1The Continentalist No. I, [12 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the first number of a series of papers which I intend to publish on matters of the greatest importance to these States; I hope they will be read with as much candour and attention as the object of them deserve, and that no conclusions will be drawn till these are fully developed. I am, Sir , Your most obedient humble servant, A.B. The Continentalist. No. I . It would be the...
2To 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....
3To Alexander Hamilton from John Allan, [28 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The memorandum which I had the Honour of delivering you a day or two ago was in General the State of matters in the Indian Eastern Department, from which I presumed the Hono[r]able Committee Appointed by Congress woud Examine into the Matter, And from the Importance of the Subject woud Speedly determine. I woud not by any means urge matters out of the proper Rule or Channel nor wou’d I be so...
4Baron d’Arendt to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, 26 October [1777] (Hamilton Papers)
Fort Mifflin [ on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 26 [ 1777 ]. Discusses plans for defence of Fort Mifflin. ALS , MS Division New York Public Library. This letter is in French. There is no addressee on the MS. In unidentified handwriting on the last page the following is written, “Col Hamilton Col John Larens.” The contents of the letter indicate that it was written to someone at...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Charles Armand, 21 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Je suis arrivé hier au soir d’aupres de kingbridge; le gnl. howe desirant avoir des nouvelles sures de l’ennemy je me suis trouvé obligé de faire unne tres longue marche, par ces raisons je n’ai reçu vôttre lettre que ce matin et je m’empresse d’y repondre. Mr. de wanderburgh consent dites vous que le jugement de la Court martialle soit fait sur le rapport de la Cour d’enquiery. Vous me...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Charles Armand, 5 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Near Fredericksburg, New York ] November 5, 1778 . Needs equipment and money with which to pay troops. Asks for certificate of service from Washington. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Columbia University Libraries.
7To Alexander Hamilton from Gerard Bancker, 5 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ August 5, 1782. The last item on the “List of Papers delivered by Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Tillotson Esquire relative to the office of Receiver of Taxes for the state of New York,” November 10, 1782 , was described as a “letter from Mr. Banker state Treasurer dated August 5th. 1782 informing of what was to be expected from the state.” Letter not found. ]
8To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, 29 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 29, 1780. On May 5–8, 1780, Hamilton wrote to Barbé-Marbois : “The day before yesterday I had the honor of your letter of the 29th. of April.” Letter not found .] Barbé-Marbois was secretary of the French legation at Philadelphia.
9To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, 21 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 21, 1780. Asks if there is any information concerning his brothers, who are British prisoners. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French.
10To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, 11 July [1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Nous avons sçu ici que le desir du Général a été que l’offrande des dames de Phaladelphie et même de la Pensylvanie fut employée en achat de chemises pour le Soldat. Toutes les femmes ont applaudi à cette idée, elles ont pensé que pour rendre la souscription beaucoup plus avantageuse au Soldat il seroit à propos de les charger elles mêmes de ce detail. Elles proposent donc, que le produit de...
11To Alexander Hamilton from Major Sebastian Bauman, 22 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
In order to lay aside all suspicion, and to Regain your former friendship, I have accordin[g]ly sent you here those papers I promised you in a late conversation we had, for your perusal. The one is a Representation I made to Major Genl. Heath, and the other is meerly nothing but a Scope of mine, or So many Pillaries upon which I design to build an Edifice for the American Artillery. I would...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Major Sebastian Bauman, 13 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot help laying before you a few of my thoughts which lately have engrossed my whole attention on the review of our changeable government at West Point. However I hope you will make no other use of them, but such as may be of advantage and whatever may be improper or improperly stated, impute to my inability only, and there you’ll please to let it rest, and take in good part of what I...
13To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Benson, 10 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Sir, In consequence of the Request in your Letter of the 18th ulto. I have with great chearfulness searched the Senate Papers for the Returns you allude to. Inclosed are all I find in my Possession. What Papers Mr. McKesson may have relative to this subject I know not, but I dare say he will on your Application give you every Information in his Power. He is now in Albany and has the Returns of...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Ephraim Blaine, 19 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh, New York, February 19, 1781. Requests Hamilton to inform Washington that “the provisions necessary for the detachment will move this Evening.” ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Blaine was commissary general of purchases.
15Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to George … (Hamilton Papers)
To His Excellency George Washington Esquire General and Commander in chief of the Forces of the United States of America. We the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency, “to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention for the exchange of Prisoners of War, and for all matters whatsoever which may be properly contained therein,” beg leave to report— That, agreeable to Your...
16Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to … (Hamilton Papers)
We have the honor of your favor per flag; Having inform’d General Washington of the message delivered yesterday from Sir W. Howe, & of our intentions to return to camp immediately, in consequence of it; we do not think ourselves at liberty, to use so much delay, as would afford us the pleasure of the interview proposed. We are Gentlemen with due respect yr. Very hble servts. Df , or copy,...
17Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to George … (Hamilton Papers)
To His Excellency George Washington Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America. We, the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency, “to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention, for the exchange of Prisoners of War, and for all matters whatsoever, which may be properly contained therein” beg leave to report— That in pursuance of Your...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Elias Boudinot, 8 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I had concluded your Laurels had produced a forgetfulness of your old friend, but am now rejoicing in my disappointment having your obliging & very entertaining favour of the 5th. Inst. just handed me. With the utmost sincerity I congratulate you & my Country on the kind Interposition of Heaven in our favour on the 28 Ultmo. It seems as if on every Occasion we are to be convinced that our...
19Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to … (Hamilton Papers)
The Commissioners, appointed by His Excellency General Washington, “to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention, for the exchange of prisoners of war, and for all matters whatsoever, that may be properly contained therein,” are inexpressibly concerned, to find, that the Commissioners on the part of General Sir William Howe should think it necessary to make the objections stated...
20Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to … (Hamilton Papers)
The Commissioners appointed by His Excellency General Washington to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, and for all matters whatsoever, that may be properly contained therein— Having examined the powers on the part of General Sir William Howe to his Commissioners and compared them with their own, observe a difference, which, in their...
21To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, [29 August 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The Person I mentioned to you came over last Night and informs me, that General Clinton with his whole Army has set off for Rhode Island. They are gone up the Sound and across the East End of Long Island. There are only a small Guard left in the City. Not a Canoe is suffered to pass up the East River least it should be known, they moved with the utmost secrecy. As it might be you have not...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, 8 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yours of the 6th instant, enclosing one from Mr. Dana, yesterday, but was unable, on account of duty, to answer it till to-day. In compliance with your request, I must inform you, that my recollection of the whole affair in question, is clear and full. Mr. Dana, as I observed in my other letter, was declaring that there were dangerous, designing men in the army; and after he had...
23To 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,...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General John Cadwalader, 2 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
As General Reed’s Remarks on a late publication relating to a Conversation I had with him at Bristol in the year 1776, require an answer; I shall be much obliged if you will endeavour to recollect whether I did not at some period of the war mention the said Conversation to you, in confidence & beg you will be particular with respect to time, place, & any other Circumstances which you may...
25Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 26 … (Hamilton Papers)
In addition to the official report of our proceedings at Amboy, which your Excellency will perceive have terminated in the manner you expected, we have the honor to give you an account of the steps we took, in consequence of the second part of your instructions, relative to a private conversation. But before we enter upon this, we think it our duty to inform you, that we have every reason to...
26Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to George Washington … (Hamilton Papers)
We beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that in the private report of our proceedings at Amboy dated the 26th. March, we omitted mentioning, (though it is to be inferred) that in the conversation which passed on the subject of accounts, it was explicitly declared by us, that if any particular sum should be accepted agreeable to the ideas of The British Gentlemen, it was not in any manner to be...
27Enclosure: Minutes of Prisoner Exchange Negotiations, 10–14 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Minutes of the proceedings of the Commissioners, on the part of His Excellency General Washington and of His Excellency General sir Henry Clinton. The Commissioners being met, agree to the following preliminaries. That copies of the powers should be interchanged, and they were interchanged accordingly. That the limits of the neutral ground should extend three miles round Amboy, that Town being...
28Enclosure: Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to George … (Hamilton Papers)
Plan of exchange for the Troops of Convention, in three Divisions to be formed as equally, as the exchanging by Corps will allow, from the Strength of the Rank & file, each of the two first Divisions to have a Major General and a Brigadier General, and the third The Lieutenant General and a Brigadier General exchanged with them. The Regiments to which the Brigadier Generals belong to be...
29Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to Major General William … (Hamilton Papers)
Major General St Clair Lt Col Carrington and Lt. Col Hamilton give it as their opinion as the result of the conversation held upon the subject that the most likely plan for effecting the exchange in contemplation is to confine it to the unexceptionable characters on both sides first exchanging all the prisoners of war and then the troops of convention for the balance, according to the...
30Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to George Washington … (Hamilton Papers)
To His Excellency George Washington Esqr. General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of The United States of America. We The Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency “to treat, confer, determine and conclude upon a General Cartel for the exchange and accommodation of prisoners of war including the troops of The Convention of Saratoga and all matters whatsoever which might be properly...
31To 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...
32To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church (John Carter), 18 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
M de Villemansey deliver’d me your Favor of the 25th April, as we are equally faulty in the article of Neglect instead of Apology we have only to resolve to be better Correspondents in future. I felicitate you on your Change as you seem’d so much to desire it, you do not tell me what your future line of life will be, but Villemansey tells me he thinks you are to command a Body of Troops this...
33To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 24 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored by your Letter of the 12th. January. You may remember that in July last, I submitted to the Consideration of our Legislature certain Resolutions of the Assembly of New Hampshire making Overtures for an Amicable settlement of a Boundary Line between the two States, which were read & Committed but as the Session was Short and devoted principally to the particular Business for...
