51To Alexander Hamilton from Cornelius Durant, 27 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, March 27, 1778 . Encloses letter from Hugh Knox and requests Hamilton to write to Knox. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hugh Knox to H, December 10, 1777 .
52To Alexander Hamilton from Major Nicholas Fish, 27 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 27, 1778 . Requests discharge for Ensign Robert Wood, Second New York Regiment. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
53Commission to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency, George Washington Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of all the Forces of the United States of America. To Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton and Elias Boudinot Esquire Commissary General of Prisoners Whereas a proposition was made, by me, on the 30th day of July 1776, to His Excellency General Sir William Howe,...
54Charles Thomson to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas Congress concur in opinion with General Washington that there are some Ambiguities characterizing the Measures taken by Genl. Howe respecting General Lee, which justify alarming surmises, notwithstanding all that has passed to the contrary. Resolved That General Washington be informed that it is the intention of Congress that it should be a preliminary in the proposed Cartel for a...
55George Washington to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and … (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed Resolutions of Congress came to my hand this instant, and as they are essentially necessary for your Government I have sent them immediately by Express. The first four Resolves are absolute and therefore you are obliged to insist upon the terms therein directed. But do not let the last embarrass you or impede your Business. I have so perfect a reliance upon your judgment and upon...
56Colonels Charles O’Hara and Humphrey Stephens, and Captain Richard FitzPatrick to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant … (Hamilton Papers)
We have reported to Sir Wm. Howe your observations on his Commission to us for settling a Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners; therefore if it will not be inconvenient, We will beg the favor of you to stay in German Town ’till ten o’clock, at which time We will do ourselves the honor of waiting on you to lay before you Sir Wm: Howe’s Sentiments on that matter. We are Gentlemen With due...
57Commission to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency George Washington Esquire General and Commander in chief of all the Forces of the United States of America To Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot Esquire Commissary General of prisoners. Whereas a proposition was made by me on the 30th: day of July 1776, to His Excellency General Sir William Howe, and...
58Permit for Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton to Pass British Lines, 5 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Until further Orders, advanced Posts and Patrols are not to prevent all persons, having Passports Signed by two of the following Officers, to pass unmolested, Viz.: Cols. O’Hara and Stephens, and Capt. Fitzpatrick, of the British; Col. Gregson, Lieut.-Col. Hamilton, and Mr. Boudinot (Commissary of Prisoners), belonging to the Enemy. Colls. of the N.Y. Hist. Soc. for 1883 (New York, 1884), 564....
59Colonels Charles O’Hara and Humphrey Stephens, and Captain Richard FitzPatrick to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant … (Hamilton Papers)
The Commissioners appointed by His Excellency Sir William Howe to take into Consideration all past Transactions relative to the Exchange of Prisoners, to adjust the differences that have so long subsisted in regard to them, to remove all Difficulties that may arise in carrying into Execution a General Exchange of Prisoners with both Parties at this Time, & finally to establish a regular &...
60To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Kip, 15 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Sir, Last Decm’r a Twelvemonth a Small Box was Taken at or Near Princetown And Deposited in an Amunition Cart & Supposed to be Taken From thence by Capt. Crane. I can Assure you that I have Seen a Box in Crane’s Possession That answers the Description & Since the Discovery he is prepareing to Leave the Continent. He Now Resides in Clarks Town, Orange County. A Line to Collo. Gilbert Coper at...
61To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 8 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
An opinion of your Benevolence leads me to address this Letter to you. Accident has introduced me to Monsr Lewis de Celoron, we happen to lodge in the same House. His modesty & decent manners made an impression upon me, and induced me to make some inquiries into his History and Character. The Gentlemen of this Place say handsome things of him. He is the son of a Major General who fell last war...
62To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Stevens, 8 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Comment vous portez vous? & comment vous êtes vous porté depuis que je n’ai eu le plasir de vous voir? Si vous êtes en bonne santé tout est bien avec vous; j’en suis sûre. Qui pourrait avoir imaginé mon Ami qu’un homme de votre grandeur , de votre délicatesse de constitution, & de votre tranquillité aurait brillé tant, & en si peu de tems, dans le Champ de Mars, que vous l’avez fait. Je vous...
63To 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...
64From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 4 June 1778 (Washington 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...
65To 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...
66To 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.
67To 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.
68To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, [July–November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ July–November, 1778 .] Asks Hamilton to assist the Chevalier de Villefranche. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French. In JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851). , I, 198 this letter is dated 1780. This very vague undated letter discusses a dispute in which the Chevalier de Villefranche was involved. Du Portail thought that...
69To 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...
70To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 26 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai recu votre lettre, cher colonel, et j’y aurois repondu plutôt si l’absence de la flotte ne m’avoit pas mis hors d’etat de vous parler d’autre chose que de ma bonne volonté, dont je ne crois pas avoir besoin de vous assurer. Mais j’ai vu Mr le Cte d’estaing, et je puis à present vous parler en son nom. La veneration, la tendresse qu’il a pour notre cher general, joint au sentiment que vous...
71To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, [29 August 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The Person I mentioned to you came over last Night and informs me, that General Clinton with his whole Army has set off for Rhode Island. They are gone up the Sound and across the East End of Long Island. There are only a small Guard left in the City. Not a Canoe is suffered to pass up the East River least it should be known, they moved with the utmost secrecy. As it might be you have not...
72To 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.
73To 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...
74To 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.
75To 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...
76To 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. ]
77To 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.
78To 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.
79To 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 .]
80To 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 .]
81To 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.
82To 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...
83To 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,...
84Commission 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...
85To 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...
86To 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...
87To 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 .]
88Colonels 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...
89To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, [1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ 1779 ] States his willingness to go to South Carolina, but does not wish to ask for such a mission. Asks Hamilton to suggest to Washington that he be sent south. AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French. On March 27, 1780, Washington recommended to Congress that Du Portail be sent to Charleston, South Carolina ( Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers,...
90To 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...
91To 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...
92To 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...
93To 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.
94To 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...
95To 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...
96To 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.
97To 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.
98To 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.
99To 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...
100To 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. ]