691From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Smallwood, [27 April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
By his Excellency’s order, I am to inform you that you are to take the command of the four batalions appointed to manœuvre in presence of the French Minister. I inclose you the manœuvres which are to be performed. If there should be any thing in them which requires explanation (though I imagine you will find them pretty clear) The Baron De Steuben will with pleasure give the explanation, if...
692The 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...
693From 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...
694From Alexander Hamilton to Commodore John Hazelwood, 5 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
It is his Excellency’s desire, that you have all the public boats below the falls, removed as expeditiously as possible to Coryells ferry, or higher, as you may think necessary for their safety. Their present situation exposes them to being destroyed or taken without much difficulty, and we should feel the loss of them. I am Sir Your most Obd Serv ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of...
695From Alexander Hamilton to New-York Packet, [1 September 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subscriber has received nothing for the month of August, on account of the quota of this state for the present year. Published agreeable to the instructions of the Superintendant of Finance. The New-York Packet. And the American Advertiser , September 5, 1782. H wrote the same letter to the Packet on August 1, 1782 .
696From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Andrew Ward, [14 March 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
Since writing the within, The General received your letter, respecting the innoculation of your regiment, and permission for yourself to go home. He has removed the difficulty in the way of innoculating your regiment, but has thought proper to refer the decision of what you request concerning yourself to Generals Stephen & Maxwell; and if they think the situation of affairs, requires your...
697From 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...
698Deposition in Favor of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 31 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, October 31, 1780. “Personally appeared before me John Glover, Brigadier General in the Army of the United States, Alex. Hamilton, Lt. Colonel and Aide De Camp to The Commander in Chief, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that from all the circumstances of the behaviour of Richard Varick, Esqr., on the late occasion of the desertion of Major General Arnold, so...
699From 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...
700From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, [20 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I communicated My Dear Sir to the General your ideas of an union between the patriotic males and females; which he relished so well that he has taken the first opportunity to write to the Presidentess recommending it. I hope the proposal may be approved as it will be useful. You will have heard before this gets to hand of the arrival of the Counte De Rochambeau and of the Chevalier De Ternay,...
701From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [5 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
You will by this time imagine that I have forgotten my promise of writing to you, as I have been so long silent on an occasion, which most people will be fond of celebrating to their friends. The truth is, I have no passion for scribbling and I know you will be at no loss for the fullest information. But that you may not have a right to accuse me of negligence, I will impose upon myself the...
702From 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...
703From 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...
704Release of Officer from German Battalion, 7 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp Near German Town [ Pennsylvania ] August 7, 1777. Certifies that “Monsieur Bernard Pally De Couseau, Ensign in the German Batalion, is by his own request permitted to leave said batalion.” ADS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
705Notes on a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Memorandums Arts: All officers and soldiers, prisoners of war on either side shall be exchanged on the terms and in the manner following. Those first captured shall be first exchanged. Every officer shall be exchanged for one of equal rank, as far as number will apply, except when there are officers, who have been longer in captivity, that cannot be so exchanged; in which case, these shall...
706From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [3 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your request and my promise I sit down to give you my ideas of the defects of our present system, and the changes necessary to save us from ruin. They may perhaps be the reveries of a projector rather than the sober views of a politician. You will judge of them, and make what use you please of them. The fundamental defect is a want of power in Congress. It is hardly worth while to...
707From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 6 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter accompanying this has lain by two or three days for want of an opportunity. I have heard since of Gates defeat, a very good comment on the necessity of changing our system. His passion for Militia, I fancy will be a little cured, and he will cease to think them the best bulwark of American liberty. What think you of the conduct of this great man? I am his enemy personally, for...
708From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel William Malcom, [25 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of yesterday and have procured a warrant from His Excellency for 2000 dollars, the money for which I should receive and transmit; but it seems the Pay Master General has none at present in hand. I therefore inclose the warrant. His Excellency commands me to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 23d. He hopes your future supply of men will be regular and ample and...
