361To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 20 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, March 20, 1779. Cannot obtain boats and other equipment needed to make a survey of Delaware River. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French; translation by H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Du Portail, brigadier general, Corps of Engineers, was sent by Washington to Philadelphia to make a survey of the Delaware River ( GW John...
362From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 26 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, March 26, 1779. Letter not found .] Sold by Thomas Birch’s Sons, December, 1892, Lot 106.
363From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [26 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Headquarters, Middlebrook, New Jersey, March 26, 1779. “This will be delivered to you by Mr. Garranger, who comes to pass through a probation with you. He is to give you such proofs of his knowledge in the theory and practice of artillery as you shall deem satisfactory. He will, on your certificate of the same, be recommended to Congress for an appointment as Preceptor to the artillery, or...
364From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Cold in my professions, warm in ⟨my⟩ friendships, I wish, my Dear Laurens, it m⟨ight⟩ be in my power, by action rather than words, ⟨to⟩ convince you that I love you. I shall only tell you that ’till you bade us Adieu, I hardly knew the value you had taught my heart to set upon you. Indeed, my friend, it was not well done. You know the opinion I entertain of mankind, and how much it is my...
365From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel David Hall, [20 April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency’s command, I inclose you a Resolve of Congress of the 16th of December last, by which you will find that Capt. McLane’s Company late of Pattons Regiment is annexed to the Delaware Battalion in the arrangement of the Regs. therefore under your Command, you are to Comprehend Captn. McLane and his Officers. I am, Sir, Your most Obdt. Servt. Alexr. Copy, Delaware State...
366From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [21 April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Benjamin Black the bearer a dragoon in your regiment represents that he is rather unfairly detained in the service, having procured another in his place. We do not believe him; but that he may not think himself neglected, I give him this line to you. I am sure you will do him justice; and you know the General’s sentiments too well to need being told, that while, in the present scarcity of men,...
367From 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...
368To Alexander Hamilton from John Laurance, 28 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] April 28, 1779 . Informs Hamilton of enforced absence from Camp. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. John Laurance, who was a close friend and associate of H in New York after the war, was judge advocate, Continental Army.
369From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [6 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency to acknowlege the receipt of your letter. He desires you will have the persons you mention carefully confined ’till they can be delivered over to the civil Magistrate as we have no military law by which to punish them. But ⟨that⟩ the civil law may have something substantial to operate upon, he requests you will do every thing you can think of to discover the...
370To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 6 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Bound Brook [ New Jersey ] May 6, 1779 . Sends directives and notes concerning regulation and administration of Army. Asks Hamilton to translate some of this material and transmit all of it to Washington. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. This letter is written in French.
371To Alexander Hamilton from Captain Thomas Randall, 11 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 11, 1779. Requests an honorable discharge. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. Randall was a captain, Third Continental Artillery. He later became vice-consul in Canton, China.
372To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 14 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] May 14, 1779 . Requests a court of inquiry into his own conduct and that of Colonel George Morgan. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Reel 169, Item 152, VII, p. 365, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives; copy, Reel 187, Item 169, V, p. 305, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. McIntosh, who was in command...
373From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 14 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your note by Col Gibson and communicated the contents to His Excellency. Though from the serious nature of the charges you have exhibited against Colonel Morgan, there seems to be almost a necessity for bringing the matter to a thorough investigation; yet at this juncture it would be attended with so many difficulties as to make it utterly inconvenient. The affair involves such...
374From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Thomas Clark, [18] May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency received last night a letter from Lt Col Davidson written by your direction, informing him of the enemy’s being at the New Bridge. He requests you will advise him punctually of their movements and endeavour to ascertain their force and designs. You will be pleased to do the same to General McDougall. The Quarter Master General is directed to furnish you with some express riders...
375To Alexander Hamilton from Major General John Sullivan, 19 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Easton, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1779. On May 20, 1779, Hamilton wrote to Sullivan , “I have received your favour of yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
376From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [20 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Duryee has applied to The General to have a Barn of his released, taken up for the use of the hospital, representing that from its situation relatively to his dwelling house it will produce greater inconvience to him than the taking some other barn in the neighbourhood will produce to its proprietor. The General would wish to avoid every thing that would look like discrimenation without...
377From Alexander Hamilton to Major General John Sullivan, [20 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favour of yesterday. As you will learn from Major Scot the precise route which the troops are marching, I must leave it with you to meet them with a good guide or two to give them whatever route you think proper. From the time the orders were given for their march, they must now be some distance on their way. I am Dr Sir Yr. most Obed serv ADfS , George Washington...
378From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [22 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
By a letter we have received from General Sullivan it appears that Poor’s Brigade have left their tents behind. The General requests you will have them supplied from your nearest deposit, and, in general, that you will make up every deficiency in this article for the expedition as speedily as possible. General Sullivan appears to be very anxious to have his supplies of every kind forwarded to...
