24831George Washington to William Livingston, 8 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Pawlins Mill, Pennsylvania ] October 8, 1777 . Asks Livingston to send a large portion of New Jersey Militia to Major General Israel Putnam. States that precarious situation in the Highlands can undo the good that has been achieved in New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24832From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Silas Newcomb, 10 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I am desired by His Excellency, to inform you that, on a second consideration, it has been thought inexpedient to send as many Continental troops to Red-bank, as was at first intended; and that the number, now on their march for that place, will be rather insufficient for the defence of it. He therefore requests you will, in addition to the Continental troops, furnish from a 100 to 150 of your...
24833George Washington to Major John Jameson, 11 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Skippack Camp, Pennsylvania ] October 11, 1777 . Orders Jameson to collect horses, clothing, and other supplies for Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Jameson was a major of the Second Continental Dragoons.
24834George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 12 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Towamencin, Pennsylvania ] October 12, 1777 . Discusses conditions at Fort Pitt and orders Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment to join main Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24835George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 14 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Towamencin, Pennsylvania ] October 14, 1777 . Orders Greene to send sufficient men to replace deserters in Commodore John Hazelwood’s fleet and to assist Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24836George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 14 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Towamencin, Pennsylvania ] October 14, 1777 . Hopes that Smith will be more successful in the future in gaining control of enemy’s batteries. Has ordered Colonel Christopher Greene to assist Smith. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24837From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Christopher Greene, 15 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency is persuaded by intelligence from different Quarters that the Enemy are determin’d to endeavour, by a speedy & vigorous effort to carry Fort Mifflin, and for this purpose are preparing a considerable force. Their attempt will probably be sudden & violent as they are hardly in a situation to delay a matter so essential to them as that of removing the River obstructions. It is of...
24838To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 15–19 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 15–19, 1777 . Discusses defences of Fort Mifflin and the British attack on the fort. Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. MS which is headed “Substance of Captain Fleury’s Letter to Col. Hamilton” can be found in a journal kept by Fleury from October 15 to November 8, 1777. François Louis...
24839George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 18 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Worcester, Pennsylvania ] October 18, 1777 . Informs Greene that Baron d’Arendt will assume command of Fort Mifflin and that Lieutenant Colonel John Green, with reinforcements, is on the way to the fort. Sends news of surrender of General John Burgoyne. Df , in writing of Richard Kidder Meade, last sentence in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24840George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 18 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Worcester, Pennsylvania ] October 18, 1777 . Informs Smith that Baron d’Arendt will assume command of Fort Mifflin and that Lieutenant Colonel John Green, with reinforcements, is on the way to the fort. Sends news of the surrender of General John Burgoyne. Suggests a plan to prevent British from preparing floating batteries. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers,...
24841George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 21 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 21, 1777 . Believes that British will attack Red Bank. Requests Forman to collect as many militiamen as possible and go to aid of that post. Has asked Brigadier General Silas Newcomb to do the same. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Forman was a brigadier general in the New Jersey Militia and a colonel in one of the...
24842George Washington to Commodore John Hazelwood, 21 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 21, 1777 . Announces that Baron d’Arendt will assume command of Fort Mifflin. Hopes that there will be complete cooperation between Hazlewood and D’Arendt. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Hazelwood was a commodore in the Pennsylvania navy.
24843[To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington], [21 October 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The Magazine of History , VI (November, 1907), 294. This letter is listed here because it is attributed to H in The Magazine of History . Actually it was written by Robert Hanson Harrison for Washington to Brigadier General James Potter and is printed in GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , IX, 408–09.
24844George Washington to John Hancock, 22 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 22, 1777 . Regrets that Hancock is forced to retire as President of Continental Congress because of poor health and the pressure of private affairs. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
24845George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township [ Pennsylvania ] October 22, 1777 . Discusses distribution of newly arrived supplies. Sends news of General John Burgoyne’s defeat. Describes recent movements of enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
24846George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 24 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 24, 1777 . Congratulates Greene on defeat of enemy on October 22, 1777, and orders that all prisoners be sent to Morristown. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24847George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 24, 1777 . Answers questions concerning Sullivan’s conduct at Brandywine. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24848George Washington to Dragoon Commanders, 25 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 25, 1777 . Deplores manner in which horses have been acquired from disaffected persons. Rescinds former instructions. States that anyone found meddling with private property does so “on pain” of “militiary execution.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24849Baron d’Arendt to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, 26 October [1777] (Hamilton Papers)
Fort Mifflin [ on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 26 [ 1777 ]. Discusses plans for defence of Fort Mifflin. ALS , MS Division New York Public Library. This letter is in French. There is no addressee on the MS. In unidentified handwriting on the last page the following is written, “Col Hamilton Col John Larens.” The contents of the letter indicate that it was written to someone at...
