31James Duane and Ezra L’Hommedieu to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 1 September 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
We enclose you an Extract of Dispatches from his Excellency our Governor received this Day, respecting the Instructions of the Legislature at their last Sessions for the Security of the Western Posts. You will be pleased to observe that an official Report on a subject so interesting to the State is deemed to be necessary; as well as a particular Detail of the Motives which influenced Congress,...
32Christopher Tappen to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 19 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Kingston [ New York ] March 19, 1783 . States that the Corporation of Kingston desires to become the seat of the Continental Congress and discusses the advantages it affords as well as the privileges the town is willing to extend. Encloses a letter from Governor George Clinton to Congress transmitting a joint resolution of the New York legislature and an act of the Corporation of Kingston...
33Colonel John Lamb to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 2 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] December 2, 1782. Asks to be promoted to rank of brigadier general. Requests “the friendly interposition” of Hamilton and Floyd to prevent the promotion of Colonel John Crane. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Before the Revolution Lamb had been a prosperous wine merchant in New York City. In July, 1775, he was commissioned captain of an artillery company and...
34Robert Morris to Alexander Hamilton, Richard Peters, and Nathaniel Gorham, 15 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of the Conversation which passed between us this Morning I shall give you the best information in my Power as to the State of my Department and the Resources I can command. You have in the enclosed Paper Number one an Account of Receipts and Expenditures from the Commencement of the Year to the End of the last Month by which it appears that there is an Advance on Credit to the...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Captain John Copp, 1 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] September 1, 1778 . Requests Hamilton’s intercession to prevent Copp’s discharge from service. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. Copp was a captain of the First New York Regiment.
36To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 24 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote You on the 22nd & 23rd. I now set myself down to trouble You once More. As neither Cols. Meades or Harrison’s Depositions may ever reach me & if they do, As they will contain no Information respecting the Papers taken in Andre’s Hand I am to beg you, to be so Obliging, as to send me Your Deposition, by the first Conveyance; Of what my Conduct was, or appeared to be to You, from the...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 26 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By unavoidable Incidents this Letter is delayed beyond the usual Time for which I assure you I am extremely sorry. Your Favor gave great Pleasure as well to the Committee as to several Members of the House who are much pleased with your judicious Caution to distinguish between what you sport as your private Opinion and the weighty Sentiments of the General. No Circumstance could have more...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, [27 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 27, 1779. On July 29, 1779, Henry Laurens wrote to Hamilton : “In addition to the lines with which I troubled you with the day before yesterday.…” Letter not found. ]
39To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [20 January 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, January 20, 1777. A statement in George Washington’s letter to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison of this date reads: “Be so good as to forward the Inclosed to Captn. Hamilton.” Letter not found. ] Before the Revolution, Harrison, who was a native of Maryland, was a lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia, where he met Washington and became his occasional legal adviser....
40To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [27 December 1780] (Hamilton 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...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 20 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] April 20, 1781 . Doubts that, as quarter-master general, he possesses authority to appoint Colonel Jabez Champlin barrack master for French army in America. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives; copy, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
42To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 2–3 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] November 2–3, 1777 . Describes the erection of a battery on the British ship Augusta. Complains of his lack of authority at the fort. Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This MS is entitled “Major Fleury’s Journal and Letter to Colonel Hamilton.” Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of...
43To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, [22 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Robinson’s House , Highlands, New York, October 22, 1780. On October 24, 1780, Varick wrote to Hamilton : “I wrote You on the 22nd.” Letter not found. ] Varick, a native of Hackensack, New Jersey, was admitted to the bar in New York City in 1774. On June 28, 1775, he enlisted as a captain in the New York Regiment and in June, 1776, became a military secretary to General Philip Schuyler, H’s...
44To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 21 October [1780] (Hamilton Papers)
These are, my dear Hamilton, two letters By which I communicate to the french general the happy intelligence Concerning the taking of the Convoy, and inclose to them the paper that Relates the affair as well as the success of the expedition on the Spanish Main. I give you joy, my dear friend, on this success of the Combin’d fleet, and Might also Rejoice with you on some thing else By way of...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, July 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ South Carolina, July, 1782. The printed extract of a letter Laurens wrote to Hamilton reads as follows: “The enemy’s system was perfectly defensive, and rendered the campaign insipid. Many of our sanguine citizens have flattered themselves with the idea of a prompt evacuation of Charleston. I wish the garrison would either withdraw or fight us. Adieu, my dear friend; while circumstances...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 15 April 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
As several of the Legislatures have passed the Laws for levying Money in their respective states in Order to pay their Quota’s of the eight Million of Dollars required by Congress for the service of the United States this present year, without noticing that part of the Act of Congress of the second of November last which recommends “the passing of Acts directing the Collectors to pay the same...
