201To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, [30 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Light Camp, New Jersey, October 30, 1780. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by C. F. Libbie and Company, Boston, December 12, 1895, Item 312.
202To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 6 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness, New Jersey, November 6, 1780. Describes efforts to obtain boats for projected attack on the posts on the northern end of Manhattan Island. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LC , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; and LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives. Washington hoped for one successful stroke against the British before going into...
203To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 12 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Both your favors of the 17th & 22nd. ult I had the pleasure to receive about the latter end of the month, since which this place has been a Scene of Confusion and distress. The Inhabitants flying for Shelter to the Interior part of the state, and the Militia moving up with a tardiness which has given me more real Concern than the Enemys depradations have done as It evinces either disaffection...
204To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, [20 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I instantly sent off an Express on the Receipt of your first Note to Major Cogswell with Orders requiring him immediately to dispatch five Teams with Carriages for five additional Boats at Dobbs Ferry which had arrived there since the others were sent for! I will send again to know if the first Order was executing, and directing that the Boats be at the two Bridges by Wednesday-night. I am Sir...
205To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 20 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The moment teams could be provided the boats at Dobbs ferry were sent for. I expect them up to-morrow, five at least, and six if so many were there. I will immediately dispatch an express to Major Cogswell to send teams for the five additional boats ordered from Kings-ferry. I am your most obdt. servt. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T....
206To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed, my dear hamilton, I send you a letter for M de Marbois wherein are contain’d two exemplaires of my dispatches to doctor franklin. In the hurry of our Arrangement I forgot to mention them to the General. Be pleased to give him a Summary of theyr contents to which I have added the Southern News of Yesterday; tell him that knowing from experience how Negligent we were in sending...
207To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The five boats I had collected at Dobbs’ ferry arrived at Colo. Baldwin’s last evening. They want some repairs which are making. The five which came from King’s ferry to the slote, were at paramus last Evening. I am &c LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the projected attack described in Pickering to H, November 6, 1780, note 1 ....
208To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
I believe it possible tho’ difficult to have Teams at the slote by Thursday night to take up five more Boats. I will endeavor to effect it. I presume they will come provided with oars. Must not they too be muffled? what Route are they to take? I shall be glad of further Instructions. It will doubtless be necessary to impress Horses on this Occasion. LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering,...
209To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 28 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Here I arrived last night and am going to set out for Philadelphia. Gouvion goes strait to New Windsor and by him I write to the General, I speak of Hand & Smith whom I recommend and add— “If however you was to cast your-eye on a Man who I think would suit better than any other in the World Hamilton is, I confess the officer whom I would like best to see in my .” Then I go on with the idea...
210To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Louis Dominique Ethis de Corny, 4 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The ill state of my Health obliges me to request permission to return to france, for as short time as possible. I must, before my departure, acquit my-self of the double duty of thanking you for the favors with [which] you have honored me, and of solliciting your orders for my country. The satisfaction I feel of Being chosen to accompany the Marquis de La fayette and of executing under his...
211To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 9 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
On the first days of your Arrival at Albany I dare say you had Nothing to do with Any Body’s letters. But I will now Become the Bolder in interrupting your Amorous Occupations as exclusive of other Motives the importance of the Matters I have to Mention may Countenance your indulging your dear self with some Minutes Respite. You may therefore, my good friend, Catch this opportunity of taking...
212Continental Congress Nomination as Minister to France, 9 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 9, 1780. On this date John Sullivan nominated Hamilton “for the office of minister to the Court of Versailles.” JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937; Reprinted, New York, 1968). , XVIII, 1138. For background to this document, see Marquis de Lafayette to H, December 9, 1780, note 7 ( PAH Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander...
213Continental Congress Nomination as Minister to Russia, 15 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 15, 1780. On this date John Mathews nominated Hamilton Minister to Russia. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937; Reprinted, New York, 1968). , XVIII, 1155–56. Mathews was a delegate to the Continental Congress from South Carolina. Francis Dana of Massachusetts and Arthur Lee of Virginia were the other nominees ( JCC Journals of the...
214To 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...
215To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, 10 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
General du Portail being on his way to the Northward gives me an opportunity to write you; which I should have done before, had not my letters to his Excellency contained as full information of the state of things, as I was able to give from the little time I had been in the department. When I was appointed to this command I expected to meet with many new and singular difficulties; but they...
216To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kidder Meade, 13 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
What shall I say or think of my dear friend Hamilton, not a single line from him since we parted. I will not however charge you my dear fellow with not having done your duty, or at least of a want of inclination to do it. You may have complied fully with your promise & your letters miscarried; mine probably have shared the same fate. This is the third since I got home. The first was writ...
217To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 17 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The Bearer Mr. John Lewis is master of a sloop which almost from the Commencement of the war has been in the public service. At the close of the present season his vessel with all the other craft in the like employment were discharged; but without being paid for a long time even from eight months to two years past as he informs me. Since their discharge they have drawn no provisions; and being...
218To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 18 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
In my conversation with the General about the ox-teams to be provided for the next campaign, I forgot one capital question. At what time shall the teams be ready to join the army? Or rather (as they will be collected at different distances) on what day shall they be engaged to be at any certain Rendezvous? They will have only pasturage for their support, which will not be sufficient till...
