151Pay 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.”
152From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 23 July [1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to your Excellency the evening of the 20th. by Major Neville. I remained in the neighbourhood of Black Point ’till the afternoon following. The Count had received his expected dispatches from Congress and was to sail, as I mentioned before, the first fair wind. At Brunswick yesterday, Mr Caldwell joined me. He was immediately from the Point and brought intelligence that the fleet got...
153From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 26 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favour of the instant. Baron Steuben will do me the honor to deliver you this. He waits upon Congress in a temper, which I very much regret—discontented with his situation—and almost resolved to quit the service. You know we have all the best opinion of this Gentleman’s military merit, and shall of course consider his leaving the army as a loss to it....
154Expenses 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...
155To the Commissary of Clothing from the State of Virginia, 30 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency is informed, that there is a quantity of state-cloathing coming on under your direction for the use of the Virginia troops. It has been hinted to him that measures are taking to get particular regiments fully supplied to the disadvantage of others, which certainly would be altogether inequitable and improper. He desires you will make a point whatever partial applications may be...
156From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General James Clinton, 1 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
The General has received a letter written by Mr Erskine by your desire at half past Nine oClock this morning; by which he perceives there are parties of the Enemy hovering about you. He desires you will take the most effectual measures to ascertain what force they are in; and be particularly watchful, that while they may be amusing you in front, they may not throw a force superior to yours on...
157From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel William Malcom, [17 August 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
You will appoint a genteel sensible Officer to go to Fish Kill the 19th. instant, where he will receive orders from the Governor or the commissioners for conducting in character of a flag some inhabitants who are to [be] sent to New York. You will caution him to treat the persons in his charge with decency and politeness. It will be necessary to be very exact as to the time; and so to order it...
158From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Nelson complains at Head Quarters, that he has been eight or nine months in arrest by order of Col Nagle without being brought to trial. This carries upon the face of it the appearance of a great grievance, but as the General has not an opportunity of ascertaining facts himself, he will be obliged to you to inquire fully into the circumstances of the affair, and make a report of the...
159From 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,...
160From 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...
161From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, [8 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires me to inform you that having received information of the enemy’s being out advanced this side of Wards House, He thought it prudent to put the troops quietly under arms and has sent orders to the several Brigades for this purpose. This is the second note, I have written, the first the horsemen lost. I am Sir Yr. most Obed servant ALS , New-York Historical Society, New...
162From 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.
163From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 12 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency commands me to inform you, that he has received advice, that the enemy, who had made a debarkation at Bedford, after burning the little town, had reimbarked their troops and were hovering about the Coast. He does not think it expedient that you should advance too far from the army and therefore desires, that you will halt near Bedford ’till you hear further from him. I am Sir ...
164From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, [20 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency finds the relative situation of the country hereabouts something different from what his information led him to conceive and that Fredericksburgh is not quite that intermediate Point between Danbury and the Highlands, which would answer his views but is too far Northerly. He therefore desires you will halt on the ground this will find you upon ’till further orders. He will have...
165From Alexander Hamilton to Baron de Kalb, 24 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received advice, that the enemy have made an incursion into the Jerseys and that another body of troops has advanced beyond Kings bridge. Though He apprehends the object of these parties can only be a forage; it is possible they may intend something against the Highlands. He therefore thinks it necessary to give you this intimation, that you may hold yourself in readiness to...
166From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel William Malcom, [25 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of yesterday and have procured a warrant from His Excellency for 2000 dollars, the money for which I should receive and transmit; but it seems the Pay Master General has none at present in hand. I therefore inclose the warrant. His Excellency commands me to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 23d. He hopes your future supply of men will be regular and ample and...
167From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, 28 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg , New York , September 28, 1778 .] Orders Stirling to New Jersey to take command of troops there. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
168From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, 28 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 28, 1778 . Sends instructions for Stirling’s command in New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
169From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Pettit, [29 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your favor of this morning, His Excellency desires me to inform you, that the matter in question between the officers & you, involves considerations too delicate to admit of his interference. It should be the subject of compromise between yourselves; He wishes some mode could be agreed upon mutually satisfactory, and thinks as far as the public service will justify it, a liberal...
170Pay 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.
