1George Washington to Council of War, 17 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, June 17, 1778 . Presents probable British plans for evacuation of Philadelphia and relative strength of American and enemy forces. Asks for opinions in writing concerning measures to be taken in the event of evacuation of Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2Continental Congress Report on Power of Secretary at War to Discharge Soldiers, 13 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee on the letter from Col Stewart to the Secretary at War report the following resolution: Reso[l]ved that the Secretary at War have a power of discharging soldiers from the army of The United States similar to that given to the Commander in Chief. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The committee consisted of H, James Madison, and Samuel Osgood. Walter...
3George Washington to the Board of War, 17 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] February 17, 1779 . Discusses proposed regulation for settlement of accounts. Suggests an additional regulation for giving certificates to inhabitants for articles taken for use of Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4George Washington to the Board of War, 12 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] January 12, 1781 . Asks board to issue commissions to the officers appointed by Colonel Charles Armand in Armand’s corps. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
5George Washington to the Board of War, 10 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 10, 1779 . Asks that the Board wait until Baron von Steuben returns to Camp before deciding if duties of adjutant general and inspectorship should be united. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6George Washington to the Board of War, 4 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] July 4, 1780 . Asks Board to comply with Brigadier General Henry Knox’s request for military stores. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7George Washington to the Board of War, 18 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 18, 1779 . Refers problem of filling vacancy created by death of Lieutenant Colonel John Strobagh to Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
8George Washington to the Board of War, 21 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 21, 1778 . Asks that artillery at Farmington and Albany be forwarded to Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The draft is indorsed to “Genl. Horatio Gates, President of the Board.”
9George Washington to the Board of War, 9 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 9, 1779 . Discusses problems concerning rank, enlistments, state cooperation, arrangement of the Army, and individual men. Asks Board to forward copies of new regulations and printed journals of Congress. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
10George Washington to the Board of War, 26 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 26, 1780 . Disapproves of court-martial authorized by the Board of War. Sends authorization for new hearing. Suggests that the judge advocate be more “explicit and particular in designating the circumstances of the crime and of the evidence.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
11George Washington to the Board of War, 6 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 6, 1779. Approves regulations proposed for the department of prisoners, but makes suggestions for changes in regulations. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade, Tench Tilghman, and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
12George Washington to the Board of War, 3 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 3, 1778 . Discusses proposed attacks against Indians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13George Washington to the Board of War, 27 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] February 27, 1779 . Encloses Brigadier General Du Portail’s plan for a corps of engineers. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14George Washington to the Board of War, [18 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 18, 1779. ] Outlines a “Plan for paying arrearages of Clothing to the troops.” Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
15George Washington to the Board of War, 23 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] May 23, 1779 . Asks Board to send shoes and overalls to troops of the western expedition. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16George Washington to the Board of War, 21 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 21, 1780 . Requests board to order recall of infantry of Major Henry Lee’s corps. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17George Washington to the Board of War, 18 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] July 18, 1780 . Is disappointed at scarcity of stores. Urges Board to continue efforts to procure more supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
18George Washington to the Board of War, 13 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 13, 1781 . Asks Board to supply hard money to officers on Long Island who have been exchanged but are detained for lack of funds. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
19George Washington to the Board of War, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 23, 1779 . Forwards Colonel Armand’s request for horses and supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
20Council of War, 16 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 16, 1778 . Describes state of American forces and of those of enemy. Asks opinion of officers on disposition of troops in winter quarters and advisability of sending a detachment to Boston. D , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
21George Washington to the Council of War, 6 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] June 6, 1780 . Presents the present situation of American, allied, and enemy forces. Asks council what plans should be adopted for the next campaign. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
22George Washington to the Council of War, 27 March 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 27, 1780 . Gives “a general view of affairs as well to the Southward as here.” Requests opinions on advisability of sending a detachment to South Carolina. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
23George Washington to the Board of War, 27 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 27, 1779. Proposes that powder be obtained through loans from the states. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24Council of War, 29 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Whitpain Township [ Pennsylvania ] October 29, 1777 . Hamilton recorded the minutes of this meeting. D , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
25George Washington to the Board of War, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Asks Board to explain what is meant by “the line of the army.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26George Washington to the Board of War, 28 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Pennypackers Mill [ Pennsylvania ] September 28, 1777. Asks Board of War to order the militia “from the Southward” to join the main Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27George Washington to the Board of War, 6 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Ringwood [ New Jersey ] June 6, 1779 . Refuses to confirm arrangement of Colonel Thomas Proctor’s corps. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
28George Washington to the Board of War, 12 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 12, 1779 . Discusses appointment of Captain William Galvan. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 23, 1780 . Asks that noncommissioned officers be supplied with swords as stated in regulations. States need for “drums fifes and standards.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
30George Washington to the Council of War, 8 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 8, 1778 . Describes distribution of enemy forces. Discusses possibilities of acquiring reinforcements, ordnance, and provisions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 23, 1778 . Approves mode suggested to gain redress for Daniel Hiester. Will comply with congressional regulations for ordinance department. Asks about possibility of securing stores and ordinance needed for the next campaign. Asks for apprehension of John Robinson. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Daniel Hiester, Jr., of Pennsylvania...
