151From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, [28 April 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
It appears by your letter to his Excellency that the detachment of Marylanders under Col Spotswood, have marched to your post, with the other troops. His intention and directions were, that they should remain at Princeton, as he wishes to keep the Corps united, but since the matter has fallen out differently, he desires that detachment may immediately return to Princeton. ALS , sold at...
152George Washington to Brigadier General Gurdon Saltonstall, 28 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 28, 1777. Refuses to comply with Saltonstall’s request for back pay. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. H signed this letter with his initials which he later crossed out. Saltonstall, a brigadier general in the Connecticut Militia, became ill soon after arriving in camp. He returned home and never rejoined the brigade.
153From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 29 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed was intended to be sent with the prisoners mentioned in the list; but before this could be done, Mr. Sims, one of the chief Justices of the State came to this town, and informed me, that the Governor and Council were upon the point of adjourning, and that the sending the prisoners to them would only be an embarrassment without answering, at present, any valuable purpose. He...
154From Alexander Hamilton to Catharine Livingston, May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
When I was almost out of patience and out of humour at your presumptuous delay, in not showing yourself duly sensible of the honor done you, by me, your epistle opportunely came to hand, and has put all matters tolerably to rights. As I thought it well enough written, and no discredit to you, I ventured to show it to a Gentleman of our family. He was silly enough to imagine, that I did this...
155From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Adam Stephen, May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey May, 1777. “Mr. Carter who I am told is a friend of the cause has been here to complain that some persons under the Commersary’s orders, insist on taking from him two labouring oxen, which he cannot possibly spare from the business of his farm. As Agriculture is as necessary to go on as anything else, as The General wishes not unreasonably to distress the inhabitants...
156George Washington to the Massachusetts Legislature, 3 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 3, 1777. Transmits congressional resolve concerning defense of Ticonderoga. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
157George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 3 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 3, 1777. Approves detention of Seward’s company. States that the sailing of British ships from Amboy, New Jersey, necessitates further attention to British movements on North River. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. Captain Thomas Seward, Third Continental Artillery.
158George Washington to Meshech Weare, 3 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 3, 1777. Transmits congressional resolve concerning defense of Ticonderoga. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress. Weare was president of New Hampshire.
159From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 6 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this is Mr. Malmedi a french Gentleman of learning, abilities and experience. I believe he thinks himself intitled to preferment and comes to Congress for that purpose. At the recommendation of General Lee he was made Brigadier General by the State of Rhode Island, and filled the station to the satisfaction of his employers, as appears by a letter from Governor Cook, speaking of...
160From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 7 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for the favor of the pamphlet, containing your form of government, which, without flattery, I consider as far more judicious and digested than any thing of the kind, that has yet appeared among us; though I am not so unreserved in my approbation as to think it free from defects. While I view it, in the main, as a wise and excellent system, I freely confess it appears to me to have...
161George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 7, 1777. Encloses letter to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, who is needed at Headquarters. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City. Gates was in command of the Northern Department.
162George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 11, 1777. States that Major General Nathanael Greene and Brigadier General Henry Knox will inspect posts under McDougall’s command. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
163To 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. ]
164From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 12 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the pleasure of your favour of yesterday’s date. The reasons you assign for the interval of silence on your part are admitted as sufficient; though I regret that the principal one exists—the combination of the tories for a general insurrection. But perhaps on the scale of policy I ought rather to congratulate you on the event: That there are too many tories in your state as...
165George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 14 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 14, 1777. Orders Varnum to forward recruits despite the opposition of the Rhode Islanders. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
166To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 16 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the Pleasure of your two Favors within two Days of each other and am very happy to find that our Form of Government meets with your Approbation. That there are Faults in it is not to be wondered at for it is the Work of Men and of Men perhaps not the best qualified for such Undertakings. I think it deficient for the Want of Vigor in the executive unstable from the very Nature of popular...
167From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 19 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I this moment received the favour of your letter of the 16th instant. I partly agree and partly disagree with you respecting the deficiencies of your constitution. That there is a want of vigor in the executive, I believe will be found true. To determine the qualifications proper for the chief executive Magistrate requires the deliberate wisdom of a select assembly, and cannot be safely lodged...
