Alexander Hamilton Papers

From Alexander Hamilton to Captain John Stokes, 16 February 1779

To Captain John Stokes1

Hd. Qrs. [Middlebrook, New Jersey] Feby 16 1779

Sir,

As there are some appearances of an intended movement among the enemy and as they may possibly be encouraged to make some attempt while the exhibition at Pluckimin on thursday is going on,2 expecting to find our attention much engrossed by that object—It is His Excellencys particular desire that you keep a more vigilant look out than usual on that day and night and part of the day following, and if you discover any thing, to give immediate notice to Hd. Qrs. to General Maxwell & to the Hospital at Brunswick.

You will observe the instructions sent you by the Adjutant General on the appearance of an enemy.

I am Sir   Yr Most Obedt serv

Alex Hamilton   Aide De Camp

Hd. Qrs. Feby. 16. 1779

ADfS, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.

1. On the same date, similar letters were sent to Colonel Abraham Buford (Beaufort on MS) and Captain Bartholomew von Heer. Both letters are unsigned drafts in writing of John Laurens, and both are located in the George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.

2. On February 18, 1779, a celebration in honor of the French Alliance was held at the winter quarters at Pluckamin, New Jersey.

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    Hamilton Papers
    Title
    From Alexander Hamilton to Captain John Stokes, 16 February 1779
    Author
    Hamilton, Alexander
    Recipient
    Stokes, John
    Date
    16 February 1779

    Reference

    Cite as
    “From Alexander Hamilton to Captain John Stokes, 16 February 1779,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-02-02-0025. [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 2, 1779–1781, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1961, p. 9.]