25001From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry Jackson, [9 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will put a stop, by every mean in your power to the above practice. Any officer who shall be found impressing this man’s horses without proper authority will be most severely dealt with. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Coburn Library, Colorado College, Colorado Springs. No addressee is given in the MS, but this letter was presumably addressed to Colonel Henry...
25002To 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.
25003George Washington to Colonel Lewis Nicola, 9 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, June 9, 1778 . Instructs Nicola to admit John Woelper of German Battalion as a captain in Corps of Invalids. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Nicola was a colonel in the Corps of Invalids.
25004To 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.
25005George Washington to Council of War, 17 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, June 17, 1778 . Presents probable British plans for evacuation of Philadelphia and relative strength of American and enemy forces. Asks for opinions in writing concerning measures to be taken in the event of evacuation of Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25006From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [18 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has received your Billet per horseman. He thanks you for your intelligence and begs you will continue to advise him of what passes. If the enemy are really gone, try to get some of the inhabitants, on whom, you can depend to pass the Delaware, to watch their motions and convey intelligence. Caution should be used by you all in entering the city, before you are very certain how...
25007From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 18 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with a few hints on a matter of some importance. Baron Steuben, who will be the bearer of this waits on Congress to have his office arranged upon some decisive and permanent footing. It will not be amiss to be on your guard. The Baron is a Gentleman for whom, I have a particular esteem; and whose real intelligence and success the consequence of both intitle...
25008From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, [18 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will have the division commanded by General Mifflin prepared to march at two OClock. You know it consists of the 1st & 2d Pennsylvania, and the Brigade late Conways. Yr. Obed ser ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Major General Thomas Mifflin had served as an aide-de-camp to Washington until August 14, 1775, when he was appointed quartermaster...
25009George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 18 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge, June 18, 1778 .] States that enemy is crossing Delaware and orders Dickinson to obstruct enemy as much as possible. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25010George Washington to James Mease, 18 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] June 18, 1778 . Instructs Mease to send agent to purchase available articles from inhabitants of Philadelphia and to seize public stores left behind by enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25011George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 19 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Doctor Shannon’s, near Valley Forge ] June 19, 1778 . Instructs Arnold to proceed to Philadelphia and to take command of troops there. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25012George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 21 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Coryells Ferry [ New Jersey ] June 21, 1778 . Informs Gates of movements of American and enemy forces. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
25013George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 22 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Coryells Ferry [ New Jersey ] June 22, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of Dickinson’s letters. Is sending Colonel Daniel Morgan’s corps to assist Dickinson. Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25014George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 23 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Hopewell Township near the Baptist Meeting [ New Jersey ] June 23, 1778 . Requests information concerning movements of enemy. Df , in writing of H, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
25015George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 24 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Hopewell Township, New Jersey, June 24, 1778 . Orders Scott to Allentown to harass enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25016Council of War to George Washington, 24 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Hopewell Township [ New Jersey ] June 24, 1778 . The council decided against a general action against the British. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The questions asked of the council are printed in GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , XII, 115–17.
25017From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [25 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We find on our arrival here, that the intelligence received on the road is true. The enemy have all filed off from Allen Town on the Monmouth road. Their rear is said to be a mile Westward of Lawrence Taylor’s Tavern, six miles from Allen Town. General Maxwell is at Hyde’s Town, abt. three miles from this place. General Dickinson is said to be on the enemy’s right flank, but where cannot be...
25018From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this (that is their rear) and had passed the road which turns off towards South Amboy, which determines their rout[e] towards Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting is the extreme distress of the troops for want of provisions. General Wayne’s detachment is almost starving and seem both unwilling and...
25019From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The result of what I have seen and heard concerning the enemy is, that they have incamped with their van a little beyond Monmouth Court House and their rear at Manalapans River abt. seven miles from this place. Their march to day has been very judiciously conducted—their baggage in front and their flying army in the rear, with a rear guard of 1000 men about 400 paces from the main body. To...
25020From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Charles Scott, [27 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
This part of the troops marches instantly. We are to join in the Monmouth road one mile this side of Taylor’s Tavern. You will govern yourself accordingly. If you can find Morgan let him be desired again to keep close to the enemy and attack when we attack. I am sir Yr Obed serv. You will endeavour to keep up a communication of intelligence. ALS , New York Public Library.
25021George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 30 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Englishtown [ New Jersey ] June 30, 1778 . Orders Du Portail to Philadelphia to study city’s defenses. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25022George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 3 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
New Brunswick [ New Jersey ] July 3, 1778 . States that Colonel Charles Armand can raise a new corps only under sanction of Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25023Proceedings of a General Court-Martial for the Trial of Major General Charles Lee, [4 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton being sworn, Q. Did you deliver General Lee any orders from General Washington the 27th or 28th of June, respecting his attacking the enemy? A. I wrote General Lee a letter the evening of the 27th of June, by General Washington’s order, a copy of which I have not; but it was conceived in the spirit, as I understood, of former orders that had been given by him to...
25024From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [5 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
You will by this time imagine that I have forgotten my promise of writing to you, as I have been so long silent on an occasion, which most people will be fond of celebrating to their friends. The truth is, I have no passion for scribbling and I know you will be at no loss for the fullest information. But that you may not have a right to accuse me of negligence, I will impose upon myself the...
25025From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [7 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
It is His Excellency’s pleasure, that you collect the whole of the cavalry , without delay, as well the unarmed as the armed, and after a little refreshment, and getting the horses shod &c. proceed moderately towards the North river to join the army. He has received advice from General Heath of the arrival of accoutrements for the cavalry to the Eastward which he has ordered immediately on....
