2201George Clinton to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 1 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Gentlemen, I have the honor to enclose for your Information & Instruction Copies of concurrent Resolutions of the Senate and Assembly of the 27th Ulto. and am with the highest Respect and Esteem Gentlemen, Your most obedt. Servant Public Papers of George Clinton Public Papers of George Clinton (New York and Albany, 1900). , VIII, 108.
2202Continental Congress Resolution on the Conduct of Officers of the Army, [1 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom were referred the letters from The Commander in Chief submit the following resolut⟨ions⟩: Resolved That Congress consider the conduct of the Commander in Chief on the occasion of some late attempts to create disturbances in the army as a new proof of his prudence and zealous attachment to the welfare of the community. That he be informed, Congress also entertain a high...
2203Continental Congress Remarks on the Calling of States Conventions, [1 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Madison & Mr. Hamilton disapproved of these partial conventions, not as absolute violations of the Confederacy, but as ultimately leading to them & in the mean time exciting pernicious jealousies; the latter observing that he wished instead of them to see a general Convention take place & that he sd. soon in pursuance of instructions from his Constituents propose to Congs. a plan for that...
2204From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 2 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 2, 1783. On May 4, 1783, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult. were delivered me.” Letter of April 2 not found. ]
2205To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The same Post which gave me your two letters of the 25th. of March, handed me one from Colo. Bland on the same point. Observing that both have been written at the desire of a Committee, of which you are both members, I have made a very full reply to their subject in my letter which is addressed to Colo. Bland; and supposing it unnecessary to enter into a complete detail to both, I must beg...
2206Continental Congress Report on Reduction of Expenses in the War Department, 7 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider and report such eoconomical measures as may be proper and necessary beg leave to report the following. Resolve That the Secretary at war in concert with the Commander in Chief be directed to consider and report to Congress as speedily as may be such measures as it will be proper to take in the present juncture for reducing the expences of The United States...
2207From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [8 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s letters of the 31st of March & 4th. of April, the last to day. The one to Col Bland as member of the Committee has been read in Committee confidentially and gave great satisfaction. The idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts corresponds with my proposition. That of endeavouring to let them have some pay had also appeared...
2208Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, [9 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
We inclose Your Excellency a letter to the corporation of Kingston open for your perusal that you may be informed what is likely to be the fate of their late offer. Your letter [with the Concurrent Resolves of the Senate and Assembly] on the subject of the state troops has been committed. We think it improbable Congress will accede to the idea. We congratulate your Excellency on the further...
2209From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 9 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Congress having appointed a committee consisting of Messrs. Maddison Osgood, Wilson, Elseworth and myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the military department. The Committee wish Your Excellency’s sentiments at large on such...
2210From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, [9 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 9, 1783. In a letter dated May, 1783, Lincoln wrote to Hamilton : “I have been honored with your letter of the 9th ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Lincoln was appointed Secretary at War on October 30, 1781 ( JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937; Reprinted, New York, 1968). , XXI, 1087). Printed in this volume.
2211Robert Morris to Alexander Hamilton, Theodorick Bland, Thomas FitzSimons, Samuel Osgood, and Richard Peters, 14 April … (Hamilton Papers)
Since the Conference I had the Honor to hold with you the ninth Instant, my Mind has been continually occupied on the important Subject to which it relates. My Feelings are strongly excited by what I wish for the Public and what I apprehend both for them and for myself. The two Points which relate to my Department are the Settlement of Accounts and Advance of Pay. With respect to the first it...
2212From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 15 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 15, 1783. On April 16 Morris wrote to Hamilton : “I have been duly honored with the Receipt of your favor of the fifteenth Instant.” Letter not found. ]
2213From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [15 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
There are two resolutions passed relative to the restoration of the British Prisoners and to making arrangements for the surrender of the posts in the possession of the British troops, the first of which is to be transacted by you in conjunction with the secretary of War—the latter by yourself alone. I will explain to you some doubts which have arisen in Congress with regard to the true...
2214Continental Congress Report on the Ratification of the Provisional Peace Treaty, 15 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved a Committee be appointed to prepare and lay before Congress a draft of a ratification of the articles entered into between the Commissioners of the United States & the commissioner of His Britannic Majesty at Paris on the 30th day of November last. Resolved that the Commander in Chief be directed to enter into preparatory arrangements relative to the 7th. article of the said treaty...
