541From Alexander Hamilton to Major Sebastian Bauman, [13 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your note concerning Mr. Garanger. I am no further interested for him than as a stranger who has taken a great deal of pains to render himself useful & who appears to me to understand what he professes. I know you too well however not to be convinced that you will do every thing in your power to give him fair play. He ought to choose his own means and we should judge of the results....
542From Alexander Hamilton to Major Sebastian Bauman, [13 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
You have intirely misunderstood me. I said I knew you too well not to be convinced, that you would give fair play; that is in other words my knowlege of you convinced me that you would give fair play . You seem to have taken it in a different sense. Permit me to say this was not well done; for my friendship for you as well as the whole complexion of my letter ought to have saved me from the...
543From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [16 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
As I intend in a day or two to take lodgings for Mrs. Hamilton, I take the liberty to request you will do me the favour to procure and send me by the earliest opportunity a pound of good green tea & a dozen knives and forks such as you purchased for Mrs. Jacob Cuyler at Albany, for which I will thankfully send you the cost by the first conveyance. I am Dr. Sir truly Yr. friend & servant The...
544From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I acknowlege myself to have been unpardonably delinquent in not having written to you before; but my matrimonial occupations have scarcely left me leisure or inclination for any other. I must now be brief as the post is just setting out. I shall shortly write you at large. I have not been much in the way of knowing sentiments out of the army; but as far as I am acquainted with them either in...
545From 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...
546From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church (John Carter), 25 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ De Peyster’s Point, New York, April 25, 1781. On May 18, 1781, Church wrote to Hamilton that he had received “your Favor of the 25th April.” Letter not found .] Church was an Englishman who married Elizabeth Hamilton’s sister, Angelica. During the Revolution he used the pseudonym “John Carter.” At this time, he and Jeremiah Wadsworth had a contract for supplying the French forces in America.
547From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [27 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I imagine your Excellency has been informed that in consequence of the resolution of Congress for granting commissions to Aide De Camps appointed under the former establishment, I have obtained one of Lieutenant Colonel in the army of the United States, bearing rank since the 1st of March 1777. It is become necessary to me to apply to your Excellency to know in what manner you foresee you will...
548To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 27 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I imagine your Excellency has been informed that in consequence of the resolution of Congress for granting commissions to Aide De Camps appointed under the former establishment, I have obtained one of Lieutenant Colonel in the army of the United States, bearing rank since the 1st of March 1777. It is become necessary to me to apply to your Excellency to know in what manner you foresee you will...
549From Alexander Hamilton to Major Richard Platt, [28 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I will be obliged to you to give orders to have the following articles made for me a small table 4½ feet long 3½ wide for a dining table 2 small Kegs 2 a size larger 2 piggons If you can spare an artificer for a day at my quarters, he will be of use to me. I should also be glad if it could be done without inconvenience to have a light boat which two persons could manage. Yrs. ALS , RG 93,...
550From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [30 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I was among the first who were convinced, that an administration by single men was essential to the proper management of the affairs of this country. I am persuaded now it is the only resource we have to extricate ourselves from the distresses, which threaten the subversion of our cause. It is palpable that the people have lost all confidence in our public councils, and it is a fact of which I...
551From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [2 May 1781] (Hamilton 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...
552To 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...
553From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 5 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ De Peyster’s Point, New York ] May 5, 1781 . “… I shall … thank you if you can conveniently do it, to let me have a Boatman to remain with me, while I stay here. I have requested a Soldier from Col Scammell, if I get him the Boatman may return.… I should be glad of a Qur. of a pound of Chalk for a particular purpose.” LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. When H wrote this letter,...
554From Alexander Hamilton to Stewart and Totten, 20 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ De Peyster’s Point, New York, May 20, 1781. On verso of Stewart and Totten to Hamilton, May 5, 1781 , Hamilton wrote: “Answered the 20th. informing that 60 had been past at 3 for one and that I would do the best I could with the rest.” Letter not found. ]
555From Alexander Hamilton to Stewart and Totten, 20 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favour of the 5th instant, with the one hundred and sixteen dollars of the emission of this State. Every kind of paper money is so out of credit here, that it has been with great difficulty I have been able to put off any part of the sum you sent me. I have no method of employing it but in current expences, and for the articles I wanted it will scarcely be received at all...
556From 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...
557From 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...
558The Continentalist No. I, [12 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the first number of a series of papers which I intend to publish on matters of the greatest importance to these States; I hope they will be read with as much candour and attention as the object of them deserve, and that no conclusions will be drawn till these are fully developed. I am, Sir , Your most obedient humble servant, A.B. The Continentalist. No. I . It would be the...
559From 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...
560From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 13 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Dobbs Ferry , New York ] July 13, 1781 . “I beg your particular Care in forwarding the enclosed. It … covers a letter to Mrs. Hamilton and some of my Letters to the General.…” LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. H had gone to George Washington’s headquarters on July 8, 1781, in an effort to obtain a command for the approaching campaign. Elizabeth Hamilton was at her father’s...
561From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 15 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Dobbs Ferry, New York ] July 15, 1781 . Asks Hughes to send “the enclosed” to Albany. LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, July 13, 1781 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , II, 652–53).
562The Continentalist No. II, [19 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
In a single state, where the sovereign power is exercised by delegation, whether it be a limitted monarchy or a republic, the danger most commonly is, that the sovereign will become too powerful for his constituents; in fœderal governments, where different states are represented in a general council, the danger is on the other side—that the members will be an overmatch for the common head, or...
