1051From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [29 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed that among other disagreeable things said about the removal of Congress from Philadelphia it is insinuated that it was a contrivance of some members to get them out of the state of Pensylvania into one of those to which they belonged and I am told that this insinuation has been pointed at me in particular. Though I am persuaded that all distinterested persons will justify...
1052Continental Congress Motion that Major General Howe be Directed to March Troops to Philadelphia, 30 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That Major General Howe be directed to march such part of the force under his command as he shall judge necessary to the State of Pensylvania; and that the Commanding Officer in the said state be instructed to apprehend and confine all such persons, belonging to the army, as there is reason to believe instigated the late mutiny; to disarm the remainder; to take, in conjunction with the civil...
1053Continental Congress Motion that Major General Howe be Directed to March Troops to Philadelphia, 1 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That Major General Howe be directed to march such part of the force under his command as he shall judge necessary to the state of Pensylvania; in order that immediate measures may be taken to confine and bring to trial all such persons belonging to the army, as have been principally active in the late mutiny, to disarm the remainder and to examine fully into all the circumstances relating...
1054Continental Congress Motion that States be Requested to Send Delegates to Congress, 2 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas by the Confederation the assent of nine states is requisite to the determination of matters of principal importance to the United States and the representation in Congress has for some time past generally consisted of less than that number of states in consequence whereof the public business at an interesting juncture has suffered and continues to suffer great delay and embarrassment:...
1055Continental Congress Motion that Congress Return to Philadelphia, 2 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Princeton, New Jersey ] July 2, 1783 . On this date, John Francis Mercer moved that Congress adjourn and return to Philadelphia. This motion was written and seconded by Hamilton. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
1056From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [6 July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
On my arrival in this city I am more convinced than I was before of the necessity of giving a just state of facts to the public. The current runs strongly against Congress and in a great measure for want of information. When facts are explained they make an impression and incline to conclusions more favourable to us. I have no copy of the reports in my possession, which puts it out of my power...
1057Continental Congress Motion that the States Settle the Accounts of Officers in the Mustering Department, 18 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That it be recommended to the several states to liquidate & settle the accounts of the depreciation of the officers employed in the Mustering department on the same principles as have been observed in liquidating & settling those of other officers of the army. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives; copy, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The...
1058From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 22 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you my beloved Betsey by the last post, which I hope will not meet with the fate that many others of my letters must have met with. I count upon setting out to see you in four days; but I have been so frequently disappointed by unforeseen events, that I shall not be without apprehensions of being detained, ’till I have begun my journey. The members of Congress are very pressing with me...
1059From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, 23 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
It happens My Dear Sir that both Mr. Maddison and myself are here. We have talked over the subject of your letter to him, and need not assure you how happy we should both be to promote your wish; but the representation continues so thin, that we should have little hope that any thing which is out of the ordinary course and has somewhat of novelty in it could go through. We therefore have...
1060Continental Congress Report on a Memorial of Lieutenant Colonel Jean Baptiste de Ternant, 23 July 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter from the Secretary at War respecting Lt Col Ternant submit the following [r]esolution: That Lt Col Ternant be informed that Congress in continuing General Armand in the command of his corps at the time of his promotion to his present rank had reasons of a peculiar nature without any intention derogatory to the merit of Lt. Col Ternant of whose useful and...
1061From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [25 July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Though I have not performed my promise of writing to you, which I made you when you left this country, yet I have not the less interested myself in your welfare and success. I have been witness with pleasure to every event which has had a tendency to advance you in the esteem of your country; and I may assure you with sincerity, that it is as high as you could possibly wish. All have united in...
1062From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, [27 July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
A few days since I was honored with Your Excellency’s letter of the ; and was glad to find your ideas on the subject corresponded with mine. As I shall in a day or two take leave of Congress, I think it my duty to give my opinion to the legislature on a matter of importance to the state, which has been long depending and is still without a prospect of termination in the train in which it has...
