51From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 3 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have lately received a letter from the Superintendant of Finance inclosing a copy of a circular letter from him to the several states dated 25th of July 81 in which he requests information upon the following important points: “What supplies of every kind money provisions forage transportation &c. have been furnished by this State to the United States since the 18th. of March 1780.” “The...
52From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, [27 July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
A few days since I was honored with Your Excellency’s letter of the ; and was glad to find your ideas on the subject corresponded with mine. As I shall in a day or two take leave of Congress, I think it my duty to give my opinion to the legislature on a matter of importance to the state, which has been long depending and is still without a prospect of termination in the train in which it has...
53From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, [3 August 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 3, 1783. Letter not found. ] “General Hamilton to Governor George Clinton,” Columbia University Libraries.
54Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, [9 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
We inclose Your Excellency a letter to the corporation of Kingston open for your perusal that you may be informed what is likely to be the fate of their late offer. Your letter [with the Concurrent Resolves of the Senate and Assembly] on the subject of the state troops has been committed. We think it improbable Congress will accede to the idea. We congratulate your Excellency on the further...
55Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, [5 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton having transmitted Your Excellency the late proceedings of Congress for carrying the 8th. article of the confederation into execution, by which the legislature will see the part we acted in this affair. They will not be at aloss for our motives; and we hope will not disapprove them. Our opposition to the first plan proposed was founded principally on this consideration that it...
56From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, [22 May 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
For some time past I have had a bill on France lying in Philadelphia the sale of which has been delayed on account of the excessive lowness of the exchange. I am told it has lately risen something, and I expect by Col Hay’s return to receive a sufficient sum to pay the value of the woman Mrs. H had of Mrs. Clinton. I hope the delay may be attended with no inconvenience to you. I wrote you some...
57From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 1 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last letter to Your Excellency I took occasion to mention that it was of great importance to the state, at this time to have a representation here as points in which by its present situation it is particularly interested are dayly and will be dayly agitated. It is also of importance at this moment to the United States (not only from general considerations but) because we have a very thin...
58From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, [11 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
In two or three letters, which I have had the honor of writing to Your Excellency lately, I mentioned the necessity of a representation of the state here and at the same time of my returning to my private occupations. I am obliged to inform Your Excellency that I cannot remain here above ten days longer. I have the honor to be Yr. Excellency’s Most Obed ser ALS , Blumhaven Library and Gallery,...
59From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 1 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
As the Legislature will shortly meet I take the liberty to mention to Your Excellency, that it appears to me of Great importance, they should take up the affair of Vermont on the idea of a compromise with Massachusetts and New Hampshire and propose to those States a meeting of Commissioners for that purpose. I have little hope that we shall ever be able to engage Congress to act with decision...
60From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 24 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this is an old woman and of course the most troublesome animal in the world. She wants to go into New York. It was in vain we told her no inhabitant could be permitted by us to go within the enemy’s lines without permission from the civil power. Old and decrepid as she is, she made the tour of the family and tried her blandishments upon each. I assured her Governor Clinton could...
61Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, [17 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
We have the honor to inclose Your Excellency the provisional articles agreed upon between the United States and Great Britain, which are upon the whole as advantageous as could have been expected. Whether the negotiations terminate in a general peace or not, important and it is to be hoped, useful consequences will flow from what has been done. The acknowlegement of our independence by Great...
62From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, [12 January] 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I am honored with your excellency’s letter of the 29th. Decr. I have received an order from Col. Hay on Mr. Sands, which I have no doubt will shortly be paid. I have felt no inconvenience from not having the money sooner. Since my last to you, we have received no further accounts from Europe, so that we remain in the same uncertainty with respect to the negotiations for peace. Wether it will...
63Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, 2[3] April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
We have the honor to inclose Your Excellency a copy of the resolutions passed on the [fifteenth Instant] relative to a ratification of the preliminary treaty—the reception of the posts in possession of the British troops and the surrender of the prisoners. We have this day received a letter from Sir Guy Carleton proposing that Congress should appoint one or more persons to assist persons...
64From 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...
65From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 14 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
In a letter which I wrote lately to General Schuyler, I informed him of the import of the answer from Vermont, and what had been done with it in Congress. The Committee to whom it was referred have not yet reported; but I have little expectation of decision. Congress have been for some time employed on matters of the 1st. importance, devising a plan for carrying the 8th. Article of the...