34To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 22–23 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ December 22–23, 1777 . On December 28 Clinton wrote to Hamilton : “I was favoured with the Receipt of your Letter of the 22d Instant some Days since and returned a short Answer to it by the Express who brought it.” Letter not found .]
35Commission as Delegate to the Continental Congress, [25 October 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
State of New York. The People of the State of New York by the Grace of God free & Independent: To all whom these presents shall come send Greeting. Know Ye that we having inspected the records remaining in the Secretary’s Office of our said State do find there a certain Commission in the words following to wit “The people of the State of New York by the Grace of God free & independent: To all...
36George Clinton to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 25 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
From the Affidavits which I now do myself the Honor to Inclose You and which I must request you to lay before Congress it appears that the Usurped Government on the New Hampshire Grants so far from yielding Obedience to the Resolutions of Congress of the 5th. December last have repeated their Outrages on the well affected Subjects of this State. The distressed situation of our fellow Citizens...
37To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 28 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I was favoured with the Receipt of your Letter of the 22d Instant some Days since and returned a short Answer to it by the Express who brought it; but as I have Reason to believe you had left Peeks’ Kill before he got there I conclude my Letter has not been received. I have not a Doubt but that there have been such unjust and dishonorable Practices committed on the Inhabitants as you mention...
38To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 5 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Favour of the 13th Feb’y last. Your other Letter has not reached me. I am so Circumstanced at present so much to do & no Body to assist me that I can hardly steal a Moment to write to my Friends tho their Letters always afford me the greatest Pleasure. May I then hope Sir that you will continue to write me frequently tho I shoud not prove a very punctual Correspondent....
39George Clinton to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 16 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have prevailed on the Bearer, the Attorney Genl. to Repair to Philadelphia for the Express Purpose of disclosing to you certain Information of a very interesting Nature. The Communications he is to make are too extensive to be the subject of a Letter & it might be improper to intrust them to Paper. I, therefore, begg Leave to refer you to Mr. Benson for the Particulars of which he is fully...
40To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 2 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of the 25th. Ulto. previous to which with a view of accelerating the collection of the last Tax I had prepared & have since dispatched a circular Letter to the several County Treasurers urging them & the other Officers concerned to a prompt execution of their Duty or that in Case of Neglect the Penalty of the Law will without favor be put into Execution. I have...
41To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 13 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 3d. Instant. I am not authorized to direct the Printer to deliver any of the Laws except a certain number of Setts which are by Law directed for particular Purposes. I have however mentioned your Desire to the Gentlemen of the Committee appointed to superintend the printing and distribution of them and requested them to furnish you with a Sett which I doubt...
42To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 29 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Before I was honored by your Letter of the 18th. Instant I had received a Line from Colo. Floyd on the same Subject. As my answer to his is forwarded by the present Conveyance I beg leave to refer you to it for Information. I hope it may prove satisfactory and I flatter myself no further Disappointment can take Place. Should I however be mistaken you have only to advise me of it & I will...
43To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 6 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Poughkeepsie, New York, March 6, 1778 . On March 12, 1778, Hamilton wrote to Clinton : “Capt. Coleman delivered me your two letters of the 5th & 6th, instant.” Letter of March 6 not found .]
44To Alexander Hamilton from Comfort Sands and Company, 8 July 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
We was Hond. with your favor of the 23 Ult but two or three days ago, it is impossible for us to give you an exact account of the Money laid out in this State. Flour is almost the only Article purchased in it. Sometimes a little Beef. In the Course of the year we may purchase 15,000 Barrels of Flour, which will Amt. to about 60.000 Dolrs., the greatest part of which we draw Bills for, and is...
45To 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...
46Continental Congress Remarks on Plans for Paying the Public Debt, [29 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton disliked every plan that made but partial provision for the public debts; as an inconsistent & dishonorable departure from the declaration made by Congs. on that subject. He said the domestic Creditors would take the alarm at any distinctions unfavorable to their claims; that they would withhold their influence from any such measures recommended by Congress; and that it must be...
47Continental Congress Motion on Establishment of Permanent Funds, 21 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas Congress did on the 12 day of February last resolve—“that it is the opinion of Congress that the establishment of permanent and adequate funds on taxes or duties which shall operate generally and on the whole in just proportions, throughout the United States are indispensably necessary towards doing complete justice to the public creditors for restoring public credit and for providing...
48Continental 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:...
49Continental Congress Report on Power of Secretary at War to Discharge Soldiers, 13 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter from Col Stewart to the Secretary at War report the following resolution: Reso[l]ved that the Secretary at War have a power of discharging soldiers from the army of The United States similar to that given to the Commander in Chief. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The committee consisted of H, James Madison, and Samuel Osgood. Walter...
50Continental Congress Nomination as Minister to Russia, 15 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 15, 1780. On this date John Mathews nominated Hamilton Minister to Russia. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937; Reprinted, New York, 1968). , XVIII, 1155–56. Mathews was a delegate to the Continental Congress from South Carolina. Francis Dana of Massachusetts and Arthur Lee of Virginia were the other nominees ( JCC Journals of the...