1063Continental Congress Unsubmitted Resolution Calling for a Convention to Amend the Articles of Confederation, [July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas in the opinion of this Congress the confederation of the United States is defective in the following essential points, to wit: First and generally in confining the power of the fœderal government within too narrow limits, withholding from it that efficacious authority and influence in all matters of general concern which are indispensable to the harmony and welfare of the...
1064Defense of Congress, [July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
However men actuated by private pique or party views may take pleasure in stigmatizing the conduct of Congress with or without reason, considerate and good men who are solicitous for the honor of their country will act upon very different principles. They will view with regret those instances in which the measures of that body may be really intitled to blame, will be cautious how they bestow...
1065From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 2 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 2, 1783. On August 14, 1783 , Chaloner wrote to Hamilton: “Your favr of the 2nd. reached me the 12th Instant.” Letter not found. ]
1066To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Soderstrom, 4 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, August 4, 1783. Asks Hamilton to serve as attorney in Soderstrom’s suit against James Jarvis. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Soderstrom, a prominent Boston merchant, was a member of an insurance company established by John Hurd of that city.
1067From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [5 August 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Schuyler having some business in this city obliged me to pass into it. I do not find that the definitive treaty is here, though I am inclined to believe that definitive orders have been received respecting the evacuation, and advice of the sailing of a fleet of transports for that purpose. A new embarkation of German troops is going on. But upon the whole I do not imagine the evacuation...
1068From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, [13 August 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here two days ago. Being in company with Mrs. Schuyler I was induced, in complaisance to her, to pass through New York. But I was sorry not to find any satisfactory ground to believe that the suspicions entertained of the arrival of the definitive treaty were well founded; though Rivington when it is mentioned to him shrugs up his shoulders and looks significantly; and Sir Guy has...
1069To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 14 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr of the 2nd. reached me the 12th Instant. Mrs. Dunkin is doubtfull whether She can procure the Chintz or not if she does it shall be forwarded as you directed immediately. Herewith the General will receive a Cape Letter from Mr Carter. The Pilot was a long while returning with it. Your draft on me I shall duly honour on Acct of Mr. Carter tho he omitted in his hurry to speak to me on...
1070From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 20 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, August 20, 1783. Requests information concerning 40,000 acres of land in Tryon County on which Abel James holds a mortgage. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
1071From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 20 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, August 20, 1783. On August 20, 1783 , Hamilton wrote to Philip Van Rensselaer: “I send you a line to the Governor.” Letter not found. ]
1072From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Van Rensselaer, [20 August 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I find on examination that the Cash I could spare is so trifling that it would be of little use to you. I send you a line to the Governor which is at your service. I imagine there may be about £50 due me. The letter accompanying this gives the Govr. an account of the time I was at Congress. He will calculate according to the allowance made by the state. If I can dispose of a bill on...
1073From Alexander Hamilton to John Canfield, 30 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, August 30, 1783. Asks Canfield to sell a farm which belongs to John Carter and is located in Salisbury, Connecticut. ALS , Courtesy of the Sons of the Revolution, Headquarters, Fraunces Tavern, New York City. Canfield, a lawyer in Sharon, Connecticut, was a member of the state legislature. John B. Church.
1074To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 30 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I felt a resentment at hearing that you had passed without stoping at Clermont that your friendly letter of the 13th. has hardly yet calmed. Abstracted from the pleasure of seeing you I had a thousand political inquiries to make for I have not yet been able to philosophize myself into that tranquil indifference which is perhaps necessary to ones happiness. I am much obliged to you for the...
1075From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Soderstrom, 30 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 30, 1783. On the envelope of a letter which Soderstrom wrote to Hamilton on August 4, 1793 , Hamilton wrote: “Answered 30th by the post.” Letter not found. ]
1076James Duane and Ezra L’Hommedieu to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 1 September 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
We enclose you an Extract of Dispatches from his Excellency our Governor received this Day, respecting the Instructions of the Legislature at their last Sessions for the Security of the Western Posts. You will be pleased to observe that an official Report on a subject so interesting to the State is deemed to be necessary; as well as a particular Detail of the Motives which influenced Congress,...