709From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 26 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
It is his Excellency’s desire, that you have an immediate inspection made into the state of the mens arms and accoutrements, belonging to your division; and take effectual measures to have them put into the best order possible. Also to have your men completed to their proper complement of ammunition, strictly injoining the greatest care to avoid all wanton and unnecessary waste. I am Sir ...
710To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, January 1776 (Jay Papers)
The inclosed was intended by the last post, but I was disappointed in sending it— You will find by the papers, that a proclamation has been issued for dissolving the old Assembly; writs are making out for the election of a new— The tories seem to give out that there will be no opposition, but I Suspect this as an artifice to throw the people off their guard: I doubt not however the Whig...
711From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [23 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General approves what you have done; what you propose to do. He only remarks that the horses for the artillery which are to be employed upon the occasion and for the boats are to be kept to their stations. All those not necessary to the expedition may go a foraging; it will be time enough for them to be in camp on saturday morning by light. The Pensylvania line will move early tomorrow...
712To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 2 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely sorry your Excellency has been troubled with the affair to which the papers transmitted in your letter of this morning relate. Admitting the possibility of Doctor Gordons not being the author of what I must always call a calumny, and had he not been an irreconcileable enemy to plain dealing, the matter might have been brought to a very easy issue, without the necessity of an...
713From 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...
714From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [25 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The enemy the day before yesterday made a forward movement to Springfield which they burnt and retired to Elizabeth Town point. The same evening they crossed over to Staten Island and there are a great many concurring circumstances which make it probable we shall next hear of them on the North River. As you are at West Point, The General wishes you to remain there till the present appearances...
715From 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...
716From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 22 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I am in Philadelphia on some business of great importance to the army; to execute which I stand in need of a party of about 100 men which are not readily to be procured here. If Your Excy. will be pleased to order over such a party under good active officers, you will equally serve the public & oblige. Yr. Excy’s Most Obed servt. ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
717From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 13 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your favour and one from Mr. Morris last night by express. The stroke at Ticonderoga is heavy, unexpected and unaccountable. If the place was untenable why not discovered to be so before the Continent had been put to such an amazing expence, in furnishing it with the means of defence? If it was tenable, what, in the name of common sense could have induced the evacuation? I would...
718From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The General desires you on receipt of this to send a party of fifty men to proceed ten miles down the River road beyond the ferry to give security to the guards who are conducting the prisoners to Head Quarters on an upper route. ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, November 16–17, 1938, Lot 94; ALS (photostat), in the handwriting of H, George Washington Collection, "Facsimiles and...
719From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 17 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I am duely honored with Your Excellency’s letter of the 4th. and, 12th. instant. It is much to be regretted though not to be wondered at, that steps of so inflammatory a tendency have been taken in the army. Your Excellency has in my opinion acted wisely. The best way is ever not to attempt to stem a torrent but to divert it. I am happy to find You coincide in opinion with me on the conduct...
720To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 24 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will before this reaches you have received a letter from the Marquis De la Fayette informing you that the preliminaries of peace between all the belligerent powers have been concluded—I congratulate your Excellency on this happy conclusion of your labours—It now only remains to make solid establishments within to perpetuate our union to prevent our being a ball in the hands of...
721From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 12 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, September 12, 1779. On September 18, 1779, Jay wrote to Hamilton : “Your favors of the 25, 26, & 30 July & 12 Inst have thus long remained unanswered.” Letter of September 12 not found .]
722From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Trumbull, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has examined your Provision report; and finds every part of it very well, except that relating to the placing a quantity at Trenton. This is the most improper place in the world; for if the enemy should move towards Philadelphia the provisions at trentown in the hurry occasioned by such an event would inevitably fall into their hands. You will therefore without loss of time have...
723List 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
724From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [10 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a couple of letters from Mr. Carter one for yourself, the other for Mr. Kenlock. There is nothing for me to add, except that I wish you when the business shall be transacted to transmit the bond to me under cover to General Schuyler at Albany. I expect to leave this shortly for that place and to remain there ’till New York is evacuated; on which event I shall set down there...
