351From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 12 October 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, October 12, 1782. On October 23, 1782 , Morris wrote to Hamilton: “I have received your favors of the 9th. and 12th. Instant.” Letter of October 12 not found. ]
352From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 10 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, August 10, 1782. On August 28, 1782, Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I have duly received your several Favors of the Twenty second & twenty Seventh of July, and tenth and thirteenth of August.” Letter of August 10 not found. ]
353From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [9 October 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a hasty letter by the last post which arrived late and set out very soon after its arrival. Since that I have received two thousand dollars all in your bills on Mr. Swanwick in favour of Messrs. Sands & Co. One half the sum is in bills payable in February ⟨next⟩ exchanged by them for specie with one of the County treasurers. I am sensible there is an inconvenience in this in...
354From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 18 May 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I had this day the honor of receiving your letter of the 2d. instant and am much obliged by the mark of your confidence, which it contains; and to Col Stewart for his friendly intentions upon the occasion. My military situation has indeed become so negative that I have no motive to continue in it; and if my services could be of importance to the public in any civil line I should chearfully...
355From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [30 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I was among the first who were convinced, that an administration by single men was essential to the proper management of the affairs of this country. I am persuaded now it is the only resource we have to extricate ourselves from the distresses, which threaten the subversion of our cause. It is palpable that the people have lost all confidence in our public councils, and it is a fact of which I...
356From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [26 October 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 5th. 15th and 16th instant. The detail you have been pleased to enter into in that of the 5th exhibits very cogent reasons for confining yourself to pretty large denominations of notes. Some of them had occurred to me others had not; but I thought it my Duty to state to you the operations which that circumstance had, as in the midst of the variety and...
357From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [17 June 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The letter, which you did me the honor to write me of the 4th. instant came to my hands too late to permit me to answer it by the return of the same post. The explanation you give of your intention in your late offer makes it an object that will fully compensate for the time it will deduct from my other occupations. In accepting it I have only one scruple, arising from a doubt whether the...
358From 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. ]
359From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 7 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the inclosed ready for some time; but in hopes of receiving the returns of the certificates mentioned in memorandum B I delayed sending the present sketch. Having even received no answers from some of the parties who live at a distance from me, I suspect they have done their business in so disorderly a manner (to say nothing worse of it) that they are at a loss how to render the...
360From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 13 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I promised you in former letters to give you a full view of the situation and temper of this state: I now sit down to execute that task. You have already in your possession a pretty just picture of the 1st drawn by the Legislature in perhaps too highly coloured in some places, but in the main true. It is the opinion of the most sensible men, with whom I converse, who are best acquainted with...
361From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 21 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The hurry in which I wrote to you by the last post, prevented my examining particularly the papers which I informed you I had received. On a more careful inspection of them, I found them not so complete as I had hoped. There is a general state[ment] of specific supplies; but the returns referred to in that [statement] for the particulars were by some mistake omitted. I have written for them,...
362From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 22 July 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to my letter to you from Albany I came to this place and had an interview with a Committee of the Legislature in which I urged the several matters contained in your instructions. I strongly represented the necessity of solid arrangements of Finance, and, by way of argument, pointed out all the defects of the present system. I found every man convinced that something was wrong, but...
363From 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...
364Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 7 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
7 July 1778 . Conveys GW’s wish that Moylan “collect the whole of the cavalry , without delay, as well the unarmed as the armed, and after a little refreshment, and getting the horses shod &c. proceed moderately towards the North river to join the army.” Cavalry “accoutrements” that arrived “to the Eastward” were “ordered immediately on—These will meet us shortly, it is to be hoped on the...
365From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 3 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
By command of His Excellency, I am to desire, you will send a corporal and six dragoons, with a Trumpeter to Head Quarters, without loss of time. They are wanted to escort the Commissioners on our part who are to meet on the subject of a general Cartel. You need not be told they must be picked men and horses—must make the best possible appearance—must be very trusty and very intelligent. They...
366From 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,...
367From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [7 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
It is His Excellency’s pleasure, that you collect the whole of the cavalry , without delay, as well the unarmed as the armed, and after a little refreshment, and getting the horses shod &c. proceed moderately towards the North river to join the army. He has received advice from General Heath of the arrival of accoutrements for the cavalry to the Eastward which he has ordered immediately on....