2215George Clinton to Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd, 16 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have prevailed on the Bearer, the Attorney Genl. to Repair to Philadelphia for the Express Purpose of disclosing to you certain Information of a very interesting Nature. The Communications he is to make are too extensive to be the subject of a Letter & it might be improper to intrust them to Paper. I, therefore, begg Leave to refer you to Mr. Benson for the Particulars of which he is fully...
2216To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 16 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been duly honored with the Receipt of your favor of the fifteenth Instant. I accepted the Marine Agency simply with a View to save the Expence of the Department but whenever a marine is to be established a previous Point would be (in my Opinion) to nominate a Minister of Marine and let his first Work be the forming of those Plans and Systems which when adopted by Congress he would have...
2217To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 16 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
My last letter to you was written in a hurry, when I was fatigued by the more public—yet confidential letter which (with several others) accompanied it; possibly, I did not on that occasion express myself (in what I intended as a hint) with so much perspicuity as I ought—possibly too, what I then dropped, might have conveyed more than I intended; for I do not, at this time, recollect the force...
2218To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 16 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 9th instant in behalf of a Committee of Congress, requestg my Sentiments upon the military Department of a Peace Establishment. As this Discussion will involve a variety of Considerations, & these of very great Importance, The Committee will indulge me in a little Time to collect & concenter my Ideas on this Subject & they may depend on my communicating them...
2219Continental Congress Report on Sale of Military Equipment, 17 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Secretary of war of the 14th. instant submit the following resolution Resolved that immediate measures be taken for the sale of all the dragoon horses belonging to the United States and of all such articles in the several military departments as may not be necessary for the use of the army previous to its reduction or for the formation of...
2220Continental Congress Report on Peace with the Indians, 21 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Report of a Committee to whom was committed the letter from His Excelly The President of the State of Pensylvania respecting a peace with the Indians. Whereas by the 9th article of the confederation The United States in Congress assembled are vested with the sole and exclusive right and power among other things “of regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians not members of...
2221To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I did not receive your letter of the 15th. till after my return from Ringwood, where I had a meeting with the Secretary at War for the purpose of making arrangements for the release of our Prisoners, agreeably to the resolve of Congress of the 15th. Instt. Finding a diversity of opinion respecting the Treaty, and the line of conduct we ought to observe with the Prisoners; I requested, in...
2222Continental Congress Report on a Letter from the President of Pennsylvania, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the letter from His Excellency The President of Pensylvania to the Delegates of that state of the 18th. instant report that in their opinion it is inexpedient for Congress to come to any formal decision on the subject of that letter. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The committee consisted of H, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson....
2223Continental Congress Motion on Committee Reports, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 22, 1783 . On this date Hamilton offered a motion, seconded by Hugh Williamson, which reads as follows: “That the Secretary lay before Congress on every Monday a List of all the Committees which have been apointed at any time before the preceding Week and have not reported and that such Committees shall be then calld on to state the Reasons why they have not reported.” D...
2224Continental Congress Report on Proposal of Sir Guy Carleton, 22 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter of the 14th instant from His Excellency Sir Guy Carelton submit the following resolution. Whereas His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton has proposed to Congress to empower one or more persons on behalf of The United States to be present at New York and to assist such persons as shall be appointed by him to inspect and superintend all embarkations which the evacuation of...
2225Alexander Hamilton and William Floyd to George Clinton, 2[3] April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
We have the honor to inclose Your Excellency a copy of the resolutions passed on the [fifteenth Instant] relative to a ratification of the preliminary treaty—the reception of the posts in possession of the British troops and the surrender of the prisoners. We have this day received a letter from Sir Guy Carleton proposing that Congress should appoint one or more persons to assist persons...
2226From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 23 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 23, 1783. On May 4, 1783, Schuyler wrote to Hamilton : “Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult: were delivered me … that of the 23d April I had the pleasure to receive yesterday.” Letter of April 23 not found. ]
2227Continental Congress Report on Continuance in Office of the Superintendent of Finance, 23 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 23, 1783 . On this date a committee, consisting of Samuel Osgood, Theodorick Bland, Hamilton, James Madison, and Richard Peters, reported on plans to be adopted for paying and discharging the Army. It was recommended that Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, continue in office until funds could be procured for paying the officers and soldiers of the Army. To this...
