26451George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 20 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Passaic Falls, New Jersey ] November 20, 1780 . Proposes a meeting of commissioners for the exchange of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26452George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Passaic Falls [ New Jersey ] November 20, 1780 . Discusses problems involved in exchanging prisoners with Great Britain. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26453George Washington to Arthur Lee, [20 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Passaic Falls, New Jersey, November 20, 1780. ] Discusses need for large foreign loan. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lee had returned to the United States in September after having served as, one of the commissioners to France from the United States.
26454George Washington to Colonel Thomas Craig, 21 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 21, 1780 . Orders Craig to move his men to Elizabethtown. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Craig was a colonel of the Third Pennsylvania Regiment.
26455George Washington to Major John Mauritius Goetschius, 21 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 21, 1780 . Is planning a move toward Elizabethtown. Instructs Goetschius to secure all “watercraft” on the Hackensack. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Goetschius was a major in the New Jersey Militia.
26456George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Baptiste Gouvion, 21 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] November 21, 1780 . Orders Gouvion to reconnoiter British lines. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26457George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 21 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 21, 1780 . Sends instructions for patrolling certain areas in New Jersey. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26458George Washington to Major James Parr, 21 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 21, 1780 . Instructs Parr to attempt to capture those inhabitants who are reported to be ready to carry provisions to the enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Presumably Parr was a major of the Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment.
26459George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 21, 1780 . Orders Wayne to march his troops to Acquackanonck, New Jersey, for foraging purposes. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26460To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed, my dear hamilton, I send you a letter for M de Marbois wherein are contain’d two exemplaires of my dispatches to doctor franklin. In the hurry of our Arrangement I forgot to mention them to the General. Be pleased to give him a Summary of theyr contents to which I have added the Southern News of Yesterday; tell him that knowing from experience how Negligent we were in sending...
26461From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
There are five more boats will be at Dobbes ferry, say the Slote, thursday night. Endeavour if possible to have teams there for them by that time. You will receive further instructions in the mean time. Let us hear from you on this article. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the projected attack described in Pickering to H, November 6,...
26462From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The additional boats must take the same route with the others; when they arrive they must be muffled. The impress if possible ought to be deferred ’till after the point of execution. But if you pass by to day and will call in, we can best speak of this. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the projected attack described in Pickering to H,...
26463From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The Boats are not under present circumstances to go to the Notch till tomorrow as you will see by the letter herewith. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the projected attack described in Pickering to H, November 6, 1780, note 1 .
26464From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
A working party of fifty men is ordered to parade tomorrow morning eight oClock at your quarters to take your orders. The object is to repair the road & briges for the march of the army to New Windsor by Pompton, Ringwood &c. A party of Artificers must accompany—A special charge to do the business well. Yr hum serv ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. These preparations were...
26465To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The five boats I had collected at Dobbs’ ferry arrived at Colo. Baldwin’s last evening. They want some repairs which are making. The five which came from King’s ferry to the slote, were at paramus last Evening. I am &c LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering, National Archives. These boats were being assembled for the projected attack described in Pickering to H, November 6, 1780, note 1 ....
26466To Alexander Hamilton from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
I believe it possible tho’ difficult to have Teams at the slote by Thursday night to take up five more Boats. I will endeavor to effect it. I presume they will come provided with oars. Must not they too be muffled? what Route are they to take? I shall be glad of further Instructions. It will doubtless be necessary to impress Horses on this Occasion. LC , RG 93, Letters of Col. T. Pickering,...
26467From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [22 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Sometime last fall when I spoke to your Excellency about going to the Southward, I explained to you candidly my feelings with respect to military reputation, and how much it was my object to act a conspicuous part in some enterprise that might perhaps raise my character as a soldier above mediocrity. You were so good as to say you would be glad to furnish me with an occasion. When the...
26468George Washington to Major Samuel Darby, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 22, 1780 . Sends instructions for the “march” of the boats to Acquackanonck. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Darby was a major of the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment.
