751From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 2 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 2, 1783. On May 4, 1783, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult. were delivered me.” Letter of April 2 not found. ]
752Continental Congress Report on Reduction of Expenses in the War Department, 7 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider and report such eoconomical measures as may be proper and necessary beg leave to report the following. Resolve That the Secretary at war in concert with the Commander in Chief be directed to consider and report to Congress as speedily as may be such measures as it will be proper to take in the present juncture for reducing the expences of The United States...
753From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [8 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s letters of the 31st of March & 4th. of April, the last to day. The one to Col Bland as member of the Committee has been read in Committee confidentially and gave great satisfaction. The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts corresponds with my proposition. That of endeavouring to let them have some pay had also appeared...
754To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s letters of the 31st of March & 4th of April, the last to day—The one to Col. Bland as members of the Committee has been read in Committee confidentially and gave great satisfaction. The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts corresponds with my proposition—That of endeavouring to let them have some pay had also appeared...
755Alexander 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...
756From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 9 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Congress having appointed a committee consisting of Messrs. Maddison Osgood, Wilson, Elseworth and myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the military department. The Committee wish Your Excellency’s sentiments at large on such...
757From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [9 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 9, 1783. In a letter dated May, 1783, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “I have been honored with your letter of the 9th ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Lincoln was appointed Secretary at War on October 30, 1781 ( JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937; Reprinted, New York, 1968). , XXI, 1087). Printed in this volume.
758To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Congress having appointed a committee consisting of Messrs Maddison Osgood, Wilson, Elseworth and myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a plan; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the military Department. The Committee wish Your Excellency’s sentiments at large on such institutions...
759From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 15 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 15, 1783. On April 16 Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I have been duly honored with the Receipt of your favor of the fifteenth Instant.” Letter not found. ]
760From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [15 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
There are two resolutions passed relative to the restoration of the British Prisoners and to making arrangements for the surrender of the posts in the possession of the British troops, the first of which is to be transacted by you in conjunction with the secretary of War—the latter by yourself alone. I will explain to you some doubts which have arisen in Congress with regard to the true...
761Continental Congress Report on the Ratification of the Provisional Peace Treaty, 15 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved a Committee be appointed to prepare and lay before Congress a draft of a ratification of the articles entered into between the Commissioners of the United States & the commissioner of His Britannic Majesty at Paris on the 30th day of November last. Resolved that the Commander in Chief be directed to enter into preparatory arrangements relative to the 7th. article of the said treaty...
762To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
There are two resolutions passed relative to the restoration of the British Prisoners and to making arrangements for the surrender of the posts in the possession of the British troops, the first of which is to be transacted by you in conjunction with the secretary of War—the latter by yourself alone. I will explain to you some doubts which have arisen in Congress with regard to the true...
763Continental Congress Report on Sale of Military Equipment, 17 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Secretary of war of the 14th. instant submit the following resolution Resolved that immediate measures be taken for the sale of all the dragoon horses belonging to the United States and of all such articles in the several military departments as may not be necessary for the use of the army previous to its reduction or for the formation of...
764Continental Congress Report on Peace with the Indians, 21 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Report of a Committee to whom was committed the letter from His Excelly The President of the State of Pensylvania respecting a peace with the Indians. Whereas by the 9th article of the confederation The United States in Congress assembled are vested with the sole and exclusive right and power among other things “of regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians not members of...
765Continental Congress Report on a Letter from the President of Pennsylvania, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from His Excellency The President of Pensylvania to the Delegates of that state of the 18th. instant report that in their opinion it is inexpedient for Congress to come to any formal decision on the subject of that letter. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The committee consisted of H, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson....
766Continental Congress Motion on Committee Reports, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 22, 1783 . On this date Hamilton offered a motion, seconded by Hugh Williamson, which reads as follows: “That the Secretary lay before Congress on every Monday a List of all the Committees which have been apointed at any time before the preceding Week and have not reported and that such Committees shall be then calld on to state the Reasons why they have not reported.” D...
767Continental Congress Report on Proposal of Sir Guy Carleton, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter of the 14th instant from His Excellency Sir Guy Carelton submit the following resolution. Whereas His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton has proposed to Congress to empower one or more persons on behalf of The United States to be present at New York and to assist such persons as shall be appointed by him to inspect and superintend all embarkations which the evacuation of...
768Alexander 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...
769From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 23 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 23, 1783. On May 4, 1783, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult: were delivered me … that of the 23d April I had the pleasure to receive yesterday.” Letter of April 23 not found. ]
770Continental Congress Report on Continuance in Office of the Superintendent of Finance, 23 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 23, 1783 . On this date a committee, consisting of Samuel Osgood, Theodorick Bland, Hamilton, James Madison, and Richard Peters, reported on plans to be adopted for paying and discharging the Army. It was recommended that Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, continue in office until funds could be procured for paying the officers and soldiers of the Army. To this...
