26151George Washington to Isaac Woodruff, 8 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 8, 1780 . Reports that he has asked Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington to inquire into Major Benjamin Throop’s affair. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Woodruff was a justice of Elizabethtown, New Jersey.
26152George Washington to Major Lemuel Trescott, 9 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 9, 1780 . Gives Trescott permission to “ascertain the strength of the party at Bull’s ferry and to make an attempt upon it.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Trescott was a major of Colonel Henry Jackson’s Additional Continental Regiment.
26153From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [10 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
General Knox in conversation has observed to The General, that instead of sending to Philadelphia for the 1500 arms mentioned in your letter of the 6th. and sending those here to that place to be fitted, it would be a great saving of expence in the article of transportation, to have the bayonets and accoutrements brought on without the arms, and fitted to those now here which can easily be...
26154George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 11 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 11, 1780 . Requests “detail of the land and Sea forces arriv’d at Martinique.” Reports arrival of Lafayette with news from French court. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26155From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 14 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be handed you by the Marquis, who brings us very important intelligence. The General communicated the substance of it in a private letter to you & proposes a measure which all deem essential. For God’s sake, my Dear Sir, engage Congress to adopt it & come to a speedy decision. We have not a moment to lose. Were we to improve every instant of the interval, we should have too little...
26156George Washington to James Duane, 14 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 14, 1780 . Proposes that a small committee with all necessary power, rather than Congress, should handle proposed cooperation with French fleet and army. Believes that “we shall probably fix the independence of America if we succeed.” Would like to see Philip Schuyler, Robert R. Livingston, and James Duane on committee. Df , in writing of H, George Washington...
26157To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, [15 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you kindly for your candid reply. I confess my self unable to write a milder letter upon this subject than this I send you. My feelings are so irritated that the moment I begin to write my passions take the lead in the Sentiment and mingle in such a manner as you see by my composition. I strove as much as ever Mortal did to keep down my resentment; but I found it impossible and there...
26158From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [16 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
When you ask my opinion as a friend, I must always act the part of a true friend, however frequently the advice I give may happen to clash with your feelings justly irritated by injuries which you have not merited. Considering the Board of treasury as so many individuals, the complexion of their letter to you would abundantly justify the asperity of your reply; but considering them as a public...
26159George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 16 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 16, 1780 . Gives reasons why first objective of the French fleet should be New York. Reiterates the importance of having Comte de Guichen “come upon this Coast without delay.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Luc-Urbain de Bouëxic, Comte de Guichen, lieutenant general and commander in chief of the French navy in the West Indies.
26160George Washington to John Rutledge, 16 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 16, 1780 . Encloses two letters for Major General Benjamin Lincoln. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of raising the siege of Charleston. Asks for “speedy” opinion on a suitable place of debarkation, if French fleet should proceed south. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26161George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 17, 1780 . Forwards from Lieutenant Colonel Fleury a request for an extension of furlough. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
26162From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, [18 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Commanding Officer on Staten Island has agreed to the proposed exchange of papers; and the inclosed are a commencement of the plan. They contain nothing. We have several rumours from New York of accounts received there that affairs to the Southward the last of April or the beginning of May were in statu quo; the enemy had made no material progress...
26163George Washington to George Clinton, 18 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 18, 1780 . Reports sailing of French fleet and army. States that men and supplies will be needed. Requests that legislature remain assembled until Congress takes necessary measures. Directs Clinton to send men to relieve regiment at Fort Schuyler. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26164From Alexander Hamilton to Vicomte de la Touche-Tréville, [19 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I execute with the greatest pleasure a commission with which The Marquis De La Fayette has done me the honor to charge me for you; influenced by the double motive of complying with his desire and giving you a mark of the esteem with which the character I have heard of you has inspired me. It is to give you a detail of the enemy’s naval force and disposition at New York. The last particular...
