1Continental Congress Nomination as Minister to France, 9 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 9, 1780. On this date John Sullivan nominated Hamilton “for the office of minister to the Court of Versailles.” JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937; Reprinted, New York, 1968). , XVIII, 1138. For background to this document, see Marquis de Lafayette to H, December 9, 1780, note 7 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander...
2Continental 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...
3Continental Congress Remarks on the Exchange of Charles, Earl Cornwallis, [25 November 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Hamilton who warmly & cogently espoused the ratification, as an additional argument mentioned, that some intimations had been given by Col: Laurens of the army with the privity of Genl. Washington, to Cornwallis previous to his capitulation, that he might be exchanged for his father, then in the Tower. “Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress,” MS, James Madison Papers, Library of...
4Continental Congress Remarks on the Redemption of Continental Currency, [26 November 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That Congress sd. renew their call on the States to execute the Acts of the 18th. of M. 1780 and leave it to the States to level the money by negotiations among themselves. This was Mr. Hamilton’s idea.… One consideration suggested by Mr. Hamilton in its favor was that it would multiply the advocates for federal funds for discharging the public debts, and tend to cement the Union. “Notes of...
5Continental Congress Report on Subsistence for the Army in Lieu of Rations, 3 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Superintendant of Finance and the Secretary at War respecting the subsistence of the army for the ensuing year pray leave to report in favour of the following resolutions Resolved that after the last day of december Inst, in lieu of the rations hitherto allowed to the officers of the army including those for servants they shall be allowed...
6Continental Congress Motion on Appointment of Committee to Confer with Legislature of Pennsylvania, [4 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
On motion of Mr. (Alexander) Hamilton, seconded by Mr. (David) Howell, Resolved , That a committee be appointed to confer with a committee of the legislature of Pensylvania, relative to the subjects of their late memorial to Congress. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937). , XXIII, 761. The members appointed to the committee were H, John Rutledge of South...
[ Philadelphia, December 4, 1782. Letter not found. ] LS , in writing of H, sold at the Anderson Galleries, April 14, 1919. The committee consisted of H, John Rutledge, and James Madison.
8Continental Congress Report on a Letter from Captain John Paul Jones, [4 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 4, 1782. ] Report of a committee, consisting of Samuel Osgood, James Madison, and Hamilton on a request of Captain John Paul Jones for permission to serve on a campaign with the Marquis de Vaudreuil. The committee reported that, “Congress having a high sense of the merit and services of Capt Jones,” the permission be granted. D , in writing of James Madison, with...
9Continental Congress Report on the Memorials of Chevalier de Cambray-Digby and Captain Jacques Schreiber, 4 December … (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the memorials of Lt Col Cambray & Capt Schreiber beg leave to report That although they consider the situation of foreigners in the service of this country, remote from any resources which they may have in their own, and destitute of any competent provision here, as involving a peculiar hardship and requiring if possible some discrimination in their favour,...
10Continental Congress Motion on Vermont, 5 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it appears to Congress by authentic documents that the people inhabiting the district of Country on the West-side of Connecticut River commonly called the New Hampshire Grants, and claiming to be an independent state, in contempt of the authority of Congress and in direct violation of their resolutions of the 24th. of September 1779 and of the 2d. of June 1780, did, in the month of...
11Continental Congress Motion on Payment of Interest on the Domestic Debt and on Sending a Deputation to Rhode Island, 6 … (Hamilton Papers)
That the Superintendant of Finance be & he is hereby directed to represent to the Legislatures of the several States the indispensible Necessity for their complying with the requisitions of Congress for raising 1,200,000 dollars for paying a years Interest of the Domestick Debt of the U.S. & 2 Millions towards defraying the Expences of the Estimate for the ensuing year & the Inconveniences,...
12Continental Congress To William Greene, [11 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Congress are equally affected and alarmed by the information they have received that the Legislature of your state at their last meeting have refused their concurrence in the establishment of a duty on imports. They consider this measure as so indispensable to the prosecution of the war, that a sense of duty and regard to the common safety compel them to renew their efforts to engage a...
13Continental Congress Remarks on the Hiring Out of British Prisoners, [11 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secy. at War was authorized to permit the British prisoners to hire themselves out on condition of a bond from the Hirers for their return. The measure was not opposed, but was acquiesced in by some, only as conformable to antecedent principles established by Congress on this subject. Col. Hamilton in particular gave this explanation. “Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress,” MS,...