168George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 23 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 23, 1777. Commends McDougall on his attachment to the cause. Suggests that the needed food can be obtained at Albany. Agrees that uniformity of regulations is necessary and disapproves of officers breaking parole. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
169General Washington to James Warren, 23 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 23, 1777. Commends Massachusetts’ exertions, but states that still more effort is necessary. Lists reasons why the invasion of Massachusetts is unlikely. Discusses the necessity and advantages of a single, unified army as opposed to individual state forces. Entreats Massachusetts, therefore, not to raise local regiments. States that supernumerary regiments can...
170To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 24 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Kingston [ New York ] May 24, 1777. Has no news of the destruction of stores at St. Johns. Speculates on future course of the war and discusses need for maintaining health of troops. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter was written by Morris in his capacity as a member of the New York Committee of Correspondence.
171George Washington to Charles Thomson, 24 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 24, 1777. Encloses copy of plan for establishing a cavalry force. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Thomson was secretary of Congress.
172George Washington to Robert Morris, 28 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 28, 1777. Encloses a letter from Major General Charles Lee. States that he (Washington) is on his way to Bound Brook. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress. Morris was a member of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Continental Congress. Lee was a prisoner of the British.
173George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 29, 1777. Orders Sullivan to send intelligence concerning the enemy as rapidly as possible. Repeats orders for rerouting men and wagons. States that John Parke Custis is not to come by the usual road. LS , in writing of H, postscript in the writing of George Washington, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress. Custis was Martha Washington’s son by her...
174From Alexander Hamilton to Captain Francis Grice, [30 May 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, May 30, 1777. By Washington’s orders Hamilton wrote to Grice, assistant deputy quartermaster general, ordering the removal of all boats in the Delaware from Trenton up to Coryells. Letter not found. ] GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , VIII, 144, note 29. Coryell’s Ferry, located on the New Jersey side of the...
175From Alexander Hamilton to Captain Francis Grice, 30 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency’s command, I am to acknowledge the receipt of yours per Mr. Grace. Colo. Biddle has given Mr. Grace an order to make use of the waggons at Hackets Town, for the purpose of transporting the twelve boats you mention. The General expects it will be done with all possible dispatch, as it is absolutely necessary we should have all the boats we can collect at and about Coryel’s...
176George Washington to Major General William Health, 1 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1777. Discusses arrival of Du Coudray. Approves of removal of military stores. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Philippe Charles Jean Baptiste Tronson du Coudray. By an agreement with Silas Deane, Du Coudray was to receive the rank of major general. Although Congress rejected this agreement, he did receive this rank in August, 1777.
177George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 1 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1777. Orders all troops not needed for the Long Island expedition to Peekskill, New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Parsons was in New Haven, Connecticut, recruiting men for the Continental Army.
178From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your favour per express, and as the absence of my former respectable correspondents has made a change necessary, I am happy that you have been substituted in their room. Except a body of Militia at and about Pumpton and a few detachments of observation, our whole army is now collected at two points; the main body here, and a division under General Sullivan at Princeton. Though this...
179George Washington to Charles, Earl Cornwallis, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1777. Remonstrates against murder of William Martin. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress; Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. For details of Martin’s murder, see H to John Jay, June 2, 1777 .
180From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By order of His Excellency, I am to acknowlege receipt of your favour of yesterday. The General is astonished at that extraordinary want of cloathing you mention; as Mr. Mease informed Mr. Tilghman that a full proportion of this article had been retained in Massachusetts for all its troops. It is unaccountable, that they should be ⟨so⟩ unprovided, unless the cloaths destined for them should...
181George Washington to John Hancock, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook Camp [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1777. Encloses news from Northern Department. Deplores deficiency of troops. States that Colonel Elias Boudinot is going to Philadelphia to discuss exchange of prisoners. Df , in writing of H; last line and postscript in writing of Robert Hanson Harrison, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Boudinot was commissary general for prisoners,...
182From Alexander Hamilton to Major General John Sullivan, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received your favour of this Day. In answer to it he commands me to inform you that though he is exceedingly happy to hear such an animation prevails among the inhabitants, yet he can by no means, consent to put arms in their hands. This article is too much wanted for the Continental army to be spared to the militia; and experience has taught us, that there has been infinite...
183From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Trumbull, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has examined your Provision report; and finds every part of it very well, except that relating to the placing a quantity at Trenton. This is the most improper place in the world; for if the enemy should move towards Philadelphia the provisions at trentown in the hurry occasioned by such an event would inevitably fall into their hands. You will therefore without loss of time have...
184George Washington to James Lovell, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 4, 1777. Discusses the qualifications of Lutterloh. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lovell was a delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress. Major Henry Emanuel Lutterloh who was employed in the quartermaster’s department.