2228Continental Congress Motion Regarding Moving Military Lines, [23 April 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
R[esolved] That the Secy. at War in Conjunction with the Comr of the Southern Army take preparatory Arrangements for removing the Lines of Virginia Maryland & Pennsylvania now with the southern army to such Places within their respective States as they shall think proper, as soon as Circumstances will permit. D , in the handwriting of Elias Boudinot, Reel 42, Item 26, II, p. 59, Papers of the...
2229Continental Congress Report on Conference with the Superintendent of Finance, 28 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[The Committee appointed to confer with the superintendant of Finance respecting his Continuance in his Office have conferred with him accordingly] and report that [the Substance] of the conferrence [was on the Part of Mr. Morris as follows:] That his continuance in office was highly injurious to his private affairs and contrary to his private inclinations; but that he felt the importance of...
2230Continental Congress Report on Brigadier General Moses Hazen’s Regiment, 29 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] April 29, 1783 . A committee of Thomas Mifflin, Hamilton, and Theodorick Bland, which had been appointed on April 17 “to enquire into the state of Hazen’s regiment, and the propriety of promotion of officers in that corps,” reported on this date. The report recommended that Hazen “be intitled to the pay and emoluments of his rank from the first day of January last” and “That...
2231To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of the 9th. ultimo in which you request that I would communicate to you my thoughts on a military Peace establishment for the United-States. As the detail of the System, which I am about to recommend, will more properly rest with the executive Officers of the Engineer and Inspector General’s departments—I will confine my information to the following general...
2232Continental Congress Report on a Treaty of Commerce between the United States and Great Britain, 1 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Commitee to whom was referred the letter from Mr. Adams of the report: That they have examined the different instructions given to our Commissioners and Ministers abroad and find that the Commissioners for making peace have an implied power to comprehend commercial stipulations in a Treaty of peace; but that there is no direct subsisting power of entering into a treaty of commerce with...
2233Continental Congress Report on the Corps of Invalids, 1 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that the corps of Invalids be reduced; such officers as have lost a limb or been equally disabled in service to retire on full pay for life, such officers as may not be included in this description to retire on the same principles with other officers of the army; such non commissioned officers and soldiers as being strangers in the country and having been disabled in service are...
2234From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [1 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamilton’s compliments to Mr. Chaloner, incloses him a note which he promised Col Wadsworth to leave with Mr Chaloner. The date is blank which Mr Chaloner will be so good as to fill up from the time Col Wadsworth left this city. AL , Mr. James H. Welch, Canton, Ohio. Chaloner, a Philadelphia merchant, was assistant commissary of purchases for the Continental Army during the American...
2235To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 2 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
A necessary absence from Camp and several unavoidable interruptions have been the occasion of, and must be my apology for with holding the inclosed thoughts on a peace establishment so long. If they will afford any assistance, or contain any thing satisfactory, I shall think my time and labour well spent. I have the honour to be Sir Your Most Obt: servt G Washington Varick Transcripts,...
2236Continental Congress Motion on Funds for Payment of the Army, 2 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it is the desire of Congress when the reduction of the army shall take place to enable the officers and soldiers to return to their respective homes with convenience and satisfaction, for which purpose it will be indispensable to advance them a part of their pay before they leave the field: And Whereas at the present juncture, there are many other engagements, for which the public...
2237To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 4 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your several favors of the 18th & 25th March and 2d. ult: were delivered me on the first Instant by a man from Charlotte County who found them at Mr Loudons at Fish kill, that of the 23d April I had the pleasure to receive yesterday. Persuaded as I have long been of the necessity of terminating the war both from the want of exertion in ourselves and the possibility of a change in European...
2238Enclosure M: [Note from Joseph Banks], 7 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas the honorable General Greene did, in the month of April last past, become security for us, John Banks, James Hunter and Robert Forsyth, as for themselves as others concerned, in the sum of thirty two thousand one hundred and twenty five pounds, sterling money, unto Messrs Neucomen and Collett, Harris and Blackford, and James Warington, merchants, Charleston. We, the afternamed, Do, by...