14Continental 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...
15Continental Congress Motion on the Promotion of Brigadiers, [16–19 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That the Secretary at War report to Congress on friday next the number of additional promotion of Brigadiers requisite to the service of the ensuing Campaign; and the names and dates of Commissions of such Cols & Lt Cols Command[an]ts as stand next in order of promotion; and that Congress then proceed to the election of the necessary Brigadiers. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress,...
16Continental Congress Report on a Letter from the Speaker of the Rhode Island Assembly, 16 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from The Honorable William Bradford Esquire speaker of the lower house of Assembly of the state of Rhode Island containing under three heads the reasons of that state for refusing their compliance with the recommendation of Congress for a duty on imports and prize goods, after having maturely considered the same beg leave to report. That your...
17Continental Congress Report on the Deputation to Rhode Island, [17 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That the deputation appointed to go to the state of Rhode Island to Urge the Necessity of a Compliance with the recommendation of Congress for laying an impost of 5 ⅌ Ct. delay their journey till the further order of Congress The Committee to whom was referred the foregoing motion beg leave to report it as their opinion that the deputation ought to proceed as soon as possible. D , in the...
18Continental Congress Motion Censuring David Howell, [17 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Howel having avowed himself the author of the letter respecting foreign loans and other matters as published in the Boston Gazette of Nov 10 1782 mentioned in the report of the Committee thereupon, It is the sense of this house that the said letter contains a misrepresentation of facts of a tendency injurious to the public affairs and a disclosure of an important foreign transaction...
19Continental Congress Motion on Instructions to be Given the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, [18 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
On motion of Mr Carroll seconded by Mr Ramsay Resolved That the Secy for foreign affairs be discharged from the instruction given him on the 12 instant Mr. Howel delegate from the State of R Island having acknowleged himself the author of the extract of the letter quoted in the report of the Committee of that day. D , in the writings of Charles Thomson and H, Papers of the Continental...
20Continental Congress Remarks on the Censure of David Howell, [18 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The day was chiefly spent on the case of Mr. Howel; whose behaviour … led to a determined opposition to him, those who were most inclined to spare his reputation. If the affair could have been closed without an insertion of his name on the Journal, He seemed willing to withdraw his protest; but the impropriety which appeared to some, & particularly to Mr. Hamilton, in suppressing the name of...
21Continental Congress Motion that a Committee be Appointed on a Motion by David Howell, [18 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Congress having in respect to the articles of Confederation admitted on their journals an entry of a motion made by Mr Howell Seconded by Mr Arnold highly derogatory to the honor & dignity of the United States in Congress Assembled; Resolved that a Committee be appointed to report such measures as it will be proper for Congress to take thereupon. D , in the writings of Daniel Carroll and H,...
22Continental Congress Motion that Requisitions on the States Be Revised, [20 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That the Committee appointed to consider and report what further or different provision may be made for discharging the interest that is or may be due on loan office certificates & other liquidated debts of the United states be also directed to revise the requisitions for the service of the preceding and present year and to report whether the same ought to be continued or altered. AD , Papers...
23Continental Congress Report on the Claim of Baron von Steuben, 30 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from Major General The Baron De Steuben having conferred with him thereupon, submit to the consideration of Congress the following facts, resulting from the communications made to them supported by the testimonials of the Commander in Chief and many other principal officers of the army: First. That the Baron De Steuben was in Europe possessed of...
24Continental Congress Report on the Suspension of Acts Relating to State Militia, 31 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the 24th. instant from the Secretary at War with the inclosure from the Commander in Chief report that it will be expedient to suspend the operation of the resolution of the so far as relates to the lines of New Hampshire Rhode Island & New Jersey be suspended till the first day of March next and also as to the Pennsylvania Line so far as to...
25Continental Congress Report on Brigadier Generals James Clinton and Edward Hand, 31 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Secretary at War of the 22 instant report that it will be adviseable to promote B General Clinton to the rank of Major General and to continue Brigadier General Hand in the office of Adjutant General. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The committee was composed of Thomas FitzSimons, James Madison, and H. The...
26Continental Congress Resolution on the Services of Comte de Rochambeau, [1 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
That the President make the acknowlegements of Congress in a particular manner to His Excellency The Count De Rochambeau and signify to him the high sense they entertain of the distinguished talents displayed by him with so much advantage to these states in the most important conjunctures as well as of the strict and exemplary discipline which have been uniformly conspicuous in the troops...
