401George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 17, 1778 . Instructs Greene to prepare for possible movement of Army and to set up magazines along routes to North River. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
402George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 18 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 18, 1778 . Sends instructions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
403George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 19, 1778 . Discusses crimes and court-martial of Jetson, a Loyalist. Denies request to send flour to supporters of Revolution in Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
404George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 22–23 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 22–23, 1778 . Orders removal of stores from the Elk and urges Smallwood to be on continual guard against enemy. In postscript states the enemy is preparing an offensive move. Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The postscript is dated May 23, 1778.
405George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 23 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 23, 1778 . Is pleased with the improved treatment of prisoners by British. Requests Boudinot to come to Camp immediately as there is to be a general exchange of prisoners. States that Colonel Francis Johnston has been nominated to succeed Boudinot as commissary of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
406George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 23 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 23, 1778 . Discusses case of William Hamet, a Loyalist; disposition of the Jersey drafts; and reinlistment of Lieutenant Jonathan Rhea. Gives instructions in case enemy should evacuate Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
407George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 25, 1778 . Orders Maxwell to secure all available information concerning enemy and to remain in readiness to march. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
408From Alexander Hamilton to John Dixon and William Hunter, 29 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
The Commander in chief positively requires all officers, absent from camp, belonging to the Troops of the State of Virginia, except those who are detained on Public service, by his Excellency the Govr of that State, or any Genl officer of the same, or those who may have furloughs not yet expired—immediately to join their respective Corps. By his Excellys Command The several Printers of the...
409George Washington to the Board of General Officers, 29 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 29, 1778 . Submits case of Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Regnier’s rank. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
410George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel James Innes, 29 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 29, 1778 . Orders Innes to return to Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Innes was lieutenant colonel of the Fifteenth Virginia Regiment.
411George Washington to Colonel Josiah Parker, 29 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 29, 1778 . Orders Parker to return to Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Parker was colonel of the Fifth Virginia Regiment. He resigned July 12, 1778.
412George Washington to the Board of General Officers, 2 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, June 2, 1778 . Submits for the Board’s decision Lieutenant Colonel Mauduit du Plessis’s claim to rank. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
413George Washington to the Board of General Officers, 2 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, June 2, 1778 . Submits for the Board’s decision the case of a suspected spy. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
414To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Loring having been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to meet Mr. Boudinot or any other person appointed by me for the purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners; I have therefore to desire you (Mr. Boudinot being absent from Camp) to hear any proposals Mr. Loring may have to offer on this subject; and to do definitively whatever may be necessary towards the execution of a general exchange of...
415Declaration on Prisoners, [4 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
In the Name of His Excellency General Washington and by virtue of His authority to me, I declare, that on his being properly notified of time and place, he will appoint a person then and there to receive all Prisoners of War, in possession of the enemy, at present in the city of Philadelphia, and that He will return as speedily as possible an equal number of prisoners of war, in lieu of them,...
416To Alexander Hamilton from Joshua Loring, 5 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon my Report to His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton of our meeting yesterday at the Sorrel Horse for the Purpose of settling an exchange of Prisoners— I am directed to acquaint you that all our Prisoners in Philadelphia agreable to the enclosed Return shall be sent out on the 12th Inst under a proper Escort to the two miles stone on the Lancaster Road over Schuylkill, provided you agree to meet...
417George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] June 8, 1778 . Instructs Greene to find a new camp site. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
418From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry Jackson, [9 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will put a stop, by every mean in your power to the above practice. Any officer who shall be found impressing this man’s horses without proper authority will be most severely dealt with. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Coburn Library, Colorado College, Colorado Springs. No addressee is given in the MS, but this letter was presumably addressed to Colonel Henry...
419To Alexander Hamilton from Captain Jacob Weiss, 9 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, June 9, 1778 . States that last October he delivered missing chest containing army papers to Easton, Pennsylvania. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Weiss was a captain in the Maréchaussée corps.
420George Washington to Colonel Lewis Nicola, 9 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, June 9, 1778 . Instructs Nicola to admit John Woelper of German Battalion as a captain in Corps of Invalids. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Nicola was a colonel in the Corps of Invalids.
421To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 12 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Artillery Park [ Valley Forge ] June 12, 1778 . Requests discharge of “Mr. Le Brune a second Lieutenant.” ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
422George Washington to Council of War, 17 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, June 17, 1778 . Presents probable British plans for evacuation of Philadelphia and relative strength of American and enemy forces. Asks for opinions in writing concerning measures to be taken in the event of evacuation of Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
423From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [18 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has received your Billet per horseman. He thanks you for your intelligence and begs you will continue to advise him of what passes. If the enemy are really gone, try to get some of the inhabitants, on whom, you can depend to pass the Delaware, to watch their motions and convey intelligence. Caution should be used by you all in entering the city, before you are very certain how...
424From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 18 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with a few hints on a matter of some importance. Baron Steuben, who will be the bearer of this waits on Congress to have his office arranged upon some decisive and permanent footing. It will not be amiss to be on your guard. The Baron is a Gentleman for whom, I have a particular esteem; and whose real intelligence and success the consequence of both intitle...
425From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, [18 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will have the division commanded by General Mifflin prepared to march at two OClock. You know it consists of the 1st & 2d Pennsylvania, and the Brigade late Conways. Yr. Obed ser ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Major General Thomas Mifflin had served as an aide-de-camp to Washington until August 14, 1775, when he was appointed quartermaster...
