26281George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 5, 1781 . Discusses dispute between Heath and Colonel Moses Hazen. States that this dispute raises question whether the power of granting orders for provisions may not be in the hands of too many persons. Asks Heath to investigate. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26282George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 6 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 6, 1781 . Thanks Jefferson for report of British incursions into Virginia. Hopes these events will not stop Virginia from helping to reinforce the southern army. States that Benedict Arnold’s actions were probably a diversion in Cornwallis’s favor. Reports damage by severe storm to English fleet off Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers,...
26283George Washington to Baron von Steuben, 6 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 6, 1781 . Sends Congressional resolution concerning von Steuben’s department. Approves of measures taken concerning discharges and furloughs. Sends news of New Jersey and Pennsylvania mutinies. Reports damage by severe storm to English fleet off Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26284From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, [7 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The first step to reformation as well in an administration as in an individual is to be sensible of our faults. This begins to be our case; and there are several symptoms that please me at this juncture. But we are so accustomed to doing right by halves, and spoiling a good intention in the execution, that I always wait to see the end of our public arrangements before I venture to expect good...
26285George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 7 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 7, 1781 . Hopes that the French have been able to take advantage of the damaged British fleet. Sends news of Benedict Arnold’s operations in Virginia. Has heard unofficially that Maryland has acceded to the Confederation and that Virginia has relinquished its claim to “country West of the Ohio, in favour of the United States.” Df , in writing of H, George...
26286From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [9 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has anticipated the subject of your letter of this day, by ordering the greater part of the Jersey troops to Morris Town to occupy the huts there. He nevertheless continues in the desire that that place may not be the depositary of any large quantity of stores. The situation of the two artificers can only be pitied not redressed. The families of men in the service cannot be the...
26287George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 9 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 9, 1781 . Asks Congress to decide Colonel Peter Gansevoort’s rank. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26288George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 9 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 9, 1781 . Commends Knox for measures taken to carry out instructions sent on January 7. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26289George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 10 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] February 10, 1781 . Reports that conference between French and American commanders tentatively decided to make New York the focus of operations. Directs Knox to make necessary artillery preparations for cooperation with French. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26290George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 10 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 10, 1781 . Asks Knox to supply Captain Lewis Garanger with materials necessary for executing his experiments. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26291George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 10, 1781 . Recapitulates verbal directions given Pickering concerning teams, wagons, and boats. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26292From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [11 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
There are probably a good many dispatches for Head Quarters in the Post office at Fish Kill, some of which it may be of great importance should not be delayed. The General therefore desires (as he takes it for granted the ferry at New burgh is not practicable) that you will send a trusty person to pass the river at the nearest place above and go to Fish Kill for the letters and return as soon...
26293From Alexander Hamilton to William Denning, [12 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
We are all very unhappy that we cannot have the pleasure of accepting your invitation on account of a journey we are on the point of making. The General and Mrs. Washington request me to present their respects to you and Mrs. Denning and make their apology. The Marquis does the same. He is of the traveling party. Mrs. Hamilton joins me in compliments to Mrs. Denning. Believe me to be sincerely...
26294George Washington to John Cochran, 12 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 12, 1781 . Orders Cochran to collect all hospital stores that were purchased for public use. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
26295George Washington to Mrs. Anne Francis, Mrs. Henrietta Hillegas, Mrs. Mary Clarkson, Mrs. Sarah Bache, and Mrs. Susan … (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York, February 13, 1781. ] Thanks them for their contributions to Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Anne Francis was the wife of Tench Francis. Henrietta Hillegas was the wife of Michael Hillegas. Mary Clarkson was the wife of Major Matthew Clarkson. Sarah Bache was the wife of Richard Bache. Susan Blair was the wife of the Reverend...
26296George Washington to William Livingston, 13 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 13, 1781 . Will discuss question of New Jersey prisoners with commissary of prisoners. Explains rules of exchange concerning militia and civilians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LS , in the handwriting of H, William Livingston Papers, MS Division, New York Public Library.
