101From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [16 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Two nights ago, my Eliza, my duty and my honor obliged me to take a step in which your happiness was too much risked. I commanded an attack upon one of the enemy’s redoubts; we carried it in an instant, and with little loss. You will see the particulars in the Philadelphia papers. There will be, certainly, nothing more of this kind; all the rest will be by approach; and if there should be...
102From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [12 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you two days since My Dear Betsey, but as I am informed by one of the Gentlemen at Head Quarters that there is an opportunity for Philadelphia, I embrace it with that pleasure which I always feel in communicating with you. You complain of me my love, for not writing to you more frequently, but have I not greater reason to complain of you? Since I left Kings ferry, I have received three...
103From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 10 October 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Camp before Yorktown, Virginia, October 10, 1781. On October 12, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “I wrote you two days since.” Letter not found. ]
104From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [15–18 September 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
How chequered is human life! How precarious is happiness! How easily do we often part with it for a shadow! These are the reflections that frequently intrude themselves upon me, with a painful application. I am going to do my duty. Our operations will be so conducted, as to economize the lives of men. Exert your fortitude and rely upon heaven. Hamilton, History John C. Hamilton, Life of...
105From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 6 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday, my lovely wife, I wrote to you, inclosing you a letter in one to your father, to the care of Mr. Morris. To-morrow the post sets out, and to-morrow we embark for Yorktown. I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of writing you a few lines. Constantly uppermost in my thoughts and affections, I am happy only when my moments are devoted to some office that respects you. I would give the...
106From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 5 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Head of Elk, Maryland, September 5, 1781. On September 6, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “Yesterday … I wrote to you … to the care of Mr. Morris.” Letter not found. ]
107From 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...
108From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 22 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last letter My Dearest Angel I informed you that there was a greater prospect of activity now than there had been heretofore. I did this to prepare your mind for an event which I am sure will give you pain. I begged your father at the same time to intimate to you by degrees the probability of its taking place. I used this method to prevent a surprise which might be too severe to you. A...
109From 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...
110From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [13 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received my angel two letters from you since my arrival in Camp with a packet of papers, and I have written to you twice since I saw you. I acquainted you with the assurances that had been given me with respect to command, and bad you dismiss all apprehensions for my safety on account of the little prospect of activity. With no object of sufficient importance to occupy my attention here...
111From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The day before yesterday, my angel, I arrived here, but for the want of an opportunity could not write you sooner. Indeed, I know of none now, but shall send this to the Quarter Master General to be forwarded by the first conveyance to the care of Col. Hughes. Finding when I came here that nothing was said on the subject of a command, I wrote the General a letter and enclosed him my...
112From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
For want of having made application on time The stage waggon has been engaged so as to prevent my going in it. I must therefore take my chance by water which I shall do tomorrow and must content myself with praying for a fair wind to waft me speedily to the bosom of my beloved. Adieu ALS , New York State Library, Albany. On March 15, 1858, John C. Hamilton wrote the date “April 8, 1795” on...