771Continental Congress Motion Regarding Moving Military Lines, [23 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
R[esolved] That the Secy. at War in Conjunction with the Comr of the Southern Army take preparatory Arrangements for removing the Lines of Virginia Maryland & Pennsylvania now with the southern army to such Places within their respective States as they shall think proper, as soon as Circumstances will permit. D , in the handwriting of Elias Boudinot, Reel 42, Item 26, II, p. 59, Papers of the...
772Continental Congress Report on Conference with the Superintendent of Finance, 28 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[The Committee appointed to confer with the superintendant of Finance respecting his Continuance in his Office have conferred with him accordingly] and report that [the Substance] of the conferrence [was on the Part of Mr. Morris as follows:] That his continuance in office was highly injurious to his private affairs and contrary to his private inclinations; but that he felt the importance of...
773Continental Congress Report on Brigadier General Moses Hazen’s Regiment, 29 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 29, 1783 . A committee of Thomas Mifflin, Hamilton, and Theodorick Bland, which had been appointed on April 17 “to enquire into the state of Hazen’s regiment, and the propriety of promotion of officers in that corps,” reported on this date. The report recommended that Hazen “be intitled to the pay and emoluments of his rank from the first day of January last” and “That...
774Continental Congress Report on a Treaty of Commerce between the United States and Great Britain, 1 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Commitee to whom was referred the letter from Mr. Adams of the report: That they have examined the different instructions given to our Commissioners and Ministers abroad and find that the Commissioners for making peace have an implied power to comprehend commercial stipulations in a Treaty of peace; but that there is no direct subsisting power of entering into a treaty of commerce with...
775Continental Congress Report on the Corps of Invalids, 1 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that the corps of Invalids be reduced; such officers as have lost a limb or been equally disabled in service to retire on full pay for life, such officers as may not be included in this description to retire on the same principles with other officers of the army; such non commissioned officers and soldiers as being strangers in the country and having been disabled in service are...
776From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [1 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamilton’s compliments to Mr. Chaloner, incloses him a note which he promised Col Wadsworth to leave with Mr Chaloner. The date is blank which Mr Chaloner will be so good as to fill up from the time Col Wadsworth left this city. AL , Mr. James H. Welch, Canton, Ohio. Chaloner, a Philadelphia merchant, was assistant commissary of purchases for the Continental Army during the American...
777Continental Congress Motion on Funds for Payment of the Army, 2 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is the desire of Congress when the reduction of the army shall take place to enable the officers and soldiers to return to their respective homes with convenience and satisfaction, for which purpose it will be indispensable to advance them a part of their pay before they leave the field: And Whereas at the present juncture, there are many other engagements, for which the public...
778Continental Congress Report on Peace Arrangements for the Department of Foreign Affairs, 8 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed “to consider what arrangements it will be proper to make relatively to peace,” submit the following report on the department of foreign affairs: Resolved that the ordinances and resolutions heretofore passed relatively to the department of foreign affairs shall continue in force subject to the alterations and additions following: That the Secretary for that department...
779Continental Congress Report on the Garrisoning of Frontier Posts by Continental Troops, 12 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The same Committee submit the following report on the letter of the 3d. instant from the Commander in Chief: That the Commander in Chief be directed whenever the posts within the United states shall be evacuated pursuant to the articles of peace to place within the same, composed of the troops under his command [who have inlisted for three years &] whose times of service may not then have...
780From 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...
781Continental Congress Motion on Prohibition of Naval Forces on Great Lakes, 20 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That the said Ministers also endeavour to stipulate that neither party shall keep any naval force on the lakes on the Northern & Western Frontier. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. H’s motion was one of several on this date suggesting provisions to be included in the final peace treaty. The motion was referred to John Francis Mercer, Thomas FitzSimons, and Theodorick...
782Continental Congress Motion on Instructions to Francis Dana, [21 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that Mr. Dana be informed that the treaties lately entered into for restoring peace have caused such an alteration in the affairs of these states as to have removed the primary object of his mission to the Court of Russia, the acquisition of new supports to their independence; that though Congress approve the principles of the armed neutrality founded on the liberal basis of a...
783Continental Congress Report on the Discharge of Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, 23 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee consisting of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Peters and Mr. Gorham to whom was referred a letter of the 9th. from the Superintendent of finance and Secretary at war, in order to confer with them on the resolutions of the 7th. & 28th. of April and 2d Inst report “that all the non commissioned officers and soldiers in the service of the United States, enlisted to serve during the war, be...
