in all matters of general concern which are indispensable to the harmony and welfare of the...
740Army Agreement Certified by Alexander Hamilton, 30 April 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany ] April 30, 1782. Certifies a contract made by Philip Schuyler, on behalf of the United States, and William Duer, contractor for the posts “north of Poughkeepsie in the State of NewYork,” for supplying the Army with meat. Copy, RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
741Continental 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...
742Examination of a Hessian Deserter, [31 October 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Trech—from the Corps of yagers —deserted ye 30th—yagers lie between the second and third redoubt with a creek running along their right; a regiment of Hessians lies between the first and second redoubts. Emericks corps lies between Fort Independence and redoubt No. 3—Pensylvaina Rangers behind them. No other troops on this side the Bridge except guards, that mount dayly in the redoubts—does...
743Continental Congress Remarks on the Utility of Permanent Funds, [21 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton enlarged on the general utility of permanent funds to the fœderal interests of this Country, & pointed out the difference between the nature of the Constitution of the British Executive, & that of the U.S. in answer to Mr. Lee’s reasoning from the case of Ship money. “Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress,” MS, James Madison Papers, Library of Congress. Congress on February...
744Expenses for Trip from Haverstraw, New York, to Black Point, New Jersey, [28 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Dollars Received from Capt Caleb Gibbs of the public money in his hands 137 Dollars 137 Paid the expences of travelling for myself five pilots, horses & servants from Head Quarters, to Black Point, so far as vouchers were kept, which are herewith £19.4.9 48 Ballance 89 due from A Hamilton to be charged to his private account ADS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. On...
745Continental 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...
746Continental 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...
747Continental Congress Motion that a Committee be Appointed on a Motion by David Howell, [18 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Congress having in respect to the articles of Confederation admitted on their journals an entry of a motion made by Mr Howell Seconded by Mr Arnold highly derogatory to the honor & dignity of the United States in Congress Assembled; Resolved that a Committee be appointed to report such measures as it will be proper for Congress to take thereupon. D , in the writings of Daniel Carroll and H,...
748Enclosure: Minutes of Prisoner Exchange Negotiations, 10–14 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Minutes of the proceedings of the Commissioners, on the part of His Excellency General Washington and of His Excellency General sir Henry Clinton. The Commissioners being met, agree to the following preliminaries. That copies of the powers should be interchanged, and they were interchanged accordingly. That the limits of the neutral ground should extend three miles round Amboy, that Town being...
749Memorial of Philip Thompson, 22 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 22, 1783. On the last page of a memorial of Philip Thompson to the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania Hamilton and Major General Alexander McDougall made endorsements. The paragraph by Hamilton reads: “I certify that the Memorialist was an active and zealous whig in the early periods of the contest and I have reason to believe the above representation is true....
750Conference at Hartford: George Washington’s Answers to Queries by the Comte de Rochambeau and the Chevalier de Ternay … (Hamilton Papers)
1st. That there can be no decisive enterprise against the maritime establishments of the English in this country, without a constant naval superiority. 2d. That of all the enterprises which may be undertaken, the most important and decisive is the reduction of New York, which is the center and focus of all the British forces. 3. That under whatever point of view we consider the establishment,...