26401The Continentalist No. II, [19 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
In a single state, where the sovereign power is exercised by delegation, whether it be a limitted monarchy or a republic, the danger most commonly is, that the sovereign will become too powerful for his constituents; in fœderal governments, where different states are represented in a general council, the danger is on the other side—that the members will be an overmatch for the common head, or...
26402From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [24 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
My servant informs me, that the saddle he rides has met with an accident that renders it unfit for use. As there are none here to be purchased, I should be glad it could be exchanged. I suppose it may be repaired and made serviceable again; however if like indulgencies are not allowed to other officers, I do not wish it for me. I am with esteem Sir Your most Obed ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous...
26403General Orders, 31 July 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Dobbs Ferry [ New York ] July 31, 1781 . “The Light Companies of the first and second regiments of New York (upon their arrival in Camp) with the two companies of York Levies under command of Captains Sackett and Williams will form a Battalion under command of Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton and Major Fish. After the formation of the Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton will join the...
26404From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [7 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
In the necessaries delivered for my corps, two days since, there were only two wall tents which were the number mentioned and required for the company officers. The field officers therefore are unprovided for. Will you be so good as to give an explicit order for two more? We also want a Regimental orderly book and some regimental paper. Will you be pleased to include these articles in your...
26405From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 7 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The other day I applied to Col. Tilghman for an order for Shoes for the Two Companies of levies. He thought on a general principle it could not be granted; but as from the best of my own recollection confirmed by inquiry of others, I have reason to believe a distinction was made last campaign in favour of the advanced corps; in the case of Cortland’s regiment, I am induced to submit the matter...
26406The Continentalist No. III, [9 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The situation of these states is very unlike that of the United Provinces. Remote as we are from Europe, in a little time, we should fancy ourselves out of the reach of attempts from abroad, and in full liberty, at our leisure and convenience, to try our strength at home. This might not happen at once; but if the FOEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOSE ITS AUTHORITY, it would CERTAINLY FOLLOW....
26407To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 9 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd your Letter of the 7th. Shoes will be issued to the State Companies under your Command, upon your Return. I will only recommend that proper precaution should be taken respecting the delivery, & that the men of the State Companies should be made accountable for them; the same mode will be pursued, in supplying the other Companies, as has been formerly practiced. I am Dr. Sr. Your...
26408From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 16 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received my beloved Betsey your letter informing me of the happy escape of your father. He showed an admirable presence of mind, and has given his friends a double pleasure arising from the manner of saving himself and his safety. Upon the whole I am glad this unsuccessful attempt has been made. It will prevent his hazarding himself hereafter as he has been accustomed to do. He is a...
26409From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 22 August 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last letter My Dearest Angel I informed you that there was a greater prospect of activity now than there had been heretofore. I did this to prepare your mind for an event which I am sure will give you pain. I begged your father at the same time to intimate to you by degrees the probability of its taking place. I used this method to prevent a surprise which might be too severe to you. A...
26410From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [25 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I had written the inclosed My Dear Betsey when the appearance of your father’s horses announcing his speedy approach induced me to defer sending it off. I flattered myself for a moment that my Betsey would accompany him; but alas! the hope was in vain. It was not my Betsey’s fault however, but the advice of her parents that prevented my seeing her. They were right my angel to dissuade you from...
26411The Continentalist No. IV, [30 August 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
The preceding numbers are chiefly intended to confirm an opinion, already pretty generally received, that it is necessary to augment the powers of the confederation. The principal difficulty yet remains, to fix the public judgment, definitively, on the points, which ought to compose that augmentation. It may be pronounced with confidence, that nothing short of the following articles can...
26412To Alexander Hamilton from Elizabeth Hamilton, 3 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, September 3, 1781. On October 18, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “Your letter of the 3d. of September … never reached me till to day.” Letter not found. ]
26413From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 5 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Head of Elk, Maryland, September 5, 1781. On September 6, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “Yesterday … I wrote to you … to the care of Mr. Morris.” Letter not found. ]
26414From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 5 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Head of Elk, Maryland, September 5, 1781. On September 6, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “Yesterday … I wrote to you, inclosing you a letter in one to your father, to the care of Mr. Morris.” Letter not found. ]
26415From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 6 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday, my lovely wife, I wrote to you, inclosing you a letter in one to your father, to the care of Mr. Morris. To-morrow the post sets out, and to-morrow we embark for Yorktown. I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of writing you a few lines. Constantly uppermost in my thoughts and affections, I am happy only when my moments are devoted to some office that respects you. I would give the...
