25181To 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,...
25182George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 21, 1778 . Requests Congress to promote Pierre Penet’s brother to captain by brevet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25183George Washington to the Commanding Officers of Militia in the Counties of Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpeper, and Orange, 23 … (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 23, 1778 . Asks for militia to guard the Convention troops as they pass through various counties en route to Charlottesville. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25184George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 23 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 23, 1778 . Sends instructions for marching of Convention troops to Virginia. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25185George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 24 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] November 24, 1778 . Instructs Du Portail to send request for cannon for West Point to Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25186George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Smith Livingston, 24 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] November 24, 1778 . Regrets that Livingston finds it necessary to resign. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. William Smith Livingston was a lieutenant colonel of Webb’s Additional Continental Regiment.
25187George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] November 24, 1778 . Instructs McDougall to take command in Highlands. Describes extent of command and gives instructions for this command. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25188George Washington to Count Casimir Pulaski, 24 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 24, 1778 . Approves of Pulaski’s position at Rosecrantz. Approves Pulaski’s reasons for wishing to leave country. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25189Examination of Two British Deserters from Halifax, [25 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Jacob Harman, of the Royal Highland Emigrants, formerly in Col Smallwoods Maryland regiment—from Halifax which he left the first of May. When he left Halifax there was only the corps he belonged to consisting of about 300 & the marines about 700—1000 in all. He went from Halifax to the River St Johns on the bay of fundy which he left six weeks ago where he heard three thousand recruits were...
25190George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 26 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 26, 1778 . Gives directions for distribution of troops on Hand’s arrival at Minisink. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25191George Washington to Count Casimir Pulaski, 26 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg , New York ] November 26, 1778 . Repeats instructions concerning troops, cavalry, and forage. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25192From Alexander Hamilton to Royal Flint, [27 November 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Harrison and myself are to meet two Gentlemen of the British army at Amboy monday week. We shall be obliged to feed them and their attendants as well as our own, while there, and must therefore request your assistance to have some handsome provision made there for us by that time. We shall probably be together only a few days and shall have sixteen or eighteen to feed. Let us have both...
25193George Washington to Henry Laurens, 27 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 27, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of copies of treaties with France. States that commissioners have been appointed for exchange of prisoners. Discusses plans for winter quarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25194George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 29 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] November 29, 1778 . Discusses arrangements for obtaining information from Samuel Culper. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Tallmadge, a major in the Second Continental Dragoons, managed the secret service of the Army around New York City from 1778 until the end of the war. Abraham Woodhull of Setauket, Long Island, who used the...
25195Commission 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...
25196George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 30 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] November 30, 1778 . Will not be able to stop at West Point as intended. States that Brigadier General Alexander McDougall is to assume command of Highlands. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25197George Washington to Baron de Kalb, 4 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] December 4, 1778 . Reports advance of British vessels up North River. Gives instructions for countering British move. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25198To 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...
25199To 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...
25200To 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 .]
25201Colonels 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...
25202Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton to Colonels Charles O’Hara and West Hyde, 12 December … (Hamilton Papers)
We have read the Letter, with which you were pleased to favor us, this Afternoon. We join with you in lamenting, that the purpose of our meeting have been frustrated, and we assure you, that it is to us matter of equal concern and surprise to find, that there should be a difference in our respective constructions of the Resolve, to which you refer. Persuaded, as we were, that the terms of that...
25203Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [15 December 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Report of Lieutenant Colonels, Robert Hanson Harrison & Alexander Hamilton Commissioners &ca. To His Excellency General Washington— We, the Commissioners appointed by your Excellency for the purposes specified in the powers to us given on the 30th of November last—Beg leave to Report— That in pursuance of your instructions, we repaired to Amboy on Monday the 7th instant at 11 oClock; where we...
