601Publius 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...
602Publius 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...
603Council 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.
604From 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...
605Pay 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.
606From 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...
607From 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.
608From 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.
609From 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...
610From 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...
611From 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...
612From 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.
613From 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 ...
614From 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...
615From 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...
616From 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,...
617From 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...
618From 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...
619From 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...
620To 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...
621Expenses 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...
622From 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....
623From 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...
624To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 23 July 1778 (Washington 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...
625Pay 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.”
626From 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...
627To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 20 July 1778 (Washington 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...
628Receipt to Joseph Wickers, [19 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Received of Mr. Joseph Wickers two horses on public service. ADS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. H was at this time en route from Washington’s Headquarters at Haverstraw to Black Point, New Jersey, to confer with Admiral d’Estaing.
629From 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...
630From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, [14 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Since the giving my evidence at the Court Martial, I have been endeavouring to recollect more particularly the import of the conversation between General Lee and myself, that happened in the field the day of the action and which was the subject of discussion yesterday, before the Court. My memory will not serve me on the occasion, in so clear a manner, as I could wish; but I have been able to...
631Proceedings of a General Court-Martial for the Trial of Major General Charles Lee, [13 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Q. What was the strength of the corps under the command of General Lee the 28th of June? A. To the best of my knowledge the strength of the corps under his immediate command at English Town was about five thousand rank and file; besides these, Colonel Morgan, with about six hundred men, and General Dickinson at the head of a body of militia, as I understood, of eight hundred men, were subject...
632From 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....
633Lieutenant 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...
634From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [5 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
You will by this time imagine that I have forgotten my promise of writing to you, as I have been so long silent on an occasion, which most people will be fond of celebrating to their friends. The truth is, I have no passion for scribbling and I know you will be at no loss for the fullest information. But that you may not have a right to accuse me of negligence, I will impose upon myself the...
635From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [5 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Brunswick, New Jersey, July 5, 1778. The description in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “… introducing the Marquis de Vienne, whom Hamilton had met through Lafayette. ‘Though a young man, he has been a long time in service.… I am not well acquainted with his pretensions in our service, but as I dare say they will be reasonable, I shall request you will give him your interest.’” Letter not...
636Proceedings of a General Court-Martial for the Trial of Major General Charles Lee, [4 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton being sworn, Q. Did you deliver General Lee any orders from General Washington the 27th or 28th of June, respecting his attacking the enemy? A. I wrote General Lee a letter the evening of the 27th of June, by General Washington’s order, a copy of which I have not; but it was conceived in the spirit, as I understood, of former orders that had been given by him to...
637From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Charles Scott, [27 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
This part of the troops marches instantly. We are to join in the Monmouth road one mile this side of Taylor’s Tavern. You will govern yourself accordingly. If you can find Morgan let him be desired again to keep close to the enemy and attack when we attack. I am sir Yr Obed serv. You will endeavour to keep up a communication of intelligence. ALS , New York Public Library.
638From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this (that is their rear) and had passed the road which turns off towards South Amboy, which determines their rout[e] towards Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting is the extreme distress of the troops for want of provisions. General Wayne’s detachment is almost starving and seem both unwilling and...
639From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The result of what I have seen and heard concerning the enemy is, that they have incamped with their van a little beyond Monmouth Court House and their rear at Manalapans River abt. seven miles from this place. Their march to day has been very judiciously conducted—their baggage in front and their flying army in the rear, with a rear guard of 1000 men about 400 paces from the main body. To...
640To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this (that is their rear) and had passed the road which turns off towards South Amboy, which determines their rout towards Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting is the extreme distress of the troops for want of provisions—General Wayne’s detachment is almost starving—and seem both unwilling and unable to...
641From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [25 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We find on our arrival here, that the intelligence received on the road is true. The enemy have all filed off from Allen Town on the Monmouth road. Their rear is said to be a mile Westward of Lawrence Taylor’s Tavern, six miles from Allen Town. General Maxwell is at Hyde’s Town, abt. three miles from this place. General Dickinson is said to be on the enemy’s right flank, but where cannot be...
642From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [23 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Hopewell, New Jersey, June 23, 1778. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries.
643From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [18 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has received your Billet per horseman. He thanks you for your intelligence and begs you will continue to advise him of what passes. If the enemy are really gone, try to get some of the inhabitants, on whom, you can depend to pass the Delaware, to watch their motions and convey intelligence. Caution should be used by you all in entering the city, before you are very certain how...
644From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 18 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with a few hints on a matter of some importance. Baron Steuben, who will be the bearer of this waits on Congress to have his office arranged upon some decisive and permanent footing. It will not be amiss to be on your guard. The Baron is a Gentleman for whom, I have a particular esteem; and whose real intelligence and success the consequence of both intitle...
645From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, [18 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will have the division commanded by General Mifflin prepared to march at two OClock. You know it consists of the 1st & 2d Pennsylvania, and the Brigade late Conways. Yr. Obed ser ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Major General Thomas Mifflin had served as an aide-de-camp to Washington until August 14, 1775, when he was appointed quartermaster...
646From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry Jackson, [9 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will put a stop, by every mean in your power to the above practice. Any officer who shall be found impressing this man’s horses without proper authority will be most severely dealt with. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Coburn Library, Colorado College, Colorado Springs. No addressee is given in the MS, but this letter was presumably addressed to Colonel Henry...
647Declaration 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,...
648From Alexander Hamilton to John Dixon and William Hunter, 29 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
The Commander in chief positively requires all officers, absent from camp, belonging to the Troops of the State of Virginia, except those who are detained on Public service, by his Excellency the Govr of that State, or any Genl officer of the same, or those who may have furloughs not yet expired—immediately to join their respective Corps. By his Excellys Command The several Printers of the...
649From 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.
650From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Daniel Morgan, [17 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency is sending a considerable detachment towards the enemy’s lines, which will march tomorrow morning. He desires you to select 50 men of your corps, under good officers, and send them to join that detachment. It will be at White marsh tomorrow afternoon where your party will be expected. A party of Indians will join the party to be sent from your corps, at White marsh and act with...