101To Alexander Hamilton from Chevalier de la Neuville, 17 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ February 17, 1779. On March 11, 1779, Hamilton wrote to La Neuville : “I have received the honor of your letter of the 17th of february.” Letter not found. ] Louis-Pierre Penot Lombard, Chevalier de la Neuville, was a major in the French army who became inspector general of the Northern Department in May, 1778. On October 14, 1778, he was granted a brevet commission of brigadier to be dated...
102To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, 23 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] February 23, 1779 . States that the work on “batteaux” will be continued in case it is decided to revive expedition against Canada. LS , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
103To Alexander Hamilton from Susanna Livingston, [14 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The fond desire we all feel to be indulged with a sight of those who are dear to us, after a long detachment from them, has led my Cousins Miss Van Home Miss Clarkson, & Miss Browne to sollicit an interview with their Friends in Jersey. You may perhaps be not unaquainted, that the Governor has laid himself under a rule (from which he has never swerved, except in a very few instances & those of...
104To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 20 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, March 20, 1779. Cannot obtain boats and other equipment needed to make a survey of Delaware River. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French; translation by H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Du Portail, brigadier general, Corps of Engineers, was sent by Washington to Philadelphia to make a survey of the Delaware River ( GW John...
105To Alexander Hamilton from John Laurance, 28 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] April 28, 1779 . Informs Hamilton of enforced absence from Camp. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. John Laurance, who was a close friend and associate of H in New York after the war, was judge advocate, Continental Army.
106To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 6 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Bound Brook [ New Jersey ] May 6, 1779 . Sends directives and notes concerning regulation and administration of Army. Asks Hamilton to translate some of this material and transmit all of it to Washington. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. This letter is written in French.
107To Alexander Hamilton from Captain Thomas Randall, 11 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 11, 1779. Requests an honorable discharge. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. Randall was a captain, Third Continental Artillery. He later became vice-consul in Canton, China.
108To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 14 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] May 14, 1779 . Requests a court of inquiry into his own conduct and that of Colonel George Morgan. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Reel 169, Item 152, VII, p. 365, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives; copy, Reel 187, Item 169, V, p. 305, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. McIntosh, who was in command...
109To Alexander Hamilton from Major General John Sullivan, 19 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Easton, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1779. On May 20, 1779, Hamilton wrote to Sullivan , “I have received your favour of yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
110To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 28 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Garanger having positively renounced all claims to rank or command in the Corps of artillery, it is my opinion that he can be Employed in the Corps in a manner honorable to himself, and useful to the service. There can be no objection to his receiving a brevet of a Captaincy in the army. I am Dear Sir affectionately your huml Sert. Copy, Reel 95, Item 78, X, p. 460, Papers of the...
111To 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,...
112To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 14 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Ternant will relate to you how many violent struggles I have had between duty and inclination—how much my heart was with you, while I appeared to be most actively employed here—but it appears to me that I shd be inexcusable in the light of a Citizen if I did not continue my utmost efforts for carrying the plan of black levies into execution, while there remains the smallest hope of success....
113To Alexander Hamilton from Francis Dana, 25 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 10th inst: enclosing one from Colo: Brooks, of the 4th, was put into my hands the day before yesterday by Colo: Henley at Boston. I shall notice such parts only of Colo: Brooks’s as immediately respect you. I have a full recollection of expressing myself in part of you, but little variant in terms, tho’ essentially so in substance, from what Colo: Brooks has mentioned in his...
114To 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. ]
115To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, 29 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
In addition to the lines which I troubled you with the day before yesterday by Colonel, or should I say, Doctor McHenry, he is an honest Man, with either, or without any Title, permit one to inform you—I presented to Congress this Morning, Colo. Fleury’s earnest request for the Flag which he had the glory of lowering at Stony point, that there was not a single voice heard in second to my...
116To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 31 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
That affair of Colo Williams’s is very old & I thought had been long drop’t. I can’t pretend to recollect the Circumstances & Charges laid against him—all I know of my own knowledge is that early in the morning of the Action of Germantown Colo Williams came & took me by the hand & seemed pleased at the prospect of Immediate Action; but at the same time appeared to be much Intoxicated with...
117To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Morgan Lewis, 7 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, August 7, 1779. Requests that Hamilton assist the bearer, Patrick Smith, to obtain compensation for damages to his home and farm at Fort Edward. These damages were caused by the occupation of American troops. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Lewis was deputy quartermaster general in the Northern Department.
118To 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...
119Lieutenant Colonel Robert Troup to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton and James McHenry, 11 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Give me leave to congratulate you most heartily on the smiling Aspect our Affairs begin to put on. Yesterday Congress received Despatches from Mr. Bingham, their Agent, in Martinico, which confirm the Accounts of the Defeat of the British Fleet in the West-Indies. The Action was extremely severe; and if Byron , like Sir Henry Clinton , had not taken the Advantage of the Moon , it is more than...
120To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 18 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Ye officers of the two 1st Batellons of L. infantery which I actually Comand, have applied to me, for ceasing to Run over those Craggy Montains barefooted, & beg that I would write to head quarters, to have an order from his excellency to get one pare shoes for each. the shoes they hint to are at N. windsor & their intention is to pay for. Do not be so greedy for shoes as for my blanket, &...
