1The Continentalist No. I, [12 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the first number of a series of papers which I intend to publish on matters of the greatest importance to these States; I hope they will be read with as much candour and attention as the object of them deserve, and that no conclusions will be drawn till these are fully developed. I am, Sir , Your most obedient humble servant, A.B. The Continentalist. No. I . It would be the...
2To Alexander Hamilton from Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Basking Ridge [ New Jersey ] April 12, 1777. “… the time of Capt. James Scotts Company will expire the 14th.… I believe it will be best that I be furnished with His Excellency’s dismission of them by the day. I wrote to his Excellency … about the Appointment of Wilcocks. If he is approved of, I wish you would get both McWilliams & him in orders.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....
3To Alexander Hamilton from John Allan, [28 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The memorandum which I had the Honour of delivering you a day or two ago was in General the State of matters in the Indian Eastern Department, from which I presumed the Hono[r]able Committee Appointed by Congress woud Examine into the Matter, And from the Importance of the Subject woud Speedly determine. I woud not by any means urge matters out of the proper Rule or Channel nor wou’d I be so...
4Enclosure: A Memorandum for Indian Eastern Department, 28 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Indians to have an Exclusive Right of the Beaver Hunt, on the Rivers, which they now live on. To wit—all Eastward of machias, with the Lakes that Extend from Passamaquady River to Penobscot Including the last. Some methode to prevent Unfair dealing with the Indians, and Embezzleing their property. A Sum of 250 £ M of massts. for Expresses and other Employment, with presents to Indians who,...
5Baron d’Arendt to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, 26 October [1777] (Hamilton Papers)
Fort Mifflin [ on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 26 [ 1777 ]. Discusses plans for defence of Fort Mifflin. ALS , MS Division New York Public Library. This letter is in French. There is no addressee on the MS. In unidentified handwriting on the last page the following is written, “Col Hamilton Col John Larens.” The contents of the letter indicate that it was written to someone at...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Charles Armand, 21 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Je suis arrivé hier au soir d’aupres de kingbridge; le gnl. howe desirant avoir des nouvelles sures de l’ennemy je me suis trouvé obligé de faire unne tres longue marche, par ces raisons je n’ai reçu vôttre lettre que ce matin et je m’empresse d’y repondre. Mr. de wanderburgh consent dites vous que le jugement de la Court martialle soit fait sur le rapport de la Cour d’enquiery. Vous me...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Charles Armand, 5 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Near Fredericksburg, New York ] November 5, 1778 . Needs equipment and money with which to pay troops. Asks for certificate of service from Washington. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Columbia University Libraries.
8Enclosure: Benedict Arnold to George Washington, 25 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The Heart which is Concious of its Own rectitude, Cannot attempt to paliate a Step, which the World may Censure as wrong; I have ever acted from a Principle of Love to my Country, since the Commencement of the present unhappy Contest between Great Britain and the Colonies, the same principle of Love to my Country Actuates my present Conduct, however it may appear Inconsistent to the World: who...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Gerard Bancker, 5 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ August 5, 1782. The last item on the “List of Papers delivered by Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Tillotson Esquire relative to the office of Receiver of Taxes for the state of New York,” November 10, 1782 , was described as a “letter from Mr. Banker state Treasurer dated August 5th. 1782 informing of what was to be expected from the state.” Letter not found. ]
10Enclosure O: [John Banks’ Statement], 3 January 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
It having been suggested, from a misinterpretation of my letter of October 1782, to Mr. James Hunter, that the honorable Major General Greene was interested, or intimated a desire of holding a commercial connection with me in Charleston—I do, therefore, as well for the sake of removing such an idea, as to avert from myself any mischief, that a heedless surmise, expressed in a confidential...
11Enclosure M: [Note from Joseph Banks], 7 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas the honorable General Greene did, in the month of April last past, become security for us, John Banks, James Hunter and Robert Forsyth, as for themselves as others concerned, in the sum of thirty two thousand one hundred and twenty five pounds, sterling money, unto Messrs Neucomen and Collett, Harris and Blackford, and James Warington, merchants, Charleston. We, the afternamed, Do, by...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, 29 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 29, 1780. On May 5–8, 1780, Hamilton wrote to Barbé-Marbois : “The day before yesterday I had the honor of your letter of the 29th. of April.” Letter not found .] Barbé-Marbois was secretary of the French legation at Philadelphia.
13To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, 21 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 21, 1780. Asks if there is any information concerning his brothers, who are British prisoners. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French.
14To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, 11 July [1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Nous avons sçu ici que le desir du Général a été que l’offrande des dames de Phaladelphie et même de la Pensylvanie fut employée en achat de chemises pour le Soldat. Toutes les femmes ont applaudi à cette idée, elles ont pensé que pour rendre la souscription beaucoup plus avantageuse au Soldat il seroit à propos de les charger elles mêmes de ce detail. Elles proposent donc, que le produit de...