784Continental Congress Motion that Furloughs be Granted to Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 26, 1783. ] On this date Hamilton moved “That the Commander in Chief be instructed to grant Furlows to the noncommission’d Officers & Soldiers in the service of the U S inlisted to serve during the War, who shall be discharged as soon as the definitive Treaty of Peace is concluded.” D , in writing of Hugh Williamson, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. A...
785Continental Congress Motion of Protest against British Practice of Carrying off American Negroes, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 26, 1783. ] A motion made by Hamilton on this date protested against the British seizure of Negroes belonging to citizens of the United States. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937). , XXIV, 363–64. The motion is in the writing of John Rutledge; D , in the handwriting of John Rutledge, Reel 42, Item 36, II, p. 129, Papers of the...
786Continental Congress Motion on Officers Holding Brevet Commissions, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved That the officers at present holding brevet commissions in the army be intitled to the pay and emoluments of the ranks which they respectively hold. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The motion is undated, but it is printed in the Journals under date of May 26, 1783.
787Continental Congress Motion on the Evacuation of New York, 29 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that General Washington be informed in answer to his letter of the that it is the desire of Congress the evacuation of New York and its dependencies may not be retarded by a preference to that of any other place. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Space left blank in MS. On May 14, 1783, Washington wrote to the President of Congress: “I shall wait the...
788Continental Congress Report on Measures to be Taken for Carrying into Effect the Provisional Peace Treaty, 30 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] May 30, 1783 . On this date a committee, consisting of Hamilton, Oliver Ellsworth, Ralph Izard, James Madison, and Benjamin Hawkins, reported on “what further steps are proper to be taken … for carrying into effect the stipulations contained in the articles between the United States and Great Britain.” The committee recommended that the states execute the articles of the...
789Continental Congress Motion on Appointment of Committee to Consider Allowances of Land for the Army, 30 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That a Committee be appointed to consider of the best manner of carrying into execution the engagements of the United States for certain allowances of land to the army at the conclusion of the war. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. In September, 1776, Congress, to encourage enlistments in the Continental Army, had offered bounties of land to all officers and soldiers...
790From 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...
791Continental Congress Report on Land for the Army, 4 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider of the best manner of carrying into execution the engagements of the United States for certain allowances of land to the army at the conclusion of the war submit the following resolution: Congress having by their resolution of the promised certain allowances of land to all officers, and to such soldiers of the United States engaged to serve during the war,...
792Continental Congress Motion Respecting the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, 4 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Livingston having signified to Congress his desire of relinquishing the exercise of the office of foreign affairs and his intention of returning to the state of New York: Resolved that the secretary of Congress be directed to receive the papers of the said office into his care, ’till a successor to Mr. Livingston can be appointed and that next Wednesday be assigned for the election of a...
793From Alexander Hamilton to John Fitzgerald, [10 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed letter is for Mr. Bowman who married Mrs. Cattle. I am told he is at Alexandria which make me trouble you with the letter. Should he have left that place for South Carolina, I will thank you to forward it to him. No definitive treaty yet arrived nor any thing else of importance new. I write in Congress & have only time to add that I am Yr. sincere & affectionate friend ALS ,...
794From 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...
795From 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,...
796Continental Congress Report on American Participation in a European Neutral Confederacy, 12 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that the Ministers Plenipotentia[r]y be instructed in case they should comprise in the definitive treaty any stipulations amounting to a recognition of the rights of neutral nations, to avoid accompanying them by any engagements which shall oblige the contracting parties to support those stipulations by arms. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. This resolution...
797Continental Congress Report on a Military Peace Establishment, [18 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee observe with respect to a military peace establishment, that before any plan can with propriety be adopted, it is necessary to inquire what powers exist for that purpose in the confederation. By the 4th. clause of the 6th article it is declared that “no vessels of war shall be kept up by any state in time of peace, except such number only as shall be deemed necessary by the...
798From 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...
799Continental Congress Report on Letter from George Washington Respecting Pay for the Army, 19 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter from General Washington report: Resolved that copies of the letter from the Commander in Chief of the 7th. instant with its inclosures be transmitted to the several states for their information and that their attention be recalled to the resolutions of the 2d of May last to facilitate the punctual payment of the notes issued to the army on account of their pay. That...
800Continental Congress Report on Conference with the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania on the Mutiny, 20 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom you were referred the letters & papers communicated to Congress by the Executive council of Pensylvania, through their delegates report. That they had a conference yesterday as directed with the Supreme Executive Council, in which in the first instance the propriety of calling out a detachment of Militia to intercept the mutineers on their march from Lancaster was...