185From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
As the enemy appear from different Quarters to be in motion it is necessary that the army be in readiness to march, it is therefore ordered that the tents be immediately struck—the baggage and camp equipage loaded—the horses to the Waggons and all the men at their respective incampments paraded and ready to march at a moments warning. ALS , University of California at Berkeley. Lincoln, who...
186George Washington to Charles, Earl Cornwallis, 6 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 6, 1777. States that all supplies for prisoners must go through Colonel Elias Boudinot’s hands. Assures Cornwallis that the greatest care will be taken with these supplies. Is surprised at Cornwallis’ reasoning concerning the murder of William Martin. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. See H to John Jay, June 2, 1777 .
187To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 7 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
With my place at Council I resume the agreeable task of writing to you & answering your Letter directed to Mr. Jay. I see with you the propriety of collecting our army to a point & have often been under apprehentions least the enemy should take advantage of our former dispersed state & the necessity that drove us into it. But they have wanted the spirit of enterprize or been deceived greatly...
188George Washington to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 7 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 7, 1777. Censures Webb for overdrafts of clothing. Orders Webb to march to Peekskill. Df , in writing of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
189From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will not open or distribute the Cloathing stopped at your post, ’till a Deputy Cloathier comes up to take Charge of it, who will be with you without Loss of time. I am Sir Your most humb servt. Df , or contemporary copy, in writing of Caleb Gibbs, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
190From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General George Clinton, 10 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellencys Command, I am to desire you will give orders upon the deputy Clothier General at Peeks-Kill, for the necessary supply of Cloathing &c. for the four companies raising under your direction. It is not however intended, that more shall be drawn than a sufficiency for the number of men actually inlisted. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library...
191George Washington to Colonel Charles Armand, 11 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] June 11, 1777. Orders Armand to assume command of Ottendorf’s corps, to expand this corps to a full regiment, and in the future to take orders from Major General Benjamin Lincoln. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Charles Armand-Tuffin, Marquis de la Rouerie, was generally known as Colonel Armand. Nicholas Dietrich, Baron de...
192From Alexander Hamilton to Major General John Sullivan, [12–25 June 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received your two last favours to day. In the first you hint the want of a reinforcement; but as the intention of your body is chiefly for observation and skirmishing and not to make any serious stand, it is the less necessary it should be powerful in numbers. It will however depend upon circumstances, how far it will be expedient to reinforce you; and as soon as any thing...
193Discharge of Joshua Austin, 13 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 13, 1777. “… Joshua Austin, belonging to the independent company of the State of Connecticut, … appears to be incapable of military service. He is hereby discharged from the Continental army.…” ADS , Connecticut State Library, Hartford.
194George Washington to Charles Thomson, 13 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 13, 1777. Encloses copy of a plan for the establishment of a cavalry force. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
195George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 17 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 17, 1777. Describes position at Middlebrook and plans of attack. Discusses probability of enemy attack on the army at Middlebrook and on Philadelphia. Orders Arnold to send on Continental troops. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
196From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Clement Biddle, [17 June 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The whole army immediately to strike their tents, pack them up, and get themselves in every respect ready for an instant march. The Quarter Master General to have every thing in his department ready. Colonel Biddle will communicate the above order, to the Commissary & Pay Master General & Judge advocate. ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Although George Washington anticipated a...
197George Washington to Chevalier d’Annemours, 19 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 19, 1777. Discusses advantages of an overt declaration of war by France. Corrects error in estimate of British losses at Danbury, Connecticut. Questions purpose of General William Howe’s recent moves. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Charles François Adrien le Paulnier, Chevalier d’Annemours, was...
198George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 20 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 20, 1777. Describes General William Howe’s latest moves. Orders McDougall either to remain at present post or return to Peekskill. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California; Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The draft of this letter is endorsed to Alexander McDougall and Brigadier General John Glover....
199George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 20, 1777. Discusses General William Howe’s latest movements. Reviews orders to Brigadier Generals John Glover and Alexander McDougall concerning these movements. Orders stand-by preparations in case of attack on Ticonderoga. Emphasizes need of continued intelligence from New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
200George Washington to Colonel Thomas Elliott, 21 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 21, 1777. Warns Elliott that any further delay in appearing at Headquarters will result in a replacement being appointed to his position in the regiment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Elliott was a colonel, Fourth Virginia Regiment.