15To 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...
16To Alexander Hamilton from Major Sebastian Bauman, 13 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot help laying before you a few of my thoughts which lately have engrossed my whole attention on the review of our changeable government at West Point. However I hope you will make no other use of them, but such as may be of advantage and whatever may be improper or improperly stated, impute to my inability only, and there you’ll please to let it rest, and take in good part of what I...
17To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Benson, 10 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Sir, In consequence of the Request in your Letter of the 18th ulto. I have with great chearfulness searched the Senate Papers for the Returns you allude to. Inclosed are all I find in my Possession. What Papers Mr. McKesson may have relative to this subject I know not, but I dare say he will on your Application give you every Information in his Power. He is now in Albany and has the Returns of...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Ephraim Blaine, 19 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh, New York, February 19, 1781. Requests Hamilton to inform Washington that “the provisions necessary for the detachment will move this Evening.” ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Blaine was commissary general of purchases.
19Colonel 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...
20Colonel 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,...
21Colonel 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...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Elias Boudinot, 8 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I had concluded your Laurels had produced a forgetfulness of your old friend, but am now rejoicing in my disappointment having your obliging & very entertaining favour of the 5th. Inst. just handed me. With the utmost sincerity I congratulate you & my Country on the kind Interposition of Heaven in our favour on the 28 Ultmo. It seems as if on every Occasion we are to be convinced that our...
23Colonel 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...
24Colonel 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...
25To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, [29 August 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The Person I mentioned to you came over last Night and informs me, that General Clinton with his whole Army has set off for Rhode Island. They are gone up the Sound and across the East End of Long Island. There are only a small Guard left in the City. Not a Canoe is suffered to pass up the East River least it should be known, they moved with the utmost secrecy. As it might be you have not...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, 8 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yours of the 6th instant, enclosing one from Mr. Dana, yesterday, but was unable, on account of duty, to answer it till to-day. In compliance with your request, I must inform you, that my recollection of the whole affair in question, is clear and full. Mr. Dana, as I observed in my other letter, was declaring that there were dangerous, designing men in the army; and after he had...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, 4 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Those who, under the sacred pretence of serving their country, are endeavouring to subvert its happiness, I consider equally dangerous to society with those who can tax a faithful servant of the public with acting that inconsistent part. To hear the character of a gentleman, whom we suppose deserving, traduced and villified, and his reputation cruelly stabbed, silently and without emotion,...
28To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General John Cadwalader, 2 March 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
As General Reed’s Remarks on a late publication relating to a Conversation I had with him at Bristol in the year 1776, require an answer; I shall be much obliged if you will endeavour to recollect whether I did not at some period of the war mention the said Conversation to you, in confidence & beg you will be particular with respect to time, place, & any other Circumstances which you may...
29Enclosure H: [Edward Carrington to Hugh Rutledge], 4 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The pressing necessities of the army, the late season of the year, and the difficulty of conveying information through the country, in it’s present situation, have prevented that extensive notice of contracts for the subsistence of the troops, which could be wished. General Greene, very early after the contracts were directed to be made, wrote to every character, whose circumstances and views...
30Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to George Washington … (Hamilton Papers)
We beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that in the private report of our proceedings at Amboy dated the 26th. March, we omitted mentioning, (though it is to be inferred) that in the conversation which passed on the subject of accounts, it was explicitly declared by us, that if any particular sum should be accepted agreeable to the ideas of The British Gentlemen, it was not in any manner to be...
31Enclosure K: [Edward Carrington to Nathanael Greene], 18 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I do myself the honor to hand you herewith, a Contract entered into by Mr. John Banks, for the subsistence of the troops in the service of the United States, in the States of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, for the present year. I am really concerned, that we have been obliged to close this contract, on the execessive high terms agreed to, but the circumstances, under which we had...
32Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 26 … (Hamilton Papers)
In addition to the official report of our proceedings at Amboy, which your Excellency will perceive have terminated in the manner you expected, we have the honor to give you an account of the steps we took, in consequence of the second part of your instructions, relative to a private conversation. But before we enter upon this, we think it our duty to inform you, that we have every reason to...
33Enclosure: Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to George … (Hamilton Papers)
Plan of exchange for the Troops of Convention, in three Divisions to be formed as equally, as the exchanging by Corps will allow, from the Strength of the Rank & file, each of the two first Divisions to have a Major General and a Brigadier General, and the third The Lieutenant General and a Brigadier General exchanged with them. The Regiments to which the Brigadier Generals belong to be...
34Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to Major General William … (Hamilton Papers)
Major General St Clair Lt Col Carrington and Lt. Col Hamilton give it as their opinion as the result of the conversation held upon the subject that the most likely plan for effecting the exchange in contemplation is to confine it to the unexceptionable characters on both sides first exchanging all the prisoners of war and then the troops of convention for the balance, according to the...
35Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton to George Washington … (Hamilton Papers)
To His Excellency George Washington Esqr. General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of The United States of America. We The Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency “to treat, confer, determine and conclude upon a General Cartel for the exchange and accommodation of prisoners of war including the troops of The Convention of Saratoga and all matters whatsoever which might be properly...
36To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 14 August 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr of the 2nd. reached me the 12th Instant. Mrs. Dunkin is doubtfull whether She can procure the Chintz or not if she does it shall be forwarded as you directed immediately. Herewith the General will receive a Cape Letter from Mr Carter. The Pilot was a long while returning with it. Your draft on me I shall duly honour on Acct of Mr. Carter tho he omitted in his hurry to speak to me on...
37To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church (John Carter), 18 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
M de Villemansey deliver’d me your Favor of the 25th April, as we are equally faulty in the article of Neglect instead of Apology we have only to resolve to be better Correspondents in future. I felicitate you on your Change as you seem’d so much to desire it, you do not tell me what your future line of life will be, but Villemansey tells me he thinks you are to command a Body of Troops this...
38To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 24 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored by your Letter of the 12th. January. You may remember that in July last, I submitted to the Consideration of our Legislature certain Resolutions of the Assembly of New Hampshire making Overtures for an Amicable settlement of a Boundary Line between the two States, which were read & Committed but as the Session was Short and devoted principally to the particular Business for...
39To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 22–23 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ December 22–23, 1777 . On December 28 Clinton wrote to Hamilton : “I was favoured with the Receipt of your Letter of the 22d Instant some Days since and returned a short Answer to it by the Express who brought it.” Letter not found .]
40Commission as Delegate to the Continental Congress, [25 October 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
State of New York. The People of the State of New York by the Grace of God free & Independent: To all whom these presents shall come send Greeting. Know Ye that we having inspected the records remaining in the Secretary’s Office of our said State do find there a certain Commission in the words following to wit “The people of the State of New York by the Grace of God free & independent: To all...
41George Clinton to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 25 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
From the Affidavits which I now do myself the Honor to Inclose You and which I must request you to lay before Congress it appears that the Usurped Government on the New Hampshire Grants so far from yielding Obedience to the Resolutions of Congress of the 5th. December last have repeated their Outrages on the well affected Subjects of this State. The distressed situation of our fellow Citizens...
42Enclosure: Resolution on the Garrisoning of the Northern and Western Posts, [27 March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas upon the Conclusion of a general Peace, between the several belligerent Powers in Europe and these United States, the Posts at present occupied by the British Troops in the Northern and Western Parts of this State, will be evacuated by them, and may be seized by Savages inimical to these United States; whereby the inhabitants of the Frontiers may be exposed to great Danger and...
43To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 28 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I was favoured with the Receipt of your Letter of the 22d Instant some Days since and returned a short Answer to it by the Express who brought it; but as I have Reason to believe you had left Peeks’ Kill before he got there I conclude my Letter has not been received. I have not a Doubt but that there have been such unjust and dishonorable Practices committed on the Inhabitants as you mention...
44To 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....
45George Clinton to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 16 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have prevailed on the Bearer, the Attorney Genl. to Repair to Philadelphia for the Express Purpose of disclosing to you certain Information of a very interesting Nature. The Communications he is to make are too extensive to be the subject of a Letter & it might be improper to intrust them to Paper. I, therefore, begg Leave to refer you to Mr. Benson for the Particulars of which he is fully...
46To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 2 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favored with your Letter of the 25th. Ulto. previous to which with a view of accelerating the collection of the last Tax I had prepared & have since dispatched a circular Letter to the several County Treasurers urging them & the other Officers concerned to a prompt execution of their Duty or that in Case of Neglect the Penalty of the Law will without favor be put into Execution. I have...
47To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 13 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 3d. Instant. I am not authorized to direct the Printer to deliver any of the Laws except a certain number of Setts which are by Law directed for particular Purposes. I have however mentioned your Desire to the Gentlemen of the Committee appointed to superintend the printing and distribution of them and requested them to furnish you with a Sett which I doubt...
48To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 29 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Before I was honored by your Letter of the 18th. Instant I had received a Line from Colo. Floyd on the same Subject. As my answer to his is forwarded by the present Conveyance I beg leave to refer you to it for Information. I hope it may prove satisfactory and I flatter myself no further Disappointment can take Place. Should I however be mistaken you have only to advise me of it & I will...
49To 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 .]
50To Alexander Hamilton from Comfort Sands and Company, 8 July 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
We was Hond. with your favor of the 23 Ult but two or three days ago, it is impossible for us to give you an exact account of the Money laid out in this State. Flour is almost the only Article purchased in it. Sometimes a little Beef. In the Course of the year we may purchase 15,000 Barrels of Flour, which will Amt. to about 60.000 Dolrs., the greatest part of which we draw Bills for, and is...