31To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favor of February & thank you for the information & observations it has conveyed to me. I shall always think myself obliged by a free communication of sentiments, & have often thought (but suppose I thought wrong as it did not accord with the practice of Congress) that the public interest might be benefitted, if the Commander in Chief of the Army was let more into the...
32From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 2 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
A necessary absence from Camp and several unavoidable interruptions have been the occasion of, and must be my apology for with holding the inclosed thoughts on a peace establishment so long. If they will afford any assistance, or contain anything satisfactory, I shall think my time and labour well spent. I have the honour to be Sir Your Most Obt servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
33From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 29 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 19th came safe by the Doctr, who set out this morning for Philadelphia. I had, previous to the receipt of it, and without knowing that the Board of War had given any direction respecting the Armory at Albany, requested the Governor to exempt (if he could do it with propriety) the Citizens who were employed in it, from Military Services in cases of alarm, and had written to...
34Warrant 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.
35[To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington], [21 October 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The Magazine of History , VI (November, 1907), 294. This letter is listed here because it is attributed to H in The Magazine of History . Actually it was written by Robert Hanson Harrison for Washington to Brigadier General James Potter and is printed in GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , IX, 408–09.
36From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 2 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letter of the 1st of March I received sometime ago from Doctor Gordon which a variety of pressing business has prevented me from communicating to You before. I request your determination on the points contained in it, that I may transmit it to the Doctor. You will be pleased to return me his Letter with the Inclosure to which it refers. I am Dr sir Your Most Obt Servt Df , in...
37To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 16 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
My last letter to you was written in a hurry, when I was fatigued by the more public—yet confidential letter which (with several others) accompanied it; possibly, I did not on that occasion express myself (in what I intended as a hint) with so much perspicuity as I ought—possibly too, what I then dropped, might have conveyed more than I intended; for I do not, at this time, recollect the force...
38To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 22 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I have order’d eight or Ten light Horse more to your assistance, and if you should find a further force necessary to facilitate the business you are upon, there are fifty or sixty dismounted No Carolinians attach’d at present to Colo. Nicholas Corps. These must be subject to your order. I have been just now inform’d, that there are not less than three thousand pair of Shoes in the hands of...
39From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 4 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Loring having been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to meet Mr Boudinot or any other person appointed by me for the purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners; I have therefore to desire you (Mr Boudinot being absent from Camp) to hear any proposals Mr Loring may have to offer on this subject; and to do definitively whatever may be necessary towards the execution of a general exchange of...
40From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of February—& thank you for the information & observations it has conveyed to me—I shall always think myself obliged by a free communication of Sentiments & have often thought (but suppose I thought wrong as it did not accord with the practice of Congress) that the public interest might be benefitted if the Commander in Chief of the Army was let more into the...
41To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [21 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The distressed situation of the army for want of blankets and many necessary articles of Cloathing, is truly deplorable; and must inevitably be destructive to it, unless a speedy remedy be applied. Without a better supply than they at present have, it will be impossible for the men to support the fatigues of the campaign in the further progress of the approaching inclement season. This you...
42To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 12 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
When I wrote to you last we were in a state of tranquility, but after the arrival of a certain Gentleman, who shall be nameless at present, from Philadelphia, a storm very suddenly arose with unfavourable prognostics; which tho’ diverted for a moment is not yet blown over, nor is it in my power to point to the issue. The Papers which I send officially to Congress, will supercede the necessity...
43Warrant 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.
44To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I did not receive your letter of the 15th. till after my return from Ringwood, where I had a meeting with the Secretary at War for the purpose of making arrangements for the release of our Prisoners, agreeably to the resolve of Congress of the 15th. Instt. Finding a diversity of opinion respecting the Treaty, and the line of conduct we ought to observe with the Prisoners; I requested, in...
45To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 2 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed Letter of the 1st. of March I received sometime ago from Doctor Gordon which a variety of pressing business has prevented me from communicating to you before. I request your determination on the points contained in it, that I may transmit it to the Doctor. You will be pleased to return me his Letter with the inclosure to which it refers. I am Dr Sir Your Most Obt Servt. Df , in...
46General 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...
47From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 9th instant in behalf of a Committee of Congress—requestg my Sentiments upon the military Department of a Peace Establishment. As this Discussion will involve a variety of Considerations, & those of very great Importance—The Committee will indulge me in a little Time to collect & concenter my Ideas on this Subject & they may depend on my communicating them in...
48From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The same Post which gave me your two letters of the 25th of March, handed me one from Colo. Bland on the same point. Observing that both have been written at the desire of a Committee of which you are both members—I have made a very full reply to their subject in my letter which is addressed to Colo. Bland—and supposing it unnecessary to enter into a compleete detail to both—I must beg leave...
