351From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [7 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
In the necessaries delivered for my corps, two days since, there were only two wall tents which were the number mentioned and required for the company officers. The field officers therefore are unprovided for. Will you be so good as to give an explicit order for two more? We also want a Regimental orderly book and some regimental paper. Will you be pleased to include these articles in your...
352From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 7 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The other day I applied to Col. Tilghman for an order for Shoes for the Two Companies of levies. He thought on a general principle it could not be granted; but as from the best of my own recollection confirmed by inquiry of others, I have reason to believe a distinction was made last campaign in favour of the advanced corps; in the case of Cortland’s regiment, I am induced to submit the matter...
353General Orders, 31 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Dobbs Ferry [ New York ] July 31, 1781 . “The Light Companies of the first and second regiments of New York (upon their arrival in Camp) with the two companies of York Levies under command of Captains Sackett and Williams will form a Battalion under command of Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton and Major Fish. After the formation of the Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton will join the...
354From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, [28 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I beg your particular Care of the Enclosed. The only News we have here is a Report from Philadelphia, that Rawdon after throwing a small succour into 96, had retired to Charles Town, & that Greene had renewed the Seige of that Place. You heard the British Fleet had put to Sea from the Hook, supposed to be going to escort Cornwallis back. Adieu my Dear Sir your most obedt. LC , New-York...
355From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 25 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg your Care of the enclosed. I can inform you of Nothing which I believe will be new to you. You have heard of our late reconnoitre? You have seen the Accounts from Green of the Reduction of Augusta. He was obliged by the approach of Rawdon to abandon the Seige of 96, when on the Point of Success—but he was resolved Still to Maintain the Contest in that Quarter. Fayette has had a severe...
356From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [24 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
My servant informs me, that the saddle he rides has met with an accident that renders it unfit for use. As there are none here to be purchased, I should be glad it could be exchanged. I suppose it may be repaired and made serviceable again; however if like indulgencies are not allowed to other officers, I do not wish it for me. I am with esteem Sir Your most Obed ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous...
357From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 21 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Dobbs Ferry, New York ] July 21, 1781 . Requests “particular Care in forwarding the Enclosed.” LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
358The Continentalist No. II, [19 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
In a single state, where the sovereign power is exercised by delegation, whether it be a limitted monarchy or a republic, the danger most commonly is, that the sovereign will become too powerful for his constituents; in fœderal governments, where different states are represented in a general council, the danger is on the other side—that the members will be an overmatch for the common head, or...
359To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Hugh Hughes, 18 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] July 18, 1781 . States that Hamilton’s letters have been forwarded “by careful Hands.” Also states that “there are some very inquisitive Gentry on the Route.” Requests “a line now & then, on the appearance of a Phenominon &c.” LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. See H to Hughes, July 13 , 15, 1781 (printed in this volume).
360From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 15 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Dobbs Ferry, New York ] July 15, 1781 . Asks Hughes to send “the enclosed” to Albany. LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, July 13, 1781 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , II, 652–53).
361From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [13 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received my angel two letters from you since my arrival in Camp with a packet of papers, and I have written to you twice since I saw you. I acquainted you with the assurances that had been given me with respect to command, and bad you dismiss all apprehensions for my safety on account of the little prospect of activity. With no object of sufficient importance to occupy my attention here...
362From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 13 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Dobbs Ferry , New York ] July 13, 1781 . “I beg your particular Care in forwarding the enclosed. It … covers a letter to Mrs. Hamilton and some of my Letters to the General.…” LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. H had gone to George Washington’s headquarters on July 8, 1781, in an effort to obtain a command for the approaching campaign. Elizabeth Hamilton was at her father’s...
363The 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...
364From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The day before yesterday, my angel, I arrived here, but for the want of an opportunity could not write you sooner. Indeed, I know of none now, but shall send this to the Quarter Master General to be forwarded by the first conveyance to the care of Col. Hughes. Finding when I came here that nothing was said on the subject of a command, I wrote the General a letter and enclosed him my...
365To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 30 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor covering copies of the letters which passed between the General and you I received on friday last at Saratoga, which I left somewhat indisposed on Sunday and arrived in the Evening. The fatigue of the Journey increased my disorder which is the quinsey with so much rapidity that before Tuesday morning I was twice bled to prevent suffocation. The Inflammation is subsiding and I have...
366To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 26 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
It is Some time Since I Received your performance dated the 30th. April last. I have read it with that attention which it justly deserves and finding many points of it to Coincide with my own Opinions on the Subject, it naturally Strengthened that Confidence which every man ought to possess to a certain degree in his own judgement. You will very Soon See the Plan of a Bank published and...
