1To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 3 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have received your line with an inclosure the 24th. ultimo, wrote to the partys, and am now busey in putting forward four of the Horses requird by my new Correspondant. By the time limited, I hope to send Him a set that will compleat His Carriage. As 17 or 18 have been sent from me since the 6th of last mo., I hope a considerable part of them will answer and give a good temporary lift. A...
2Remarks on the Quebec Bill: Part One, [15 June 1775] (Hamilton Papers)
In compliance with my promise to the public, See page 78 of the Farmer Refuted, a pamphlet published last winter by James Rivington. and in order to rescue truth from the specious disguise, with which it has been cloathed, I shall now offer a few remarks on the act, intitled, “An Act for making more effectual provision, for the government of the province of Quebec, In North-America” whereby, I...
3Remarks on the Quebec Bill: Part Two, [22 June 1775] (Hamilton Papers)
Having considered the nature of this bill, with regard to civil government, I am next to examine it with relation to religion, and to endeavour to shew, that the Church of Rome has now the sanction of a legal establishment, in the province of Quebec. In order to do this the more satisfactorily, I beg leave to adopt the definition given of an established religion, by a certain writer, who has...
4From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 26 November 1775 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with some remarks on a matter which to me appears of not a little importance; doubting not that you will use your influence in Congress to procure a remedy for the evil I shall mention, if you think the considerations I shall urge are of that weight they seem in my judgment to possess. You will probably ere this reaches you have heard of the late incursion...
5From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 31 December 1775 (Hamilton Papers)
It is hardly necessary to inform you that I received your favour in answer to my letter on the subject of Capt Sear’s Expedition; and that I shall be at all times ready to comply with your request of information concerning the state of the province, or any matters of importance that may arise. Any thing that may conduce to the public service or may serve as a testimony of my respect to you...
6From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [4 January 1776] (Hamilton 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...
7From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Alexander McDougall, [17 March 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
Newyork. March 17th 1776. Recived of Col. McDougall Seventy three Pounds, Nineteen Shillings and a Penny half penny for the Pay of the Commissioned Non-Commissioned officers and privates of my Company to the first Instant for which I [have] given three other receipts. £73.19.1 ¾ DS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. Alexander McDougall, prominent Revolutionary War general, gained...
8To Alexander Hamilton from Committee of Safety of the New York Provincial Congress, [2 April 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 2, 1776 . An entry in the Journals of the New York Provincial Congress under this date reads: “Ordered That Capt. Hamilton be directed to place and keep a proper guard of his company at the Records until, further order.” Letter not found .] Journals , I, 396. The records were those of the colony. Anticipating the possible capture of New York City by the British, the...
9From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Alexander McDougall, [4 April 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
New York April 4th, 1776. Received of Colonel McDougall one hundred and seventy two pounds, three shillings and five pence half penny, for the pay of the Commissioned, Non commissioned officers and privates of my company to the first instant, for which I have given three other receipts. £172.3.5½. ADS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. This receipt appears at the end of “Pay Roll of...
10Return of Captain Alexander Hamilton’s Company of Artillery, [20 April 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] April 20, 1776 . The return is headed: “A Return of the Colony Company of Artillery commanded by Alexander Hamilton April 20th, 1776” and is in the form of a table showing the number of each rank present and fit for duty, sick, on furlough, on command duty, or taken as prisoner. Hamilton’s company contained a total of 69 commissioned and noncommissioned officers. AD , George...
11From Alexander Hamilton to the Provincial Congress of the Colony of New York, [26 May 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to request your attention to a few particulars, which will be of considerable importance to the future progress of the company under my command, and I will be much obliged to you for as speedy a determination concerning them as you can conveniently give. The most material is respecting the pay. Our company, by their articles, are to be subject to the same regulations, and to...
12To Alexander Hamilton from the Provincial Congress of the Colony of New York, [31 May 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 31, 1776 . An entry in the Journals of the New York Provincial Congress under this date reads: “Ordered, that Capt. Alexander Hamilton, or any or either of his officers, be and they are hereby authorized to go on board any ship or vessel in this harbour, and take with them such guard as may be necessary, and that they make strict search for any men who may have deserted from...
13From 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...
14From 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...
15From 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...
16Warrant to Captain Alexander Hamilton, 29 September 1776 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Harlem Heights, New York ] September 29, 1776. In George Washington’s “Warrant Book No 2” an entry for this date reads “To Capn Hamilton for his Co Arty. Aug–774. 3/72 [dollars].” D , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17Account with Alsop Hunt and James Hunt, [11 October 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] October 11, 1776. Account between Alsop Hunt and James Hunt and Hamilton for “Buckskin Breeches Delivered the Soldiers of the New york Artillery” company commanded by Hamilton. The account runs from March 5 to October 11, 1776, and was not settled until 1785. A receipt, verso, reads: “Received Payment of the within Acct. in full thereof and all other Demands, per Alsop Hunt & Jas...