27Continental Congress Report on the Promotion of Colonels, 7 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was recommitted the letter of the 22d. of December from the Secretary at War submit the following resolution: Resolved that Cols John Greaton and Rufus Putnam of the Massachusettes line [and] Col Elias Dayton of the Jersey line be promoted to the rank of Brigadier Generals, agreeably to the resolution of Congress of the 12 Decr 1782. AD , Papers of the Continental...
28Continental Congress Remarks on the Valuation of Lands, [8 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
On the report for valuing the land conformably to the rule laid down in the fœderal articles, the delegates from Connecticut contended for postponing the subject during the war, alledging the impediments arising from the possession of N. Y., &c. by the enemy; but apprehending (as was supposed) that the flourishing state of Connecticut compared with the Southern States, would render a valuation...
29Continental Congress Report on the Quartermaster Department, 9 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Qr. Mr. General of the 4th. of December last have conferred with him find that there are several omissions in the plan adopted by Congress the 23d. of October last for regulating the Qr. Mrs. department and are of opinion that some of the salaries of particular officers therein are reduced too low. They therefore recommend that the...
30Continental Congress Report on a Motion of the Rhode Island Delegate on the Communication of Information to His State … (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the motion of Mr. Arnold and those subsequent thereupon report that in their opinion it would be improper for Congress to concur in the object of that motion, as with respect to a part of the extracts specified relating merely to the general growing political importance of these states, the injunction of secrecy being taken off, any member who inclines to...
31Continental Congress Report on Army Memorial, 22 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Grand Committee having considered the contents of the Memorial presented by the army find that they comprehend five different articles. 1st. Present pay 2dly. A settlement of accounts of the arrearages of pay and security for what is due. 3dly. A commutation of the half pay allowed by different resolutions of Congress for an equivalent in gross. 4thly. A settlement of the accounts of...
32Continental Congress Remarks on Raising Funds for the United States, [27 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton went extensively into the subject; the sum of it was as follows: he observed that funds considered as permanent sources of revenue were of two kinds: 1st. Such as wd. extend generally & uniformly throughout the U.S., & wd. be collected under the authority of Congs. 2dly., such as might be established separately within each State, & might consist of any objects which were chosen by...
33Continental Congress Remarks on the Collection of Funds by Officers of the United States, [28 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton, in reply to Mr. Elseworth dwelt long on the inefficacy of State funds. He supposed too that greater obstacles would arise to the execution of the plan than to that of a general revenue. As an additional reason for the latter to be collected by officers under the appointment of Congress, he signified that as the energy of the fœderal Govt. was evidently short of the degree...
34Continental 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...
35Continental Congress First Motion on Evaluation of State Lands for Carrying into Effect Article 8 of the Articles of … (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved , That in order to enable Congress to form an eventual plan towards carrying into execution the 8th. article of confederation the several States be required to pass laws for forming or dividing their respective states into such districts as they judge most convenient for procuring an accurate valuation of the lands and of the buildings and improvements thereon, & to appoint...
36Continental Congress Second Motion on Evaluation of State Lands for Carrying into Effect Article 8 of the Articles of … (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas the carrying into execution the 8th article of the confederation relative to a valuation of land for ascertaining the quotas of each state towards the general expence in a manner consistent with justice to all the members of the Union and with such accuracy as the importance of the subject demands will necessarily be attended with very considerable expence to which the present state of...
37Continental Congress Report on the Memorial of Francis Cazeau, 6 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the Memorial from Mr. De Cazeau report: That it appears by Mr. Cazeaus representation that he was possessed of large property in Canada; that he took an early and decided part in favour of the American revolution; rendered services to our army in that Country by supplies of provisions & otherwise which were productive of immediate loss to him and attempted to...
38Continental Congress Motion on the Establishment of Permanent Funds, [12 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
That it is the Opinion of Congress that complete justice cannot be done to the Creditors of the United States nor the restoration of public Credit be effected; nor the future exigencies of the war provided for, but by the establishment of [permanent & adequate funds to operate generally throughout the united States, to be collected by Congress]. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress,...
