91To 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.
92To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 1 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Ne suis je pas bien malheureux, cher colonel, on me pousse pour aller à boston, on me chasse de Rhode island, ils n’ont ni repos ni patience que je ne sois parti, et le même jour que je m’absente est le seul où j’aurois du, où j’aurois voulu etre dans l’isle. Le diable en veut dans ce moment à tous les francois; heureusement que je viens de l’attrapper car à force de courir je suis arrivé à...
93To Alexander Hamilton from Cornet Larkin Dorsey, [4 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ September 4, 1778 ]. Resigns his commission. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. Dorsey was a cornet, Fourth Continental Dragoons.
94To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [21 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
In order to get rid of your present accumulations you will be pleased to take the pills agreeable to the directions; and to prevent future accumulations observe the following table of diet. This will have a tendency also to correct your wit. I would advise for your breakfast two cups of tea sweetened, with brown sugar, and coloured with about a teaspoonful of milk. I prefer brown sugar to loaf...
95To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel William Malcom, 24 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, September 24, 1778 . On September 25, 1778, Hamilton wrote to Malcom : “I received your letter of yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
96To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 12 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] October 12, 1778 . States desire of Captain-Lieutenant Daniel Gano, Second Continental Artillery, to resign. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
97To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Pettit, 16 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 16, 1778 . Describes “Preparations made and making for the Building of Barracks on Hudson’s River.” ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
98To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 3 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ November 3, 1778 . On November 4, 1778, Hamilton wrote to Van Schaick : “I have received your favour of Yesterday.” Letter not found .]
99To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Near Milford, Connecticut, November 4, 1778 . On November 8, 1778, Hamilton wrote to McDougall: “I have received your favor of the 4th.” Letter not found .]
100To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Charles Armand, 5 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Near Fredericksburg, New York ] November 5, 1778 . Needs equipment and money with which to pay troops. Asks for certificate of service from Washington. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Columbia University Libraries.
101To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 20 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I will be at Hd. Quarters tomorrow morning & take his Excys directions—have no doubt, I shall be able to prevent any very great evil from the misconception you believe to have happened. I cannot believe as Colo Bland doth that the officer commanding the Connecticut Militia has been honestly engaged to bring them on; and am satisfyed my Countrymen have too much pride not to follow when they are...
102To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kidder Meade, [21 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here a few minutes after four Oclock, when I immediately agreeably to the Genls. orders called on the officer commanding the Militia Guard here, who discovered every disposition to proceed at least to the next halting place. As the matter rests with the men, & he is gone to consult them I must give you their determination at the end of my letter. They are rather dispers’d to night,...
103Commission to Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, [30 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency George Washington Esquire, General & Commander in chief of the Forces of the United States of America. To Lieut Colonel Rob Hanson Harrison Lieut Colonel Alexander Hamilton His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton having by a letter to me of the 10th Instant, made a proposition to the following effect, Viz, “to exchange the Officers of our Army who are prisoners on parole or...
104To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [5 December 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
You have seen, and by this time considered, General Lee’s infamous publication. I have collected some hints for an answer; but I do not think, either that I can rely upon my own knowledge of facts and style to answer him fully, or that it would be prudent to undertake it without counsel. An affair of this kind ought to be passed over in total silence, or answered in a masterly manner. The...
105To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 6 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Paramus, New Jersey, December 6, 1778 . “… desire Colo. Harrison to write to Genl. Greene on the subject of his Letter respecting a change of ground for hutting. He may tell Genl. Greene, that the situation marked out in the first instance seems to His Excellency the most eligible; but that Genl. Greene must be a more competent judge, to which place the preference should be given.… We are...
106To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 6 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 6, 1778 . On December 19, 1778, Hamilton wrote to von Steuben : “I snatch a hasty moment My Dear Baron to acknowledge the receipt of yr. obliging favour of the 6th.” Letter not found .]
107Colonels Charles O’Hara and West Hyde to Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, 12 December … (Hamilton Papers)
We cannot sufficiently lament, that the Purposes of our Meeting, you will pardon us for observing, have been defeated, by a less generous and extensive Construction of the Resolutions of Congress of the 19th. November, than the View in which we had considered them. Every Sense of Honor, Justice and Humanity, make it impossible to acquiesce in a Proposal, which might lead to seperate the...
108To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, [8 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Mons. Nevile allant en france, mon cher hamilton, j’espere que vous ne Negligeres pas cette occasion de m’ecrire. Le soin qu’on prendra de votre lettre et la discretion avec laquelle elle me sera remise doivent vous engager à me parler librement sur toutes sortes d’articles. Cest à vous que je m’en Rapporte pour tous les intelligences, et toutes les Connaissances de vos affaires Militaires et...
109To Alexander Hamilton from Chevalier de Mauduit du Plessis, 11 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
January 11, 1779. Requests Hamilton to send papers containing “Les Signes en Chiffres.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French. Thomas Antoine, Chevalier de Mauduit du Plessis, was appointed a captain in the Continental Artillery, April 15, 1777; promoted to brevet lieutenant colonel, November 26, 1777; and resigned November 5, 1778. When he wrote this letter, he...
110To 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...
111To 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.
112To 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...
113To 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...
114To 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.
115To 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.
116To 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.
117To 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...
118To 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. ]
119To 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,...
120To 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....
121To 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...
122To 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. ]
123To 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...
124To 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...
125To 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.
126To 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...
127Lieutenant 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...
128To 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, &...
129To 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...
130To 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...
131To 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...
132To 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,...
133To 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...
134To 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...
135To 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.
136To 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...
137To 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:...
138To 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...
139To 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...
140To 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....