563From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 21 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Dobbs Ferry, New York ] July 21, 1781 . Requests “particular Care in forwarding the Enclosed.” LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
564From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [24 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
My servant informs me, that the saddle he rides has met with an accident that renders it unfit for use. As there are none here to be purchased, I should be glad it could be exchanged. I suppose it may be repaired and made serviceable again; however if like indulgencies are not allowed to other officers, I do not wish it for me. I am with esteem Sir Your most Obed ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous...
565From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 25 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg your Care of the enclosed. I can inform you of Nothing which I believe will be new to you. You have heard of our late reconnoitre? You have seen the Accounts from Green of the Reduction of Augusta. He was obliged by the approach of Rawdon to abandon the Seige of 96, when on the Point of Success—but he was resolved Still to Maintain the Contest in that Quarter. Fayette has had a severe...
566From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, [28 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I beg your particular Care of the Enclosed. The only News we have here is a Report from Philadelphia, that Rawdon after throwing a small succour into 96, had retired to Charles Town, & that Greene had renewed the Seige of that Place. You heard the British Fleet had put to Sea from the Hook, supposed to be going to escort Cornwallis back. Adieu my Dear Sir your most obedt. LC , New-York...
567From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [7 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
In the necessaries delivered for my corps, two days since, there were only two wall tents which were the number mentioned and required for the company officers. The field officers therefore are unprovided for. Will you be so good as to give an explicit order for two more? We also want a Regimental orderly book and some regimental paper. Will you be pleased to include these articles in your...
568From 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...
569To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 7 August 1781 (Washington 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...
570The Continentalist No. III, [9 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The situation of these states is very unlike that of the United Provinces. Remote as we are from Europe, in a little time, we should fancy ourselves out of the reach of attempts from abroad, and in full liberty, at our leisure and convenience, to try our strength at home. This might not happen at once; but if the FOEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOSE ITS AUTHORITY, it would CERTAINLY FOLLOW....
571From 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...
572From 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...
573From 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...
574The Continentalist No. IV, [30 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The preceding numbers are chiefly intended to confirm an opinion, already pretty generally received, that it is necessary to augment the powers of the confederation. The principal difficulty yet remains, to fix the public judgment, definitively, on the points, which ought to compose that augmentation. It may be pronounced with confidence, that nothing short of the following articles can...
575From 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. ]
576From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 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, inclosing you a letter in one to your father, to the care of Mr. Morris.” Letter not found. ]
577From 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...
578List of Officers and Men Who Have Received One Month’s Pay, [7 September 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Whole Amount Names Company Regiment Dol 90th Thads Weed Capt Colo Swift 50 2nd Cornelius Russell Lt Capt Weed Colo Swift 32 2nd William Lord Ensn Selden Butler 25 4th
579From 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...
580State of the Arms Accoutrements & Ammunition in Lt. Colo. Hamiltons Battalion of Light Infantry, 24 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Musquetts Swords Bayonets Cartridge Boxes Gun Slings Gun Worms Screw Drivers Brushes and Prickers Drums Fifes Flints Cartridges Good 230 2 232 238 114 10
581From 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. ]
582From 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...
583From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [15 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to render you an account of the corps under my command in your attack of last night, upon the redoubt on the left of the enemy’s lines. Agreeable to your orders we advanced in two columns with unloaded arms, the right composed of Lt. Col Gimat’s batalion and my own commanded by Major Fish, the left of a detachment commanded by Lt Col Laurens, destined to take the enemy in...
584Enclosure: To Marquis de Lafayette, [15 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Lt Col Majors Capts Subalterns Serjeants Rank & file Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Lt Col Hamiltons batalion
585From 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...
586From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [18 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 3d. of September my angel never reached me till to day. My uneasiness at not hearing from you is abated by the sweet prospect of soon taking you in my arms. Your father will tell you the news. Tomorrow Cornwallis and his army are ours. In two days after I shall in all probability set out for Albany, and I hope to embrace you in three weeks from this time. Conceive my love by...
587From Alexander Hamilton to Vicomte de Noailles, [November–December 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
You have read with astonishment in several American papers, that a man who in various actions of this war has owed his success to his valour, who in the field has been rather the first soldier than the General of his army, has, during the siege of York-Town, entirely lost his reputation of bravery and ability. You inquire of me as of a person too well acquainted with Lord Cornwallis to add a...
588From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, [November 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany , November, 1781. “Mrs. Hamilton begs me to assure you how much she is indebted to you for your obliging offer. She requests the favour of you to let the waggon, on its way to Albany, call on a certain duchman a tavern Keeper at Rynbeck for some apples and cyder purchased by him for General Schuyler.… If you do not leave this side of the river tomorrow, we shall be happy to see you at...
589From Alexander Hamilton to Major Nicholas Fish, [29 December 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you, My Dear Friend, for your letter by Gamber and for your attention in forwarding the articles which fell to my share. I was unlucky in their conveyance. Mr. Gamber, through hurry, forgot them at New Windsor. When he recollected them and returned, he found the bundles had been opened and pilfered. As he had had no list he could not tell me what articles had been taken. He delivered...
590From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Engrossed by our own immediate concerns, I omitted telling you of a disagreeable piece of intelligence I have received from a gentleman of Georgia. He tells me of the death of my brother Levine. You know the circumstances that abate my distress, yet my heart acknowledges the rights of a brother. He dies rich, but has disposed of the bulk of his fortune to strangers. I am told he has left me a...