171From Alexander Hamilton to Major John Bigelow, 9 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency’s command, I am to request, you will immediately furnish him with an exact return of all the cloaths and materials for cloathing, you have provided in consequence of orders from Congress or the Board of War. This return must also show, what you have delivered, when and to whom, and what now remains in yr. possession. You will be pleased to be as accurate as possible. I am Sir...
172Publius Letter, I, [16 October 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
There are abuses in the State, which demand an immediate remedy. Important political characters must be brought upon the stage, and animadverted upon with freedom. The opinion I have of the independence of your spirit, convinces me you will ever be a faithful guardian of the liberty of the press; and determine me to commit to you the publication of a series of letters, which will give you an...
173Council of War, 16 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 16, 1778 . Describes state of American forces and of those of enemy. Asks opinion of officers on disposition of troops in winter quarters and advisability of sending a detachment to Boston. D , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
174Publius Letter, II, [26 October 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The honor of being the hero of a public panegeric, is what you could hardly have aspired to, either from your talents, or from your good qualities. The partiality of your friends has never given you credit for more than mediocrity in the former; and experience has proved, that you are indebted for all your consequence, to the reverse of the latter. Had you not struck out a new line of...
175Cloth for Uniforms, 28 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Headquarters near Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 28, 1778 . Certificate of color of cloth drawn for uniforms for the various regiments by Hamilton and seven other aides to Washington. Lottery held to prevent soldiers of various regiments from complaining about color or quality of uniforms. DS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
176Examination 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...
177From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, [4 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favour of Yesterday. His Excellency desires me to inform you, that you are to march Immediately on receiving your Clothing to Fort Schuyler. He wishes you to Arrive there as speedily as possible. This you will pleas[e] to communicate to General Clinton and Act accordingly. I am sir Your most Obedient servant Copy, MS Division, New York Public Library. Van Schaick had been...
178From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [8 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests you will direct a couple sets of tools provided and sent to General McDougall to blow up rocks which greatly impede his carting &c. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
179From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Alexander McDougall, [8 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favor of the 4th, and shall with pleasure communicate the intelligence we have at Head Quarters. On the morning of the 3d. one hundred and eight sail of vessels sailed out of the Hook, supposed from the best calculations to contain 7 or 8000 men. They first steered to the Eastward; but soon after changed their course and bore S.E with the wind at NW. The general accounts...
180Publius Letter, III, [16 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
It may appear strange, that you should be made a second time the principal figure of a piece intended for the public eye. But a character, insignificant in every other respect, may become interesting from the number and magnitude of its vices. In this view you have a right to the first marks of distinction; and I regret that I feel any reluctance to render you the liberal tribute you deserve:...
181Examination 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...
182From Alexander Hamilton to Royal Flint, [27 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Harrison and myself are to meet two Gentlemen of the British army at Amboy monday week. We shall be obliged to feed them and their attendants as well as our own, while there, and must therefore request your assistance to have some handsome provision made there for us by that time. We shall probably be together only a few days and shall have sixteen or eighteen to feed. Let us have both...
183Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton to Colonels Charles O’Hara and West Hyde, 12 December … (Hamilton Papers)
We have read the Letter, with which you were pleased to favor us, this Afternoon. We join with you in lamenting, that the purpose of our meeting have been frustrated, and we assure you, that it is to us matter of equal concern and surprise to find, that there should be a difference in our respective constructions of the Resolve, to which you refer. Persuaded, as we were, that the terms of that...
184Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [15 December 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Report of Lieutenant Colonels, Robert Hanson Harrison & Alexander Hamilton Commissioners &ca. To His Excellency General Washington— We, the Commissioners appointed by your Excellency for the purposes specified in the powers to us given on the 30th of November last—Beg leave to Report— That in pursuance of your instructions, we repaired to Amboy on Monday the 7th instant at 11 oClock; where we...
185From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [19 December 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I snatch a hasty moment My Dear Baron to acknowledge the receipt of yr. obliging favour of the 6th. It came here while I was absent in an interview with some British Commissioners on the subject of an exchange of prisoners; and was not delivered me ’till two days ago. I am sorry that your business does not seem to make so speedy a progress as we all wish; but I hope it will soon come to a...
