451Enclosure: 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
452From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [2 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last to you, I have received your letters No. 3 & 4; the others are yet on the way. Though it is too late to have the advantage of novelty, to comply with my promise, I send you my account of Arnold’s affair; and to justify myself to your sentiments, I must inform you that I urged a compliance with Andre’s request to be shot and I do not think it would have had an ill effect; but some...
453From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [8 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Immediately after dinner, I stole from a croud of company to a solitary walk to be at leisure to think of you, and I have just returned to tell you by an express this moment going off that I have been doing so. You are certainly a little sorceress and have bewitched me, for you have made me disrelish every thing that used to please me, and have rendered me as restless and unsatisfied with all...
454The 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....
455From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 14 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not recollect whether I said any thing in my last about the strength of the reinforcement with Arbuthnot. All the accounts agree that it does not exceed 3000, mostly recruits, and in very bad health; ’tis said more than a thousand died on the passage, and the greater part of the remainder, are journeying fast to the other world. Disease prevails also in the other parts of the army and...
456From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [25 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I had written the inclosed My Dear Betsey when the appearance of your father’s horses announcing his speedy approach induced me to defer sending it off. I flattered myself for a moment that my Betsey would accompany him; but alas! the hope was in vain. It was not my Betsey’s fault however, but the advice of her parents that prevented my seeing her. They were right my angel to dissuade you from...
457From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 13 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I did myself the honor of writing to you, immediately after my arrival at Head Quarters, in answer to two letters I found here, from you. There is a matter, which often obtrudes itself upon my mind, and which requires the attention of every person of sense and influence, among us. I mean a degeneracy of representation in the great council of America. It is a melancholy truth Sir, and the...
458To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 15 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
On our present plan, It appears to me the quantity of ammunition proposed by General Knox for the Artillery is insufficient. A larger consumption may be necessary—The Stone houses in which the enemy may attempt to defend themselves may be obstinate and we should have it in our power by the severity and duration of our fire to bring them to reason. I take the liberty to suggest these matters,...
459From 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...
460From Alexander Hamilton to Joshua Loring, 25 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency General Washington has permitted Doctor Thomas Sendown, the bearer hereof, and Mr. Laghlin McIntosh prisoners with us on parole, to go into New York to be exchanged for two other Gentlemen of similar rank, prisoners with you. The Gentlemen he desires should be released instead of them are Doctor Samuel McKensie, taken at Three Rivers, and Mr. Daniel Frink Commissary, who was...
461From Alexander Hamilton to Captain Francis Grice, 30 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency’s command, I am to acknowledge the receipt of yours per Mr. Grace. Colo. Biddle has given Mr. Grace an order to make use of the waggons at Hackets Town, for the purpose of transporting the twelve boats you mention. The General expects it will be done with all possible dispatch, as it is absolutely necessary we should have all the boats we can collect at and about Coryel’s...
462From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [29 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed that among other disagreeable things said about the removal of Congress from Philadelphia it is insinuated that it was a contrivance of some members to get them out of the state of Pensylvania into one of those to which they belonged and I am told that this insinuation has been pointed at me in particular. Though I am persuaded that all distinterested persons will justify...
463From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [1 March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I need not observe to yr Excellency that, Respect for the opinion of Congress will not permit me to be indifferent to the impressions they may receive of my conduct. On this principle, though I do not think the subject of the inclosed letter of sufficient importance to request an official communication of it, yet I should be happy it might in some way be known to the members of that honorable...
464From Alexander Hamilton to Major Sebastian Bauman, [14 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Garanger has received a second order from the General to make the experiments which were before prescribed him. General Knox he tells me has given him a letter to you to furnish him with the materials and afford him the assistance of which he may stand in need. You will oblige me by facilitating his operations as much as you can; You may depend he will not be introduced into the corps of...
465From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 28 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency to inform you that recent intelligence increases the probability of the enemy being on the point of some important movement. He therefore repeats his recommendation that you will exert yourself to get your division in readiness to march as soon as possible. I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt serv ADf , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
466From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [15 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The General directs you will send off the inclosed dispatch for Count De Rochambeau very early in the morning with the most positive directions concerning expedition. It is of great importance that it should arrive to him as quick as possible. He wishes you also to write to the Qr. Master at the station of your last express and desire him in case Sheldon should not have taken up the chain...
