121From Alexander Hamilton to Commodore John Hazelwood, 5 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
It is his Excellency’s desire, that you have all the public boats below the falls, removed as expeditiously as possible to Coryells ferry, or higher, as you may think necessary for their safety. Their present situation exposes them to being destroyed or taken without much difficulty, and we should feel the loss of them. I am Sir Your most Obd Serv ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of...
122From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 9 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
General Howe has just made a proposition, towards a general exchange of prisoners, or rather has acceded to our former propositions on that subject. His Excellency commands me to inform you of this and to desire your immediate attendance at Camp, which is indispensably necessary. I am with great regard Dr Sir Your most Obdt serv ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress....
123From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 13 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I did myself the honor of writing to you, immediately after my arrival at Head Quarters, in answer to two letters I found here, from you. There is a matter, which often obtrudes itself upon my mind, and which requires the attention of every person of sense and influence, among us. I mean a degeneracy of representation in the great council of America. It is a melancholy truth Sir, and the...
124From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [March–April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Voila votre reponse mon Cher Baron! Par le camp De Bound Brook, Je suppose que vous voulez dire le Camp de Middle Brook, lequel est tres pres de Bound Brook, et nous n’avons point eu de camp la. C’est une position infiniment avantageuse a tous egards, situé sur une montagne fort escarpé, les approaches en front et par les flancs extremement difficile, couvert de bois &c. Le retraite en est...
125From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
It gives me pleasure to inform you that Mr Boudinotte has been able to effect your exchange for a Doctor Mentzes. Allow me to congratulate you on the event. We are again on the business of a general cartel with Mr Howe He seems inclined to meet us on fair ground. Commissioners from us meet an equal number from him the 10th instant. One great and preliminary point to be settled is the...
126From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 12 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Coleman delivered me your two letters of the 5th & 6th, instant. The pleasure, I have, in corresponding with you, will dispose me, whenever I have any thing to communicate, that may be worth your attention, or that appears to me so, to trouble you with my sentiments: But I shall not expect you to make an equal return either in quantity or frequency. You will, in this, intirely consult...
127From Alexander Hamilton to Major Samuel French, [20 March 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received good information, that there is a number of arms and spare Bayonets, at Bordin Town in New Jersey. This he thinks a very improper depositary for them, and desires you will have them removed thence, without delay to one of the Laboratories on this side the Delaware, Allen Town, Lebanon or elsewhere. I am Sir Your most hum serv ADfS , George Washington Papers,...
128From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Israel Shreve, [25 March 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires me to inform you, that he, has given directions for the party stationed at the Salt works, which Col: Forman is raising, to join and act with you, ’till further orders. I am Sir Your hum serv ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Shreve was a colonel of the Second New Jersey Regiment. Colonel David Forman, of one of the Additional Sixteen Continental...
129From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [29 March 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
It is His Excellency’s desire that you immediately send to camp a good active vigilant officer with twenty horse. Let both horses and men be picked, as the service they are intended for will require able horses and trusty men who will not desert. They are wanted to relieve Capt Lee, and perform the duties his parties did. Be pleased to have it done without delay. Dr Col: Yrs. with regard ALS...
130Colonel 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,...
131From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [3 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We have to request, you will order a couple of very good teams to be got ready to proceed to the enemy’s lines for General Lee’s baggage. He is to come out on parole, on Sunday morning. You will judge when they ought to set out from here—suppose tomorrow noon, so as to get in the neighbourhood of Vandeering’s Mill by tomorrow night. When they are ready to set out tomorrow let them make report...
132From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 3 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
By command of His Excellency, I am to desire, you will send a corporal and six dragoons, with a Trumpeter to Head Quarters, without loss of time. They are wanted to escort the Commissioners on our part who are to meet on the subject of a general Cartel. You need not be told they must be picked men and horses—must make the best possible appearance—must be very trusty and very intelligent. They...
133Colonel 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...
134Questions Concerning a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
1st. Qre? … In what light are the prisoners sent out by General Howe to be considered? 2d … How far and for what proportion are we bound to account? 3d … When and upon what terms are the British and foreign prisoners in our hands to be returned? Who are to be considered as citizens on both sides? 4th … Are Americans, who join the enemy, when not in captivity, and taken in Arms to be...