39Continental Congress Motion on Abatements for States in Possession of the Enemy, 17 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is in the opinion of Congress essential to those principles of justice & liberality which ought to govern the intercourse between these states that equitable abatements shall be made in favour of such states, parts of which have been for different periods in the course of the war in possession of the enemy, in the application of the rule prescribed by the confederation and on which...
40Continental Congress Motion that Debates on the Establishment of Funds Be Public, 18 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is the desire of Congress that the motives of their deliberations and measures (as far as they can be disclosed consistently with the public safety) should be fully known to their constituents: Therefore Resolved that when the establishment of funds for paying the principal & interest of the public debts shall be under the consideration of this house the doors thereof shall be open....
41Continental Congress Motion and Remarks Against Limiting the Duration of the Proposed Impost, [19 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
A motion was made by Mr. Hamilton seconded by Mr. Bland to postpone the clause of the report made by the Come. of the whole, for altering the Impost, viz. the clause limiting its duration to 25 years, in order to substitute a proposition declaring it to be inexpedient to limit the period of its duration; first because it ought to be commensurate to the duration of the debt, 2dly. because it...
42Continental Congress Remarks on Appropriating the Impost Exclusively to the Army, [19 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton opposed the motion strenuously, declared that as a friend to the army as well as to the other Creditors & to the public at large he could never assent to such a partial dispensation of Justice; that the different States being differently attached to different branches of the public debt would never concur in establishg. a fund wch. was not extended to every branch; that it was...
43Continental Congress Report on a Letter from the Commander in Chief, 20 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the letter from The Commander in Chief with its inclosures submit the following resolution Resolved that The Commander in Chief be informed that Congress always happy to receive his sentiments either on the political or military affairs of these states the utility of which they have upon so many occasions experienced have paid all the attention to his letter...
44Continental Congress Remarks on the Revenue and the Situation of the Army, [20 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The conversation turned on the subject of revenue under the consideration of Congress, and on the situation of the army. The conversation on the first subject ended in a general concurrence (Mr. Hamilton excepted) in the impossibility of adding to the impost on trade any taxes that wd. operate equally throughout the States, or be adopted by them. On the second subject Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Peters...
45Continental Congress Remarks on the Utility of Permanent Funds, [21 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton enlarged on the general utility of permanent funds to the fœderal interests of this Country, & pointed out the difference between the nature of the Constitution of the British Executive, & that of the U.S. in answer to Mr. Lee’s reasoning from the case of Ship money. “Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress,” MS, James Madison Papers, Library of Congress. Congress on February...
46Continental Congress Motion on Abatements for States in Possession of the Enemy, 4 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas in the opinion of Congress it is essential to those principles of justice and liberality which ought to govern the intercourse between these states that in the final adjustment of accounts for the supplies or contributions of the states respectively towards the common expences in the course of the war equitable allowances should be made in favour of those states parts of which have...
47Continental Congress Remarks on Robert Morris, [5 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
This motion produced … lengthy & warm debates. Mr. Lee & Mr. Bland on one side disparaging the Administration of Mr. Morris, and throwing oblique censure on his character.… On the other side Mr. Wilson & Mr. Hamilton went into a copious defence & Panegyric of Mr. Morris, the ruin in which his resignation if it sd. take effect wd. involve public credit and all the operations dependent on it;...
48Continental Congress Report on the Memorials of Pelatiah Webster and William Judd, 6 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was committed the report of the Grand Committee on the memorial of Pelatiah Webster & William Judd in behalf of the deranged officers of the lines of Massachusettes & Connecticut submit the following resolution: That the accounts of the officers who have retired on half pay at different periods of the war [or their representatives] be settled on the same principles with...
49Continental Congress Motion that the Duties Imposed by the United States be Coexistent with the Public Debt, [11 March … (Hamilton Papers)
A motion was made by Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Wilson to strike out the limitation of 25 years and to make the revenue co-existent with the debts. “Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress,” MS, James Madison Papers, Library of Congress. On March 6, 1783, Congress took up a committee report on the means of restoring the public credit and securing from the several states adequate funds for...
50Continental Congress Motion on the Appointment of Collectors, [11 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
A motion was made by Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Wilson to strike out the clauses relative to the appointment of Collectors, and to provide that the Collectors shd. be inhabitants of the States within which they sd. collect should be nominated by Congs. and appointed by the States, and in case such nomination should not be accepted or rejected within days it should stand good. “Notes of Debates in the...