51George Washington to Chevalier Destouches, 26 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 26, 1781 . Denies any intention of wishing to endanger French fleet. Hopes for success of expedition sent to Virginia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
52To Alexander Hamilton from Captain John Copp, 1 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] September 1, 1778 . Requests Hamilton’s intercession to prevent Copp’s discharge from service. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. Copp was a captain of the First New York Regiment.
53To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 24 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote You on the 22nd & 23rd. I now set myself down to trouble You once More. As neither Cols. Meades or Harrison’s Depositions may ever reach me & if they do, As they will contain no Information respecting the Papers taken in Andre’s Hand I am to beg you, to be so Obliging, as to send me Your Deposition, by the first Conveyance; Of what my Conduct was, or appeared to be to You, from the...
54George 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...
55From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, [25 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Perhaps before this reaches you, you will have heard that the British have impliedly acknowleged our independence—by giving a commission of the 23d. of September to Mr Oswald to treat with The thirteen United States of America . Many are sanguine in expecting that peace will be the result of the Negotiations, for my part I have hopes, but if it should not be the case I shall not be much...
56George 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.
57From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 14 September 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 29th. of August; the contents of which shall be executed. I have just received by the post accounts of the specific supplies furnished by this state; copies of which I shall prepare to be transmitted to you by the next post, as I am to return the Originals, which are for the inspection of the legislature. I hope to add to these...
58To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 26 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By unavoidable Incidents this Letter is delayed beyond the usual Time for which I assure you I am extremely sorry. Your Favor gave great Pleasure as well to the Committee as to several Members of the House who are much pleased with your judicious Caution to distinguish between what you sport as your private Opinion and the weighty Sentiments of the General. No Circumstance could have more...
59Alexander Hamilton and Oliver Ellsworth to John Dickinson, [23 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
We have the honor to inclose for Your Excellency and the Council a copy of the resolutions communicated in our conference yesterday. Having then fully entered into all the explanations which were necessary on the subject, we shall not trouble your Excellency with a recapitulation. But as the object is of a delicate and important nature, we think it our duty to request the determination of the...
60From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [17 March 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 17, 1783. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries. Two letters from H to Washington on March 17, 1783, are listed. One letter is printed in PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). , III, 290–93.
61George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 15 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 15, 1780 . Regrets that the shortage of men makes it impossible to send detachment to guard William Duer’s tree-cutting expedition. Believes that a guard will not be necessary, but suggests applying to the local militia, if one is desired. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
62From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [22 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty my Dear Sir to request your interest for a friend of mine and a member of the family, Dr McHenry. He wishes to quit a Station which among foreigners is not viewed in a very reputable light and to get into one more military. He will go into the Marquis’s family as an aide. He has been in the army since the commencement of the War—first in the medical line, since the 15th of...
63George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 4 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 4, 1780 . Approves Smith’s decision to take the place of a retiring lieutenant colonel. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Smith was a lieutenant colonel in Spencer’s Regiment. In January, 1781, he became adjutant and inspector on the Marquis de Lafayette’s staff.
64From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [28 September 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honord this week with your letters of the 28 August 6th. 12th and 17th instant with their inclosures. It gives me the most real pleasure to find that my past communications have meet your approbation; and I feel a particular satisfaction in the friendly confidence which your letters manifest. I am persuaded that substanial reasons have determined your choice in a particular...
65From 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...
66Continental Congress Motion that Major General Howe be Directed to March Troops to Philadelphia, 30 June 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That Major General Howe be directed to march such part of the force under his command as he shall judge necessary to the State of Pensylvania; and that the Commanding Officer in the said state be instructed to apprehend and confine all such persons, belonging to the army, as there is reason to believe instigated the late mutiny; to disarm the remainder; to take, in conjunction with the civil...
67George Washington to the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut, 22 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] July 22, 1780 . Requests loan of two thousand arms and as many “Cartouch Boxes” as can be spared. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
68George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 26, 1779 . Hopes that the “want of bread” has been “relieved.” Asks Heath to come to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
69From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [1 March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Your Excellency will, I am persuaded, readily admit the force of this sentiment, that though it is the duty of a good citizen to devote his services to the public, when it has occasion for them, he cannot with propriety, or delicacy to himself, obtrude them, when it either has, or appears to have none. The difficuties I experienced last campaign in obtaining a command will not suffer me to...
70George Washington to Colonel Ephraim Blaine, 14 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 14, 1781 . Informs Blaine that Washington is leaving for Rhode Island. Orders Blaine to send provisions to West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
71From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Charles Stewart, [18 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
You will see that Mr. Farge is a man in distress. The General has given him an order to draw rations. From his situation he cannot draw them dayly. Can you advance him for two or three months at a time? This is wholly private. Yrs. with great regard ALS , Harvard College Library. Stewart was commissary general of issues. Accompanying this letter is an enclosure written and signed by H which...
72George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel David Mason, 25 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 25, 1779. Discusses the rations of Springfield artificers. Authorizes courts-martial to tighten discipline. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Mason was deputy commissary general of military stores at Springfield, Massachusetts.
73George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 26 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 26, 1778 . Asks Clinton to place Brower and Lozier, who were accused of killing a Loyalist, on same footing with other prisoners of war. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
74George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 7, 1779 . Sends information concerning British fleet; enemy attempts to depreciate American currency; and probable future movements of British army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
75George Washington to the Committee of Cooperation, 11 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 11, 1780 . Believes time has arrived to “reiterate our instances with the several States.” Reviews situation in South and in New York. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
76George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 28 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 28, 1779 . Recommends that Clinton encourage the Onondagas to capture either Colonel Walter Butler or Joseph Brant. Hopes that Clinton is ready to cooperate with Major General John Sullivan. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
77From Alexander Hamilton to Major Nicholas Fish, [March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry that for want of a person to send them with, I have been obliged to detain your horses till now. The articles I shall want from Duychinks are: four pint decanters if to be had, if not two Quart do. a dozen wine glasses two ale-glasses to hold about a pint each, if not to be had, two tumblers. You will oblige me by procuring these articles as soon as possible, having them carefully...