135Notes on a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Memorandums Arts: All officers and soldiers, prisoners of war on either side shall be exchanged on the terms and in the manner following. Those first captured shall be first exchanged. Every officer shall be exchanged for one of equal rank, as far as number will apply, except when there are officers, who have been longer in captivity, that cannot be so exchanged; in which case, these shall...
136Draft of a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
A Treaty and Convention for the Exchange and Accommodation of Prisoners of War, made between the Armies of The United States of America and The Kingdom of Great Britain; and for other purposes therein specified. Whereas on the 30th. day of July, in the year 1776, a proposition was made by His Excellency General Washington to His Excellency General Sir William Howe, and acceded to by him, on...
137Colonel 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...
138Colonel 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...
139Colonel 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...
140From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry E. Lutterloh, 19 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 19, 1778 . States that a horse not fit for service should be returned to a Mr. Sellers, its owner. Signed “A Hamilton ADC.” The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography , XVI (1892), 196.
141From Alexander Hamilton to James Mease, [26 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
By command of His Excellency, I inclose you a letter to him from the officers of the German batalion. There appears, by the representation, to be something particular in the circumstances of that batalion, with respect to cloathing, which deserves attention. You will do whatever can be done with propriety to put them upon an equal footing with other Regiments. I am Sir Your most Obed Serv...
142From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel William De Hart, [7 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
By command of His Excellency, I am to desire, You will immediately march with your Regiment by the safest and most convenient route into the Jerseys, and there join, and put yourself under the command of, Col: Shrieve. You may regulate the march of your baggage, and the transportation of your sick in such manner as shall appear to you most elegible, either by giving them an upper route or...
143From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [7 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I am sadly distressed for want of a good saddle &c; and such is my situation, that I have no opportunity of procuring for myself. The one I got by your order the other day was of a coarser kind that would only do for my servant. As you are in the way of procuring matters of this kind, you will oblige me much, if you will give orders for purchasing a good saddle bridle holsters &c. for me....
144From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Maxwell, [10 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received yours from Horsam meeting House. He is a good deal surprized that you left your Artillery behind as one principal aim of the detachment was to protect the Vessels in the River in which Cannon would be essential. His Question to you on the subject was rather intended to indicate his desire that you should take cannon with your Party. He desires you will immediately...
145Oath of Allegiance, [12 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I Alexander Hamilton Lieutenant Colonel and Aide De Camp to His Excellency The commander in Chief do acknowledge the United States of America , to be Free, Independent and Sovereign States, and declare that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of Great-Britain; and I renounce, refuse and objure any allegiance or obedience to him; and I do swear that I...
146From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Daniel Morgan, [17 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency is sending a considerable detachment towards the enemy’s lines, which will march tomorrow morning. He desires you to select 50 men of your corps, under good officers, and send them to join that detachment. It will be at White marsh tomorrow afternoon where your party will be expected. A party of Indians will join the party to be sent from your corps, at White marsh and act with...
147From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Pettit, [23 May 1778–1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Hamiltons Compliments to Mr Petit will be obliged to him, if he can give him any hope of soon having the saddle, he was so kind to undertake to procure for him. At present he is a sad dismounted knight. AL , Yale University Library. Pettit, a resident of New Jersey, was assistant quartermaster general in the Continental Army from March 2, 1778, to June 20, 1781.
148From Alexander Hamilton to John Dixon and William Hunter, 29 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
The Commander in chief positively requires all officers, absent from camp, belonging to the Troops of the State of Virginia, except those who are detained on Public service, by his Excellency the Govr of that State, or any Genl officer of the same, or those who may have furloughs not yet expired—immediately to join their respective Corps. By his Excellys Command The several Printers of the...
149Declaration on Prisoners, [4 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
In the Name of His Excellency General Washington and by virtue of His authority to me, I declare, that on his being properly notified of time and place, he will appoint a person then and there to receive all Prisoners of War, in possession of the enemy, at present in the city of Philadelphia, and that He will return as speedily as possible an equal number of prisoners of war, in lieu of them,...
150From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry Jackson, [9 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will put a stop, by every mean in your power to the above practice. Any officer who shall be found impressing this man’s horses without proper authority will be most severely dealt with. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Coburn Library, Colorado College, Colorado Springs. No addressee is given in the MS, but this letter was presumably addressed to Colonel Henry...