26416From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [15–18 September 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
How chequered is human life! How precarious is happiness! How easily do we often part with it for a shadow! These are the reflections that frequently intrude themselves upon me, with a painful application. I am going to do my duty. Our operations will be so conducted, as to economize the lives of men. Exert your fortitude and rely upon heaven. Hamilton, History John C. Hamilton, Life of...
26417To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 16 September 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
The mail which was taken a few days ago at Hampton has probably deprived me of the pleasure of a line from you. We are advised by a letter from Mr Carter that General Washington embarked with all except the rear division of the french at the head of Elk on the 8th Instant, hence I hope you are now operating against Cornwallis. It is difficult to judge with precision of your prospects at this...
26418From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 10 October 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Camp before Yorktown, Virginia, October 10, 1781. On October 12, 1781, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “I wrote you two days since.” Letter not found. ]
26419From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [12 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you two days since My Dear Betsey, but as I am informed by one of the Gentlemen at Head Quarters that there is an opportunity for Philadelphia, I embrace it with that pleasure which I always feel in communicating with you. You complain of me my love, for not writing to you more frequently, but have I not greater reason to complain of you? Since I left Kings ferry, I have received three...
26420From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [15 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to render you an account of the corps under my command in your attack of last night, upon the redoubt on the left of the enemy’s lines. Agreeable to your orders we advanced in two columns with unloaded arms, the right composed of Lt. Col Gimat’s batalion and my own commanded by Major Fish, the left of a detachment commanded by Lt Col Laurens, destined to take the enemy in...
26421Enclosure: To Marquis de Lafayette, [15 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Lt Col Majors Capts Subalterns Serjeants Rank & file Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Killed Wounded Lt Col Hamiltons batalion
26422From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [16 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Two nights ago, my Eliza, my duty and my honor obliged me to take a step in which your happiness was too much risked. I commanded an attack upon one of the enemy’s redoubts; we carried it in an instant, and with little loss. You will see the particulars in the Philadelphia papers. There will be, certainly, nothing more of this kind; all the rest will be by approach; and if there should be...
26423From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [18 October 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 3d. of September my angel never reached me till to day. My uneasiness at not hearing from you is abated by the sweet prospect of soon taking you in my arms. Your father will tell you the news. Tomorrow Cornwallis and his army are ours. In two days after I shall in all probability set out for Albany, and I hope to embrace you in three weeks from this time. Conceive my love by...
26424To Alexander Hamilton from Vicomte de Noailles, 10–25 December 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, December 10–25 , 1781. In a letter written in April, May, or June, 1782, Hamilton wrote De Noailles of his pleasure “at receiving, after an inexplicable delay, the letter you were so obliging as to write me before your departure from Boston.” Letter not found. ] Louis Marie, Vicomte de Noailles, arrived in Boston on December 10, 1781, and sailed with Lafayette and other French...
26425From Alexander Hamilton to Major Nicholas Fish, [29 December 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you, My Dear Friend, for your letter by Gamber and for your attention in forwarding the articles which fell to my share. I was unlucky in their conveyance. Mr. Gamber, through hurry, forgot them at New Windsor. When he recollected them and returned, he found the bundles had been opened and pilfered. As he had had no list he could not tell me what articles had been taken. He delivered...
26426To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Kidder Meade, December 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ December, 1781. In March, 1782, Hamilton wrote to Meade : “An Half hour since brought me the pleasure of your letter of December last.” Letter not found. ]
26427To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 31 January 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I reckon, my dear sir, among the contrasted events which have diversified my life, to have been made the confidant of the author of Publius, and as a Senator of Maryland to have been present at Mr Chase’s defence in our house of delegates against charges contained in your pieces. I send you the proceedings which have been published and letters which have been passed between Major Giles and...
