1Endorsement by Alexander Hamilton on Note of Ann Lytton Venton, [25 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
No. 40, Philladelphia January 25, 1779, Exchange for £100, Pinsylvania Currency at ten Days Sight, of this Third bill, first and Second Not paid, Pay to Mr John Pringle, on order, one hundred Pound, Penselvania Money, for Value, Received, and Please the Same to account of the Effects of James Lytton, Senior Deceased, Anna Venton to Mr. James Lytton, Ste. Croix, Alexd Hammelton—Pay to George...
2Plan for the Department of Inspector General, [28 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 28, 1779. ] Outlines duties, powers, regulations, and structure of department of inspector general. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937). , XIII, 196–200. In JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851). , II, 168, it is stated that the draft of this document was written by H. This draft has not been...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [30 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you sundry papers respecting the Ordnance department. The General requests you will prepare your observations on them and be ready to meet The Committee and himself tomorrow forenoon. As he is going out of town on Monday and will have no time to spare, He begs you will be ready at the time mentioned. Will you be at home to day at 2 oClock? Mr. Garanger plagues me to accompany him to...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Captain John Stokes, 16 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
As there are some appearances of an intended movement among the enemy and as they may possibly be encouraged to make some attempt while the exhibition at Pluckimin on thursday is going on, expecting to find our attention much engrossed by that object—It is His Excellencys particular desire that you keep a more vigilant look out than usual on that day and night and part of the day following,...
The General has given me some memorandums for instructions to you on the subject of the Northern preparations. He is however undecided on one point—How far the preparation for vessels ought to be pushed. It was his wish when the resolution to discontinue the former plan was taken to stop the provision for the vessels as well as other matters; and he is only induced to depart from this idea in...
His Excellency has received a line from Mr. Williamson informing him of the enemy having entered Elizabeth Town. If their design should appear to be any thing more serious than surprising that post, and they should be in force sufficient to approach this army; he desires you will retire gradually harassing and delaying them in their march to give the more time for our dispositions here. You...
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] March 4, 1779 . Requests White to explain to Washington circumstances under which a horse, belonging to one Robert Brown, was impressed. ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. White was a lieutenant colonel of the Fourth Continental Dragoons.
8From Alexander Hamilton to Chevalier de la Neuville, 11 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the honor of your letter of the 17th of february, the contents of which so far as was necessary, have been communicated to His Excellency. Though circumstances did not permit you to serve immediately under him; the information he has received of your conduct, has impressed him with an advantageous opinion of your merits; and he regrets that the situation of our service, and the...
9From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [14 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Laurens, who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is on his way to South Carolina, on a project, which I think, in the present situation of affairs there, is a very good one and deserves every kind of support and encouragement. This is to raise two three or four batalions of negroes; with the assistance of the government of that state, by contributions from the owners in...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Susanna Livingston, [18 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I can hardly forgive an application to my humanity , to induce me to exert my influence in an affair, in which ladies are concerned; and especially when you are of the party. Had you appealed to my friendship or to my gallantry, it would have been irresistible. I should have thought myself bound to have set prudence and policy at defiance, and even to have attacked windmills in your Ladyship’s...
11From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 26 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, March 26, 1779. Letter not found .] Sold by Thomas Birch’s Sons, December, 1892, Lot 106.
12From 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...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel David Hall, [20 April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency’s command, I inclose you a Resolve of Congress of the 16th of December last, by which you will find that Capt. McLane’s Company late of Pattons Regiment is annexed to the Delaware Battalion in the arrangement of the Regs. therefore under your Command, you are to Comprehend Captn. McLane and his Officers. I am, Sir, Your most Obdt. Servt. Alexr. Copy, Delaware State...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [21 April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Benjamin Black the bearer a dragoon in your regiment represents that he is rather unfairly detained in the service, having procured another in his place. We do not believe him; but that he may not think himself neglected, I give him this line to you. I am sure you will do him justice; and you know the General’s sentiments too well to need being told, that while, in the present scarcity of men,...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Smallwood, [27 April 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
By his Excellency’s order, I am to inform you that you are to take the command of the four batalions appointed to manœuvre in presence of the French Minister. I inclose you the manœuvres which are to be performed. If there should be any thing in them which requires explanation (though I imagine you will find them pretty clear) The Baron De Steuben will with pleasure give the explanation, if...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [6 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency to acknowlege the receipt of your letter. He desires you will have the persons you mention carefully confined ’till they can be delivered over to the civil Magistrate as we have no military law by which to punish them. But ⟨that⟩ the civil law may have something substantial to operate upon, he requests you will do every thing you can think of to discover the...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 14 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your note by Col Gibson and communicated the contents to His Excellency. Though from the serious nature of the charges you have exhibited against Colonel Morgan, there seems to be almost a necessity for bringing the matter to a thorough investigation; yet at this juncture it would be attended with so many difficulties as to make it utterly inconvenient. The affair involves such...