47To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 18 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favors of the 25, 26, & 30 July & 12 Inst have thus long remained unanswered. This Circumstance would naturally lead you to think me inattentive; others will induce you to ascribe it to a different Cause. Exclusive of Business which I never admit or urge as an Excuse for such omissions, want of Health has rendered me less punctual in my private Correspondence than I would wish. The...
48To Alexander Hamilton from Cornet Larkin Dorsey, [4 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ September 4, 1778 ]. Resigns his commission. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. Dorsey was a cornet, Fourth Continental Dragoons.
49To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 29 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We received your favor of the [22] Instant and am obliged to you not only for your Acceptance of a very troublesome Challenge, but for the Alacrity with which you meet us in the field. We wish it would Afford you as many Laurels, as you are like to reap elsewhere! You have heard of the Enemy’s little Excursion to Peeks ⟨Kill⟩; we wish it may not encourage them, to make a more serious Attempt,...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 12 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Both your favors of the 17th & 22nd. ult I had the pleasure to receive about the latter end of the month, since which this place has been a Scene of Confusion and distress. The Inhabitants flying for Shelter to the Interior part of the state, and the Militia moving up with a tardiness which has given me more real Concern than the Enemys depradations have done as It evinces either disaffection...
51To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 12 April 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
However Silent You May please to Be, I will Nevertheless Remind You of a friend who loves You tenderly and who By His Attachment Desires a Great share in Your Affection. This letter, My dear Sir, Will Be delivered or sent By Count de Segur, an intimate friend of Mine, A Man of Wit and of Abilities, and whose Society You will Certainly Be pleased With. I Warmly Recommend Him to You, and Hope He...
52To Alexander Hamilton from David Henley, 1 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed is Mr. Dana’s letter in answer to your last. The long detention of this, is occasioned for this gentleman to procure and support any evidence in favour of himself, to confute some part of Colonel Brooks’ charge. I do think, upon examination, you will find Doctor ****** the cause of this mischievous and false report. The other day he was proved a liar in the public street; and had...
53To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Kidder Meade, 1 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ August 1, 1782. On August 27, 1782, Hamilton wrote to Meade : “I thank you my dear Meade for your letter of the first of this month.” Letter not found. ]
54To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 4 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult: were delivered me on the first Instant by a man from Charlotte County who found them at Mr Loudons at Fish kill, that of the 23d April I had the pleasure to receive yesterday. Persuaded as I have long been of the necessity of terminating the war both from the want of exertion in ourselves and the possibility of a change in European...
55From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 9 August 1781 (Washington 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 precautions 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 Most...
56From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 March 1781 (Washington 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 Yr DLC : Alexander Hamilton Papers.
57To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 8 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I had the pleasure to receive a line from Mrs Schuyler in answer to mine on the subject of the one you delivered me at Morris town; she consents to Comply with your and her daughters wishes. You will see the Impropriety of taking the dernier pas where you are. Mrs. Schuyler did not see her Eldest daughter married. That also gave me pain, and we wish not to Experience It a Second...
58To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] February 23, 1779 . States that the work on “batteaux” will be continued in case it is decided to revive expedition against Canada. LS , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
59To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 5 October 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have now before me your Letters of the fourteenth and twenty first of last Month. I am sorry to find that you are less sanguine in your pecuniary Expectations than the Governor appears to be, for I have always found that the worst forebodings on this Subject are the truest. You will find at the Bottom of this Letter a List of all those which I have hitherto received from you. I think they...
60To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 20 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The moment teams could be provided the boats at Dobbs ferry were sent for. I expect them up to-morrow, five at least, and six if so many were there. I will immediately dispatch an express to Major Cogswell to send teams for the five additional boats ordered from Kings-ferry. I am your most obdt. servt. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T....
61To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 15 April 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 15, 1782. On November 10, 1782, Hamilton sent to Thomas Tillotson, his successor as receiver of continental taxes for the State of New York, a list of papers “relative to the office of Receiver of Taxes.” Item number three on that list was described as “farther instructions from the Superintendant to Alexander Hamilton dated as above.” The preceding letter was dated April...
62From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 12 March 1783 (Washington 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 of...