367To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 23 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have Been long Complaining that I had Nothing to do and want of employment was an objection I had to my going to the Southward. But for the present, my dear friend, my Complaint is quite of an opposite nature, and I have so many Arrangements to make, so many difficulties to Combat, so many Ennemies to deal with that I am just that much of a general as will make me an Historian of...
368From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, [22 May 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
For some time past I have had a bill on France lying in Philadelphia the sale of which has been delayed on account of the excessive lowness of the exchange. I am told it has lately risen something, and I expect by Col Hay’s return to receive a sufficient sum to pay the value of the woman Mrs. H had of Mrs. Clinton. I hope the delay may be attended with no inconvenience to you. I wrote you some...
369From Alexander Hamilton to Stewart and Totten, 20 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ De Peyster’s Point, New York, May 20, 1781. On verso of Stewart and Totten to Hamilton, May 5, 1781 , Hamilton wrote: “Answered the 20th. informing that 60 had been past at 3 for one and that I would do the best I could with the rest.” Letter not found. ]
370From Alexander Hamilton to Stewart and Totten, 20 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favour of the 5th instant, with the one hundred and sixteen dollars of the emission of this State. Every kind of paper money is so out of credit here, that it has been with great difficulty I have been able to put off any part of the sum you sent me. I have no method of employing it but in current expences, and for the articles I wanted it will scarcely be received at all...
371To 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...
372To Alexander Hamilton from Vicomte de Noailles, [10 May 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
je Suis certain mon cher colonel de vous faire plaisir en vous aprenant que votre ami Laurence est arrivé a paris en bonne Santé après une traversée favorable. au depart de la frégate la concorde arrivée a boston avec Mr. de Barras amiral qui vient prendre le commandement de notre flote et Mr. le vicomte de Rochambeau. Mr. Laurence avoit dejà eu plusieurs conferences avec nos ministres; il...
373To Alexander Hamilton from Stewart and Totten, [5 May 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
We have Sent you one hundred & Sixteen dollars in New York state money by Mr. George Fisher; when you Receive this Money, Note down the Exchange for hard money, and by all means make the Exchange so that it will neat you what you consider equal to hard; we do not wish you to Receive it at a disadvantage. Advise us of the Exchange you Fix it at Next post, and you will oblige Your Friends LS ,...
374From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 5 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ De Peyster’s Point, New York ] May 5, 1781 . “… I shall … thank you if you can conveniently do it, to let me have a Boatman to remain with me, while I stay here. I have requested a Soldier from Col Scammell, if I get him the Boatman may return.… I should be glad of a Qur. of a pound of Chalk for a particular purpose.” LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. When H wrote this letter,...
375To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Hugh Hughes, 5 May 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] May 5, 1781 . Has forwarded Hamilton’s request to Colonel Alexander Scammell and has ordered that “a Hand” and “½ a pound of Chalk” be sent to Hamilton. LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. See H to Hughes, May 5, 1781 (printed in this volume).
376From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [2 May 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I am extremely sorry to have embarrassed you by my late application, and that you should think there are insuperable obstacles to a compliance with it. Having renounced my expectations, I have no other inducement for troubling Your Excellency with a second letter, than to obviate the appearance of having desired a thing inconsistent with the good of the service, while I was acquainted with the...
377From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [30 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I was among the first who were convinced, that an administration by single men was essential to the proper management of the affairs of this country. I am persuaded now it is the only resource we have to extricate ourselves from the distresses, which threaten the subversion of our cause. It is palpable that the people have lost all confidence in our public councils, and it is a fact of which I...
378George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 30 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 30, 1781 . Regrets the publication of an intercepted letter. Df (photostat), in the handwriting of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress, from the original in the Château de Rochambeau, France. Although H was no longer on Washington’s staff and was living at De Peyster’s Point at this time, he did return to New Windsor to assist Washington on this day.
379To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 29 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my arrival here Your Old Gray Horse suddenly departed this life. He was in high order and good health apparently, but a few days before. The black is thin and I believe too aged or too Infirm for future service. The two Substitutes are good, one in very fine order and the portmanteau horse strong and capable of good Service, but do not order them down until you can find forrage in plenty...
380From Alexander Hamilton to Major Richard Platt, [28 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I will be obliged to you to give orders to have the following articles made for me a small table 4½ feet long 3½ wide for a dining table 2 small Kegs 2 a size larger 2 piggons If you can spare an artificer for a day at my quarters, he will be of use to me. I should also be glad if it could be done without inconvenience to have a light boat which two persons could manage. Yrs. ALS , RG 93,...