25026George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Brunswick, New Jersey ] July 7, 1778 . States that American forces have advanced to North River. Asks that Committee for Arranging the Army begin operations at once. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25027To 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...
25028George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 11, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of Laurens’s congratulations on Battle of Monmouth. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25029George Washington to William Henry Drayton, 12 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 12, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of Drayton’s congratulations on Battle of Monmouth. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Drayton was a member of the Continental Congress from South Carolina.
25030Proceedings of a General Court-Martial for the Trial of Major General Charles Lee, [13 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Q. What was the strength of the corps under the command of General Lee the 28th of June? A. To the best of my knowledge the strength of the corps under his immediate command at English Town was about five thousand rank and file; besides these, Colonel Morgan, with about six hundred men, and General Dickinson at the head of a body of militia, as I understood, of eight hundred men, were subject...
25031From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, [14 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Since the giving my evidence at the Court Martial, I have been endeavouring to recollect more particularly the import of the conversation between General Lee and myself, that happened in the field the day of the action and which was the subject of discussion yesterday, before the Court. My memory will not serve me on the occasion, in so clear a manner, as I could wish; but I have been able to...
25032George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, 14 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 14, 1778 . Thanks Barber for information concerning the enemy. Discusses compensation of John Hendricks, an American spy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25033George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 14, 1778 . Informs Gates that Army is marching to Haverstraw. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25034George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, 14 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Paramus, New Jersey, July 14, 1778 .] Reports arrival of French fleet. Suggests that eastern states gather available vessels and attempt to intercept an enemy fleet which is expected to arrive momentarily. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25035George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 15 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Haverstraw, New York, July 15, 1778 .] Is sending “a small quantity of livestock” and has directed commissary to supply D’Estaing with whatever supplies may be needed. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Charles Henri Hector, comte d’Estaing, vice admiral of the French fleet.
25036From Alexander Hamilton to Patrick Dennis, [16 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
A considerable fleet of french men of war, chiefly ships of the line, has just arrived at Sandy Hook, under the command of Admiral Count D’Estaing. As the Admiral is a stranger, and is come for the purpose of co-operating with us against the Enemy, it is absolutely necessary that he should be attended by some Gentlemen of intelligence and who possess an accurate knowledge of the Coast and...
25037Receipt to Joseph Wickers, [19 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Received of Mr. Joseph Wickers two horses on public service. ADS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. H was at this time en route from Washington’s Headquarters at Haverstraw to Black Point, New Jersey, to confer with Admiral d’Estaing.
25038From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [20 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed I transmit your Excellency a letter from the Count Destain. He has had the River sounded and finds he cannot enter. He will sail for Rhode Island tomorrow evening; in the mean time he is making demonstrations to deceive the enemy and beget an opinion that he intends to operate in this quarter. He would sail immediately but he waits the arrival, or to hear, of a frigate which carried...
25039Pay Order for Hire of a Horse, 22 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Piscataway [ New Jersey ] July 22, 1778 . Orders that John Langstaff be paid “the usual hire for a mare of his impressed the morning of the 19th. and returned in the evening of the 22d.…” Signed “Alex Hamilton, Aide De Camp.” ADS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. On verso is written: “Received ten dollars of Colonel Hamilton on account of the within order. John Langstaff.”
25040From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 23 July [1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to your Excellency the evening of the 20th. by Major Neville. I remained in the neighbourhood of Black Point ’till the afternoon following. The Count had received his expected dispatches from Congress and was to sail, as I mentioned before, the first fair wind. At Brunswick yesterday, Mr Caldwell joined me. He was immediately from the Point and brought intelligence that the fleet got...
25041From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 26 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favour of the instant. Baron Steuben will do me the honor to deliver you this. He waits upon Congress in a temper, which I very much regret—discontented with his situation—and almost resolved to quit the service. You know we have all the best opinion of this Gentleman’s military merit, and shall of course consider his leaving the army as a loss to it....
25042George Washington to Henry Laurens, 26 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] July 26, 1778 . Regrets Baron von Steuben finds it necessary to resign. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25043George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 27 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] July 27, 1778 . Introduces Major General Nathanael Greene who is to cooperate with Lafayette in campaign against Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25044Expenses for Trip from Haverstraw, New York, to Black Point, New Jersey, [28 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Dollars Received from Capt Caleb Gibbs of the public money in his hands 137 Dollars 137 Paid the expences of travelling for myself five pilots, horses & servants from Head Quarters, to Black Point, so far as vouchers were kept, which are herewith £19.4.9 48 Ballance 89 due from A Hamilton to be charged to his private account ADS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. On...
25045To the Commissary of Clothing from the State of Virginia, 30 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency is informed, that there is a quantity of state-cloathing coming on under your direction for the use of the Virginia troops. It has been hinted to him that measures are taking to get particular regiments fully supplied to the disadvantage of others, which certainly would be altogether inequitable and improper. He desires you will make a point whatever partial applications may be...
25046George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 31 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] July 31, 1778 . Instructs Clinton to move to Kings Bridge in order to gain information about unfriendly inhabitants in area and to protect surveyors while they reconnoitre. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25047To 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...
25048From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General James Clinton, 1 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
The General has received a letter written by Mr Erskine by your desire at half past Nine oClock this morning; by which he perceives there are parties of the Enemy hovering about you. He desires you will take the most effectual measures to ascertain what force they are in; and be particularly watchful, that while they may be amusing you in front, they may not throw a force superior to yours on...
25049George Washington to the Board of War, 3 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 3, 1778 . Discusses proposed attacks against Indians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25050George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 8 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 8, 1778 . Regrets hardships that D’Estaing has had to face. Informs D’Estaing of movements of British fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.