26165George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [19 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, May 19, 1780. ] Suggests that the two proclamations signed by Lafayette be issued to the Canadians for the purpose of confusing the enemy. Suggests adding a paragraph to the proclamations addressed to the “Savages.” Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26166George Washington to Vicomte de la Touche-Tréville, 19 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] May 19, 1780 . Forwards packet from the Marquis de Lafayette. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26167George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [20 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, May 20, 1780. ] Reports that the Vicomte de la Touche-Tréville has departed. States that Major General Nathanael Greene will supply wagons. Hopes committee from Congress will not be delayed and that the Chevalier de la Luzerne will visit Camp soon. Asks Lafayette to hurry to Camp. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26168To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 23 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The Marquiss de la fayette handed me your favour of the 14: Instant which woud have been sooner answerd had not my Time been fully employd. you will learn the difficulties of constituting a Commitee plenipo . from another Channel; tho’ a little Reflection upon human nature and a republican Government, might have brought them fully to your View without Assistance. What is not committed Congress...
26169George Washington to the Committee of Cooperation, 24 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 24, 1780 . Asks Committee to examine its powers to find if “they will enable you as far as is practicable in our circumstances, to draw forth the resources of the Country.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This committee from Congress consisted of Philip Schuyler of New York, John Mathews of South Carolina, and Nathaniel Peabody...
26170George Washington to James Craik, 24 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 24, 1780 . Asks Craik to proceed to Providence to establish a hospital for receiving the sick of the French fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Craik was assistant director general of hospitals.
26171George Washington to the Committee of Cooperation, 25 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 25, 1780 . Approves of circular letter which the committee plans to issue to the states, but wishes to have greater emphasis placed on problem of obtaining men. Considers drafting only “efficacious” means of obtaining men. Copy, in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26172From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [28 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you to furnish two Grasshoppers and a company of Artillery to be attached to the New York Brigade which marches tomorrow morning toward Albany. GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , XVIII, 443, note 80. On the same day, Washington wrote Governor George Clinton: “In consequence of the intelligence from Your Excellency...
26173George Washington to George Clinton, 28 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 28, 1780 . Informs Clinton of march of the New York Brigade and the brigade’s need for supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26174George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 28 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 28, 1780 . Instructs Howe to convey the New York Brigade from Kings Ferry to Newburgh. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26175George Washington to Joseph Reed, 28 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 28, 1780 . Discusses the “circumstances of our allies as well as our own” and emphasizes necessity of cooperation with France. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26176From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, [31 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you several late papers from New York. We have not yet gotten into a right train, but I am promised for the future that if the papers are forwarded regularly on our part, the exchanges will be made with regularity. I am sorry to inform you that a Hand-bill was published at New York dated the 29th. by authority giving an account of the surrender of Charles-Town with...
26177George Washington to the Committee of Cooperation, 31 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 31, 1780 . Approves of plan in the Committee’s circular letter; but takes “the liberty to submit to the Committee the necessity and propriety of calling immediately upon the states for specific aids of men provision forage and the means of transportation.” States that men and supplies should be apportioned among the states from New Hampshire to Virginia “having...
26178From Alexander Hamilton to the Officer Commanding a Party of Continental Troops, 1 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Stockton informs his Excellency that a number of articles belonging to him were plundered out of the waggons in the late robbery by the tories in the Clove, part of which articles he has reason to believe are distributed among the inhabitants in the neighbourhood. The General directs will give Mr. Stockton all the assistance in your power to recover his property. ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet...
26179George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 1 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1780 . Reports fall of Charleston, South Carolina, and news of reported sighting of British fleet off Sandy Hook. Sends instructions for obtaining supplies for the defense of West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress Howe was at this time in command at West Point.
26180George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, 1 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1780 . Sends news of the surrender of Charleston, South Carolina, and report of British fleet being sighted off Sandy Hook. Fears attack on West Point which at this time is badly in need of supplies. Asks Trumbull to arrange transportation of meat from Connecticut. Requests preparation of “Fascines and Gabions” on Connecticut River. Df , in writing of H,...
26181George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 1 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1780 . Asks Wadsworth to use his influence with Governor Jonathan Trumbull to obtain aid requested. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26182George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 4 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] June 4, 1780 . Asks Gates “whether the situation of [his] private affairs will permit [him] to take the field this campaign or not.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26183George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 5 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] June 5, 1780 . Sends expressions of good will and appreciation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26184George Washington to the Council of War, 6 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] June 6, 1780 . Presents the present situation of American, allied, and enemy forces. Asks council what plans should be adopted for the next campaign. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26185From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Charles Stewart, 7 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] June 7, 1780 . “The General requests you to come to Head Quarters immediately.…” ALS , Harvard College Library. Stewart was commissary general of issues.