24850To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 26 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 26, 1777 . Describes the situation at Fort Mifflin. Expects an assault. Copy, in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. John C. Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington with the Officers John C. Fitzpatrick, Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington, Commander...
24851George Washington to General Officers, 26 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 26, 1777 . Lists questions to be considered at a council of war. One set of questions, addressed to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne and in writing of H, is in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Another set, unaddressed and in writing of H, is in The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
24852To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 28 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] October 28, 1777 . Expects an attack on the Fort. Describes the victory of October 23, 1777. Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington with the Officers John C. Fitzpatrick, Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington,...
24853George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Green, 28 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 28, 1777 . States that in Baron d’Arendt’s absence, Fort Mifflin is to be under command of Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24854George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 28 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 28, 1777 . Orders Varnum to Woodbury to cooperate with those already there for the relief of Fort Mifflin and the garrison at Red Bank. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
24855Council of War, 29 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Whitpain Township [ Pennsylvania ] October 29, 1777 . Hamilton recorded the minutes of this meeting. D , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24856To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 30 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
It having been judged expedient by the Members of ⟨a⟨ Council of War held yesterday, that one of the Gentlemen of my family should be sent to Genl: Gates in order to lay befor⟨e⟩ him the State of this Army; and the Situation of the Ene⟨my⟩ and to point out to him the many happy Consequences that will accrue from an immediate reinforceme⟨nt⟩ being sent from the Nothern Army; I have thought ⟨it⟩...
24857From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I lodged last night in the neighbourhood of New Windsor. This morning early, I met Col: Morgan with his corps about a mile from it, in march for Head Quarters. I told him the necessity of making all the dispatch he could so as not to fatigue his men too much, which he has promised to do. I understood from Col: Morgan that all the Northern army were marching down on both sides the River, and...
24858To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 2–3 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] November 2–3, 1777 . Describes the erection of a battery on the British ship Augusta. Complains of his lack of authority at the fort. Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This MS is entitled “Major Fleury’s Journal and Letter to Colonel Hamilton.” Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of...
24859To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 4–8 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River ] November 4–8, 1777 . Acknowledges receipt of “His Excellencys order authorizing me to exercise the functions of Engineer at Fort Mifflin.” Copy in writing of John Laurens, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Fitzpatrick in his Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington with the Officers John C. Fitzpatrick, Calendar of...
24860From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 5 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By inquiry, I have learned that General Patterson’s brigade, which is the one you propose to send is, by far, the weakest of the three now here, and does not consist of more than about 600 rank and file fit for duty. It is true there is a militia regiment with it of about 200, but the term of service for which this regiment is engaged is so near expiring, that it would be past by the time the...
24861From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 5–8 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, November 5–8, 1777 . On November 9, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Putnam : “I wrote to you from Albany.” Letter not found .]
24862From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [6] November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here yesterday at Noon and waited upon General Gates immediately on the business of my mission; but was sorry to find his ideas did not correspond with yours for drawing off the number of troops you directed. I used every argument in my power to convince him of the propriety of the measure, but he was inflexible in the opinion that two Brigades at least of Continental troops should...
24863From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot forbear Confessing that I am astonishd. and Alarm’d beyond measure, to find that all his Excellency’s Views have been hitherto flustrated, and that no single step of those I mention’d to you has been taken to afford him the aid he absolutely stands in Need of, and by Delaying which the Cause of America is put to the Utmost conceivable Hazard. I so fully explaind to you the Generals...
24864From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 10 November [1777] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here last night from Albany. Having given General Gates a little time to recollect himself I renewed my remonstrances on the necessity and propriety of sending you more than one Brigade of the three he had detained with him, and finally prevailed upon him to give orders for Glover’s in addition to Patterson’s brigade to march this way. As it was thought conducive to expedition to...
24865To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 11 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fishkill, New York, November 11, 1777 . On November 12, Hamilton wrote to Washington : “By a letter … of yesterday, General Poor informs me… “ Letter not found .]
24866From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 12 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been detained here these two days by a fever and violent rheumatic pains throughout my body. This has prevented my being active in person for promoting the purposes of my errand, but I have taken every other method in my power, in which Governor Clinton has obligingly given me all the aid he could. In answer to my pressing application to General Poor for the immediate marching of his...
24867From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 13 November 177[7] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my arrival in this quarter, I have been endeavouring to collect the best idea I could, of the state of things in New York in order the better to form a judgment of the probable reinforcement gone to General Howe. On the whole, these are facts well ascertained, that New York has been stripped extremely bare; That in consequence of this the few troops left there and the inhabitants are...