49From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of this date has not a little embarrassed me—You must remember the ferment in the Pennsylvania line the last Campaign occasioned by the appointment of Major McPhearson, and you know the uneasiness which at this moment exists among the Eastern Officers on Account of the commands conferred upon Colo. Jemat and Major Galvan although it was the result of absolute necessity of which i...
50To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 31 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have duly received your favors of the 17th. & 24th. ulto. I rejoice most exceedingly that there is an end to our warfare, and that such a field is opening to our view as will, with wisdom to direct the cultivation of it, make us a great, a respectable, and happy People; but it must be improved by other means than State politics, and unreasonable jealousies & prejudices; or (it requires not...
51To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [7 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Newburgh, New York, June 7, 1783. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from G—— Washington to General Hamilton,” Columbia University Libraries.
52To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [7 March 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I shall be obliged to you for the answer to the address as soon as it is convenient to you. If we do not ride to the point to see the fleet pass out, I am to have a conference with Count de Rochambeau ⟨&⟩ the Engineer directly after Breakfast at which I wish you to be present. I am sincerely and affectly yrs ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. J.C. Hamilton incorrectly dated this...
53To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 15 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I have duly received your several favours from the time you left me to that of the 12th. inst. I approve intirely of all the Steps you have taken, and have only to wish that the exertions of those you have had to deal with had kept pace with your Zeal and good intentions. I hope your health will before this have permitted you to push on the Rear of the whole reinforcement beyond New Windsor....
54To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The same Post which gave me your two letters of the 25th. of March, handed me one from Colo. Bland on the same point. Observing that both have been written at the desire of a Committee, of which you are both members, I have made a very full reply to their subject in my letter which is addressed to Colo. Bland; and supposing it unnecessary to enter into a complete detail to both, I must beg...
55From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 31 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favors of the 17th & 24 Ulto—I rejoice most exceedingly that there is an end to our Warfare, and that such a field is opening to our view as will, with wisdom to direct the cultivation of it, make us a great, a respectable, and happy People; but it must be improved by other means than state politics, and unreasonable jealousies & prejudices; or (it requires not the...
56To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 14 March 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, March 14, 1780 . On March 17, 1780, Hamilton wrote to Washington , “I duly received your letter of the 14th.” Letter not found. ]
57To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 16 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 9th instant in behalf of a Committee of Congress, requestg my Sentiments upon the military Department of a Peace Establishment. As this Discussion will involve a variety of Considerations, & these of very great Importance, The Committee will indulge me in a little Time to collect & concenter my Ideas on this Subject & they may depend on my communicating them...
58To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Loring having been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to meet Mr. Boudinot or any other person appointed by me for the purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners; I have therefore to desire you (Mr. Boudinot being absent from Camp) to hear any proposals Mr. Loring may have to offer on this subject; and to do definitively whatever may be necessary towards the execution of a general exchange of...
59From George Washington to Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton, 14 March 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton, 14 March 1780 . Hamilton wrote GW on 17 March: “I duly received your letter of the 14th.”
60Warrant 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.
61From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
My last letter to you was written in a hurry, when I was fatigued by the more public—yet confidential letter which (with several others) accompanied it; possibly, I did not on that occasion express myself (in what I intended as a hint) with so much perspicuity as I ought—possibly too, what I then dropped might have conveyed more than I intended; for I do not, at this time, recollect the force...
62Commission to Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, [30 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency George Washington Esquire, General & Commander in chief of the Forces of the United States of America. To Lieut Colonel Rob Hanson Harrison Lieut Colonel Alexander Hamilton His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton having by a letter to me of the 10th Instant, made a proposition to the following effect, Viz, “to exchange the Officers of our Army who are prisoners on parole or...
63To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 30 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
It having been judged expedient by the Members of ⟨a⟨ Council of War held yesterday, that one of the Gentlemen of my family should be sent to Genl: Gates in order to lay befor⟨e⟩ him the State of this Army; and the Situation of the Ene⟨my⟩ and to point out to him the many happy Consequences that will accrue from an immediate reinforceme⟨nt⟩ being sent from the Nothern Army; I have thought ⟨it⟩...
64To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 9 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd your Letter of the 7th. Shoes will be issued to the State Companies under your Command, upon your Return. I will only recommend that proper precaution should be taken respecting the delivery, & that the men of the State Companies should be made accountable for them; the same mode will be pursued, in supplying the other Companies, as has been formerly practiced. I am Dr. Sr. Your...
