7001George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 21, 1778 . Discusses disposal of the artillery at Albany and Farmington. Instructs Knox to send the artillery to Camp as soon as weather permits. Hopes that Knox will soon return to Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7002George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 21 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 21, 1778 . Discusses method for obtaining shoes for Smallwood’s men. States difference between intended and attempted desertion and proper punishment for each. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7003George Washington to William Livingston, 22 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 22, 1778 . Commends New Jersey’s efforts. States that a change of method is needed in handling supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7004George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 23, 1778 . Approves mode suggested to gain redress for Daniel Hiester. Will comply with congressional regulations for ordinance department. Asks about possibility of securing stores and ordinance needed for the next campaign. Asks for apprehension of John Robinson. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Daniel Hiester, Jr., of Pennsylvania...
7005George Washington to Captain-Lieutenant Jonas Symonds, 24 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 24, 1778 . Instructs Symonds to obtain artillery from Captain Charles Alexander and to bombard British shipping near Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Jonas Symonds was a captain-lieutenant in the Fourth Continental Artillery Regiment.
7006George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 26, 1778 . Instructs Sullivan on methods, sources, and routes to be used in procuring clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7007George Washington to Captain Stephen Chambers, 27 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 27, 1778 . Instructs Chambers to cut communications between Philadelphia and the surrounding country and to protect supplies coming into Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Chambers was a captain in the Twelfth Pennsylvania Regiment.
7008George Washington to James Mease, 27 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 27, 1778 . Instructs Mease to supply Major General Israel Putnam with clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Mease was clothier general of the Continental Army.
7009George Washington to Officers Sent to the Hospitals, 28 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 28, 1778 . Requests complete and accurate return of the hospitals, patients, equipment, and employees. Orders all who have recovered and are fit for duty to return to Camp. This letter, which is written in the third person in an unidentified writing, is in the George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. It is endorsed, in the writing of H, “All right and approved—no...
7010George Washington to Captain-Lieutenant Jonas Symonds, 28 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 28, 1778 . Instructs Symonds to act under Brigadier General Anthony Wayne’s orders. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
7011George Washington to the Committee of Congress, 1 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] March 1, 1778 . States that inadequacies of armorer’s department will soon result in a shortage of arms for the Army. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The Committee of Conference consisted of Francis Dana, Joseph Reed, Nathaniel Folsom, John Harvie, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and Gouverneur Morris. This letter should have been...
7012General Officers Wanted and Proportioned to the Several States, February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February, 1778 . Heading reads: “In the present arrangement of the Army, there will be wanted 11 Major Generals & 25 Brigadiers. 3 Maj: Generals to act as Lt Generals, eight to command divisions—22 Brigades—for the Regiments of the line and 3 for light troops.” There then follows lists of major generals and other officers who “May be counted on.” AD , George Washington Papers,...
7013From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry E. Lutterloh, [February 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
You are hereby Authorised by order of His Excellency General Washington to impress any number of Waggons you stand in need of in the neighbourhood of the Camp—you don’t say what number you expect in tomorrow. General Green & Coll. Bidle write, that they meet with the greatest difficulty in foraging for want of Waggons. The General begs you to give them all the assistance you can. For Gods...
7014George Washington to the Pennsylvania Navy Board, 2 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 2, 1778 . Advises that the stores be removed from the galleys and the ships sunk. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
7015To 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....
7016From 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...
7017George Washington to Major Warham Parks, 5 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] March 5, 1778 . Urges Parks to remain in service in spite of temporary disability. Df , in writings of John Laurens and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Parks was a major of the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment.
7018To 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 .]
7019George Washington to Sir William Howe, 9 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] March 9, 1778 . Asks that meeting of commissioners for the exchange of prisoners be delayed until March 31, 1778. Is disturbed that, although Major General Richard Prescott was sent to New York City in exchange for Major General Charles Lee, Lee has not yet been sent out of New York City. Asks that Howe immediately order Lee’s release. Df , in writing of H, George Washington...
7020From 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...
7021George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 14, 1778 . Instructs Heath to demand liberation of Daniel Hiester and the return of Hiester’s papers and effects. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
7022George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 16, 1778 . States that command of Forts Montgomery and Clinton should be placed under general command of the Highlands. Has appointed Major General Alexander McDougall to that general command. Sees no prospect of carrying out intended expedition against Canada. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Laurens had succeeded John Hancock as...