186From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Clement Biddle, 20 December [1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Headquarters [ Middle Brook, New Jersey ] December 20 [ 1778 ]. Requests minutes of trials of Charles Lee and Arthur St. Clair so that they can be published in general orders. ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Lee was “suspended from any command in the Armies of the United States of North America for the term of twelve months.” St. Clair was acquitted ( GW John C....
187Account 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...
188Endorsement by Alexander Hamilton on Note of Ann Lytton Venton, [25 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
No. 40, Philladelphia January 25, 1779, Exchange for £100, Pinsylvania Currency at ten Days Sight, of this Third bill, first and Second Not paid, Pay to Mr John Pringle, on order, one hundred Pound, Penselvania Money, for Value, Received, and Please the Same to account of the Effects of James Lytton, Senior Deceased, Anna Venton to Mr. James Lytton, Ste. Croix, Alexd Hammelton—Pay to George...
189Plan for the Department of Inspector General, [28 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 28, 1779. ] Outlines duties, powers, regulations, and structure of department of inspector general. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937). , XIII, 196–200. In JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851). , II, 168, it is stated that the draft of this document was written by H. This draft has not been...
190From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [30 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you sundry papers respecting the Ordnance department. The General requests you will prepare your observations on them and be ready to meet The Committee and himself tomorrow forenoon. As he is going out of town on Monday and will have no time to spare, He begs you will be ready at the time mentioned. Will you be at home to day at 2 oClock? Mr. Garanger plagues me to accompany him to...
191From Alexander Hamilton to Captain John Stokes, 16 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
As there are some appearances of an intended movement among the enemy and as they may possibly be encouraged to make some attempt while the exhibition at Pluckimin on thursday is going on, expecting to find our attention much engrossed by that object—It is His Excellencys particular desire that you keep a more vigilant look out than usual on that day and night and part of the day following,...
192From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [23 February 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has given me some memorandums for instructions to you on the subject of the Northern preparations. He is however undecided on one point—How far the preparation for vessels ought to be pushed. It was his wish when the resolution to discontinue the former plan was taken to stop the provision for the vessels as well as other matters; and he is only induced to depart from this idea in...
193From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received a line from Mr. Williamson informing him of the enemy having entered Elizabeth Town. If their design should appear to be any thing more serious than surprising that post, and they should be in force sufficient to approach this army; he desires you will retire gradually harassing and delaying them in their march to give the more time for our dispositions here. You...
194From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White, 4 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] March 4, 1779 . Requests White to explain to Washington circumstances under which a horse, belonging to one Robert Brown, was impressed. ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. White was a lieutenant colonel of the Fourth Continental Dragoons.
195From Alexander Hamilton to Chevalier de la Neuville, 11 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the honor of your letter of the 17th of february, the contents of which so far as was necessary, have been communicated to His Excellency. Though circumstances did not permit you to serve immediately under him; the information he has received of your conduct, has impressed him with an advantageous opinion of your merits; and he regrets that the situation of our service, and the...
196From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [14 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Laurens, who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is on his way to South Carolina, on a project, which I think, in the present situation of affairs there, is a very good one and deserves every kind of support and encouragement. This is to raise two three or four batalions of negroes; with the assistance of the government of that state, by contributions from the owners in...
197From Alexander Hamilton to Susanna Livingston, [18 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I can hardly forgive an application to my humanity , to induce me to exert my influence in an affair, in which ladies are concerned; and especially when you are of the party. Had you appealed to my friendship or to my gallantry, it would have been irresistible. I should have thought myself bound to have set prudence and policy at defiance, and even to have attacked windmills in your Ladyship’s...
198From 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.
199From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel David Hall, [20 April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency’s command, I inclose you a Resolve of Congress of the 16th of December last, by which you will find that Capt. McLane’s Company late of Pattons Regiment is annexed to the Delaware Battalion in the arrangement of the Regs. therefore under your Command, you are to Comprehend Captn. McLane and his Officers. I am, Sir, Your most Obdt. Servt. Alexr. Copy, Delaware State...
200From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [21 April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Benjamin Black the bearer a dragoon in your regiment represents that he is rather unfairly detained in the service, having procured another in his place. We do not believe him; but that he may not think himself neglected, I give him this line to you. I am sure you will do him justice; and you know the General’s sentiments too well to need being told, that while, in the present scarcity of men,...