25204George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] December 16, 1778 . Asks for McDougall’s opinion on kind and number of ships necessary to destroy enemy’s naval force on Lake Ontario. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25205George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] December 18, 1778 . Congratulates Schuyler on acquittal. States that a winter campaign is now impossible. Agrees that reduction of Niagara is important and has made plans for that move. Has advised quartermaster general to confer with Schuyler on this matter. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25206From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [19 December 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I snatch a hasty moment My Dear Baron to acknowledge the receipt of yr. obliging favour of the 6th. It came here while I was absent in an interview with some British Commissioners on the subject of an exchange of prisoners; and was not delivered me ’till two days ago. I am sorry that your business does not seem to make so speedy a progress as we all wish; but I hope it will soon come to a...
25207George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, 19 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] December 19, 1778 . Regrets that plans for winter quarters cannot be altered. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25208George Washington to Baron von Steuben, 19 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middle Brook, New Jersey ] December 19, 1778 . Will support the inspector general’s department when it is fully established. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25209From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Clement Biddle, 20 December [1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Headquarters [ Middle Brook, New Jersey ] December 20 [ 1778 ]. Requests minutes of trials of Charles Lee and Arthur St. Clair so that they can be published in general orders. ALS , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Lee was “suspended from any command in the Armies of the United States of North America for the term of twelve months.” St. Clair was acquitted ( GW John C....
25210George Washington to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, 21 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] December 21, 1778 . Instructs Stirling to take command at Headquarters during Washington’s absence in Philadelphia. Gives general directions for administration of Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25211George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] December 21, 1778 . Reports arrest of John Smith Hatfield on charge of treason. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25212Account of a Duel between Major General Charles Lee and Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, [24 December 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Narrative of an Affair of Honor between General Lee and Col Laurens General Lee attended by Major Edwards and Col Laurens attended by Col Hamilton met agreeable to appointment on Wednesday afternoon half past three in a wood situate near the four mile stone on the Point no point road. Pistols having been the weapons previously fixed upon, and the combatants being provided with a brace each, it...
25213George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 26 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 26, 1778 . Asks Clinton to place Brower and Lozier, who were accused of killing a Loyalist, on same footing with other prisoners of war. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25214George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 29 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 29, 1778 . Reports that plans for Canadian expedition have been set aside. Wishes Lafayette a safe passage on return voyage to France. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25215George Washington to John Jay, 31 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 31, 1778 . Asks if Congress is going to continue to employ Brigadier General Du Portail and if it intends to adopt Du Portail’s plan of defense. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Henry Laurens had resigned as President of the Continental Congress on December 9, 1778, and John Jay was elected to that position on the following day.
25216George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 31 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 31, 1778 . Asks Schuyler to take command of Northern Department and to investigate Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Whiting’s request for relief of Colonel Ichabod Alden’s regiment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25217To 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...
25218George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 8, 1779. Discusses clothing situation of Connecticut troops. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25219George Washington to the Committee of Conference, 8 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 8, 1779 . Proposes following points to be discussed with the committee: recruiting; a plan for the next campaign; prospects of further aid from Europe; clothing and supplies; changes in the ordnance, clothing, hospital, and engineering departments; establishment of an inspectorship; paper currency. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress....
25220To 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...
25221George Washington to the Committee of Conference, [13 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 13, 1779. ] Discusses in detail points listed in letter of January 8, 1779 to the committee. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25222George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 14 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 14, 1779. Instructs Huntington to supply Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Sherman’s regiment with clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25223George Washington to John Beatty, 14 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 14, 1779. Instructs Beatty to apply to Lord Stirling or to commanding officer at Middlebrook for passports. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Beatty was commissary of prisoners of war, Continental Army.
25224George Washington to the Board of War, [18 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 18, 1779. ] Outlines a “Plan for paying arrearages of Clothing to the troops.” Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25225George Washington to the Committee of Conference, 20 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 20, 1779. Discusses officers’ problems and need for immediate relief in order to prevent dissolution of Army. Again recommends half-pay and pension plans. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25226George Washington to the Committee of Conference, 23 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 23, 1779. States need for a permanent system for clothing the Army. Proposes plan to fill this need. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25227George Washington to John Jay, 27 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 27, 1779. Asks for money to carry on recruiting. States that Major General Horatio Gates has made agreements with Major General William Phillips about Convention troops. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25228Endorsement 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...
25229Plan 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...
25230George Washington to John Jay, 29 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 29, 1779. Asks permission to return to Camp. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.