26428Receipt to Jacob Cuyler, 5 February 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, February 5, 1782. On behalf of Philip Schuyler, acknowledges receipt of twenty pounds and six shillings from Jacob Cuyler. ADS , Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, Mount Vernon, Virginia. Jacob Cuyler, who represented Albany County in the New York legislature in 1777, was engaged during the Revolution in supplying the American army.
26429To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 12 February 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, February 12, 1782. Sends the several receivers an “Advertisement respecting the Receivers of Continental Taxes,” which states: “And whereas it is not only necessary that some precise mode be adopted for managing the public Business in this respect, but also that the same be publickly known, so that all Persons concerned therein may have due notice thereof I have therefore...
26430From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [26 February 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the papers you transmitted me on the subject of Mr. C——e. Nothing gives me greater pleasure on all occasions, than to see suspected and injured innocence vindicated, nor would any person more chearfully retract an ill-founded accusation, on conviction of its error, than myself. You know the motives and the grounds of my charges against Mr. C——e, at a period fertile...
26431From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [1 March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I need not observe to yr Excellency that, Respect for the opinion of Congress will not permit me to be indifferent to the impressions they may receive of my conduct. On this principle, though I do not think the subject of the inclosed letter of sufficient importance to request an official communication of it, yet I should be happy it might in some way be known to the members of that honorable...
26432From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [1 March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Your Excellency will, I am persuaded, readily admit the force of this sentiment, that though it is the duty of a good citizen to devote his services to the public, when it has occasion for them, he cannot with propriety, or delicacy to himself, obtrude them, when it either has, or appears to have none. The difficuties I experienced last campaign in obtaining a command will not suffer me to...
26433Cash Book, [1 March 1782–1791] (Hamilton Papers)
1) Dr. Pierre Van Cortlandt Cr. £ 1784 Feby To this sum due for the Clerkship of his son P. V. Cortlandt commenced 150 Dr. Jacob LeRoy & Sons Cr. 1784 To this sum due for the Clerkship of his son Jas. LeRoy commenced this day 150 this sum given up as Mr. LeRoy did not continue his Clerkship 150 May To opinion given in the case of Kelly & Lot 1.10.0
26434From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 2 March 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 2, 1782. In July 1782, Laurens wrote to Hamilton : “I am indebted to you, my dear Hamilton, for two letters; the first from Albany, as masterly a piece of cynicism as ever was penned: the other from Philadelphia, dated the 2d March.” Letter of March 2 not found. ]
26435From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 8 March 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 8, 1782. “Dr. Mac. I write the above in a form which being copied I wish to appear before the personages concerned.… Whatever may be my general opinion of Mr. Chase, if I find good reason to think him innocent in the present case I shall with great pleasure declare it. You know my informants.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, October 30–31, 1944,...
26436From Alexander Hamilton to Major Nicholas Fish, [March 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry that for want of a person to send them with, I have been obliged to detain your horses till now. The articles I shall want from Duychinks are: four pint decanters if to be had, if not two Quart do. a dozen wine glasses two ale-glasses to hold about a pint each, if not to be had, two tumblers. You will oblige me by procuring these articles as soon as possible, having them carefully...
26437From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Kidder Meade, March 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
An half hour since brought me the pleasure of your letter of December last. It went to Albany and came from thence to this place. I heartily felicitate you on the birth of your daughter. I can well conceive your happiness upon that occasion, by that which I feel in a similar one. Indeed the sensations of a tender father of the child, of a beloved mother can only be conceived by those who have...
26438To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 12 April 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
However Silent You May please to Be, I will Nevertheless Remind You of a friend who loves You tenderly and who By His Attachment Desires a Great share in Your Affection. This letter, My dear Sir, Will Be delivered or sent By Count de Segur, an intimate friend of Mine, A Man of Wit and of Abilities, and whose Society You will Certainly Be pleased With. I Warmly Recommend Him to You, and Hope He...
