751To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 2 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely sorry to have embarrassed you by my late application, and that you should think there are insuperable obstacles to a compliance with it. Having renounced my expectations, I have no other inducement for troubling Your Excellency with a second letter, than to obviate the appearance of having desired a thing inconsistent with the good of the service, while I was acquainted with the...
752From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 7 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The other day I applied to Col. Tilghman for an order for Shoes for the Two Companies of levies. He thought on a general principle it could not be granted; but as from the best of my own recollection confirmed by inquiry of others, I have reason to believe a distinction was made last campaign in favour of the advanced corps; in the case of Cortland’s regiment, I am induced to submit the matter...
753From Alexander Hamilton to Major Richard Platt, [25 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I have taken The General’s orders on the subject of your letter of the 24th. As Col Hay’s oxen appear to have been converted to the public use, justice requires they should be replaced to him, as it is not known certainly in what manner they were used and as it is not material to the public from what department the compensation comes, The General directs that The Quarter Master General will...
754From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General George Clinton, 10 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellencys Command, I am to desire you will give orders upon the deputy Clothier General at Peeks-Kill, for the necessary supply of Cloathing &c. for the four companies raising under your direction. It is not however intended, that more shall be drawn than a sufficiency for the number of men actually inlisted. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library...
755From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 9 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
General Howe has just made a proposition, towards a general exchange of prisoners, or rather has acceded to our former propositions on that subject. His Excellency commands me to inform you of this and to desire your immediate attendance at Camp, which is indispensably necessary. I am with great regard Dr Sir Your most Obdt serv ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress....
756From 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...
757From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [21 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
We have just received advice from New York through different channels that the enemy are making an embarkation with which they menace the French fleet and army. Fifty transports are said to have gone up the Sound to take in troops and proceed directly to Rhode Island. The General is absent and may not return before evening. Though this may be only a demonstration yet as it may be serious, I...
758From 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,...
759From Alexander Hamilton to John Laurance, [1 March–10 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to your request, I inquired of Gen: Knox, concerning a vacancy of a Captain’s birth in his Corps. I find there is such vacancy; and upon being pressed to mention my reason for the inquiry, contrary to your prohibition, I ventured to inform him, that you had signified to me an intention of taking a more active part in our military affairs, than you had heretofore done—and that, I was...
760From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [26 February 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the papers you transmitted me on the subject of Mr. C——e. Nothing gives me greater pleasure on all occasions, than to see suspected and injured innocence vindicated, nor would any person more chearfully retract an ill-founded accusation, on conviction of its error, than myself. You know the motives and the grounds of my charges against Mr. C——e, at a period fertile...
761From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Irvine, [1 December 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Complements to General Irvin, wishes to converse with him on a particular subject, for which purpose he will call at his lodgings tomorrow Morning at Nine oClock December 1 AL , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
762From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, 14 February 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ February 14, 1777. In a letter to Hamilton dated April–May, 1777, Knox wrote: “I could not omit acknowledging the receipt of you⟨r⟩ Very Circumstantial and Satisfactory Letter of the 14th. Feby.” Letter not found. ] MS is misdated April 31, 1777.
763To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 29 September 1779 (Jay Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 18th which I received with all the pleasure that is inspired by a sincere respect and esteem. I must beg leave to repeat my assurances to you, that whenever I have occasion to trouble you in the epistolary way, unless where the subject should require a return, I shall be sorry, you should think yourself bound by the rules of ceremony; and I shall always...
764From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General James Clinton, 11 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] September 11, 1780 . “His Excellency desires you will furnish from your Brigade a subaltern for the Company of light infantry in Col Cortland’s regiment.” ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, Second New York Regiment.
765From 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.
766From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 28 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I with pleasure snatch a moment agreeable to your request to inform you of the events which have taken place since you left us. A York paper of the 24th announces the arrival of the Russell of 74, which parted three days before from Arbuthnot’s fleet, which was of course momently expected. Subsequent intelligence gives us the arrival of the whole fleet. This comes through different channels, &...
767From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [20 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Let me know the result of your examination whether you can appoint a barrak Master to the French army; if you can, the General wishes you to appoint Col Champlin without delay. Have you the tract written by Price in which he estimates the specie & current cash of Great Britain? Have you Humes Essay’s, Lex Mercatoria or Postlethwait? Any of these books you may have, you will singularly oblige...
768From 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...
769From 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...
770From Alexander Hamilton to Gerard Bancker, [31 July 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a copy of a warrant to me from The Superintendant of Finance on the Treasury of this State for the sum due the 1st day of April last as the first quarte[r]ly payment of the quota of the present year. I shall be obliged to you to inform me what appropriations have been made by the Legislature of the State on this account; and I am at the same time to request the payment of such...
771From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 23 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 23, 1783. On May 4, 1783, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult: were delivered me … that of the 23d April I had the pleasure to receive yesterday.” Letter of April 23 not found. ]
772From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [4 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you will let him know your opinion of the number of expresses necessary to be kept in constant pay, considering the late regulation of the post office. You know the necessity of œconomy and he is persuaded will rate the number as low as possible. You will have in view the occasional employment of trusty serjeants. He is writing to Congress. Dr Sir Your most Obedt & very...
773From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [30 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I received my Dear Laurens a letter from you which came by Mr. Ternant; and I since learn you are arrived at Philadelphia on a parole restricted to the State of Pensylvania. I regret the loss of Charles Town as a public misfortune. I regret it, as it affects my friends and among these I need not tell you how much my heart distinguishes your case. I know what you must suffer ⟨to⟩ have your...
774From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 14 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your note by Col Gibson and communicated the contents to His Excellency. Though from the serious nature of the charges you have exhibited against Colonel Morgan, there seems to be almost a necessity for bringing the matter to a thorough investigation; yet at this juncture it would be attended with so many difficulties as to make it utterly inconvenient. The affair involves such...
775From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 22 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favour of the 18th ⟨from Saratoga reached me⟩ yesterday. Your pronouncing Fort Edward among the other forts indefensible surprises me a little, as it is intirely contrary to the representations of several Gentlemen of judgment, who have had an opportunity of seeing and considering its situation, by whom we have been taught to believe, that it would be an excellent post, at least ⟨for⟩...
776Lieutenant 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...
777Lieutenant 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...
778Continental 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...
779Publius 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...
780Subscription for Dancing Assembly, [January–February 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subscribers agree to pay the Sums annexed to their respective Names, and an equal quota of any further Expence which may be incurred in the promotion and Support of a dancing assembly to be held in Morristown this present Winter 1780. Subscription Monies to be paid into the hands of a Treasurer, hereafter to be appointed. DS , facsimile in John Jay Smith and John F. Watson, American...