467From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [19 December 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Renselaar who has the direction of the Armory here tells me that the Board of War, write him they are unable to support it any longer, on the present establishment for want of supplies and propose to him to endeavour to have it carried on by contract. This he declares is impossible. The armory must either continue on the present footing or cease. As far as I understand the matter, there is...
468From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [10 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
General Knox in conversation has observed to The General, that instead of sending to Philadelphia for the 1500 arms mentioned in your letter of the 6th. and sending those here to that place to be fitted, it would be a great saving of expence in the article of transportation, to have the bayonets and accoutrements brought on without the arms, and fitted to those now here which can easily be...
469From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [12 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
We ought both my Dear Laurens to beg pardon of our friendship for mutual neglect in our correspondence, though I believe you are a good deal in arrears to me, and I am sure one of my letters must have miscarried. I informed you that the application, in favour of Portail, and yourself, had been referred to a general exchange as I expected. When this general exchange will take place is...
470From 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...
471Pay 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.
472From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 29 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed was intended to be sent with the prisoners mentioned in the list; but before this could be done, Mr. Sims, one of the chief Justices of the State came to this town, and informed me, that the Governor and Council were upon the point of adjourning, and that the sending the prisoners to them would only be an embarrassment without answering, at present, any valuable purpose. He...
473From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I lodged last night in the neighbourhood of New Windsor. This morning early, I met Col: Morgan with his corps about a mile from it, in march for Head Quarters. I told him the necessity of making all the dispatch he could so as not to fatigue his men too much, which he has promised to do. I understood from Col: Morgan that all the Northern army were marching down on both sides the River, and...
474From Alexander Hamilton to Patrick Dennis, [16 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
A considerable fleet of french men of war, chiefly ships of the line, has just arrived at Sandy Hook, under the command of Admiral Count D’Estaing. As the Admiral is a stranger, and is come for the purpose of co-operating with us against the Enemy, it is absolutely necessary that he should be attended by some Gentlemen of intelligence and who possess an accurate knowledge of the Coast and...
475From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, [13 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
This would be the most dangerous stroke they could give to our cause. It would not only conciliate the greatest part of the people immediately in their power, but would prepare the minds of their neighbours to yield an early submission. This argument aided by the prevailing eloquence of a military force would become almost irresistible. I would not for the world that the tories throughout the...
476From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [30 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to your request my Dr Baron I communicated your pro[po]sal to the General. Happily the inactivity of the enemy has given us time to make dispositions which render the calling out the Militia unnecessary; and the whole has been accordingly countermanded. The General requests that when you have completed the objects of your errand in your departments and put things in train you will...
477To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 17 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am duely honored with Your Excellency’s letter of the 4th and 12th instant—It is much to be regretted though not to be wondered at, that steps of so inflammatory a tendency have been taken in the army—Your Excellency has in my opinion acted wisely—The best way is ever not to attempt to stem a torrent but to divert it. I am happy to find You coincide—in opinion with me on the conduct proper...
478From Alexander Hamilton to Francis Dana, 11 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Colonel Brooks, of which the enclosed is a copy. In my reply to him, I pronounced the whole affair to be absolutely false and groundless, and pledged myself to make it appear so. The intention of this letter is to inquire, whether you avow or disavow the conversation he relates; and if the former, to demand, in explicit and direct terms, your authority. You must...
479From Alexander Hamilton to David Henley, 12 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with a letter for Mr. Dana, which I have left open for your perusal; and I request it as a favour which I hope I may claim from your friendship to deliver it to him and press for a speedy answer. I think you sufficiently know my character and way of thinking to be convinced I could never have expressed sentiments of the kind imputed to me; and you will...
480From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Israel Shreve, [25 March 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires me to inform you, that he, has given directions for the party stationed at the Salt works, which Col: Forman is raising, to join and act with you, ’till further orders. I am Sir Your hum serv ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Shreve was a colonel of the Second New Jersey Regiment. Colonel David Forman, of one of the Additional Sixteen Continental...
481From 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...
482From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 16 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received my beloved Betsey your letter informing me of the happy escape of your father. He showed an admirable presence of mind, and has given his friends a double pleasure arising from the manner of saving himself and his safety. Upon the whole I am glad this unsuccessful attempt has been made. It will prevent his hazarding himself hereafter as he has been accustomed to do. He is a...