26297George Washington to William Shippen, Junior, 13 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 13, 1781 . Was completely satisfied with administration of hospitals while Shippen was director. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26298From Alexander Hamilton to Major Sebastian Bauman, [14 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Garanger has received a second order from the General to make the experiments which were before prescribed him. General Knox he tells me has given him a letter to you to furnish him with the materials and afford him the assistance of which he may stand in need. You will oblige me by facilitating his operations as much as you can; You may depend he will not be introduced into the corps of...
26299George Washington to Colonel Ephraim Blaine, 14 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 14, 1781 . Informs Blaine that Washington is leaving for Rhode Island. Orders Blaine to send provisions to West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26300George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 14 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 14, 1781 . Is going to Rhode Island. States that command of the Army will devolve on Major General William Heath. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26301George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 14 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] February 14, 1781 . Informs Rochambeau that Lieutenant Colonels Jean-Baptiste Gouvion and Jean-Joseph Sourbader de Gimat have permission to go to Rhode Island to “pay their respects to your Excellency.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26302From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [15 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The General directs you will send off the inclosed dispatch for Count De Rochambeau very early in the morning with the most positive directions concerning expedition. It is of great importance that it should arrive to him as quick as possible. He wishes you also to write to the Qr. Master at the station of your last express and desire him in case Sheldon should not have taken up the chain...
26303George Washington to Major General William Heath, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Directs Heath to prepare the light companies for march to Morristown. Sends general instructions. LS , in writing of H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
26304George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Has ordered light troops to prepare to march to Morristown. Instructs Pickering to have wagons ready for troops. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26305George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 15 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 15, 1781 . Makes proposal for a joint land and sea venture to capture Benedict Arnold. Asks Rochambeau’s opinion. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26306From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [16 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests to see you at Head Quarters today, as he wishes to give you some directions previous to your setting out for Albany. Yr Most Obed Serv Will you be here to dinner? ALS , Northwestern University.
26307George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 16 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 16, 1781 . Orders Clinton to march six companies of Colonel Goose Van Schaick’s regiment to West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LS , in the handwriting of H, The Sol Feinstone Collection, Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia.
26308George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 17 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 17, 1781 . Directs Skinner to make proposals for exchange of prisoners. Sends Governor William Livingston’s complaints concerning New Jersey prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26309From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 18 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of writing you last an unexpected change has taken place in my situation. I am no longer a member of the General’s family. This information will surprise you and you will be more surprised at the manner of my ceasing to be so and the manner of the change will surprise you more. —Two day ago The General was coming up stairs and I was going down and I passed each other...
26310From Alexander Hamilton to Major James McHenry, [18 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I have, Dear Mac, several of your letters. I shall ⟨soon⟩ have time enough to write ⟨my⟩ friends ⟨as often⟩ as they please. The Great man and I have come to an open rupture. Proposals of accomodation have been made on his part but rejected. I pledge my honor to you that he will find me inflexible. He shall for once at least repent his ill-humour. Without a shadow of reason and on the slightest...
26311George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 18 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 18, 1781 . Sends specifications of rations issued by British to all naval prisoners. Directs Skinner to issue the same to the United States naval prisoners. Asks Skinner to ascertain British prison rations for soldiers and to duplicate them. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26312To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Ephraim Blaine, 19 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh, New York, February 19, 1781. Requests Hamilton to inform Washington that “the provisions necessary for the detachment will move this Evening.” ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Blaine was commissary general of purchases.