18From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Thomas Clark, [18] May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency received last night a letter from Lt Col Davidson written by your direction, informing him of the enemy’s being at the New Bridge. He requests you will advise him punctually of their movements and endeavour to ascertain their force and designs. You will be pleased to do the same to General McDougall. The Quarter Master General is directed to furnish you with some express riders...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [20 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Duryee has applied to The General to have a Barn of his released, taken up for the use of the hospital, representing that from its situation relatively to his dwelling house it will produce greater inconvience to him than the taking some other barn in the neighbourhood will produce to its proprietor. The General would wish to avoid every thing that would look like discrimenation without...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Major General John Sullivan, [20 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favour of yesterday. As you will learn from Major Scot the precise route which the troops are marching, I must leave it with you to meet them with a good guide or two to give them whatever route you think proper. From the time the orders were given for their march, they must now be some distance on their way. I am Dr Sir Yr. most Obed serv ADfS , George Washington...
21From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [22 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
By a letter we have received from General Sullivan it appears that Poor’s Brigade have left their tents behind. The General requests you will have them supplied from your nearest deposit, and, in general, that you will make up every deficiency in this article for the expedition as speedily as possible. General Sullivan appears to be very anxious to have his supplies of every kind forwarded to...
22From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 22 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Monroe is just setting out from Head Quarters and proposes to go in quest of adventures to the Southward. He seems to be as much of a night errant as your worship; but as he is an honest fellow, I shall be glad he may find some employment, that will enable him to get knocked in the head in an honorable way. He will relish your black scheme if any thing handsome can be done for him in that...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [26 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency to inform you that Lt Col Regnier is to be appointed a Sub-inspector. He will act in the troops under General Sullivan attached to a division under the command (I believe) of Brigadier General Clinton. The General requests you will furnish him with the instructions in your department. I have the honor to be Sir Yr. most Obed servt ALS , New-York Historical...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 28 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by His Excellency to inform you that recent intelligence increases the probability of the enemy being on the point of some important movement. He therefore repeats his recommendation that you will exert yourself to get your division in readiness to march as soon as possible. I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt serv ADf , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [31 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you will send some discreet person to Brunswick to ascertain the No of Boats in the River. A countryman that is judicious & trusty would give less suspicion than an officer. It should if possible be a person acquainted with the place. His inquiries will be the more easily accepted. The more hurry & dispatch the better. DS Yr obt Serv JCH Transcripts John C. Hamilton...
26From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [2 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excelly directs me to notify you that the last division Kalb’s is ordered to be in readiness to march tomorrow. Its actual marching will depend on a contingency—the getting of horses. The General however wishes the Park to be also ready to move tomorrow. The route will be by Morris Town & the Maryland division will serve as a cover. You will have previous notice to march. Your care is...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Clement Biddle, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a letter for Mr. Writtenhouse accompanied by a Theodolite which you will be pleased carefully to forward him for The General. (Now on my own account) Gibbs informs me you were obliging enough to promise that care should be taken of my mare and her colt at your place. I leave her in charge of Mr. Wallace as my servant will be too much employed while we stay to carry her to your...
28From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [3 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, June 3, 1779. ] Catalogue description reads: “Regarding DeKalb’s movements.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by C. F. Libbie, April 26, 1904, Lot 1125.
29From Alexander Hamilton to Captain James Christie, [4 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Christie dispatched by His Excellency The Commander in Chief on very important business is hereby authorised to impress horses by the way. ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Christie (also spelled Chrystie) was a captain of the Third Pennsylvania Regiment. On June 4, Washington gave the following instructions to Christie: “To proceed immediately to West-Point. To...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Arthur St. Clair, [5 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
You are to march with your division tomorrow morning at four oClock towards Slotes, where you will halt awhile ’till you hear from His Excellency. I am Sir Yr. Obed servant ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. St. Clair was at Pompton, New Jersey. This letter contains his instructions for his march to the Hudson. The house of Stephen Slott (Slot), a captain in the New York...