26281George Washington to Moore Furman, 31 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Robinson’s [ New York ] July 31, 1780 . Empowers Furman to impress teams in New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Furman was deputy quartermaster general.
26282George Washington to Colonel Morgan Lewis, 31 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Robinson’s [ New York ] July 31, 1780 . Empowers Lewis to impress “Boards, plank and scantling” in Albany. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lewis was deputy quartermaster general of the Northern Department.
26283George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 31 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Highlands [ New York ] July 31, 1780 . States again that the British fleet has sailed to Rhode Island. States that the army cannot march to Rochambeau’s aid, but that it will try to be useful by menacing New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26284George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 1 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] August 1, 1780 . Writes that Lafayette is to be given command of the Corps of Light Infantry. Asks St. Clair to assume command until Lafayette returns. Df , in writings of George Washington to H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26285George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] August 3, 1780 . Informs Congress that Sir Henry Clinton has returned. Describes resultant movements of Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26286George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 3 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] August 3, 1780 . Asks Lafayette to present the situation as it exists to the French commanders and let them decide what course of action they wish to follow. Believes that a major siege must await arrival of second French division. Believes that “a communication may be secured with Long Island by Land batteries.” Reports that the British expedition has returned to New...
26287From Alexander Hamilton to New-York Packet, [5 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Certain intelligence having been received that Sir Henry Clinton had embarked the principal part of his force, and had proceeded to Huntington bay on his way to Rhode Island to make a combined attack upon the fleet and army of our allies now there, His Excellency General Washington marched from his camp at Prackness the 29 of July and crossed the North River the 31st; where a junction was...
26288George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 5 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Peekskill, New York ] August 5, 1780 . Regrets that the Chevalier de Ternay is adverse to entering New York harbor. Entreats Lafayette to “ascertain the probability of a succour coming from France and the West Indies.” Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26289George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 5 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] August 5, 1780 . Sends description of naval force under the command of Admiral Arbuthnot. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26290George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 5 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] August 5, 1780 . Approves of measures taken by Rochambeau. Describes movements of British and American armies. Is awaiting arrival of second French division. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26291George Washington to the Board of Admiralty, 6 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Peekskill, New York ] August 6, 1780 . Inquires about putting the “Continental Frigates” under his orders. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26292George Washington to Chevalier de Ternay, 6 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Peekskill, New York ] August 6, 1780 . Requests advice about employment of Continental frigates. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26293From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [8 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Immediately after dinner, I stole from a croud of company to a solitary walk to be at leisure to think of you, and I have just returned to tell you by an express this moment going off that I have been doing so. You are certainly a little sorceress and have bewitched me, for you have made me disrelish every thing that used to please me, and have rendered me as restless and unsatisfied with all...
26294George Washington to Brigadier Generals Anthony Wayne and William Irvine, 11 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Tappan [ New York ] August 11, 1780 . Explains why appointment of Major William Macpherson cannot be revoked. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26295George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Orangetown, New York ] August 12, 1780 . Instructs Greene to retain the teams mentioned in Greene’s letter. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26296To Alexander Hamilton from Major Sebastian Bauman, 13 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot help laying before you a few of my thoughts which lately have engrossed my whole attention on the review of our changeable government at West Point. However I hope you will make no other use of them, but such as may be of advantage and whatever may be improper or improperly stated, impute to my inability only, and there you’ll please to let it rest, and take in good part of what I...
26297George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 16 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Orangetown [ New York ] August 16, 1780 . Encloses letter from Rochambeau. States that Rochambeau approves of engaging the German deserters. Writes that the Chevalier de Ternay has asked that a vessel loaded with flour be conveyed to Boston and that the sloop Saratoga be sent to the West Indies with dispatches. Has written to Board of Admiralty for its compliance in these matters. Df , in...
26298George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 16 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Orangetown [ New York ] August 16, 1780 . Is pleased that “our ideas are substantially the same.” States that another British expedition is reported. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26299From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, [17 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
In the present state of affairs I know of no certain mode for procuring the release of your Brothers, unless there are naval prisoners in the French department whose situations will apply to theirs. I have however directed our Commissary of Prisoners to use all his influence at least to obtain permission for them to make you a visit at Philadelphia—to ascertain in what light they are...