26313George Washington to George Clinton, 19 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 19, 1781 . Regrets inability to comply with New York State’s request for regiments to defend frontier. Will send needed supplies to Fort Schuyler. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26314George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 19 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 19, 1781 . Congratulates Rochambeau on arrival of Rochambeau’s son at Versailles. Asks if the Chevalier Destouches has left for Chesapeake Bay. States that Baron von Steuben reports the Virginia militia will cooperate. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26315George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 20 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 20, 1781 . Places Lafayette in command of detachment that is to act against enemy in Virginia. Sends detailed instructions for this command. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26316George Washington to Baron von Steuben, 20 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 20, 1781 . Discusses proposed cooperation between the French and Americans against Benedict Arnold in Virginia. States that the Marquis de Lafayette is to head land forces and will cooperate with von Steuben. Sends instructions for von Steuben’s part in the campaign. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26317George Washington to the Officer Commanding the French Squadron in Chesapeake Bay, 20 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 20, 1781 . Has sent detachment under the Marquis de Lafayette to support French squadron. Makes suggestions for cooperation of land and sea forces. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26318From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Heath, [21 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I am commanded by The General to inform you that Lt. Col Gouvion and Capt Rochefontaine will march with the detachment under the Marquis De la Fayette. Major Villefranche will shortly return to the post of West Point. I have the honor to be Sir Yr. most Obed ser ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Heath was in command at West Point. Etienne Nicolas Marie Béchet, Chevalier de...
26319From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [21 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The Marquis expects a letter here which he has left his servant to bring him to Smiths Clove, with some little articles. His servant has no horse. Will you be so good as to furnish him with one? If you have none at hand, please to have one impressed. The horse will return tomorrow. Yr. humble servant ALS , Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City.
26320George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Gerhard Diriks, 21 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] February 21, 1781 . Discusses question of Diriks’s rank in relation to new arrangement of the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Diriks was breveted lieutenant colonel, Continental Army, on November 5, 1778. He was honorably discharged on May 17, 1781.
26321From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, [22 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
From different occurrences since your letter to the General arrived I have seen no favourable moment to present it. It shall try its fortune to day and you shall hear from me tomorrow. Assure yourself that whatever depends on me shall be done. Mrs H——’s compliments. Adieu ALS , Yale University Library. Webb was apparently attempting to obtain a leave. See H to Webb, March 2, 1781 .
26322George Washington to Chevalier Destouches, 22 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 22, 1781 . Discusses Virginia expedition. Hopes that French will be able to blockade Benedict Arnold “in the bay.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26323George Washington to Major General Samuel Holden Parsons, 22 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 22, 1781 . Directs Parsons to investigate a reported Tory plot in Connecticut and to seize people concerned. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26324George Washington to Colonel Walter Stewart, 22 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 22, 1781 . Thanks Stewart for news of Pennsylvania line. Hopes that legislature “will take decisive and effectual measures to furnish its complement.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26325George Washington to Major General William Heath, 23 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 23, 1781 . Sends instructions for improving defenses of West Point. LS , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
26326To Alexander Hamilton from Major Richard Platt, 24 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] February 24, 1781 . Requests that some steps be taken to compensate Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay for oxen which were taken for public use. ALS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Platt was aide-de-camp to Major General Alexander McDougall.
26327George Washington to George Clinton, 24 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 24, 1781 . Regrets inability to comply with New York State’s request for two regiments for defense of frontier. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26328George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 24 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 24, 1781 . Believes that if Comte d’Estaing’s reported victory is true, it means a speedy and victorious end to the war. Sends details of detachment’s march to Virginia. Reports rumors concerning Sir Henry Clinton. Is delaying his visit to Rhode Island until he ascertains what move Clinton will make as a result of the Virginia expedition. Df , in writing of H,...
26329From Alexander Hamilton to Major Richard Platt, [25 February 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I have taken The General’s orders on the subject of your letter of the 24th. As Col Hay’s oxen appear to have been converted to the public use, justice requires they should be replaced to him, as it is not known certainly in what manner they were used and as it is not material to the public from what department the compensation comes, The General directs that The Quarter Master General will...
26330To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 25 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Last night your favor of the 18 Inst: was delivered me. I confess that the contents surprized and afflicted me, not that I discover any impropriety in your conduct in the affair in question, for of that I persuade myself you are incapable, but as it may be attended with consequences prejudical to my country which I love, which I affectionately love, and as no event tending to its detriment can...