65From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [17 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 17, 1783. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries. Two letters from H to Washington on March 17, 1783, are listed. One letter is printed in PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , III, 290–93.
66From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [1 March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Your Excellency will, I am persuaded, readily admit the force of this sentiment, that though it is the duty of a good citizen to devote his services to the public, when it has occasion for them, he cannot with propriety, or delicacy to himself, obtrude them, when it either has, or appears to have none. The difficuties I experienced last campaign in obtaining a command will not suffer me to...
67To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency lately on a very confidential subject and shall be anxious to know as soon as convenient whether the letter got safe to hand. The bearer Shattuck thinks he can point out the means of apprehending Wells & Knowl ton the two persons whom Your Excellency was authorised to have taken into custody. I have desired him to call upon you to disclose the...
68To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to Your Excellency a day or two ago by express—Since that a Committee appointed on the communications from you have had a meeting, and find themselves embarrassed. They have requested me to communicate our embarrassments to you in confidence and to ask your private opinion. The army by their resolutions express an expectation that Congress will not disband them previous to a settlement...
69From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [24 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 24, 1783. The description of this letter reads: “Referring to a plan for carrying the 8th article of the confederation into execution, etc.” Letter not found. ] Luther S. Livingston, ed., American Book-Prices Current (New York, 1906), 717. See the first and second “Continental Congress. Motion on Evaluation of State Lands for Carrying into Effect Article 8 of the...
70From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [23 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Hopewell, New Jersey, June 23, 1778. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries.
71From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [25 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
You will see by the inclosed we are too late. Arnold went by water to the Vulture. I shall write to General Greene advising him without making a bustle to be in readiness to march and even to detach a Brigade this way, for though I do not believe the project will go on, it is possible Arnold has made such dispositions with the Garrison as may tempt the enemy in its present weakness to make the...
72From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [13 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Flattering myself that your knowlege of me will induce you to receive the observations I mak⟨e⟩ as dictated by a regard to the public good, I take the liber⟨ty⟩ to suggest to you my ideas on some matters of delicacy and importance. I view the present juncture as a very interesting one. I need not observe how far the temper and situation of the army make it so. The stat⟨e⟩ of our finances was...
73From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 25 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed I write more in a public than in a private capacity. Here I write as a citizen zealous for the true happiness of this country, as a soldier who feels what is due to an army which has suffered everything and done much for the safety of America. I sincerly wish ingratitude was not so natural to the human heart as it is. I sincerely wish there were no seeds of it in those who direct...
74From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [12 November 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York, November 12, 1777. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries. Two letters from H to Washington on November 12, 1777, are listed. One of these letters is printed in PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , I, 360–62.
75From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [6] November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here yesterday at Noon and waited upon General Gates immediately on the business of my mission; but was sorry to find his ideas did not correspond with yours for drawing off the number of troops you directed. I used every argument in my power to convince him of the propriety of the measure, but he was inflexible in the opinion that two Brigades at least of Continental troops should...
76From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 12 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been detained here these two days by a fever and violent rheumatic pains throughout my body. This has prevented my being active in person for promoting the purposes of my errand, but I have taken every other method in my power, in which Governor Clinton has obligingly given me all the aid he could. In answer to my pressing application to General Poor for the immediate marching of his...
77To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 27 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I imagine your Excellency has been informed that in consequence of the resolution of Congress for granting commissions to Aide De Camps appointed under the former establishment, I have obtained one of Lieutenant Colonel in the army of the United States, bearing rank since the 1st of March 1777. It is become necessary to me to apply to your Excellency to know in what manner you foresee you will...
78From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [14 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
On our present plan, It appears to me the quantity of ammunition proposed by General Knox for the Artillery is insufficient. A larger consumption may be necessary. The Stone house, in which the enemy may attempt to defend themselves may be obstinate and we should have it in our power by the severity and duration of our fire to bring them to reason. I take the liberty to suggest these matters,...
79From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 10 November [1777] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here last night from Albany. Having given General Gates a little time to recollect himself I renewed my remonstrances on the necessity and propriety of sending you more than one Brigade of the three he had detained with him, and finally prevailed upon him to give orders for Glover’s in addition to Patterson’s brigade to march this way. As it was thought conducive to expedition to...
80From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 15 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived at this place last night and unfortunately find myself unable to proceed any further. Imagining I had gotten the better of my complaints while confined at Governor Clinton’s & anxious to be about, attending to the march of the troops, the day before yesterday I crossed the ferry in order to fall in with General Glover’s brigade which was on its march from Poughkepsie to Fish Kill. I...