26186From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [7 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by The General to inform you that the enemy are out in considerable force and by the last advice were advancing this way. We are going to meet them. The General is just setting out for Chatham and will be happy to see you there. Yrs. Respecty. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. The British landed at De Hart’s Point, near Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and then...
26187From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [8 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I have seen the enemy; those in view I calculate at about three thousand; there may be and probably enough are others out of sight. They have sent all their horse to the other side except about fifty or sixty. Their baggage it is agreed on all hands has also been sent across and their wounded. It is not ascertained that any of their infantry have passed to the other side. There are four or...
26188George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 10 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Heights above Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 10, 1780 . Warns of probable attack on West Point. Instructs Howe to send Colonel Stephen Moylan’s regiment to Camp. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26189George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, William Greene, and Jeremiah Powell, 10 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 10, 1780 . Introduces Louis Dominique Ethis de Corny, who is procuring supplies for the French army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Trumbull was governor of Connecticut, Greene was governor of Rhode Island, and Powell was president of the Massachusetts Council.
26190George Washington to the Committee of Cooperation, 11 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 11, 1780 . Believes time has arrived to “reiterate our instances with the several States.” Reviews situation in South and in New York. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26191From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [12 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
You will be pleased at His Excellency’s desire to assemble all the Officer’s commanding batalions of Militia at your Quarters this afternoon four oClock to settle a general plan for the disposition of the Militia. I have the honor to be Yr. most Obed ser ALS , facsimile in Sammlung historisch berühmter Autographen Erste Serie (Stuttgart, 1846), 257. No addressee is given on this letter, but...
26192George Washington to the Committee of Cooperation, 12 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 12, 1780 . Asks committee to check rumor that some states are not attempting to complete their quotas of men. Discloses that force requested is as small “as can give us any prospect of a decisive effort.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26193George Washington to Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 12 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 12, 1780 . Instructs Heard to collect all cattle and horses “within five miles of the water from Newark to Amboy.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26194[From Alexander Hamilton to Chevalier de Ternay], [13 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter has been incorrectly attributed to H in both John C. Fitzpatrick, Calendar of the Correspondence of George Washington with the Officers (Washington, 1915), II, 1362, and in JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed., The Works of Alexander Hamilton (New York, 1851). , I, 140–42. Actually it was written by Major William Galvan, who had been sent by...
26195George Washington to the Committee of Cooperation, 13 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 13, 1780 . Approves of plan for quartermaster’s department. Asks committee to fix salaries of officers so that the department can be immediately activated. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26196George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, 13 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 13, 1780 . Refuses Trumbull’s request to write to Congress concerning the payment of Connecticut cattle feeders. Appreciates Trumbull’s efforts “to give relief to our distresses.” States that the enemy is still at “Elizabeth Town point.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The letter sent is dated June 14, 1780.
26197From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 14 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 14, 1780 . Orders Heard to deliver all horses to the quartermaster general and “all the Cattle unfit for immediate use to the Contractor of the Country.” Df , in writing of Richard Kidder Meade, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Signature in Meade’s writing is “AH, ADC.” When this letter was written, Heard was in Pompton, New Jersey.
26198George Washington to Daniel Marsh, 14 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Springfield, New Jersey ] June 14, 1780 . Sends instructions concerning cattle that is being collected by Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Marsh was contractor for supplies for Essex County, New Jersey.
26199George Washington to George Clinton, 15 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 15, 1780 . States that West Point will probably be attacked. Asks that New York Brigade reinforce West Point, and that Clinton give all possible assistance to Major General Robert Howe. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26200Examination of James Dickson by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, [15 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Springfield, New Jersey, June 15, 1780. ] Contains information concerning the British troops and New Jersey “volunteers” in the vicinity. AD , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. James Dickson of the British Guards had deserted and was at this time with the American troops near Springfield.