426George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 18 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge, June 18, 1778 .] States that enemy is crossing Delaware and orders Dickinson to obstruct enemy as much as possible. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
427George Washington to James Mease, 18 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] June 18, 1778 . Instructs Mease to send agent to purchase available articles from inhabitants of Philadelphia and to seize public stores left behind by enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
428George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 19 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Doctor Shannon’s, near Valley Forge ] June 19, 1778 . Instructs Arnold to proceed to Philadelphia and to take command of troops there. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
429George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 21 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Coryells Ferry [ New Jersey ] June 21, 1778 . Informs Gates of movements of American and enemy forces. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
430George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 22 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Coryells Ferry [ New Jersey ] June 22, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of Dickinson’s letters. Is sending Colonel Daniel Morgan’s corps to assist Dickinson. Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
431George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 23 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Hopewell Township near the Baptist Meeting [ New Jersey ] June 23, 1778 . Requests information concerning movements of enemy. Df , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
432George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 24 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Hopewell Township, New Jersey, June 24, 1778 . Orders Scott to Allentown to harass enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
433Council of War to George Washington, 24 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Hopewell Township [ New Jersey ] June 24, 1778 . The council decided against a general action against the British. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The questions asked of the council are printed in GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , XII, 115–17.
434From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [25 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We find on our arrival here, that the intelligence received on the road is true. The enemy have all filed off from Allen Town on the Monmouth road. Their rear is said to be a mile Westward of Lawrence Taylor’s Tavern, six miles from Allen Town. General Maxwell is at Hyde’s Town, abt. three miles from this place. General Dickinson is said to be on the enemy’s right flank, but where cannot be...
435From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this (that is their rear) and had passed the road which turns off towards South Amboy, which determines their rout[e] towards Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting is the extreme distress of the troops for want of provisions. General Wayne’s detachment is almost starving and seem both unwilling and...
436From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The result of what I have seen and heard concerning the enemy is, that they have incamped with their van a little beyond Monmouth Court House and their rear at Manalapans River abt. seven miles from this place. Their march to day has been very judiciously conducted—their baggage in front and their flying army in the rear, with a rear guard of 1000 men about 400 paces from the main body. To...
437From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Charles Scott, [27 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
This part of the troops marches instantly. We are to join in the Monmouth road one mile this side of Taylor’s Tavern. You will govern yourself accordingly. If you can find Morgan let him be desired again to keep close to the enemy and attack when we attack. I am sir Yr Obed serv. You will endeavour to keep up a communication of intelligence. ALS , New York Public Library.
438George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 30 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Englishtown [ New Jersey ] June 30, 1778 . Orders Du Portail to Philadelphia to study city’s defenses. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
439George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 3 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
New Brunswick [ New Jersey ] July 3, 1778 . States that Colonel Charles Armand can raise a new corps only under sanction of Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
440Proceedings of a General Court-Martial for the Trial of Major General Charles Lee, [4 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton being sworn, Q. Did you deliver General Lee any orders from General Washington the 27th or 28th of June, respecting his attacking the enemy? A. I wrote General Lee a letter the evening of the 27th of June, by General Washington’s order, a copy of which I have not; but it was conceived in the spirit, as I understood, of former orders that had been given by him to...
441From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [5 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
You will by this time imagine that I have forgotten my promise of writing to you, as I have been so long silent on an occasion, which most people will be fond of celebrating to their friends. The truth is, I have no passion for scribbling and I know you will be at no loss for the fullest information. But that you may not have a right to accuse me of negligence, I will impose upon myself the...
442From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [7 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
It is His Excellency’s pleasure, that you collect the whole of the cavalry , without delay, as well the unarmed as the armed, and after a little refreshment, and getting the horses shod &c. proceed moderately towards the North river to join the army. He has received advice from General Heath of the arrival of accoutrements for the cavalry to the Eastward which he has ordered immediately on....
443George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Brunswick, New Jersey ] July 7, 1778 . States that American forces have advanced to North River. Asks that Committee for Arranging the Army begin operations at once. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
444To 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...
445George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 11, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of Laurens’s congratulations on Battle of Monmouth. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
446George Washington to William Henry Drayton, 12 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 12, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of Drayton’s congratulations on Battle of Monmouth. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Drayton was a member of the Continental Congress from South Carolina.
447Proceedings of a General Court-Martial for the Trial of Major General Charles Lee, [13 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Q. What was the strength of the corps under the command of General Lee the 28th of June? A. To the best of my knowledge the strength of the corps under his immediate command at English Town was about five thousand rank and file; besides these, Colonel Morgan, with about six hundred men, and General Dickinson at the head of a body of militia, as I understood, of eight hundred men, were subject...
448From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, [14 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Since the giving my evidence at the Court Martial, I have been endeavouring to recollect more particularly the import of the conversation between General Lee and myself, that happened in the field the day of the action and which was the subject of discussion yesterday, before the Court. My memory will not serve me on the occasion, in so clear a manner, as I could wish; but I have been able to...
449George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, 14 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 14, 1778 . Thanks Barber for information concerning the enemy. Discusses compensation of John Hendricks, an American spy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
450George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 14, 1778 . Informs Gates that Army is marching to Haverstraw. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.