368Committee of Continental Congress to Frederick A. Muhlenberg, [4 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 4, 1782. Letter not found. ] LS , in writing of H, sold at the Anderson Galleries, April 14, 1919. The committee consisted of H, John Rutledge, and James Madison.
369From 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...
370From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Silas Newcomb, 10 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I am desired by His Excellency, to inform you that, on a second consideration, it has been thought inexpedient to send as many Continental troops to Red-bank, as was at first intended; and that the number, now on their march for that place, will be rather insufficient for the defence of it. He therefore requests you will, in addition to the Continental troops, furnish from a 100 to 150 of your...
371From 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. ]
372From 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...
373From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I this day received your favour of the 8th instant. Hurry of business prevents my entering into a particular detail of affairs, either with respect to the enemy, or ourselves; though matters remain much in the same situation, as when I last wrote. The enemy are unquestionably preparing to take the field as soon as possible; notwithstanding which, I believe it may be full as late, as I at first...
374From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [14 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
I take occasion to inform you, that an ⟨attempt⟩ was yesterday made to suprize Bound Brook. It partly succeeded but not to the enemy’s wish. They got possession of Bound Brook, but our people eluded their design of surrounding and cutting off the whole party, and made good their retreat to the pass of the mountains in the rear. We lost however 3 field pieces, one iron 6 pounder, and 2 brass...
375From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 20 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The disposition of the Convention, with respect to the disaffected among you is highly commendable, and justified by every principle of equity and policy. The necessity of exemplary punishment, throughout the States, is become evident beyond a doubt; and it were to be wished every one of the thirteen would imitate the judicious conduct of New-York. Lenity and forbearance have been tried too...
376From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 7 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for the favor of the pamphlet, containing your form of government, which, without flattery, I consider as far more judicious and digested than any thing of the kind, that has yet appeared among us; though I am not so unreserved in my approbation as to think it free from defects. While I view it, in the main, as a wise and excellent system, I freely confess it appears to me to have...
377From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [29 March 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, March 29, 1777. On April 2, 1777, the New York Committee of Correspondence, writing to Hamilton, stated: “We received Your’s of the 29th. Ultimo and are extream⟨ ly ⟩ sorry to hear of your Indisposition.” Letter not found. ]
378From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [3 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, April 3, 1777. On April 8, 1777, the New York Committee of Correspondence wrote to Hamilton: “Yours of the third came safe⟨ly to hand⟩ this Day.” Letter not found. ]
379From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests that you will transmit the enclosed letter to General Wayne, by the first safe opportunity. I am, gentlemen, Yr. most humble serv. Journals of the Provincial Congress of the State of New-York Journals of the Provincial Congress, Provincial Convention, Committee of Safety and Council of Safety of the State of New-York. 1775–1776–1777 (Albany, 1842). , II, 431. George...
380From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [21–27 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
It may not be amiss to hint that some sentences have been passed in persuance of this resolve, which have been improper. Confiscations of the real and personal estates of offenders have been in some instances ordained, and in others, whipping. It would be best where the nature of the case would justify it, to punish capitally; or where the crimes are not of sufficient enormity, to authorise...
381From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 20 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
With chearfulness, I embrace the proposal of corresponding with your convention, through you; and shall from time to time as far as my leisure will permit, and my duty warrant, communicate such transactactions as shall happen, such pieces of intelligence as shall be received and such comments upon them as shall appear necessary, to convey a true idea of what is going on in the military line....
382From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 28 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Extreme hurry of business puts it out of my power to say but very little. Your information concerning a piece of ordnance lately constructed at Philadelphia is true. There is such a piece at Head Quarters, weighs 227 ld, carries a three pound ball. The iron is wraught hooped and welded together. The General and others esteem it a great acquisi[ti]on. It has been fired twenty times as fast as...
383From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 2[2] March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Two days ago I accepted your challenge and met you for the first time in the epistolary field; since which I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 19th. instant; and as far as circumstances will permit, close with your proposal of interchanging blows twice a week. The present time is so unfruitful of events that it affords no intelligence worth your notice, as to transactions of a...
