Alexander Hamilton Papers

Colonel John Lamb to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 2 December 1782

Colonel John Lamb
to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd1

Newburgh [New York] December 2, 1782. Asks to be promoted to rank of brigadier general. Requests “the friendly interposition” of Hamilton and Floyd to prevent the promotion of Colonel John Crane.2

ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.

1Before the Revolution Lamb had been a prosperous wine merchant in New York City. In July, 1775, he was commissioned captain of an artillery company and later was with the army of Major General Richard Montgomery during the invasion of Canada. He was wounded and captured during the assault on Quebec but was released on parole a few months later. In January, 1777, he was exchanged, and during the same month he was appointed colonel of the Second Continental Artillery.

2Crane, a resident of Massachusetts, was appointed a colonel of the Third Continental Artillery in January, 1777. On October 5, 1779, a board of general officers, which had been appointed to determine which of the officers was the senior colonel of the Continental Artillery, decided in favor of Crane.

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