351Commission 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,...
352From 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...
353Charles 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...
354From 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...
355George 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...
356Colonels 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...
357Colonel 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,...
358From 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...
359From 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...
360George 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.
361Colonel 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...
362Commission 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...
363George 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.
364Permit 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....
365George 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...
366George 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.
367Colonel 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...
368Questions 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...
369Notes 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...
370Draft 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...
371Colonels Charles O’Hara and Humphrey Stephens, and Captain Richard FitzPatrick to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant … (Hamilton Papers)
The Commissioners appointed by His Excellency Sir William Howe to take into Consideration all past Transactions relative to the Exchange of Prisoners, to adjust the differences that have so long subsisted in regard to them, to remove all Difficulties that may arise in carrying into Execution a General Exchange of Prisoners with both Parties at this Time, & finally to establish a regular &...
372Colonel 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...
373To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Kip, 15 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Sir, Last Decm’r a Twelvemonth a Small Box was Taken at or Near Princetown And Deposited in an Amunition Cart & Supposed to be Taken From thence by Capt. Crane. I can Assure you that I have Seen a Box in Crane’s Possession That answers the Description & Since the Discovery he is prepareing to Leave the Continent. He Now Resides in Clarks Town, Orange County. A Line to Collo. Gilbert Coper at...
374Colonel 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...
375From 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.
376George Washington to the General Officers, 20 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 20, 1778 . Lists three plans for next campaign, with possible modes of execution for each plan. Asks officers for opinions. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
377George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, 24 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, April 24, 1778 . Invites Armstrong to council of war. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
378George Washington to George Clinton, 24 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, April 24, 1778 . States that a box of “hard” money taken from British at Princeton in winter of 1777 is suspected to be in the hands of a Captain—Lieutenant Joseph Crane of Orange County. Asks Clinton to investigate matter. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. An enclosure in this letter was Richard Kip, Jr., to H, April 15, 1778 .
379George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 24 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, April 24, 1778. Invites Mifflin to council of war. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
380From 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...
381George Washington to Major General William Tryon, 26 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, April 26, 1778 . States that the British conciliatory handbills have had free circulation among the troops. Asks Tryon to circulate among Tory troops copies of a resolution of Congress concerning the pardoning of those who have levied war against the states. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Tryon was the Loyalist governor of New York.
382George Washington to Thomas Wharton, 26 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 26, 1778 . Asks for information concerning the militia available for next campaign. Df , in writings of John Laurens and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
383George Washington to Samuel Chase, 27 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 27, 1778 . Discusses British practice of seizing and imprisoning civilians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Chase was a member of the Continental Congress from Maryland.
384George Washington to Thevenau Francy, 30 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 30, 1778 . Encloses letter to be transmitted to Mr. Penet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Jean Baptiste Lazarus Thevenau Francy was an agent of Beaumarchais in America. Pierre Penet, who was in Nantes, France.
385George Washington to Pierre Penet, 30 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, April 30, 1778 . Thanks Penet for gifts. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
386George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 3, 1778 . Discusses reasons for lack of Indian aid. Thinks the United States should continue to try to counteract British overtures to Indians. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives; Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
387George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 5, 1778 . Reviews situation in Europe and discusses possible enemy movements. Df , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
388From 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...
389From 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....
390To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 8 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
An opinion of your Benevolence leads me to address this Letter to you. Accident has introduced me to Monsr Lewis de Celoron, we happen to lodge in the same House. His modesty & decent manners made an impression upon me, and induced me to make some inquiries into his History and Character. The Gentlemen of this Place say handsome things of him. He is the son of a Major General who fell last war...
391To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Stevens, 8 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Comment vous portez vous? & comment vous êtes vous porté depuis que je n’ai eu le plasir de vous voir? Si vous êtes en bonne santé tout est bien avec vous; j’en suis sûre. Qui pourrait avoir imaginé mon Ami qu’un homme de votre grandeur , de votre délicatesse de constitution, & de votre tranquillité aurait brillé tant, & en si peu de tems, dans le Champ de Mars, que vous l’avez fait. Je vous...
392George Washington to the Council of War, 8 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 8, 1778 . Describes distribution of enemy forces. Discusses possibilities of acquiring reinforcements, ordnance, and provisions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
393From 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...
394George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Junior, 11 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 11, 1778 . Is disappointed that so few militiamen are available. Asks that a plan be devised to keep the militia in constant readiness for the field, and that 400 militiamen be kept between the Delaware and the Schuylkill. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
395Oath 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...
396George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Morgan Connor, 12 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 12, 1778 . Discusses courts-martial. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Connor was a lieutenant colonel of one of the Sixteen Additional Continental Regiments.
397George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 15, 1778 . Discusses Indian relations. Asks Schuyler to stop Lieutenant Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion and his party of Indians before they start for Camp. Presents arguments that might be used to explain why Indians are no longer needed. Will send notice of Schuyler’s trial as soon as it is received. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress....
398George Washington to James Mease, 16 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 16, 1778 . Orders Mease to Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
399From 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...
400George Washington to Ezekiel Cheever, 17 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 17, 1778 . Instructs Cheever to rush forward arms that are en route from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Cheever was commissary of military stores at Springfield, Massachusetts.