7023George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 16, 1778 . Instructs McDougall to set up court of inquiry to investigate Major General Israel Putnam’s alleged responsibility for fall of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. Appoints McDougall to command of the Highlands. Df , in writing of Tench Tilghman, with postscript in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7024From 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,...
7025George Washington to Sir William Howe, 22 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] March 22, 1778 . Demands exchange of Lieutenant Colonel Ethan Allen for Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell and release of Captains Isaiah Robinson and Nathaniel Galt. Informs Howe that Elias Boudinot, Colonel William Grayson, and Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and Robert Hanson Harrison have been appointed as commissioners for negotiating an exchange of prisoners. Df...
7026From 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...
7027George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 25 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 25, 1778 . Orders Forman to leave salt works and join Colonel Israel Shreve’s regiment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7028George Washington to William Livingston, 25 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 25, 1778 . Asks Livingston to have Mr. Jacob Bankson watched as a suspected spy. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7029George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 25 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 25, 1778 . Orders transfer of horses to Iveham and Springfield if this will improve their quarters and forage. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Moylan was a colonel of the Fourth Continental Dragoons.
7030To Alexander Hamilton from Cornelius Durant, 27 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, March 27, 1778 . Encloses letter from Hugh Knox and requests Hamilton to write to Knox. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hugh Knox to H, December 10, 1777 .
7031To Alexander Hamilton from Major Nicholas Fish, 27 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 27, 1778 . Requests discharge for Ensign Robert Wood, Second New York Regiment. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
7032Commission to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency, George Washington Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of all the Forces of the United States of America. To Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton and Elias Boudinot Esquire Commissary General of Prisoners Whereas a proposition was made, by me, on the 30th day of July 1776, to His Excellency General Sir William Howe,...
7033From 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...
7034Charles Thomson to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas Congress concur in opinion with General Washington that there are some Ambiguities characterizing the Measures taken by Genl. Howe respecting General Lee, which justify alarming surmises, notwithstanding all that has passed to the contrary. Resolved That General Washington be informed that it is the intention of Congress that it should be a preliminary in the proposed Cartel for a...
7035From 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...
7036George Washington to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and … (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed Resolutions of Congress came to my hand this instant, and as they are essentially necessary for your Government I have sent them immediately by Express. The first four Resolves are absolute and therefore you are obliged to insist upon the terms therein directed. But do not let the last embarrass you or impede your Business. I have so perfect a reliance upon your judgment and upon...
7037Colonels Charles O’Hara and Humphrey Stephens, and Captain Richard FitzPatrick to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant … (Hamilton Papers)
We have reported to Sir Wm. Howe your observations on his Commission to us for settling a Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners; therefore if it will not be inconvenient, We will beg the favor of you to stay in German Town ’till ten o’clock, at which time We will do ourselves the honor of waiting on you to lay before you Sir Wm: Howe’s Sentiments on that matter. We are Gentlemen With due...
7038Colonel 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,...
7039From 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...
7040From 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...
7041George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge , April 3, 1778 . Recommends that Captain Henry Lee be promoted. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7042Colonel 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...
7043Commission to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency George Washington Esquire General and Commander in chief of all the Forces of the United States of America To Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot Esquire Commissary General of prisoners. Whereas a proposition was made by me on the 30th: day of July 1776, to His Excellency General Sir William Howe, and...
7044George Washington to Sir William Howe, 4 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 4, 1778 . Discusses change of meeting place for commissioners from Germantown to Newtown. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7045Permit for Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton to Pass British Lines, 5 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Until further Orders, advanced Posts and Patrols are not to prevent all persons, having Passports Signed by two of the following Officers, to pass unmolested, Viz.: Cols. O’Hara and Stephens, and Capt. Fitzpatrick, of the British; Col. Gregson, Lieut.-Col. Hamilton, and Mr. Boudinot (Commissary of Prisoners), belonging to the Enemy. Colls. of the N.Y. Hist. Soc. for 1883 (New York, 1884), 564....
7046George Washington to Mrs. Mary Pemberton, 5 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 5, 1778 . Cannot comply with Mrs. Pemberton’s request, but is forwarding it to Thomas Wharton, Jr., who will no doubt approve the application. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Mrs. Pemberton had applied for a passport for wagons carrying supplies to her husband who was a prisoner. Wharton was president of the Supreme Executive Council...
7047George Washington to Thomas Wharton, 5 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 5, 1778 . Encloses letter from Mary Pemberton. Has refused her request but will convey the wagons requested, if Wharton agrees. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
7048Colonel 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...
7049Questions 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...
7050Notes 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...