381To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, [27 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Between me and thee there is a Gulph, or I should not have been thus long without seeing you. My faith is strong, but not strong enough to attempt walking upon the Waters. You must not suppose from my dealing so much in scripture phrases, that I am either drunk with Religion or with Wine, tho’ Had I been inclined to the latter, I might have found a jolly Companion in My Lord who came here...
382From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [27 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I imagine your Excellency has been informed that in consequence of the resolution of Congress for granting commissions to Aide De Camps appointed under the former establishment, I have obtained one of Lieutenant Colonel in the army of the United States, bearing rank since the 1st of March 1777. It is become necessary to me to apply to your Excellency to know in what manner you foresee you will...
383To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 27 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of this date has not a little embarrassed me. You must remember the ferment in the Pensylvania line the last Campaign occasioned by the appointment of Major McPhearson; and you know the uneasiness which at this moment exists among the Eastern Officers on Acct. of the commands conferred upon Colo. Gemat and Major Galvan although it was the result of absolute necessity. Should...
384From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church (John Carter), 25 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ De Peyster’s Point, New York, April 25, 1781. On May 18, 1781, Church wrote to Hamilton that he had received “your Favor of the 25th April.” Letter not found .] Church was an Englishman who married Elizabeth Hamilton’s sister, Angelica. During the Revolution he used the pseudonym “John Carter.” At this time, he and Jeremiah Wadsworth had a contract for supplying the French forces in America.
385To Alexander Hamilton from Stewart and Totten, 13[–23] April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
We have this moment Recv’d your favour of ye 11th Inst., the one you Refer to in this we have not Rec’d; we have applied your Bill to our own use, not having it in our power to dispose of it in hard money owing to bills being so plenty for paper. They have Been current here a[t] 4/ & 4/6 hard money pr 5 Livres. We will use our utmost Endeavours to forward you the money you ask in the time...
386To 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...
387George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 22, 1781 . Approves of Greene’s tactics against Cornwallis. Reports that Pennsylvania line will be delayed. Hopes that Greene will be able to employ Major William Macpherson. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
388George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 22 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 22, 1781 . Is disturbed by the “temper of” Lafayette’s “detachment and the desertions.” Discusses southern situation and the “proposed attempt on New York.” Df , in writings of H and George Washington, George Washington Papers Library of Congress.
389To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Skinner, 21 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] April 21, 1781 . Has received Washington’s letter transmitting new orders for exchange of prisoners. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. See Washington to Abraham Skinner, April 16, 1781 .
390George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 21 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 21, 1781 . Asks Congress to authorize the quarter-master general to appoint Colonel Jabez Champlin a barrack master to be attached to the French army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
391George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 21 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] April 21, 1781 . Wishes Lafayette to return to the main Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
392From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [20 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Let me know the result of your examination whether you can appoint a barrak Master to the French army; if you can, the General wishes you to appoint Col Champlin without delay. Have you the tract written by Price in which he estimates the specie & current cash of Great Britain? Have you Humes Essay’s, Lex Mercatoria or Postlethwait? Any of these books you may have, you will singularly oblige...
393To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 20 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] April 20, 1781 . Asks for assistance in transporting a Canadian refugee from New Windsor to Philadelphia. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
394To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 20 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] April 20, 1781 . Doubts that, as quarter-master general, he possesses authority to appoint Colonel Jabez Champlin barrack master for French army in America. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives; copy, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
395George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 16–19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 16–19 , 1781 . Describes steps taken in regard to General John Burgoyne’s parole. Sends report of British embarkations for Delaware. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The postscript of this letter is dated April 19.
396George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18–19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 18–19 , 1781 . Discusses prospects of supplies for Army. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The postscript of this letter is dated April 19.
397From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I acknowlege myself to have been unpardonably delinquent in not having written to you before; but my matrimonial occupations have scarcely left me leisure or inclination for any other. I must now be brief as the post is just setting out. I shall shortly write you at large. I have not been much in the way of knowing sentiments out of the army; but as far as I am acquainted with them either in...
398George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 19, 1781 . Is pleased with Greene’s successful attack on Cornwallis. States that the southern situation is still critical and that a new British expedition is preparing for either Delaware, Virginia, or North Carolina. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
399From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [16 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
As I intend in a day or two to take lodgings for Mrs. Hamilton, I take the liberty to request you will do me the favour to procure and send me by the earliest opportunity a pound of good green tea & a dozen knives and forks such as you purchased for Mrs. Jacob Cuyler at Albany, for which I will thankfully send you the cost by the first conveyance. I am Dr. Sir truly Yr. friend & servant The...
400George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 16 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 16, 1781 . Demands the return of General John Burgoyne who is on parole in England. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.