384From Alexander Hamilton to The New-York Packet, [9 November 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
THE SUBSCRIBER has received on account of the quota of this State for the present year, since the last of September to this day, Six Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty Four Dollars and Ten Pence. The New-York Packet. And the General Advertiser , November 21, 1782. The same letter, under the same date, was republished in New-York Packet of November 28. H wrote similar letters to New-York Packet...
385From Alexander Hamilton to New-York Packet, [5 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Certain intelligence having been received that Sir Henry Clinton had embarked the principal part of his force, and had proceeded to Huntington bay on his way to Rhode Island to make a combined attack upon the fleet and army of our allies now there, His Excellency General Washington marched from his camp at Prackness the 29 of July and crossed the North River the 31st; where a junction was...
386From Alexander Hamilton to The New-York Packet, [1 October 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
THE SUBSCRIBER has received nothing on account of the quota of this State for the present year. The New-York Packet. And the American Advertiser , October 17, 1782. The same letter, under the same date, was republished in New-York Packet of October 24, 1782. For similar letters to New-York Packet , see August 1 and September 1, 1782 .
387From Alexander Hamilton to The New-York Packet, [1 August 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
THE SUBSCRIBER has received nothing on account of the quota of this state for the present year. Published agreeable to the instructions of the Superintendant of Finance. The New-York Packet, and the American Advertiser , August 22, 1782. Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, had instructed the several receivers of continental taxes to make use of newspapers to advertise delinquencies in...
388From Alexander Hamilton to New-York Packet, [1 September 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subscriber has received nothing for the month of August, on account of the quota of this state for the present year. Published agreeable to the instructions of the Superintendant of Finance. The New-York Packet. And the American Advertiser , September 5, 1782. H wrote the same letter to the Packet on August 1, 1782 .
389From Alexander Hamilton to Vicomte de Noailles, [April–June 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Esteem for your talents and acquirements, is a sentiment which from my earliest acquaintance with you, my dear viscount, I have shared in common with all those who have the happiness of knowing you; but a better knowledge of your character has given it in my eyes a more intrinsic merit, and has attached me to you by a friendship founded upon qualities as rare as they are estimable. Averse as I...
390From Alexander Hamilton to Vicomte de Noailles, [November–December 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
You have read with astonishment in several American papers, that a man who in various actions of this war has owed his success to his valour, who in the field has been rather the first soldier than the General of his army, has, during the siege of York-Town, entirely lost his reputation of bravery and ability. You inquire of me as of a person too well acquainted with Lord Cornwallis to add a...
391From Alexander Hamilton to Vicomte de Noailles, [4 April 18 May 24 May 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
A letter which the Marquis wrote me on his way to Boston was like yours detained till a few days ago. As I take it for granted he will be on his return before a letter from me could possibly reach him, I do not write to him by this opportunity; but hope for the pleasure of seeing him in a few weeks. If it should happen otherwise assure him that I shall often write to him. I will not ask you to...
392From Alexander Hamilton to the Officer Commanding a Party of Continental Troops, 1 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Stockton informs his Excellency that a number of articles belonging to him were plundered out of the waggons in the late robbery by the tories in the Clove, part of which articles he has reason to believe are distributed among the inhabitants in the neighbourhood. The General directs will give Mr. Stockton all the assistance in your power to recover his property. ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet...
393From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Parley, [24 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, July 24, 1779. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by Stan V. Henkels, Jr., December 6, 1892, Item 106. Parley (Perlee, Perley), a resident of Massachusetts, was a surgeon’s mate in the Seventh Continental Infantry Regiment in 1776.
394From 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,...
395From 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...
396From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Pettit, [23 May 1778–1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Hamiltons Compliments to Mr Petit will be obliged to him, if he can give him any hope of soon having the saddle, he was so kind to undertake to procure for him. At present he is a sad dismounted knight. AL , Yale University Library. Pettit, a resident of New Jersey, was assistant quartermaster general in the Continental Army from March 2, 1778, to June 20, 1781.
397From 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...
398From 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...
399From 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.
400From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [25 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
You will have the boats at Dodd’s and those now with the army, properly furnished with oars, transported by horses for the sake of expedition—brought to the Notch, tomorrow evening precisely at five O Clock (i e half an hour before sunset) where they will receive further orders. You will have with each set a confidential person on whom you can absolutely rely for punctuality to a moment. The...