78George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Directs Heath to prepare the light companies for march to Morristown. Sends general instructions. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
79To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, [27 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 27, 1779. On July 29, 1779, Henry Laurens wrote to Hamilton : “In addition to the lines with which I troubled you with the day before yesterday.…” Letter not found. ]
80George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 11, 1779 . Warns of a probable British undertaking involving the Convention troops. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Jefferson was governor of Virginia.
81To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [20 January 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, January 20, 1777. A statement in George Washington’s letter to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison of this date reads: “Be so good as to forward the Inclosed to Captn. Hamilton.” Letter not found. ] Before the Revolution, Harrison, who was a native of Maryland, was a lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia, where he met Washington and became his occasional legal adviser....
82From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, 18 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I most sincerely and heartily sympathise with you in the distresses and dangers under which your state is labouring at this critical period. I lament its misfortunes, as they are wounds to the common cause, as they more nearly interest those for whom I feel the warmest regard, and as they are suffered by a state, which I consider, in a great measure, as my political parent. I wish any thing in...
83Registry of Marriage of Elizabeth Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton, 14 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, December 14, 1780. After this date in the Registry of the Reformed Church of Albany appears the following entry: “Colonel Hamilton & Elisabeth Schuyler.” Photostat of MS Register of the Reformed Church, Albany, MS Division, New York Public Library. Elizabeth Schuyler and H were married at the Schuyler home in Albany.
84George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 24 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, April 24, 1778. Invites Mifflin to council of war. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
85George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 22 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 22, 1778 . Sends news of departure of British fleet, which is presumably bound for West Indies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress
86George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell, 1 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 1, 1777. Seeks to mitigate severity of Campbell’s imprisonment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Campbell, a member of the 71st Regiment of the British army, was a prisoner in Concord, Massachusetts.
87George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 27, 1777. Discusses failure of Staten Island expedition. Advises Sullivan to spare health of men on march to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
88From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Cold in my professions, warm in ⟨my⟩ friendships, I wish, my Dear Laurens, it m⟨ight⟩ be in my power, by action rather than words, ⟨to⟩ convince you that I love you. I shall only tell you that ’till you bade us Adieu, I hardly knew the value you had taught my heart to set upon you. Indeed, my friend, it was not well done. You know the opinion I entertain of mankind, and how much it is my...
89To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [27 December 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 19th. came safe by the Doctr., who set out this morning for Philadelphia. I had, previous to the receipt of it, and without knowing that the Board of War had given any direction respecting the Armory at Albany, requested the Governor to exempt (if he could do it with propriety) the Citizens who were employed in it, from Military Services in cases of alarm, and had written to...
90George Washington to Samuel Chase, 27 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] April 27, 1778 . Discusses British practice of seizing and imprisoning civilians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Chase was a member of the Continental Congress from Maryland.
91George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 24, 1778 . Asks Sullivan to send news of arrival of British fleet to Major General Horatio Gates and to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress
92Continental Congress Remarks on Plans for Paying the Public Debt, [29 January 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton disliked every plan that made but partial provision for the public debts; as an inconsistent & dishonorable departure from the declaration made by Congs. on that subject. He said the domestic Creditors would take the alarm at any distinctions unfavorable to their claims; that they would withhold their influence from any such measures recommended by Congress; and that it must be...
93George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 11 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 11, 1780 . Requests “detail of the land and Sea forces arriv’d at Martinique.” Reports arrival of Lafayette with news from French court. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
94George Washington to Chevalier de Ternay, 8 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey ] September 8, 1780 . Is sending the two American officers requested. Proposes meeting Ternay on September 20 at Hartford. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
95Continental Congress Report on the Memorial of Francis Cazeau, 6 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the Memorial from Mr. De Cazeau report: That it appears by Mr. Cazeaus representation that he was possessed of large property in Canada; that he took an early and decided part in favour of the American revolution; rendered services to our army in that Country by supplies of provisions & otherwise which were productive of immediate loss to him and attempted to...
96George Washington to William Livingston, 4 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, October 4, 1779. Asks Livingston to instruct William Van Drill, a pilot, to join Major Henry Lee at Monmouth to assist D’Estaing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
97From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [16 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
When you ask my opinion as a friend, I must always act the part of a true friend, however frequently the advice I give may happen to clash with your feelings justly irritated by injuries which you have not merited. Considering the Board of treasury as so many individuals, the complexion of their letter to you would abundantly justify the asperity of your reply; but considering them as a public...
98From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick, 12 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The following is the address which the Marquis thinks will best answer the purpose—The Right Honorable The Marquis de la Fayette, Marechal de camp of the armies of His Most Christian Majesty and Major General in the Service of the United States. ALS , sold at the Parke-Bernet Galleries, January 20, 1947, Lot 346. Varick was at this time aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold at West Point. Varick’s...
99George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 21, 1779 . Is moving Headquarters to New Windsor. Orders Putnam to assume command of camp at Smiths Clove. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
100George Washington to Brigadier Generals William Woodford and Peter Muhlenberg, 28 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 28, 1779 . Justifies Major Henry Lee’s appointment to command of troops that attacked Powles Hook. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.