From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 October 1798
To Benjamin Stoddert1
New York October 20. 1798
Dear Sir
I have received a letter from Mr. Goldsborough of the 15th.2 transmitting me one for Capt Hamilton to notify him of his appointment as a Lieutenant in our navy.
This event gives me particular pleasure and claims a renewal of my acknowlegemants to you for the obliging part you have taken in the matter.
Capt. Hamilton is now absent on a vesel to Albany. I dayly expect him back. On his return, he will be ready immediately to obey the orders of the Department—and I ever know it to be his wish, if thought adviseable, in case the Ship for which he may be destined be not ready, to go as a volunteer on board some other to have the advantage of seeing the course of management on board a Ship of War, with which he is not yet acquainted.3
With great respect & esteem I have the honor to remain Dr Sir Yr very obed serv
A Hamilton
Benjamin Stoddert Esq
ALS, RG 45, Naval Records Collection of the Office of Naval Records and Library, Subject File: Personnel (NN), National Archives.
1. For background to this letter, see H to Stoddert, August 8, 21, 29, September 3, 1798; Stoddert to H, August 24, 1798.
2. Letter not found.
3. On November 5, 1798, Timothy Pickering wrote to Robert Hamilton: “… you may if you please, repair as soon as convenient to Providence in Rhode Island, where you will find the Ship of War the George Washington nearly ready for sea, and on presenting the enclosed letter to the Commander, Capt. Patrick Fletcher, you will be received on board for the present Cruise as a volunteer: The Lieutenants for that ship being already appointed …” (LC, RG 45, Naval Records Collection of the Office of the Naval Records and Library, Letters to Officers of Ships of War, National Archives).