379From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 22 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Monroe is just setting out from Head Quarters and proposes to go in quest of adventures to the Southward. He seems to be as much of a night errant as your worship; but as he is an honest fellow, I shall be glad he may find some employment, that will enable him to get knocked in the head in an honorable way. He will relish your black scheme if any thing handsome can be done for him in that...
380From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [26 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency to inform you that Lt Col Regnier is to be appointed a Sub-inspector. He will act in the troops under General Sullivan attached to a division under the command (I believe) of Brigadier General Clinton. The General requests you will furnish him with the instructions in your department. I have the honor to be Sir Yr. most Obed servt ALS , New-York Historical...
381From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Israel Shreve, 26 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency to inform you that you are to march on Saturday with your regiment for this camp where you will receive further orders. I am Sir Yr. Obed serv ALS , University of Houston Libraries. Shreve was a colonel in command of New Jersey’s Second Regiment, which was stationed at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The “further orders” directed Shreve to proceed to Easton,...
382From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 28 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency to inform you that recent intelligence increases the probability of the enemy being on the point of some important movement. He therefore repeats his recommendation that you will exert yourself to get your division in readiness to march as soon as possible. I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt serv ADf , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
383From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [31 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you will send some discreet person to Brunswick to ascertain the No of Boats in the River. A countryman that is judicious & trusty would give less suspicion than an officer. It should if possible be a person acquainted with the place. His inquiries will be the more easily accepted. The more hurry & dispatch the better. DS Yr obt Serv JCH Transcripts John C. Hamilton...
384From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [2 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excelly directs me to notify you that the last division Kalb’s is ordered to be in readiness to march tomorrow. Its actual marching will depend on a contingency—the getting of horses. The General however wishes the Park to be also ready to move tomorrow. The route will be by Morris Town & the Maryland division will serve as a cover. You will have previous notice to march. Your care is...
385From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Clement Biddle, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a letter for Mr. Writtenhouse accompanied by a Theodolite which you will be pleased carefully to forward him for The General. (Now on my own account) Gibbs informs me you were obliging enough to promise that care should be taken of my mare and her colt at your place. I leave her in charge of Mr. Wallace as my servant will be too much employed while we stay to carry her to your...
386From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [3 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, June 3, 1779. ] Catalogue description reads: “Regarding DeKalb’s movements.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by C. F. Libbie, April 26, 1904, Lot 1125.
387From Alexander Hamilton to Captain James Christie, [4 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Christie dispatched by His Excellency The Commander in Chief on very important business is hereby authorised to impress horses by the way. ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Christie (also spelled Chrystie) was a captain of the Third Pennsylvania Regiment. On June 4, Washington gave the following instructions to Christie: “To proceed immediately to West-Point. To...
388From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Arthur St. Clair, [5 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
You are to march with your division tomorrow morning at four oClock towards Slotes, where you will halt awhile ’till you hear from His Excellency. I am Sir Yr. Obed servant ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. St. Clair was at Pompton, New Jersey. This letter contains his instructions for his march to the Hudson. The house of Stephen Slott (Slot), a captain in the New York...
389State of the Opposing Forces, [6–11 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
State of our force Rank & file The three divisions in our camp amount by a field return of the 5th to 5047 The troops under General McDougall may be about— 2300 The troops at West Point may be abt— 1700 9047 There may be besides these militia about— 2000 11047 State of the enemy’s force By General McDougalls accots. their force on Ver Planks point may be about 5000 on Stoney point abt.—...
390From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Irvine, 8 June [1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Smith’s Tavern [ New York ] June 8 [ 1779 ]. Transmits Washington’s request that Irvine report to Headquarters. ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Smith’s Tavern, in Smiths Clove, was named after a family of notorious Tories in the region.
391From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [10 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
You see the difficulty there is in getting the Majors to serve as Brigade Inspectors. The Board of war have asked the General’s opinion about extending the appointment to the line of Captains. He requests your opinion. Very Respectfully Yr. Obed serv ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
392From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [11 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency requests you will have an exact return made of the total strength of the Pensylvania batalions, in which you will designate the different terms of service, for which the men are engaged. He is aware there is ony one distinction, between those for during the war and those for three years or during the war . He wants to know the precise number of each. The Board of war have...
393From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Otho Williams, [12 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The Genl sends you four fresh horsemen to enable you to transmit him intelligence. The General will take the road you marched to your quarters. Mind your eye my boy, and if you have an opportunity, fight damned hard! Yr. friend & serv ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Both J. C. Hamilton ( JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851). , I,...
394From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 23 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has just rec’d information from Col. Butler, who is stationed at the landing called stoney beach that a party of the Enemy of about 400 Men were on the opposite side of the River apparently with a design to reconnoitre the landing. In consequence of this intelligence, he desires you will as soon as possible to morrow morning advance Genl: Smallwood with his Brigade to the Forest...
395From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [25 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
A party of the enemy’s horse with about 1000 infantry are said to be at Pines bridge. Possibly the stores at New Millford may be the object. The General requests you will send a proper person to see what progress may have been made in removing them and to complete the removal. I have the honor to be Your most Obed ser ALS , Mr. Otto Madlener, Hubbard Woods, Illinois; ADfS , George Washington...