219To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 25 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I received your favor of the 16th. Instant. It affords me pleasure to learn that the Pensylvania line is reduced to order, but we in this quarter are on the point of experiencing a similar commotion. Two regiments threaten to march to Head quarters unless some money is paid them, the certificates for the depreciation expedited, and in future better supplied with provisions. Yesterday...
220To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 2 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] February 2, 1781 . Requests permission to issue rations to the families of Moses Dean and Hezekiah Gibson, both of whom belong to Colonel Jeduthan Baldwin’s Artificer Regiment. LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives.
221To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 5 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favors of the 21st & 30th ult: I had the pleasure to receive a few days ago. The reward refused by the Pensylvania line evinces a becoming sense of propriety & gallantry. What might not our soldiery be brought to if properly fed, paid and cloathed. Mr De Grandchain delivered me your favor; he and Colo Wadsworth have had beds here and those attentions which your recommendations will always...
222To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Hugh Hughes, 16 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] February 16, 1781 . Has obtained horses requested by Hamilton for the journey to Rhode Island. Asks whether they should be delivered to the west bank of the Hudson River or kept at Fishkill. LC , New-York Historical Society, New York City. See H to Timothy Pickering, February 9, 1781 (printed in this volume).
223To 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.
224To Alexander Hamilton from Major Richard Platt, 24 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] February 24, 1781 . Requests that some steps be taken to compensate Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay for oxen which were taken for public use. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Platt was aide-de-camp to Major General Alexander McDougall.
225To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 25 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Last night your favor of the 18 Inst: was delivered me. I confess that the contents surprized and afflicted me, not that I discover any impropriety in your conduct in the affair in question, for of that I persuade myself you are incapable, but as it may be attended with consequences prejudical to my country which I love, which I affectionately love, and as no event tending to its detriment can...
226To Alexander Hamilton from Duc de Lauzun, 26 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Permettes moi Monsieur de vous adresser une lettre pour le Marquis De La Faiette, ne sachant ou il est; je ne veux point importuner son Excellence dans un moment ou tant d’affaires l’accablent. M. de Closen Aide de Camp de M. Le Comte de Rochambeau lui porte des depêches Importantes; M. Le Marquis de Laval paroit destiné a Comander un detachement de Grenadiers, et chasseurs de L’Armée...
227To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [7 March 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I shall be obliged to you for the answer to the address as soon as it is convenient to you. If we do not ride to the point to see the fleet pass out, I am to have a conference with Count de Rochambeau ⟨&⟩ the Engineer directly after Breakfast at which I wish you to be present. I am sincerely and affectly yrs ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. J.C. Hamilton incorrectly dated this...
228To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Hanson Harrison, 26 March 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I came here, My Dear Hamilton, on Friday night to bid adieu to the General, to you and to My other Friends as a military man, and regret much that I have not had the happiness of seeing you. Tomorrow I am obliged to depart, and it is possible our separation may be for ever. But be this as it may, it can only be with respect to our persons, for as to affection, mine for You will continue to my...
229To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, [10 April 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I will not Let Gibs Return, without a friendly word for you; I have very Little time Left, but enough to inquire after your happiness. Are you come back from albany, with your sweet-heart; are you already, out of the general’s familly? or what Capacity do you serve? What are you doing? What are you thinking? Let me know every thing, which may be interesting to you; you know it is so to me. We...
230To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 10 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Where is, for the present, My Dear Hamilton? This question is not a mere affair of Curiosity; it is not even wholly owing to the tender sentiments of my friendship. But motives both of public and private nature conspire in making me wish that your woe be not accomplished; perhaps are you at Head quarters, perhaps at Albany. At all events I’ll tell you my History. Had the french fleet come in...
231To 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...
232To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 15 April [1781] (Hamilton Papers)
You are so sensible a fellow that you Can Certainly Explain to me what is the Matter that New York is given up, that our letters to france go for nothing, that while the french are coming I am going; this last matter gives great Uneasiness to the Minister of france. All this is not Comprehensible for me, who Having Been long from Head Quarters Have lost the Course of Intelligences. Have You...
233To 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.
234To 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.
235To 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 .
236To 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...
237To 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...
238To 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...
239To 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...
240To 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 ,...
241To 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).
242To 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...
243To 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...
244To 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...
245To 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...
246To 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...
247To 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).
248To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 9 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd your Letter of the 7th. Shoes will be issued to the State Companies under your Command, upon your Return. I will only recommend that proper precaution should be taken respecting the delivery, & that the men of the State Companies should be made accountable for them; the same mode will be pursued, in supplying the other Companies, as has been formerly practiced. I am Dr. Sr. Your...
249To Alexander Hamilton from Elizabeth Hamilton, 3 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, September 3, 1781. On October 18, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “Your letter of the 3d. of September … never reached me till to day.” Letter not found. ]
250To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 16 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The mail which was taken a few days ago at Hampton has probably deprived me of the pleasure of a line from you. We are advised by a letter from Mr Carter that General Washington embarked with all except the rear division of the french at the head of Elk on the 8th Instant, hence I hope you are now operating against Cornwallis. It is difficult to judge with precision of your prospects at this...