66From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 14 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of Congress will of course have transmitted to Your Excellency the plan lately adopted by Congress for funding the public debt. This plan was framed to accommodate it to the objections of some of the states; but this spirit of accomodation will only serve to render it less efficient, without making it more palatable. The opposition of the state of Rhode Island for instance is...
67From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 18 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall very shortly be out of cash, and shall therefore be much obliged to you to forward to me the State allowance. It will answer as well in Mr. Morris’ notes as in Specie provided the notes have not more than a fortnight or so to run. It will be better if they are due. ⟨A disappointment in this will greatly embarrass me, and from what your Excellency said, I take it for granted it cannot...
68From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 22 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
During my stay in this place, I have received intimations that certain officers high in command in this quarter have been guilty of practices, equally unjust, disgraceful to the Army, and injurious to the common cause; I mean seizing the property of the inhabitants of this State, and converting it to their own use, without any compensation either to the right owners, or to the State. A...
69From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 25 [August] 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
By advices from Philadelphia I find that the present is a period rather critical on the subject of money and concenters a variety of demands which it is not easy to satisfy. It becomes therefore of importance to the Financier to avail himself of every immediate resource. This induces me to request you will be so good as [to] inform me, whether there is any near prospect of obtaining the loan...
70From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 20 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, August 20, 1783. On August 20, 1783 , Hamilton wrote to Philip Van Rensselaer: “I send you a line to the Governor.” Letter not found. ]
71From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 24[–27] February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
In my letter of the 14th. I informed Your Excellency that Congress were employed in devising a plan for carrying the 8th article of the confederation into execution. This business is at length brought to a conclusion. I inclose for the information of the Legislature the proceedings upon it in different stages, by which they will see the part I have acted. But as I was ultimately left in a...
72From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 16 July 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Your Excellency the copy of a warrant from The Honorable Robert Morris Esqr. Superintendant of the Finances of the United States; by which you will perceive that agreeable to the resolution of Congress of the 2d. of November last, he has appointed me Receiver of the Continental Taxes for this state. I am therefore to request that the Legislature will be pleased to...
73From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 12 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Coleman delivered me your two letters of the 5th & 6th, instant. The pleasure, I have, in corresponding with you, will dispose me, whenever I have any thing to communicate, that may be worth your attention, or that appears to me so, to trouble you with my sentiments: But I shall not expect you to make an equal return either in quantity or frequency. You will, in this, intirely consult...
74From 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...
75Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, [24 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
We have the happiness to inform your Excellency that yesterday arrived the Triumph a Cutter from Cadiz, with letters from the Marquis La Fayette announc⟨ing⟩ the certainty of the preliminaries of a general peace signed between all the belligerent powers the 20th. of January. There are letters from the Count D’Estaing to the French Minister to the same effect, and an instruction from him to the...
76From Alexander Hamilton to Sir Henry Clinton, [30 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
It has so happened in the course of events, that Major André Adjutant General of your army has fallen into our hands. He was captured in such a way as will according to the laws of war justly affect his life. Though an enemy his virtues and his accomplishments are admired. Perhaps he might be released for General Arnold, delivered up without restriction or condition, which is the prevailing...
77From 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...
78From 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.
79To 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...
80From Alexander Hamilton to the Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, [12 August 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
It is necessary I should inform you that there is at present a vacancy in my company, arising from the promotion of Lieutenant Johnson to a captaincy in one of the row-gallies, (which command, however, he has since resigned, for a very particular reason.) As artillery officers are scarce in proportion to the call for them, and as myself and my remaining officers sustain an extraordinary weight...
81From Alexander Hamilton to the Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, [6 March 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The change in my own circumstances and in those of your company of Artillery lately under my command make it necessary I should inform you of the present state of things, respect⟨ing⟩ it; in order that you may determine as to the future disposal of it; and I should be happy as speedily as convenient to know your pleasure on the subject. His Excellency has been pleased to appoint me one of his...
82From Alexander Hamilton to the Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York, [14 September 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
I do hereby certify that Wm. Douglass, the bearer hereof, faithfully served as a matross in my company till he lost his arm by an unfortunate accident, while engaged in firing at some of the enemy’s ships. He is therefore recommended to the attention of those who have been appointed to carry into execution the late resolve of the Continental Congress, by which provision is made for all persons...
83From Alexander Hamilton to the Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 26 July 1776 (Hamilton Papers)
I am obliged to write you, to remove a difficulty which arises respecting the quantity of subsistence which is to be allowed my men. Enclosed you have the rate of rations which is the standard allowance of the whole Continental and even the Provincial army; but it seems Mr. Curtenius can not afford to supply us with more than his contract stipulates, which by comparison, you will perceive is...