121To 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...
122To Alexander Hamilton from Francis Dana, 25 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 10th instant, last Sunday evening, at Cambridge, by the hand of Colonel Henley, enclosing a copy of your letter of the 6th, to Lieutenant-Colonel Brooks, and his answer to the same. I should have earlier acknowledged the receipt of them, but I thought proper to accompany such acknowledgement with such evidence as I could collect from one of the company present...
123To Alexander Hamilton from William Gordon, 25 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon my return home from a visit on the monday evening I received yours without a date. However common the principle may be, on which you urge me. to an immediate direct & explicit answer , as tho’ the least hesitation or reserve might give room for conjectures, which it can be neither your wish nor mine to excite —it is certainly a false one. In many cases a gentleman may receive information...
124To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 30 August [1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Etant arrivé à la Providence J’ai appris que le nouveau Ministre de france etat sur son depart pour Philadelphia. Je me hatait de le trouver encore à Boston et j’ai remis le Revue des trouppes à Providence pour mon retour. J’arriva le 28 et hier j’ai vue Mr: de la Luzerne. Il se propose de partir d’ici Samedi ou dimanche prochain. Il prendrat sa route d’ ici a Springfield, Hartfort, New hawen,...
125To Alexander Hamilton from David Henley, 1 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed is Mr. Dana’s letter in answer to your last. The long detention of this, is occasioned for this gentleman to procure and support any evidence in favour of himself, to confute some part of Colonel Brooks’ charge. I do think, upon examination, you will find Doctor ****** the cause of this mischievous and false report. The other day he was proved a liar in the public street; and had...
126To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 4 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have spent some days at this place with our Legislature and have been happy in finding their Zeal for the Common Cause undiminished. Every thing which can be asked for the Army they will most cheerfully grant & Col. Wadsworth is gone away perfectly satisfied. It is a circumstance to their honor that amidst all their wants & distresses Flour & Carriage have been supplied at 25 per cent. less...
127To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Morgan Lewis, 8 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, September 8, 1779. Asks for “any intelligence which you can consistently communicate respecting the Intentions of Sir Henry Clinton.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
128To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 10 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Accept my Thanks for your Favour of the 28 Augt and your obliging assurances that you will comply with my Request, unless my anxiety for the Events of the Campaign had been very great I should not have been so unreasonable as to impose this Burthen on any of my much respected Friends at head Quarters; well knowing that they of all others have the least Leisure. I find the British Reinforcement...
129To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, [10 September 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I wish you would send me a copy of Gen Washingtons letr. of instructions to me, a copy of gen orders on the subject of the 19th. & the sentence of the court martial. The emissarys from the virginia party have been industrious to injure my military character. I am dr sir yours sincerely ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The background of this letter can be briefly summarized:...
130To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 16 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had no earlier opportunity to acknowledge the Receipt of your very agreeable favour of the 7th Instant. To yours of the I transmitted an answer by the post. I perfectly agree in opinion with you what the Enemy ought in good policy to attempt; but as they uniformly contravene their best Interest, and persue measures which can produce their least possible advantage, I conclude they will...
131To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 18 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favors of the 25, 26, & 30 July & 12 Inst have thus long remained unanswered. This Circumstance would naturally lead you to think me inattentive; others will induce you to ascribe it to a different Cause. Exclusive of Business which I never admit or urge as an Excuse for such omissions, want of Health has rendered me less punctual in my private Correspondence than I would wish. The...
132From John Jay to Alexander Hamilton, 18 September 1779 (Jay Papers)
Your favors of the 25, 26, & 30 July last ^ & 12 Inst ^ have lain by me thus long ^ unnoticed remained unanswered ^ . You have Reason to think ^ This Circumstance ^ would naturally lead you to think me inattentive; others will induce you to ascribe
133To Alexander Hamilton from David Henley, 22 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I delivered your letter to Doctor ******, and hope you will receive such satisfaction as is due to you, either in wounding him in his honour, or by treating the man with contempt that has endeavoured to injure your reputation. You have, enclosed, a little anecdote of the Doctor’s conduct, in an affair that happened not long since, handed me by a gentleman. The bearer of this is Mr....
134To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 23 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I find I have given our Friends Tighlman and Meade an opportunity of exercising their Risibility . The whole Expence ought to be mine, and it is taking an ungenerous advantage to oblige you to contribute your Club. Tell them from me that however they may carry it at Head Quarters, if you and I could catch them at the Manour it is possible they might be convinced that my Enquiry was not...
135To Alexander Hamilton from William Gordon, 23 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Tho from the expressions & innuendos in yours of the 5th instant which I received from Col Henly the last tuesday, I cannot apprehend myself treated with due respect, yet I shall not be thereby drove either to reply with asperity, or to quit my own plan of conduct. Said one of the greatest soldiers of the age in which he lived, “The business of a general is not to fight but to overcome.” When...