63To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 17 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I am now on a Visit to the General from ⟨Kingston,⟩ where the Legislature is convened. The British King’s ⟨speech to⟩ his Parliament and his Secretary’s Letters to the Lord ⟨Mayor⟩ of London, which we had the pleasure of meeting here afford us the fairest prospect of a speedy Peace. I have but one anxiety remaining and that respects a better Establishment of our General Government on a Basis...
64To 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...
65To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, [27 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Between me and thee there is a Gulph, or I should not have been thus long without seeing you. My faith is strong, but not strong enough to attempt walking upon the Waters. You must not suppose from my dealing so much in scripture phrases, that I am either drunk with Religion or with Wine, tho’ Had I been inclined to the latter, I might have found a jolly Companion in My Lord who came here...
66To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 11 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Kingston, New York, May 11, 1777. On May 12, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Morris: “I have received the pleasure of your favour of yesterday’s date.” Letter not found. ]
67To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 2 May 1783 (Hamilton 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 any thing satisfactory, I shall think my time and labour well spent. I have the honour to be Sir Your Most Obt: servt G Washington Varick Transcripts,...
68Continental 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...
69To 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.
70To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 16 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The mail which was taken a few days ago at Hampton has probably deprived me of the pleasure of a line from you. We are advised by a letter from Mr Carter that General Washington embarked with all except the rear division of the french at the head of Elk on the 8th Instant, hence I hope you are now operating against Cornwallis. It is difficult to judge with precision of your prospects at this...
71To Alexander Hamilton from David Henley, 22 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I delivered your letter to Doctor ******, and hope you will receive such satisfaction as is due to you, either in wounding him in his honour, or by treating the man with contempt that has endeavoured to injure your reputation. You have, enclosed, a little anecdote of the Doctor’s conduct, in an affair that happened not long since, handed me by a gentleman. The bearer of this is Mr....
72To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 28 August [1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I wish, my dear Hamilton, you will please to invite your father in law to come and dine tomorrow with me. Mr Duane has engag’d he would do me that honor. I Beg you will also come. Be so kind as to write to me if any intelligence is come to hand, and when the General has determin’d to leave this place. Don’t forget what I told yesterday to you. I request, my dear Sir, you will Beg the General...
73To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, 15 October 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, October 15, 1782. On October 15, 1782 , Hamilton wrote to Duer: “In answer to your letter of this date.” Letter not found. ]
74To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, 29 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
In addition to the lines which I troubled you with the day before yesterday by Colonel, or should I say, Doctor McHenry, he is an honest Man, with either, or without any Title, permit one to inform you—I presented to Congress this Morning, Colo. Fleury’s earnest request for the Flag which he had the glory of lowering at Stony point, that there was not a single voice heard in second to my...
75To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 18 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
In my conversation with the General about the ox-teams to be provided for the next campaign, I forgot one capital question. At what time shall the teams be ready to join the army? Or rather (as they will be collected at different distances) on what day shall they be engaged to be at any certain Rendezvous? They will have only pasturage for their support, which will not be sufficient till...
76To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 23 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The Marquiss de la fayette handed me your favour of the 14: Instant which woud have been sooner answerd had not my Time been fully employd. you will learn the difficulties of constituting a Commitee plenipo . from another Channel; tho’ a little Reflection upon human nature and a republican Government, might have brought them fully to your View without Assistance. What is not committed Congress...
77To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 27 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of this date has not a little embarrassed me. You must remember the ferment in the Pensylvania 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 Acct. of the commands conferred upon Colo. Gemat and Major Galvan although it was the result of absolute necessity. Should...
78To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, [July–November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ July–November, 1778 .] Asks Hamilton to assist the Chevalier de Villefranche. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French. In JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851). , I, 198 this letter is dated 1780. This very vague undated letter discusses a dispute in which the Chevalier de Villefranche was involved. Du Portail thought that...
79To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 11 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
If you are not in the humor to read a long letter do, prithee, give this to the child to play with and go on with your amusement of rocking the cradle. To be serious, my dear Hamilton, I have been thinking of late upon my own situation, and this had led me as often to think of yours. Some men, I observe, are so born and tempered that it is not till after long bustling and battling it in the...
80To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 15 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have your letters of the 9th & 13th Octobr. The Pilots have orders one half to proceed to Lewis Town, there to wait on you. The route I can not yet determine, as I am not sufficiently acquainted. They will be sent the shortest & every assistance given them to expedite their arrival. Should you leave the Capes before they get there, it would be necessary to dispatch a courier to cross at...