24868From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 15 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived at this place last night and unfortunately find myself unable to proceed any further. Imagining I had gotten the better of my complaints while confined at Governor Clinton’s & anxious to be about, attending to the march of the troops, the day before yesterday I crossed the ferry in order to fall in with General Glover’s brigade which was on its march from Poughkepsie to Fish Kill. I...
24869To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 15 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I have duly received your several favours from the time you left me to that of the 12th. inst. I approve intirely of all the Steps you have taken, and have only to wish that the exertions of those you have had to deal with had kept pace with your Zeal and good intentions. I hope your health will before this have permitted you to push on the Rear of the whole reinforcement beyond New Windsor....
24870To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Knox, 10 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The fine, impartial, laconic & highly descriptive account you favour’d me with of the last Years Campain, in your letter of March last, excited in me, & many of your other friends here, an earnest desire of farther accounts from your pen of the succeeding fortunes of the Great American War; A War which will, one day, shine more illustriously in the historic page, than any which has happened...
24871From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 22 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
During my stay in this place, I have received intimations that certain officers high in command in this quarter have been guilty of practices, equally unjust, disgraceful to the Army, and injurious to the common cause; I mean seizing the property of the inhabitants of this State, and converting it to their own use, without any compensation either to the right owners, or to the State. A...
24872To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 22–23 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ December 22–23, 1777 . On December 28 Clinton wrote to Hamilton : “I was favoured with the Receipt of your Letter of the 22d Instant some Days since and returned a short Answer to it by the Express who brought it.” Letter not found .]
24873To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Stevens, 23 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Tho’ I have written you so repeatedly since my Arrival in Scotland, without having ever received an Answer, and ‘tho’ I am, at present, uncertain whether you have escaped those Dangers, to which you have been so long exposed in Defence of the glorious Cause in wh: you are engaged; yet so anxious am I to hear Something concerning you, and to convince you that I still retain the most sincere and...
24874To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 28 December 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I was favoured with the Receipt of your Letter of the 22d Instant some Days since and returned a short Answer to it by the Express who brought it; but as I have Reason to believe you had left Peeks’ Kill before he got there I conclude my Letter has not been received. I have not a Doubt but that there have been such unjust and dishonorable Practices committed on the Inhabitants as you mention...
24875Pay Book of the State Company of Artillery, [1777] (Hamilton Papers)
The Continent of Europe is 2600 miles long and 2800 miles broad. The Dutch in the Greenland fishery have from 150 to 200 sail and ten thousand seamen. It is ordered that in their public prayers they pray that it would please God to bless the government, the Lords, the states, and their great & small fisheries. The Dutch were computed by Sir Walter Raleigh to have 3000 ships & fifty thousand...
24876Account of Expenses of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton and Captain Caleb Gibbs, 30 October 1777–20 January 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Account of Expences of. Colo. Hamilton. & Captain Gibbs. to Albany & back again—set off from Skippack road, 15. miles from Phila: Returnd. to Valley Forge— Sent by His Excelly. Genel. Washington on public service. 1777. October 30th. Cash paid at Corrells. ferry Lodgg—Sup. horses— £1.19. 6 31 at Crossroads N. Jersey 6. 6 Novr— 1— at Chester.— 1. 17.4—2d at N. Windsor ferry 8/6 2. 5.10 4 at...
24877To Alexander Hamilton from Major Nicholas Fish, 22 January 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, January 22, 1778 . Requests written discharge for Captain Barent J. Ten Eyck, Second New York Regiment. LS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. Fish, a major in the Second New York Regiment, subsequently became a close friend of H and a prominent New York Federalist. At the end of this letter, H wrote: “One of the Gentlemen below is requested to transact the...
24878From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [before 29 January 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
There are still existing in the army so many abuses absolutely contrary to the military constitution, that, without a speedy stop is put to them, it will be impossible even to establish any order or discipline among the troops. I would, therefore, propose the following Regulations; submitting to His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, to distinguish such as may be published under his own...
24879George Washington to the Committee of Congress with the Army, 29 January 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge, January 29, 1778 .] Discusses proposed changes in military establishment. Submits questions concerning foreign officers, use of Indians to fight British, Colonel Daniel Morgan’s Riflemen, use of Negroes as wagoners, pay for prisoners, and proper gradation of punishments. LS , in the writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; two drafts in writing of H,...
24880Receipt to George Washington, 29 January 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] January 29, 1778. Receipt for payment of $100 by Washington to Hamilton for Hamilton’s expenses at Morristown. DS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.