2239Continental Congress Report on Peace Arrangements for the Department of Foreign Affairs, 8 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed “to consider what arrangements it will be proper to make relatively to peace,” submit the following report on the department of foreign affairs: Resolved that the ordinances and resolutions heretofore passed relatively to the department of foreign affairs shall continue in force subject to the alterations and additions following: That the Secretary for that department...
2240Continental Congress Report on the Garrisoning of Frontier Posts by Continental Troops, 12 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The same Committee submit the following report on the letter of the 3d. instant from the Commander in Chief: That the Commander in Chief be directed whenever the posts within the United states shall be evacuated pursuant to the articles of peace to place within the same, composed of the troops under his command [who have inlisted for three years &] whose times of service may not then have...
2241From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 14 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of Congress will of course have transmitted to Your Excellency the plan lately adopted by Congress for funding the public debt. This plan was framed to accommodate it to the objections of some of the states; but this spirit of accomodation will only serve to render it less efficient, without making it more palatable. The opposition of the state of Rhode Island for instance is...
2242Robert Morris to Alexander Hamilton, Richard Peters, and Nathaniel Gorham, 15 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of the Conversation which passed between us this Morning I shall give you the best information in my Power as to the State of my Department and the Resources I can command. You have in the enclosed Paper Number one an Account of Receipts and Expenditures from the Commencement of the Year to the End of the last Month by which it appears that there is an Advance on Credit to the...
2243Continental Congress Motion on Prohibition of Naval Forces on Great Lakes, 20 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
That the said Ministers also endeavour to stipulate that neither party shall keep any naval force on the lakes on the Northern & Western Frontier. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. H’s motion was one of several on this date suggesting provisions to be included in the final peace treaty. The motion was referred to John Francis Mercer, Thomas FitzSimons, and Theodorick...
2244Continental Congress Motion on Instructions to Francis Dana, [21 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that Mr. Dana be informed that the treaties lately entered into for restoring peace have caused such an alteration in the affairs of these states as to have removed the primary object of his mission to the Court of Russia, the acquisition of new supports to their independence; that though Congress approve the principles of the armed neutrality founded on the liberal basis of a...
2245Continental Congress Report on the Discharge of Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, 23 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee consisting of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Peters and Mr. Gorham to whom was referred a letter of the 9th. from the Superintendent of finance and Secretary at war, in order to confer with them on the resolutions of the 7th. & 28th. of April and 2d Inst report “that all the non commissioned officers and soldiers in the service of the United States, enlisted to serve during the war, be...
2246Continental Congress Motion that Furloughs be Granted to Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 26, 1783. ] On this date Hamilton moved “That the Commander in Chief be instructed to grant Furlows to the noncommission’d Officers & Soldiers in the service of the U S inlisted to serve during the War, who shall be discharged as soon as the definitive Treaty of Peace is concluded.” D , in writing of Hugh Williamson, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. A...
2247Continental Congress Motion of Protest against British Practice of Carrying off American Negroes, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 26, 1783. ] A motion made by Hamilton on this date protested against the British seizure of Negroes belonging to citizens of the United States. JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (Washington, 1904–1937). , XXIV, 363–64. The motion is in the writing of John Rutledge; D , in the handwriting of John Rutledge, Reel 42, Item 36, II, p. 129, Papers of the...
2248Continental Congress Motion on Officers Holding Brevet Commissions, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved That the officers at present holding brevet commissions in the army be intitled to the pay and emoluments of the ranks which they respectively hold. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The motion is undated, but it is printed in the Journals under date of May 26, 1783.
2249To Alexander Hamilton from John Allan, [28 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The memorandum which I had the Honour of delivering you a day or two ago was in General the State of matters in the Indian Eastern Department, from which I presumed the Hono[r]able Committee Appointed by Congress woud Examine into the Matter, And from the Importance of the Subject woud Speedly determine. I woud not by any means urge matters out of the proper Rule or Channel nor wou’d I be so...
2250Enclosure: A Memorandum for Indian Eastern Department, 28 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Indians to have an Exclusive Right of the Beaver Hunt, on the Rivers, which they now live on. To wit—all Eastward of machias, with the Lakes that Extend from Passamaquady River to Penobscot Including the last. Some methode to prevent Unfair dealing with the Indians, and Embezzleing their property. A Sum of 250 £ M of massts. for Expresses and other Employment, with presents to Indians who,...