26300George Washington to the Committee of Cooperation, 17 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Orangetown [ New York ] August 17, 1780 . Describes present situation of Army. Recommends a new appeal to the states. LS , in writing of H, Papers of Continental Congress, National Archives.
26301From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Clement Biddle, [20 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Laurence who will deliver you this, is I am informed, a character that by his attachment to the cause, his suffering, &c. has a claim to all the indulgence we can show him with consistency. All his grass is gone. He expects soon to have his hay taken away and then he says his cattle and his family in consequence must starve. If you can manage to spare him without incurring the charge of...
26302George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Orangetown [ New York ] August 20, 1780 . Thanks Congress for increase in powers. Describes situation in Army. Discusses position of Great Britain both here and abroad. Reviews European situation. Argues for establishing a draft either for duration of war or for three years. Reiterates need of “ample and equal provision for the Army.” Repeats need for half-pay provision for officers. Urges...
26303To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, 21 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 21, 1780. Asks if there is any information concerning his brothers, who are British prisoners. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in French.
26304George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 21 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Orangetown [ New York ] August 21, 1780 . Agrees that it will be best to defer the debarkation on Long Island. Considers various plans for attacking New York. Inquires into the possibilities of an interview. Reports rumor of new British expedition. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26305George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Teaneck, New Jersey ] August 24, 1780 . Questions manner in which Howe’s baggage was guarded. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26306George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 26 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Teaneck, New Jersey ] August 26, 1780 . Is concerned that Captain Pierre Landais failed to bring more arms; trusts they will arrive on the Ariel . Hopes that the second French division will not be held in blockade. Fears that internal troubles in Ireland and England will not directly aid American cause. Sends news of the Comte de Guichen’s plans to sail to Jamaica. Agrees that the British...
26307Circular to the States from George Washington, 27 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Teaneck, New Jersey ] August 27, 1780 . Discusses lack of provisions in Army. Writes: “Either the Army must disband, or what is, if possible, worse, subsist upon the plunder of the people.” Asks the states to requisition enough food to set up winter magazines. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26308To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 28 August [1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I wish, my dear Hamilton, you will please to invite your father in law to come and dine tomorrow with me. Mr Duane has engag’d he would do me that honor. I Beg you will also come. Be so kind as to write to me if any intelligence is come to hand, and when the General has determin’d to leave this place. Don’t forget what I told yesterday to you. I request, my dear Sir, you will Beg the General...
26309George Washington to James Bowdoin, 28 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Teaneck, New Jersey ] August 28, 1780 . Believes an operation against New York no longer possible. Regrets that at present the Army cannot repay its loan of arms. Approves of resolutions of the convention of the four eastern states. Reviews European situation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26310George Washington to James Bowdoin, 28 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Liberty Pole [ New Jersey ] August 28, 1780 . Thanks Bowdoin for loan of arms. Reports that Rhode Island Militia except for those at West Point have been dismissed. Mentions need for supplies. Urges completion of Continental battalions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26311George Washington to George Clinton, 28 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Liberty Pole [ New Jersey ] August 28, 1780 . States that Colonel William Malcom is en route and will be under Clinton’s command. Asks Clinton to relieve troops at Fort Schuyler as soon as possible. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26312George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Liberty Pole [ New Jersey ] August 28, 1780 . Directs Heath to dismiss the members of the militia if they are no longer of use to the French. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26313George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 28 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Liberty Pole, New Jersey ] August 28, 1780 . Orders Van Schaick to join Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26314From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, [30 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General approves your proposed order and requests you to forward a copy to the respective guards. Tomorrow in general orders, they and the militia will be directed to take their orders from you. Bedkins corps is instructed to join you for the purpose of vedets. I have the honor to be Yr Lordships humb Sr ALS , Mrs. Archibald M. Crossley, Princeton, New Jersey. On August 30, 1780,...
26315To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Otho H. Williams, 30 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
About the 23d. Instant I wrote my Friend Harrison from Salisbury giving him a very hasty, particular account of the Defeat of Genl. Gates’s Army at Suttons near Campden the 16th Instant. We were truly unfortunate and compleatly routed. The infamous Cowardice of the Militia of Virginia and North Carolina gave the Enemy every advantage over our few Regular troops whose firm opposition and...