483From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, [17 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
In the present state of affairs I know of no certain mode for procuring the release of your Brothers, unless there are naval prisoners in the French department whose situations will apply to theirs. I have however directed our Commissary of Prisoners to use all his influence at least to obtain permission for them to make you a visit at Philadelphia—to ascertain in what light they are...
484Discharge of Joshua Austin, 13 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 13, 1777. “… Joshua Austin, belonging to the independent company of the State of Connecticut, … appears to be incapable of military service. He is hereby discharged from the Continental army.…” ADS , Connecticut State Library, Hartford.
485Continental 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...
486From 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.
487From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [22 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The alliance is not come nor our arms, nor our powder. They probably will come with the second division we want to know what we can do in the meantime in the article of arms without those; will you send us immediately a memmorandum of what we have to your knowledge? Do you know whether the Eastern States can furnish any on loan and in what proportion. We must borrow of them and borrow of our...
488From Alexander Hamilton to Sands, Livingston and Company, 29 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, September 29, 1782. On the back of the letter that Sands, Livingston and Company wrote to Hamilton on September 25, 1782 , Hamilton wrote: “Ansd. 29th.” Letter not found. ]
489From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Clement Biddle, [17 June 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The whole army immediately to strike their tents, pack them up, and get themselves in every respect ready for an instant march. The Quarter Master General to have every thing in his department ready. Colonel Biddle will communicate the above order, to the Commissary & Pay Master General & Judge advocate. ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Although George Washington anticipated a...
490From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [23 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received My Dear Baron your two letters of the 16th. and 18th. On the formation the light infantry, The General has already written to you. I presume it will be ultimately nearly as you have proposed. Smith set out some days since to join you. Bradford, I am told is undecided about entering into the office. Col Scammell has promised to bring him to me, and if he accepts we will forward...
491From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [20 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
There are five boats ordered from Kings ferry to Dobbes ferry, which The General directs you will immediately send a proper number of carriages for, and bring them to where the other boats are. Let no delay attend it, if you please. Have you had the four which were already there brought on? Your most obedient serv ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives; also ADfS , George...
492From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Heath, [26 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, July 26, 1779. ] Requests Heath to attend “a Council to be held at Head Quarters this afternoon.” ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. On the same day, H wrote a similar, but slightly differently worded, letter to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne ( ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia).
493From 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.
494From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [12 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
You will be pleased at His Excellency’s desire to assemble all the Officer’s commanding batalions of Militia at your Quarters this afternoon four oClock to settle a general plan for the disposition of the Militia. I have the honor to be Yr. most Obed ser ALS , facsimile in Sammlung historisch berühmter Autographen Erste Serie (Stuttgart, 1846), 257. No addressee is given on this letter, but...
495From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Kidder Meade, March 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
An half hour since brought me the pleasure of your letter of December last. It went to Albany and came from thence to this place. I heartily felicitate you on the birth of your daughter. I can well conceive your happiness upon that occasion, by that which I feel in a similar one. Indeed the sensations of a tender father of the child, of a beloved mother can only be conceived by those who have...
496From Alexander Hamilton to James Mease, [26 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
By command of His Excellency, I inclose you a letter to him from the officers of the German batalion. There appears, by the representation, to be something particular in the circumstances of that batalion, with respect to cloathing, which deserves attention. You will do whatever can be done with propriety to put them upon an equal footing with other Regiments. I am Sir Your most Obed Serv...
497From 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...
498From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [20 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed I transmit your Excellency a letter from the Count Destain. He has had the River sounded and finds he cannot enter. He will sail for Rhode Island tomorrow evening; in the mean time he is making demonstrations to deceive the enemy and beget an opinion that he intends to operate in this quarter. He would sail immediately but he waits the arrival, or to hear, of a frigate which carried...
499From Alexander Hamilton to William Gordon, 10 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
You will find by the inclosed copy of a letter of the 25th. of July from Mr. Dana, that he mentions you as his author for a charge of a very singular nature, that has been brought against me, relative to a declaration which I am said to have made in the public coffee house at Philadelphia. Conscious that this charge is totally destitute of foundation, I owe it to myself to investigate its...
500From Alexander Hamilton to Udny Hay, 3 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Morris, some time since, in a circular letter to the states, among other things, requested to have an account of all the money, provisions, transportation, &c., furnished by this state to the United States, since the 18th. of March, 1780. I have been very happy to hear, that this business has been intrusted to your hands, for I am sure, feeling its importance, you will give it all the...