84From Alexander Hamilton to the Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, [6 November 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
I do hereby certify that the bearer William Douglass has lost his arm in the service of this state, having been a Matross in my company of Artillery, thereto belonging; and he is accordingly recommended to the Convention thereof, as intitled to the provision made by a late resolve of the Continental Congress, for those disabled in defence of American liberty. Pay was drawn for the above Wm....
85From Alexander Hamilton to the County Treasurers of the State of New York, 5 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
It will be of great utility to the state and is essential to the execution of my instructions from the Superintendant of Finance, that I should be able to ascertain as speedily as possible, the expense attending the collection of taxes within this state. In order to this I shall be much obliged to you to send me without delay an account of what you have received in your county since the...
86From Alexander Hamilton to the County Treasurers of the State of New York, 7 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The fifteenth of this month is the period fixed for the payment of the tax imposed at the last meeting of the legislature for the use of The United States. The public exigencies and the reputation of the state require that every exertion should be made to collect this tax with punctuality and dispatch; and it is therefore my duty to urge you that you employ the powers vested in you, and all...
87From Alexander Hamilton to Francis Dana, 10 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
The last post brought me your letter of the 25th of July, which I transmitted to Colonel Brooks, accompanied by some inquiries that appeared to me necessary. A copy of my letter to him, and of his answer, are enclosed. You will see that he insists positively on your having made the offensive observation before imputed to you; adds several aggravating particulars to his first relation; and...
88From 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...
89From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Elias Dayton, [24 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry that we have not yet been able to get a return for the papers I last sent you, as the Minister makes it an object to have them in regular sucession. I send you some late Philadelphia papers, which I entreat you to get exchanged and if possible to get all the papers since the last exchange. Your’s with great resp ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Dayton was at Springfield,...
90From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Elias Dayton, 7 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Doctor McWorter has represented to His Excellency the case of a certain negro lately taken by a party of militia belonging to Mr. Caleb Wheeler. This fellow, it seems, some time since, went over to the enemy, and is now detained in confinement on that account. I am ordered to desire you to inquire into the circumstances of the affair, and particularly by whom the negro was taken, for on this...
91From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel William De Hart, [7 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
By command of His Excellency, I am to desire, You will immediately march with your Regiment by the safest and most convenient route into the Jerseys, and there join, and put yourself under the command of, Col: Shrieve. You may regulate the march of your baggage, and the transportation of your sick in such manner as shall appear to you most elegible, either by giving them an upper route or...
92From 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...
93From Alexander Hamilton to William Denning, [12 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
We are all very unhappy that we cannot have the pleasure of accepting your invitation on account of a journey we are on the point of making. The General and Mrs. Washington request me to present their respects to you and Mrs. Denning and make their apology. The Marquis does the same. He is of the traveling party. Mrs. Hamilton joins me in compliments to Mrs. Denning. Believe me to be sincerely...
94From 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...
95Alexander Hamilton and Oliver Ellsworth to John Dickinson, [23 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
We have the honor to inclose for Your Excellency and the Council a copy of the resolutions communicated in our conference yesterday. Having then fully entered into all the explanations which were necessary on the subject, we shall not trouble your Excellency with a recapitulation. But as the object is of a delicate and important nature, we think it our duty to request the determination of the...
96From 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...
97From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [22 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty my Dear Sir to request your interest for a friend of mine and a member of the family, Dr McHenry. He wishes to quit a Station which among foreigners is not viewed in a very reputable light and to get into one more military. He will go into the Marquis’s family as an aide. He has been in the army since the commencement of the War—first in the medical line, since the 15th of...
98From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [7 September 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I this day received your bill⟨et⟩ of the 4th with one inclosed for Col Washington which was immediately forwarded. You do not mention the receipt of a line from me which I wrote several days since giving you an account of Arbuthnot’s arrival. The current of our intelligence makes the reinforcement with him amount to about three thousand, mostly recruits and in bad health. ’Tis said...
99From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 20 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, August 20, 1783. Requests information concerning 40,000 acres of land in Tryon County on which Abel James holds a mortgage. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
100From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 29 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Laurance is setting out for Philadelphia to obtain a determination respecting the promotion which he may expect by continuing in his present station. It seems his pay has been lately reduced—and he stands in the predicament of the civil staff in general, without any assurances of having his depreciation made good; though certainly there can be no reason for excluding him from this piece of...