26439To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 15 April 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
As several of the Legislatures have passed the Laws for levying Money in their respective states in Order to pay their Quota’s of the eight Million of Dollars required by Congress for the service of the United States this present year, without noticing that part of the Act of Congress of the second of November last which recommends “the passing of Acts directing the Collectors to pay the same...
26440Enclosure: From Robert Morris, [15 April 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas Alexander Hamilton esquire in conformity with an Act of the United States in Congress assembled passed the 2d of November 1781, hath been duly appointed by Commission under my Hand and Seal, Receiver of the continental Taxes within the State of New York. And whereas it is doubtful whether a Receiver of the continental Taxes hath yet been recognized by the Legislature of that State, In...
26441To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 15 April 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 15, 1782. On November 10, 1782, Hamilton sent to Thomas Tillotson, his successor as receiver of continental taxes for the State of New York, a list of papers “relative to the office of Receiver of Taxes.” Item number three on that list was described as “farther instructions from the Superintendant to Alexander Hamilton dated as above.” The preceding letter was dated April...
26442The Continentalist No. V, [18 April 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
The vesting Congress with the power of regulating trade ought to have been a principal object of the confederation for a variety of reasons. It is as necessary for the purposes of commerce as of revenue. There are some, who maintain, that trade will regulate itself, and is not to be benefitted by the encouragements, or restraints of government. Such persons will imagine, that there is no need...
26443Suspension of the Rule Requiring Lawyers to Serve a Three-Year Clerkship in Favor of Alexander Hamilton, [26 April 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas by a former rule of this Court, a Clerkship of three years at least was among other things made a necessary prerequisite to the admission of an attorney to practice in this Court. And Whereas by a rule of this Court made on the eighteenth day of January last that part of the said rule which required a Clerkship of three years was suspended until the last day of April Term in favor of...
26444Army Agreement Certified by Alexander Hamilton, 30 April 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany ] April 30, 1782. Certifies a contract made by Philip Schuyler, on behalf of the United States, and William Duer, contractor for the posts “north of Poughkeepsie in the State of NewYork,” for supplying the Army with meat. Copy, RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives.
26445From Alexander Hamilton to Vicomte de Noailles, [April–June 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Esteem for your talents and acquirements, is a sentiment which from my earliest acquaintance with you, my dear viscount, I have shared in common with all those who have the happiness of knowing you; but a better knowledge of your character has given it in my eyes a more intrinsic merit, and has attached me to you by a friendship founded upon qualities as rare as they are estimable. Averse as I...
26446To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 2 May 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Charles Stewart late Commissary general of Issues has informed me ⟨that⟩ you are disposed to quit the military line for the purpose of ⟨en⟩tering into civil life. He at the same time induced me to believe ⟨that⟩ you would accept of the Office of Receiver of the continental taxes ⟨for⟩ the state of New York. The intention of this letter is to offer you that ⟨app⟩ointment. The duties of the...
26447From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 4 May 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, May 4, 1782. On May 20, 1782, Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I have received your Letter of the fourth Instant.” Letter not found. ]
26448To Alexander Hamilton from James Duane, 5 May 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I am much pleased to find that you have set yourself Seriously to the Study of the Law. You are welcome to the use of any of my books of which you will inform Mr Lansing. I know that I can depend upon your care of them. Whether I shall see Albany, or Philadelphia first remains undecided tho’ I feel myself oblig’d by your friendly wishes to see me. A seperation from my Family is extremely...
26449To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 15 May 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 15, 1782. Sends a circular to the “Receivers of Taxes Eastward of Hudsons River” instructing them on the manner of transmitting notes, bank notes, and Morris notes to the Office of Finance in Philadelphia. Appoints John Brown of Philadelphia “Messenger by whom you are from Time to Time to transmit the Bank Notes which you may receive.” LC , Robert Morris Papers, Library of...
26450From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 18 May 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I had this day the honor of receiving your letter of the 2d. instant and am much obliged by the mark of your confidence, which it contains; and to Col Stewart for his friendly intentions upon the occasion. My military situation has indeed become so negative that I have no motive to continue in it; and if my services could be of importance to the public in any civil line I should chearfully...