725From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth, [1 February 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 1, 1782. The description of this letter reads: “Alexander Hamilton, to Col. Wadsworth, begging the loan of one hundred pounds.” Letter not found. ] “Original Correspondence of Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford, Connecticut, Commissary General of the Continental Army.” Items offered for sale by William Todd (Jeremiah Wadsworth Papers, MS Division, New York Public...
726From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 7 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the inclosed ready for some time; but in hopes of receiving the returns of the certificates mentioned in memorandum B I delayed sending the present sketch. Having even received no answers from some of the parties who live at a distance from me, I suspect they have done their business in so disorderly a manner (to say nothing worse of it) that they are at a loss how to render the...
727From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 20 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
With chearfulness, I embrace the proposal of corresponding with your convention, through you; and shall from time to time as far as my leisure will permit, and my duty warrant, communicate such transactactions as shall happen, such pieces of intelligence as shall be received and such comments upon them as shall appear necessary, to convey a true idea of what is going on in the military line....
728From Alexander Hamilton to Major William Jackson, [19 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Information having been received, that a detachment of about Eighty mutineers are on their way from Lancaster to this place, you will please to proceed to meet them and to endeavour by every prudent method to engage them to return to the post they have left. You will inform them of the orders that have been given permitting them to remain in service ’till their accounts shall have been...
729From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [25 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Points submitted to the consideration of the Council— Our force stated at 10.300 The enemys at 12.000 —At stoney Point— 1300 Verplanks— 700 2000— Main body at Philips &c— Questions—What general dispisition of our army should be made—Whether any and what Offensive movements can be undertaken against the enemy at the present juncture?— Whether the muster Masters department is necessary?...
730From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Tillotson, 10 November 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I herewith deliver you No. 1 to 12 all the letters and instructions from the Superintendant of Finance, which will be requisite for your government in the conduct of the office to which you are appointed, together with a letter from the Treasurer of the State No. 13 informing of what measures have been taken by the state for complying with the requisitions of Congress for the present year. The...
731Receipt to Jacob Cuyler, 5 February 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, February 5, 1782. On behalf of Philip Schuyler, acknowledges receipt of twenty pounds and six shillings from Jacob Cuyler. ADS , Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, Mount Vernon, Virginia. Jacob Cuyler, who represented Albany County in the New York legislature in 1777, was engaged during the Revolution in supplying the American army.
732From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Clement Biddle, 20 December [1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Headquarters [ Middle Brook, New Jersey ] December 20 [ 1778 ]. Requests minutes of trials of Charles Lee and Arthur St. Clair so that they can be published in general orders. ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Lee was “suspended from any command in the Armies of the United States of North America for the term of twelve months.” St. Clair was acquitted ( GW John C....
733From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [7 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by The General to inform you that the enemy are out in considerable force and by the last advice were advancing this way. We are going to meet them. The General is just setting out for Chatham and will be happy to see you there. Yrs. Respecty. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. The British landed at De Hart’s Point, near Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and then...
734From 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...
735From 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....
736From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry E. Lutterloh, 19 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 19, 1778 . States that a horse not fit for service should be returned to a Mr. Sellers, its owner. Signed “A Hamilton ADC.” The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography , XVI (1892), 196.
737From 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...
738From 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...
739From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 28 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Extreme hurry of business puts it out of my power to say but very little. Your information concerning a piece of ordnance lately constructed at Philadelphia is true. There is such a piece at Head Quarters, weighs 227 ld, carries a three pound ball. The iron is wraught hooped and welded together. The General and others esteem it a great acquisi[ti]on. It has been fired twenty times as fast as...
740From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [4 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Gilliland, the most helpless mortal in the world, and the most ignorant of every thing he ought to know, represents that he has been two years without pay. He begs this line to you to have justice done him and seems even not to know to whom he ought to apply. In pity give him such information and advice as you can and at least enable him to have some idea of his own affairs & to give me...