396From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [26 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to trouble you with two matters, which if your ideas correspond with mine I doubt not you will employ your influence to effect. One respects Col Malcolm and perhaps may be conducive to the interest of the public—the other respects Mr De Neuville and is only interesting to the feelings of an individual, who if I am not mistaken, with proper allowances for the peculiarities of his...
397From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [27–29 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
There is some rum just brought to New Windsor the property of speculators, which his Excellency desires you would come down and press for the public use. I am Sir your huml Servt Please to call first at Head Quarters. LS , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. Wadsworth was commissary general of purchases and a business partner of John B. Church, who was the husband of Angelica Schuyler,...
398From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Heath, [27 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York, June 27, 1779. ] Acknowledges receiving two letters from Heath addressed to George Washington. ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Letters not found.
399From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 27 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Garanger has waited upon the General to know decisively his fate. He renounces all ideas of command or rank in the corps of Artillery and asks only a brevet of Captain in the army. The simple question is—can he be employed usefully or not in the present state and temper of the corps? if not, I shall be obliged to you to inform him so, with a line either to the General or myself, informing...
400To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 28 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Garanger having positively renounced all claims to rank or command in the Corps of artillery, it is my opinion that he can be Employed in the Corps in a manner honorable to himself, and useful to the service. There can be no objection to his receiving a brevet of a Captaincy in the army. I am Dear Sir affectionately your huml Sert. Copy, Reel 95, Item 78, X, p. 460, Papers of the...
401From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Woodford, [2 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the pleasure to inclose you a letter of introduction for Capt Woodford to the Don which I beg you to present him with my compliments. We have just received an account from Boston of the arrival of a Vessel there which parted near the Western Islands with a fleet from France of seven sail of the line and five frigates destined to reinforce Count D’Estaing. This is an agreeable and...
402To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, 4 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Those who, under the sacred pretence of serving their country, are endeavouring to subvert its happiness, I consider equally dangerous to society with those who can tax a faithful servant of the public with acting that inconsistent part. To hear the character of a gentleman, whom we suppose deserving, traduced and villified, and his reputation cruelly stabbed, silently and without emotion,...
403From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Joseph Ward, [8 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
This will be accompanied by a general order respecting your department which you will be pleased to have executed without delay. The positions are to comprehend all such as are enlisted upon the alternative of three years or during the war who are to be constructed as engaged during the war. I am with great regard, Your most obed. ser ALS , sold by Walter M. Hill, Chicago, November, 1909,...
404From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Heath, [9 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency commands me to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of this day with two prisoners. He says he spoke to you to day on the points mentioned in your letter which probably was written antecedent to your interview. Lt Col Loring is to be tried by a Court Martial of the line. Capt Forrest, under the peculiar circumstances represented by Col Putnam, to be indulged with a furlough. I...
405From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, 9 July [1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General will adopt the arrangement you propose; that is Nixons & Larneds will form one division Patterson’s & North Carolina another. Yr. Affectionate humble ser. The Collector: An Historical Magazine for Autograph and Book Plate Collectors (July-August, 1946), 160. Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, baron von Steuben, arrived in America from Germany in the autumn of 1777 after...
406From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Heath, [10 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency orders me to acknowlege the receipt of your two letters per bearer. The intended march of your division tomorrow morning prevents a particular reply to the points mentioned in one of them. I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Sir Your most Obedt servant ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. On July 5–11, 1779, the British made a maritime raid on the...
407From Alexander Hamilton to Francis Dana, 11 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Colonel Brooks, of which the enclosed is a copy. In my reply to him, I pronounced the whole affair to be absolutely false and groundless, and pledged myself to make it appear so. The intention of this letter is to inquire, whether you avow or disavow the conversation he relates; and if the former, to demand, in explicit and direct terms, your authority. You must...
408From Alexander Hamilton to David Henley, 12 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with a letter for Mr. Dana, which I have left open for your perusal; and I request it as a favour which I hope I may claim from your friendship to deliver it to him and press for a speedy answer. I think you sufficiently know my character and way of thinking to be convinced I could never have expressed sentiments of the kind imputed to me; and you will...
409To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 14 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Ternant will relate to you how many violent struggles I have had between duty and inclination—how much my heart was with you, while I appeared to be most actively employed here—but it appears to me that I shd be inexcusable in the light of a Citizen if I did not continue my utmost efforts for carrying the plan of black levies into execution, while there remains the smallest hope of success....
410From Alexander Hamilton to Major Henry Lee, or in his absence, Captain Allan McLane, [17 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
There is an incampment of the enemy or a demonstration of one which appears on the other side of the River considerably on this side of Tarry Town. You will be pleased in conse[que]nce to have patroles kept from this till morning seven or eight miles down along the shore & on the roads leading to this place on our right. This may be a critical night and demands the greatest vigilance. I am Sir...