136To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 7 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
What is the matter with my dear Hamilton and by what chance do I live in fruitless expectation of some lines from him? Does it begin to be the play in your, or rather in our Country, to take European airs, and forget friends as soon as they have turned their heels—Indeed my good friend I cannot help being somewhat angry against you, which makes into my heart a ridiculous fighting between love...
137To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 7 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
What is the matter with my dear hamilton And By what chance do I live in fruitless expectation of Some lines from him? does it begin to be the way in your, or rather in our Country to take European Airs, and forget friends as soon as they have turn’d theyr heels—indeed, My Good friend, I Cant help being Some what angry Against you, which shakes into My heart a Ridicu⟨lous⟩ fighting between...
138George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 10 October … (Hamilton Papers)
The only material intelligence which I have obtained from New York or respecting the Enemy since your departure, is contained in the inclosed account, which I received yesterday from Captain Monroe. This in your communications with His Excellency Count D’Estaing, you will be pleased to shew him. As we shall have occasion for a great many boats, in case a cooperation between the Count & us...
139From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The only material intelligence which I have obtained from New York or respecting the Enemy since your departure, is contained in the inclosed account, which I received yesterday from Captain Monroe. This in your communications with His Excellency Count D’Estaing, you will be pleased to shew him. As we shall have occasion for a great many boats, in case a cooperation between the Count & us...
140To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 15 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have your letters of the 9th & 13th Octobr. The Pilots have orders one half to proceed to Lewis Town, there to wait on you. The route I can not yet determine, as I am not sufficiently acquainted. They will be sent the shortest & every assistance given them to expedite their arrival. Should you leave the Capes before they get there, it would be necessary to dispatch a courier to cross at...
141George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 18 October … (Hamilton Papers)
I have been favored with Colonel Hamilton’s letter, mentioning your arrival early on the 11th at Philadelphia; and your being about to set off for Lewis town the morning on which it was written. I have attentively considered the object to which you more particularly refer, and am now to authorize you, (provided the Count will not determine on a co-operation to the full extent of my...
142From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 18 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with Colonel Hamilton’s letter, mentioning your arrival early on the 11th at Philadelphia; and your being about to set off for Lewis town the morning on which it was written. I have attentively considered the object to which you more particularly refer, and am now to authorise you (provided the Count will not determine on a co-operation to the full extent of my...
143To Alexander Hamilton from John Holker, 21 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Lewes [ Delaware ,] October 21, 1779 . “… I begin to suppose the Count will not be here so soon, I am affraid he must have suffered in some storm to the Southward; I hope & more Sincerely wish it is not the Case & that he will still appear [in] time enough to execute some plan of utility to the Common Cause.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Holker was French consul to the United...
144George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 21 October … (Hamilton Papers)
In my Letters of the 10th & 18th I transmitted all the intelligence I had obtained, respecting the Enemy from the time of your departure to those two periods; and by the present conveyance, I inclose you an Extract of a Letter from Major General Gates of the 15th. By this you will perceive he was fully persuaded, that the Enemy were preparing to evacuate Rhode Island and he expected from his...
145From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 21 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my Letters of the 10th & 18th I transmitted All the intelligence I had obtained, respecting the Enemy from the time of your departure to those two periods; and, by the present conveyance, I enclose You an Extract of a Letter from Major General Gates of the 15th. —By this you will perceive he was fully persuaded, that the Enemy were preparing to evacuate Rhode Island—and he expected, from...
146To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 22 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your two letrs announcing your object route & wishes. I sent to you at Lewis-town two pilots—one of them Captain Johnston from whom you may know more than from any other, as he was particularly active. The enemy’s strength at the hook consists in two 64, the Europa & Russell—the Raisonable, Renown Roebuck & Romulus. Besides these they have a few frigates & some armed Schooners. They...
147To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel John Mitchell, 23 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 18th Instant from Lewis Town, came duly to hand & in consequence of your request, Express’s have been Stationed at proper Distances on the Road between this and Lewis Town. Yours of the 19th. from Egg Harbour came to hand at half past two & yours of the 22d Inst from Col. Wadsworth came to hand at three oClock this afternoon. I shall only observe in answer to your last Note...
148George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 25 October … (Hamilton Papers)
I have just now received a letter from Col. Hamilton, mentioning your having changed your position at Lewis Town, for that of little Egg harbour, and that you would write me more fully on your arrival at the furnace. In my last I informed you that the enemy had evacuated both their posts at Kings-ferry, since which no alteration has taken place, that has come to my knowlege. Things at Rhode...
149From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just now received a letter from Col. Hamilton, mentioning your having changed your position of Lewis Town, for that of little Egg harbour, and that you would write me more fully on your arrival at the furnace. In my last I informed you that the enemy had evacuated both their posts at Kings-ferry, since which no alteration has taken place, that has come to my knowlege. Things at Rhode...
150Samuel Huntington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 27 October … (Hamilton Papers)
I am favour’d with your letter of yesterday also one from Colo Hamilton of the 19th instant. I have not receiv’d any official or particular intelligence from the Count D’Estaing or the southern Army since you left this City. The enclos’d papers contain all the information I am able to give you either from the southern, northern or eastern Armies. I am with esteem & regard your hble Servt LC ,...