26316From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [31 August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I had written the inclosed and left it to be sent by the last post; but by mistake it was not sent. Col Hay just calls and asks me for my commands. Do you think I could let him go without charging him with a letter for you? In yours by your papa, you say you will expect a visit from me before the close of the campaign, and that you will think me unkind if I do not come. How will you have the...
26317Plan for an Attack on New York, [August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
If upon reconnoitring Dobbes ferry it is found susceptible of batteries to establish a communication, So soon as we can assemble ten thousand men leaving a sufficient garrison at West Point, let them be drawn to Dobbe’s ferry this side of the River and immediately set about erecting batteries; let a sufficient number of boats be brought from Kings ferry, by water if practicable, if not by...
26318On the Proposed Conference at Hartford with the Comte de Rochambeau and the Chevalier de Ternay, [August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The Marquis De la Fayette by your order proposed New York as the object of the intended cooperation and assured the Count De Rochambeau that by a certain period we should have fourteen thousand Continental troops and six thousand militia, and shortly after four or six thousand more. It is of great importance to us that it should appear we are ready and in condition to act; our allies not. It...
26319From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [August 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Impatiently My Dearest have I been expecting the return of your father to bring me a letter from my charmer with the answers you have been good enough to promise me to the little questions asked in mine by him. I long to see the workings of my Betseys heart, and I promise my self I shall have ample gratification to my fondness in the sweet familiarity of her pen. She will there I hope paint me...
26320George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 2 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] September 2, 1780 . Instructs Parsons to move to “the vicinity of North Castle” and to take command of troops there. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26321George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 2 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] September 2, 1780 . Has ordered two Connecticut regiments to join Sheldon at North Castle. Instructs Sheldon to move to West Point if British should march. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26322George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Levi Wells, 2 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] September 2, 1780 . Orders Wells to join Colonel Elisha Sheldon in vicinity of North Castle. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Wells was a lieutenant colonel in the Connecticut Militia.
26323From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [3 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your request and my promise I sit down to give you my ideas of the defects of our present system, and the changes necessary to save us from ruin. They may perhaps be the reveries of a projector rather than the sober views of a politician. You will judge of them, and make what use you please of them. The fundamental defect is a want of power in Congress. It is hardly worth while to...
26324From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [3 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you last night the inclosed hasty note in expectation that your papa would take his leave of us this morning early; a violent storm in which our house is tumbling about our ears prevents him. He and Meade are propping the house (I mean the Marquis), and I sit down to indulge the pleasure I always feel in writing to you. The little song you sent me I have read over and over. It is very...
26325George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 3 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Liberty Pole [ New Jersey ] September 3, 1780 . Describes movements of Army. Reports preparations for a new British expedition. Congratulates Rochambeau on visit from Indians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26326From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 5 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey, September 5, 1780. On September 10, 1780, Philip Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “I am very apprehensive the unhappy event mentioned in your favor of the 5th Instant will draw serious consequences in its train.” Letter not found. ]
26327From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 6 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter accompanying this has lain by two or three days for want of an opportunity. I have heard since of Gates defeat, a very good comment on the necessity of changing our system. His passion for Militia, I fancy will be a little cured, and he will cease to think them the best bulwark of American liberty. What think you of the conduct of this great man? I am his enemy personally, for...
26328From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [6 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you My Dear Betsey a long letter or rather two long letters by your father. I have not since received any of yours. I hope I shall not be much longer without thus enjoying this only privilege of our separation. Most people here are groaning under a very disagreeable piece of intelligence just come from the Southward; that Gates has had a total defeat near Cambden in South Carolina....
26329To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, [7 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
If you do writte to me, direct your Letters to general heath, & under his Cover. I can not tell why till I see you; I want it much. The enemy have Left martha’s vineyard. It is Report’d they sail’d to the Southward. I beg you would remember me to my friend Laurens, I have wrott to him, but he keeps silent. I do not Like your situation at Lee’s fort. you throw the glove to clinton, he will take...
26330To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 8 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, September 8, 1780. On September 16, 1780, Hamilton wrote to Laurens : “I … have just time to tell you that I have received your letter of the 8th.” Letter not found. ]