18Return of Captain Alexander Hamilton’s Company of Artillery, [October 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October, 1776. ] The return is headed: “Return of the Artillery Company of the State of New York commanded by Alexander Hamilton.” AD , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Dated “Oct. 1776” in an unidentified handwriting and at a later date. The return was for one of the months between May, 1776, and January, 1777, but the correct date cannot be determined.
19From 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....
20Return of Two Companies of Artillery, [5 December 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
Trenton, December 5, 1776. The return is headed “Return of the States of part of two Companeys of artilery Commanded by Col Henery Knox & Capt Drury & Capt Lt Moores of Capt Hamiltons Com.” ADS , Papers of George Washington, Library of Congress. H’s company had been assigned at first to General John Scott’s brigade but was soon transferred to the command of Colonel Henry Knox. This return is...
21Warrant for Captain Alexander Hamilton, [19 December 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bucks County, Pennsylvania ] December 19, 1776. In George Washington’s “Warrant Book No. 2” an entry for this date reads:”To Capn Alexr Hamilton his pay for his Coy. Arty from 1st Sepr to 1 Decr—1562 [dollars].” D , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
22To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [20 January 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, January 20, 1777. A statement in George Washington’s letter to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison of this date reads: “Be so good as to forward the Inclosed to Captn. Hamilton.” Letter not found. ] Before the Revolution, Harrison, who was a native of Maryland, was a lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia, where he met Washington and became his occasional legal adviser....
23To Alexander Hamilton from The Pennsylvania Evening Post, [25 January 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
Captain Alexander Hamilton, of the New-York company of artillery, by applying to the printer of this paper, may hear of something to his advantage. The Pennsylvania Evening Post , January 25, 1777.
24From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, 14 February 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ February 14, 1777. In a letter to Hamilton dated April–May, 1777, Knox wrote: “I could not omit acknowledging the receipt of you⟨r⟩ Very Circumstantial and Satisfactory Letter of the 14th. Feby.” Letter not found. ] MS is misdated April 31, 1777.
25General Orders, Appointing Alexander Hamilton Aide-de-Camp to General Washington, 1 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Alexander Hamilton Esquire is appointed Aide-De-Camp to the Commander in Chief; and is to be respected and obeyed as such. Facsimile, Hamilton, Intimate Life Allan McLane Hamilton, The Intimate Life of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1910). , 37. H’s copy of the General Orders has not been found. Washington’s General Orders of March 1, 1777, are printed in GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The...
26From 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...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 10 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 7th. instant to his Excellency fell into my hands. He has been very much indisposed for three or four days past, insomuch that his attention to business is pronounced by the Doctor to be very improper; and we have made a point of keeping all from him which was not indispensibly necessary. I detained your express a day in hopes of a convenient opportunity to communicate your...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Adam Stephen, 13 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
In a letter Just received from Colonel Ward, there appears to be an objection made against innoculating his regiment, in consequence of some former order, not to innoculate Militia ’till all the Continental troops had undergone the operation. His Excellency desires that this objection, with respect to Colonel Wards regiment, should cease; and that they may immediately be admitted to the...
29From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 13 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
If General Knox has not passed through on his way here, and gotten out of your reach, you will be pleased carefully and expeditiously to convey the inclosed letter to him; as it is intended to hurry him on to Camp. If he is out of reach, destroy the letter, for it will be of no consequence to return it. The family are all well; and hope soon to see you here, at the head of your bloody...
30From 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...
31To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 17 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We are to inform you that Robt. R Livingston is with us a Committee appointed by Convention to correspond with you at Head Quarters. You will give us Pleasure in the Information that his Excellency is recovered from the Illness which had seized him the Day before Messrs. Cuyler and Taylor left Head Quarters. Any Occurrences in the Army which may have happened you will please to communicate. In...
32To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 19 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Kingston, New York, March 19, 1777. On March 22, 1777, Hamilton wrote to the Committee of Correspondence: “I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 19th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
33From 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....
34Warrant for Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 21 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] March 21, 1777. An entry in George Washington’s “Warrant Book No 2” reads: “To Captain Alexr Hamilton for 1 Months Pay of the N. York Artillery to Jany. 1st—420 9/72 [dollars].” Another entry for the same date reads: “To Ditto of Do. For 2 Months Pay to 1st March—766 22/72 [dollars].” D , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
35From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 2[2] March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Two days ago I accepted your challenge and met you for the first time in the epistolary field; since which I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 19th. instant; and as far as circumstances will permit, close with your proposal of interchanging blows twice a week. The present time is so unfruitful of events that it affords no intelligence worth your notice, as to transactions of a...