1077To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 8 September 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Princeton, New Jersey, September 8, 1783. On September 26, 1783 , Hamilton wrote to Duane: “I received last night your letter of the 8th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
1078From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [14 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed was delivered me by Doctr. Schuyler with a request to transmit it to one of the delegates of the state for patronage. He assures me that what he asks has been done in similar cases; particularly for some Hospital surgeons belonging to the State of Pensylvania. If so there will prob⟨ably⟩ be no difficulty in the case. I beg l⟨eave⟩ to recommend it to your attention. Doctor Schuyler...
1079From Alexander Hamilton to John Dickinson, [25–30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Having always entertained an esteem for you personally I could not without reluctance yield to impressions that might weaken that sentiment, and it is with pain I find myself drawn by circumstances to animadvert upon the late message from the Executive Council to the Assembly of Pensylvania relative to the mutiny in a manner which may seem to impeach the candor of those who were the authors of...
1080From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 26 September 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I received last night your letter of the 8th. instant, accompanied by one from Mr. L’hommedieu and yourself to Mr. Floyd and myself. I shall in consequence write to the Governor on the subject; though if I recollect right, I did in an official letter to him mention all that I can now say though perhaps at greater length—to wit that the resolutions of the senate & Assembly were committed for...
1081To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 28 September 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Carter lately delivered to me your friendly letter of the 25 July last. You was always of the Number of those whom I esteemed, and your Correspondence would have been both interesting & agreable. I had heard of your marriage, and it gave me Pleasure, as well because it added to your Happiness, as because it tended to fix your Residence in a State of which I long wished you to be and remain...
1082From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I think I may address the subject of this letter to Your Excellency with more propriety than to any other person, as it is purely of a military nature, as you are best acquainted with my services as an officer, and as you are now engaged in assisting to form the arrangements for the future peace establishment. Your Excellency knows that in March 82, I relinquished all claim to any future...
1083From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
As I flatter myself I may indulge a consciousness that my services have been of some value to the public, at least enough to merit the small compensation I wish, I will make no apology to your Excellency for conveying through you that wish to Congress. You are able to inform them if they wish information, in what degree I may have been useful, and I have intire confidence that you will do me...
1084From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [1 October 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
By this time I presume My Dear General you have returned to your ancient residence. I had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Greene at New York; and was induced by her to hope you would be prevailed upon to become a fellow citizen of ours. I know you have long had a partiality for our state; but I have been afraid, and have not yet banished my apprehensions, that your new Mistress would detach you...
1085From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 3 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have lately received from Messrs. Duane and Lhommedieu an extract of a letter from Your Excellency to the Delegates of the 23d. of August last requesting “a particular detail of the motives which influenced the determination of Congress” respecting the application of the legislature to have their state troops released from Continental pay, for the purpose of garrisoning the frontier posts....
1086To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 16 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 6th. of July by some singular ill luck never found its way to my hands till yesterday evening. The only part that now needs attention is a request that I will answer the following Question “What appeared to be my idea and disposition respecting the removal of Congress—did I appear to wish to hasten it, or did I not rather show a strong disposition to procrastinate it?” If...
1087To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 18 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favoured with your two letters of the 30th September. The debate on Indian Affairs which I believe is got through, and that on the residence of Congress wch. is yet in agitation has entirely thrown aside for sometime the consideration of the peace establishment. When it is resumed I will take care that your application comes into view and shall be happy if any thing in my power may...
1088Oath of Allegiance, 20 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, October 20, 1783. On this date Hamilton signed an oath of allegiance to the State of New York. The oath, signed by six other lawyers, reads as follows: “I do solemnly without any mental reservation or Equivocation whatsoever swear and declare and call God to witness That I renounce and adjure all allegiance to the King of Great Britain; and that I will bear true faith & allegiance to...
