To Alexander Hamilton from the New York Committee of Correspondence, 17 April 1777
From the New York Committee of Correspondence1
Kingston [New York] April 17, 1777. “We are directed by Convention to enclose a resolution2 passed this day in addition to that of the 1st. of Apl. which we before did ourselves the honor to transmit to his Excellency.…” Asks Hamilton to consult with Washington on propriety of enlisting “ignorant young lads,” who had joined the enemy and now wish “to enlist in our regiments.”
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Although this letter is signed by Robert R. Livingston, he wrote it in his capacity as a member of the New York Committee of Correspondence.
2. The resolution reads: “Resolved, That the resolutions of this Convention of the first day of April instant, empowering court martials to try persons coming from the enemy as spies, enlisting men in their service, or supplying them with provisions, be extended to all such persons as shall be taken in going off privately to the enemy, and continue in force till the first day of July next, unless sooner repealed” ( , I, 885).