26469George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 22, 1780 . Orders Knox to prepare artillery to cover passage of troops across river. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26470George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 22, 1780 . Sends instructions for preparation of boats for the attack. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26471From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [23 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General approves what you have done; what you propose to do. He only remarks that the horses for the artillery which are to be employed upon the occasion and for the boats are to be kept to their stations. All those not necessary to the expedition may go a foraging; it will be time enough for them to be in camp on saturday morning by light. The Pensylvania line will move early tomorrow...
26472George Washington to Colonel Ephraim Blaine, 23 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Passaic Falls, New Jersey ] November 23, 1780 . Refers case of Major Daniel Hale to Blaine. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Blaine was commissary general of purchases.
26473George Washington to Captain Judah Alden, 24 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 24, 1780 . Asks Alden to send enclosed letter to Lieutenant Colonel David Humphreys. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Alden was a captain in the Second Massachusetts Regiment.
26474George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel David Humphreys, 24 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 24, 1780 . Announces relinquishment of projected attack. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Humphreys was an aide-de-camp to Washington.
26475George Washington to John Sullivan, 25 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Passaic Falls [ New Jersey ] November 25, 1780 . Introduces the Chevalier de Chastellux. Asks Sullivan to support the promotion of Brigadier General Henry Knox and Washington’s ideas on the “Inspectorate department.” Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Sullivan was at this time a member of Congress from New Hampshire. François Jean,...
26476George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25[–26] November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] November 25 [ –26 ] 1780 . Will furnish the return of the officers of engineering department after Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail arrives. Advocates increase in compensation for officers in the inspectorship. Recommends Simeon DeWitt as the successor to Robert Erskine as geographer of the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of...
26477From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [27 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General desires you will have the boats removed from Doddes to Pompton as speedily as you can & from thence as soon as possible to Kings ferry. The Officer of the Jersey light infantry will take your orders. He will remain in the neighbourhood of Pompton till the Jersey Brigade arrives. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. The expedition for which these boats had been...
26478George Washington to Colonel Charles Armand, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Passaic Falls [ New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Regrets that Armand plans to resign. Commends Armand for his services. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26479George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Asks Greene, if ordered to West Point by Comte de Rochambeau, to take only men who will remain in service under new arrangement of Army. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
26480George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Asks Heath to forward a letter to Colonel Elisha Sheldon ordering Sheldon into winter quarters. LS , in writings of George Washington and H, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
26481George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Sends instructions for the march to Kings Ferry. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26482George Washington to Samuel Huntington, [27 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, November 27, 1780. ] Introduces the Chevalier de Chastellux. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26483George Washington to Samuel Huntington, [27 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, November 27, 1780. ] Introduces the Vicomte de Noailles. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Louis Marie, Vicomte de Noailles, was a brother-in-law of the Marquis de Lafayette. He was “mestre de camp en second du regiment colonel-general hussards; mestre de camp en second of the Regiment Soissonnais” ( GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The...
26484George Washington to Samuel Huntington, [27 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, November 27, 1780. ] Introduces Comte de Damas. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Charles François Louis Joseph César, Comte de Damas, was a captain in the Regiment du Roi and colonel and aide to Rochambeau.
26485George Washington to Samuel Huntington, [27 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, November 27, 1780. ] Introduces Mauduit du Plessis. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Thomas Antoine, Chevalier de Mauduit du Plessis, had been an American officer but was now again in the French army.
26486George Washington to the Officer Commanding the New Jersey Brigade, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Sends instructions for guarding area in vicinity of the “Clove.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26487George Washington to the Officer Commanding the New Jersey Light Infantry Companies, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Orders boats at “Doddes” transferred to Pompton. Orders establishment of a guard at Dobbs Ferry. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26488George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Discusses situation in South. Explains that Army is moving into winter quarters at New Windsor. Asks Rochambeau to send Colonel Christopher Greene’s regiment to West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26489George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Orders Sheldon to march to Virginia and enter into winter quarters. Sends directions concerning the horses. Requests Sheldon to confer with the governor of Connecticut concerning the completion of his regiment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26490To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 28 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Here I arrived last night and am going to set out for Philadelphia. Gouvion goes strait to New Windsor and by him I write to the General, I speak of Hand & Smith whom I recommend and add— “If however you was to cast your-eye on a Man who I think would suit better than any other in the World Hamilton is, I confess the officer whom I would like best to see in my .” Then I go on with the idea...