1089Oath for the Faithful Execution of Office, 20 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, October 20, 1783. On this date Hamilton signed an oath for the faithful execution of his office. The oath, signed by five other lawyers, reads as follows: “I AB. chosen or appointed [as the Case may be] to the office of [here insert the officer’s Title of Office] Do solemnly in the presence of almighty God before whom I expect to answer for my conduct promise and swear, that I will in...
1090To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22[–23] October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I obey you. The homilies you delivered in Congress are still recollected with pleasure. The impressions they made are in favor of your integrity and no one but believes you a man of honor and republican principles. Were you ten years older and twenty thousand pounds richer, there is no doubt but that you might obtain the suffrages of Congress for the highest office in their gift. You are...
1091To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 24 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Maley presented me your draft amounting to One hundred twenty five dollars which I have paid him. I have not yet reced any intelligence of our friend but in daily expectation of it—the moment I receive the advice if no private opportunity offers I will dispatch an Express to you with the Intelligence. Mrs. Chaloner joins me in Compliments to you & your Laday & I remain Dear Sir Your most...
1092To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Knox, 27 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
My old & good friend. Faith between you and me, it hath puzzled me very much to account for your long Silence. Three years have now Elapsed since my last from you, tho’ I have wrote you frequently in that time. Can any thing have happened on my part, which Should have So long deprived me of the pleasure of hearing from you? When you were Covered with the dust of the Camp, & had cannon balls...
1093To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 November 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed is a letter which I had written, and was about to dispatch at the date of it; but upon second thoughts, determined to Postpone it, and try, if from the importance of the matter, I could not bring forward the Peace Establishment, previously. I have tryed it, in vain. Congress, after resolving on the of last Month to adjourn upon the 12th. of this, did, equally unexpectedly &...
1094To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 26 November 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Doubtless you have seen the advertisement by order of the directors of the Bank calling on the Stockholders to attend the election at the Bank on the Second Monday in January for the appointment of directors for the Insuing year informing them that at the same time several important Matters respecting the institution, will be submitted to their consideration, particularly the propriety of...
1095From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 1 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 1, 1783. Writes as the legal representative of “Mrs. Chamier, widow and Administratrix of Daniel Chamier deceased.” Asks that George Birks, who owed money to Daniel Chamier, be “apprehended” and compelled to appear in court. ADS , Chicago Historical Society. This memorial was sent to the governor because of the absence of proper officers of government in New York City which...
1096Alexander Hamilton, John Laurance, Morgan Lewis, and Richard Varick to Thomas Mifflin, [10 December 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Being concerned as Council for a number of persons, who, since the annunciation of the provisional treaty have been indicted under the confiscation laws of this state for the part they are supposed to have taken in the late war, we are induced at the desire of our clients and in their behalf, to apply to Congress through your Excellency for an exemplification of the definitive treaty. We take...
1097From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 11 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 11, 1783. On December 18, 1783 , Chaloner wrote to Hamilton: “I have consulted the president of the Bank respectg the information you required in your Letter of the 11th. Instant.” Letter not found. ]
1098From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 12 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 12, 1783. On February 7, 1784 , Church wrote to Hamilton: “I received a few Days since my Dear Sir your Favor of the 12th Decemr.” Letter not found. ]
1099Thomas Mifflin to Alexander Hamilton, John Laurance, and Richard Varick, 17 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I received the letter you did me the honor to write to me on the 10th: instant, and laid it before Congress; but as seven States only have met, the Subject of it cannot be taken up so soon as its Importance requires. I will transmit to you an authenticated copy of the Ratification of the definitive Treaty the moment that Congress shall put it into my power. I am with much Respect &...
1100To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, [18] December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have consulted the president of the Bank respectg the information you required in your Letter of the 11th. Instant. He informs me that you must send a regular Power of attorney reciteing the power left by John Carter, that it must be attested by one of the chief Magistrates of your City authourizing whom you please to receive the dividend & vote for Mr Carter’s Shares. I wrote you some time...