36From Alexander Hamilton to Joshua Loring, 25 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency General Washington has permitted Doctor Thomas Sendown, the bearer hereof, and Mr. Laghlin McIntosh prisoners with us on parole, to go into New York to be exchanged for two other Gentlemen of similar rank, prisoners with you. The Gentlemen he desires should be released instead of them are Doctor Samuel McKensie, taken at Three Rivers, and Mr. Daniel Frink Commissary, who was...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 26 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By unavoidable Incidents this Letter is delayed beyond the usual Time for which I assure you I am extremely sorry. Your Favor gave great Pleasure as well to the Committee as to several Members of the House who are much pleased with your judicious Caution to distinguish between what you sport as your private Opinion and the weighty Sentiments of the General. No Circumstance could have more...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 29 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We received your favor of the [22] Instant and am obliged to you not only for your Acceptance of a very troublesome Challenge, but for the Alacrity with which you meet us in the field. We wish it would Afford you as many Laurels, as you are like to reap elsewhere! You have heard of the Enemy’s little Excursion to Peeks ⟨Kill⟩; we wish it may not encourage them, to make a more serious Attempt,...
39From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [29 March 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, March 29, 1777. On April 2, 1777, the New York Committee of Correspondence, writing to Hamilton, stated: “We received Your’s of the 29th. Ultimo and are extream⟨ ly ⟩ sorry to hear of your Indisposition.” Letter not found. ]
40From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, [March 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, March, 1777. On December 10, 1777, Knox, writing to Hamilton, referred to “The fine, impartial, laconic & highly descriptive account you favour’d me with of the last Years Campain, in your letter of March last.” Letter not found. ]
41To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 2 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We received Your’s of the 29th. Ultimo and are extream⟨ly⟩ sorry to hear of your Indisposition. In our last we expressed an Apprehension that the Enemy might possibly make Hudson’s River their first Object; not only because they could open their Campaign there earlier than they could go to Pensilvania as in one Case their Army would move by land and in the other by Water; But because having...
42From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [2 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, April 2, 1777. On April 5, 1777, Hamilton, writing to the New York Committee of Correspondence, stated: “Since my last I have had the pleasure of receiving your reply to my two favours of 29th. Ulto. & 2d. current.” Letter of April 2, 1777, not found. ]
43From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, [3 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, April 3, 1777. On April 8, 1777, the New York Committee of Correspondence wrote to Hamilton: “Yours of the third came safe⟨ly to hand⟩ this Day.” Letter not found. ]
44From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 5 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last I have had the pleasure of receiving your reply to my two favours of 29th. Ulto & 2d. current. I am happy enough to be able to inform you that my indisposition, which was the occasion of my brevity when I last wrote, is now removed. The opinion I advanced respecting the Enemy’s not moving before the beginning of May seems to be Shaken, though not entirely overthrown by some...
45To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 8 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the third came safe⟨ly to hand⟩ this Day and gave us great Pleasure by certifying your Hea⟨lth. The scantiness of⟩ our Numbers will not permit the Loss of one useful ⟨citizen. It is⟩, therefore, a determined Point that sick or well, you are by no means ⟨to⟩ die. At this Distance it is impossible to determine what the Enemy can or what they can not do. But certainly if we can bring a...
46To Alexander Hamilton from William Smith, 9 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The Convention on having granted a Permission to Mr. Le Roy to repair to head Quarters in order to solicit leave to go to New York; And having omitted to take his Parole, they beg the favor of you to carry the enclosed Resolution into execution. I am Sir Your most Obedt. Servt. By Order. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Smith, a delegate from Suffolk, wrote in his capacity as...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Catharine Livingston, 11 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I take pleasure in transmitting you a letter, committed to my care, by your Sister Miss Suky, and in executing a promise, I gave her, of making an advance towards a correspondence with you. She says you discover, in all your letters to her, a relish for politics, which she thinks my situation qualifies me better for gratifying, than would be in her power; and from a desire to accommodate you...
48From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I this day received your favour of the 8th instant. Hurry of business prevents my entering into a particular detail of affairs, either with respect to the enemy, or ourselves; though matters remain much in the same situation, as when I last wrote. The enemy are unquestionably preparing to take the field as soon as possible; notwithstanding which, I believe it may be full as late, as I at first...
49From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests that you will transmit the enclosed letter to General Wayne, by the first safe opportunity. I am, gentlemen, Yr. most humble serv. Journals of the Provincial Congress of the State of New-York Journals of the Provincial Congress, Provincial Convention, Committee of Safety and Council of Safety of the State of New-York. 1775–1776–1777 (Albany, 1842). , II, 431. George...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Basking Ridge [ New Jersey ] April 12, 1777. “… the time of Capt. James Scotts Company will expire the 14th.… I believe it will be best that I be furnished with His Excellency’s dismission of them by the day. I wrote to his Excellency … about the Appointment of Wilcocks. If he is approved of, I wish you would get both McWilliams & him in orders.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....