26491To Alexander Hamilton from Lieutenant Colonel Louis Dominique Ethis de Corny, 4 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The ill state of my Health obliges me to request permission to return to france, for as short time as possible. I must, before my departure, acquit my-self of the double duty of thanking you for the favors with [which] you have honored me, and of solliciting your orders for my country. The satisfaction I feel of Being chosen to accompany the Marquis de La fayette and of executing under his...
26492To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 9 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
On the first days of your Arrival at Albany I dare say you had Nothing to do with Any Body’s letters. But I will now Become the Bolder in interrupting your Amorous Occupations as exclusive of other Motives the importance of the Matters I have to Mention may Countenance your indulging your dear self with some Minutes Respite. You may therefore, my good friend, Catch this opportunity of taking...
26493Registry of Marriage of Elizabeth Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton, 14 December 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, December 14, 1780. After this date in the Registry of the Reformed Church of Albany appears the following entry: “Colonel Hamilton & Elisabeth Schuyler.” Photostat of MS Register of the Reformed Church, Albany, MS Division, New York Public Library. Elizabeth Schuyler and H were married at the Schuyler home in Albany.
26494Poem by Major James McHenry, [14–15 December 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Steiner, James McHenry Bernard C. Steiner, The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry (Cleveland, 1907). , 29–30. Steiner states: “… McHenry went to Albany for the wedding and wrote the following verses to his friend on the morning after the ceremony” ( ibid. , 29).
26495From Alexander Hamilton to Major James McHenry, [16–20 December 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you Dear Mac for your poetry and your confidence. The piece is a good one—your best. It has wit, which you know is a rare thing. I see by perseverence all ladies may be won. The Muses begin to be civil to you, in spite of Apollo and my prognosis. You know I have often told you, you wrote prose well but had no genius for poetry. I retract. Adieu. Steiner, James McHenry Bernard C....
26496From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [19 December 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Renselaar who has the direction of the Armory here tells me that the Board of War, write him they are unable to support it any longer, on the present establishment for want of supplies and propose to him to endeavour to have it carried on by contract. This he declares is impossible. The armory must either continue on the present footing or cease. As far as I understand the matter, there is...
26497To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [27 December 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 19th. came safe by the Doctr., who set out this morning for Philadelphia. I had, previous to the receipt of it, and without knowing that the Board of War had given any direction respecting the Armory at Albany, requested the Governor to exempt (if he could do it with propriety) the Citizens who were employed in it, from Military Services in cases of alarm, and had written to...
26498George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 1 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] January 1, 1781 . Instructs Pickering to set up plan for replacement of lost military articles, to provide the necessary “provision of tents, camp kettles and other articles for the next campaign,” and to check into behavior of the corps of artificers. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is misdated, as H did not return to...
26499From Alexander Hamilton to George Fisher, [9 January 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I am extremely anxious to get across to Head Quarters this night and it seems hardly possible to cross the river here or not without great risk. I wish to hire a couple of horses one for myself and one for my servant to cross the river at West Point with a guide to conduct us across the Mountain. I will pay him handsomely for his trouble. You will oblige me singularly if you can assist me upon...
26500To Alexander Hamilton from Major General Nathanael Greene, 10 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
General du Portail being on his way to the Northward gives me an opportunity to write you; which I should have done before, had not my letters to his Excellency contained as full information of the state of things, as I was able to give from the little time I had been in the department. When I was appointed to this command I expected to meet with many new and singular difficulties; but they...