351Account of Expenses of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton and Captain Caleb Gibbs, 30 October 1777–20 January 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Account of Expences of. Colo. Hamilton. & Captain Gibbs. to Albany & back again—set off from Skippack road, 15. miles from Phila: Returnd. to Valley Forge— Sent by His Excelly. Genel. Washington on public service. 1777. October 30th. Cash paid at Corrells. ferry Lodgg—Sup. horses— £1.19. 6 31 at Crossroads N. Jersey 6. 6 Novr— 1— at Chester.— 1. 17.4—2d at N. Windsor ferry 8/6 2. 5.10 4 at...
352To Alexander Hamilton from Major Nicholas Fish, 22 January 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, January 22, 1778 . Requests written discharge for Captain Barent J. Ten Eyck, Second New York Regiment. LS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. Fish, a major in the Second New York Regiment, subsequently became a close friend of H and a prominent New York Federalist. At the end of this letter, H wrote: “One of the Gentlemen below is requested to transact the...
353From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [before 29 January 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
There are still existing in the army so many abuses absolutely contrary to the military constitution, that, without a speedy stop is put to them, it will be impossible even to establish any order or discipline among the troops. I would, therefore, propose the following Regulations; submitting to His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, to distinguish such as may be published under his own...
354George Washington to the Committee of Congress with the Army, 29 January 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge, January 29, 1778 .] Discusses proposed changes in military establishment. Submits questions concerning foreign officers, use of Indians to fight British, Colonel Daniel Morgan’s Riflemen, use of Negroes as wagoners, pay for prisoners, and proper gradation of punishments. LS , in the writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; two drafts in writing of H,...
355Receipt to George Washington, 29 January 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] January 29, 1778. Receipt for payment of $100 by Washington to Hamilton for Hamilton’s expenses at Morristown. DS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
356To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Alexander Scammell, [January 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is the remaining part of the Instructions first given to the Officers superintending Hospitals when the[y] were sent off, which I forgot to give you last Evening, when I gave you the first part. The additional Instructions which I gave last evening are all copied off, ready to be sent to the Office⟨rs⟩ at the several Hospitals. Please to inform me, whether they are agreable to the...
357Remarks Concerning the Office of Inspector General, [January–March 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge, January–March, 1778. ] Describes purpose and proposed organization of the department of inspector general. Recommends Baron von Steuben for inspector general and suggests other men as assistants. D , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. This document is found undated among the letters of April, 1781. Fitzpatrick dates it January, 1778, and...
358George Washington to William Livingston, 2 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 2, 1778. Discusses detection of plot to assassinate Livingston. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
359George Washington to Thomas Bond, 3 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 3, 1778 . Refuses Bond’s request that Bond’s father be permitted to visit in territory held by enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Thomas Bond was the son of Dr. Thomas Bond, a Philadelphia physician who had helped to found the Pennsylvania Hospital.
360From Alexander Hamilton to Commodore John Hazelwood, 5 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
It is his Excellency’s desire, that you have all the public boats below the falls, removed as expeditiously as possible to Coryells ferry, or higher, as you may think necessary for their safety. Their present situation exposes them to being destroyed or taken without much difficulty, and we should feel the loss of them. I am Sir Your most Obd Serv ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of...
361George Washington to Henry Champion, 7 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 7, 1778 . Discusses Army’s need for meat. Instructs Champion to purchase all that is available. Has directed Major General Israel Putnam to use salt provisions available but to send on all cattle. Df , in writing of H and Robert Hanson Harrison, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Champion was deputy commissary general of purchases.
362George Washington to Brigadier General John Nixon, 8 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 8, 1778 . Asks Nixon to send return of Connecticut troops to Jonathan Trumbull. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
363George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 8, 1778 . Asks Putnam to send return of Connecticut troops to Jonathan Trumbull. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
364From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 9 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
General Howe has just made a proposition, towards a general exchange of prisoners, or rather has acceded to our former propositions on that subject. His Excellency commands me to inform you of this and to desire your immediate attendance at Camp, which is indispensably necessary. I am with great regard Dr Sir Your most Obdt serv ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress....
365From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 13 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I did myself the honor of writing to you, immediately after my arrival at Head Quarters, in answer to two letters I found here, from you. There is a matter, which often obtrudes itself upon my mind, and which requires the attention of every person of sense and influence, among us. I mean a degeneracy of representation in the great council of America. It is a melancholy truth Sir, and the...
366George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Haskell, 13 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 13, 1778 . Orders Haskell to rejoin regiment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Haskell, Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment, was in Massachusetts on furlough.
367George Washington to Colonel Morgan Lewis, 13 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 13, 1778 . Asks for a return of stores in Lewis’s department. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lewis was deputy quartermaster general of the Northern Department.
368George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 14, 1778 . Regrets inability to “ratify” sentence of court-martial held by Gates’s order, but will leave ultimate decision to Gates’s judgment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Gates was at this time president of the Board of War.
369George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Adam Hubley, 14 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 14, 1778 . States that proceedings of the court-martial sent to Headquarters by Hubley are illegal. Encloses the proper authority to retry the accused. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Hubley was a lieutenant colonel of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment.
370George Washington to George Clinton, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 16, 1778 . Describes sufferings at Camp because of lack of food and clothing. Asks Clinton to do all that is possible to forward supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
371George Washington to Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 16, 1778 . Asks Hollingsworth to aid Captain Henry Lee in securing supplies from Head of Elk and Dover. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Hollingsworth was deputy forage master general.
372George Washington to William Livingston, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 16, 1778 . Is sending Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman to Livingston to present picture of distressing state of the Army. Repeats request to Livingston to help relieve situation by sending goods stored in New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
373George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, 18 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 18, 1778 . Suggests methods to stop communication between Philadelphia and surrounding countryside. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lacey was a brigadier general in the Pennsylvania Militia.
374George Washington to the Inhabitants of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, 18 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 18, 1778 . Asks inhabitants to supply cattle. Promises a “bountiful price.” Df , in writings of Gouverneur Morris and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
375George Washington to Patrick Henry, 19 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 19, 1778 . Describes distressing situation of Army. States that unless effective measures are taken, another campaign may prove impossible. Requests Henry to send all available supplies to Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Henry was governor of Virginia.
376George Washington to the Board of War, 21 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 21, 1778 . Asks that artillery at Farmington and Albany be forwarded to Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The draft is indorsed to “Genl. Horatio Gates, President of the Board.”
377George Washington to William Duer, 21 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 21, 1778 . Discusses impossibility of an enemy attack on Valley Forge. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Duer was a delegate from New York to Congress.
378George 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.
379George 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.
380George 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.
381George 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...
382George 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.
383George 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.
384George 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.
385George 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.
386George 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...
387George 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.
388George 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...
389General 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,...
390From 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...
391George 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.
392To 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....
393From 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...
394George 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.
395To 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 .]
396George 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...
397From 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...
398George 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.
399George 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...
400George 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.