32George Washington to the Board of War, 15 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 15, 1779 . Regrets that the clothing department is not yet reorganized. Is pleased that cannon are to be provided. Disapproves of dividing the German Battalion and of reducing the cavalry. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
33Council of War to George Washington, 24 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Hopewell Township [ New Jersey ] June 24, 1778 . The council decided against a general action against the British. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The questions asked of the council are printed in GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , XII, 115–17.
34George Washington to the Board of War, 16 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Springfield, New Jersey ] June 16, 1780 . Thanks board for securing future services of the Philadelphia City Light Horse. Questions irregular manner in which paroled “Marine Prisoners” were sent to New York. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
35George Washington to the Board of War, 30 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 30, 1777. Discusses disposal of artillery imported in the Amphitrite. Emphasizes need for centralized regulations for procuring supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The first of Beaumarchais’s supply ships.
36George Washington to the Board of War, 25 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] October 25, 1780 . Distrusts information that was given to board by a supposed British deserter who may well be a spy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
37George Washington to the Board of War, 25 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 25, 1779. Discusses the Board’s plan for repairing shoes. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
38George Washington to the Board of War, 11 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 11, 1779 . Discusses transportation of cannon. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
39Enclosure No. 4: Copy of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 5 February 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
An idle surmise of Mr. Banks, and an improper curiosity of General Scott in the State of Virginia, may give an unjust complexion to the late transaction respecting the measures taken to obtain clothing, as the Governor of Virginia writes, that it was considered a mere speculation for private emolument. For fear, such rumors should spread to my disadvantage, I take the liberty to enclose you a...
40Enclosure B: Extracts from the Secretary of War’s Letters to the Late Major General Greene, [10 July 1782–22 January … (Hamilton Papers)
“The sufferings of your troops have impressed me with the deepest concern, and the very painful sensations, which your relation of them excites, are powerfully enhanced, that these distresses should have been the lot of an army, not only entitled, by special contract, to better fare, but whose meritorious and gallant exertions under the most extreme difficulties, merited a very different fate;...
41Continental 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...
42Questions Concerning a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
1st. Qre? … In what light are the prisoners sent out by General Howe to be considered? 2d … How far and for what proportion are we bound to account? 3d … When and upon what terms are the British and foreign prisoners in our hands to be returned? Who are to be considered as citizens on both sides? 4th … Are Americans, who join the enemy, when not in captivity, and taken in Arms to be...
43Enclosure No. 3: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 2 February … (Hamilton Papers)
“Lieutenant Colonel Carrington has closed a contract with Mr. Banks for the subsistence of the army, at something [less] than eleven pence sterling. It is high, but it could not be had lower. There was not an offer made but by Mr. Banks, although I wrote to all the principal men in the country. People have not that spirit for engaging in business, here, as with us. “I shall get the troops...
44George Washington to the Board of War, 27 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 27, 1779. “… General Knox has reported on the subject of Mr. [Lewis] Garanger, that he may be usefully employed in the Artillery with the rank of Captain in the army , but without any particular rank or command in the line of Artillery . The officers of Artillery are very tenacious of their privileges and jealous of the introduction of new men into their corps; and not only...
45Enclosure C: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene, to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 11 November 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
“I am taking measures to obtain clothing for the troops. We have on hand but a small part of our winter clothing, and after what we shall be obliged to issue to those troops going northwardly, we shall have but a small pittance left. I imagine, our purchases will amount to not less than forty thousand dollars, for which I shall draw bills on the Financier; and, as I provide the clothing, at...
46Enclosure No. 2: Extract of a Letter from Major General Greene to Major General Lincoln, Secretary at War, 19 December … (Hamilton Papers)
“You will see by some of my former letters, that, in consequence of your orders, I had taken measures, to provide such articles of clothing, as were necessary to complete the troops with their winter clothing. Messrs. Banks and Company have furnished most of the articles we shall want, and will provide the rest. Mr. Hamilton, the clothier, had instructions to contract with such as would supply...
47Draft of a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
A Treaty and Convention for the Exchange and Accommodation of Prisoners of War, made between the Armies of The United States of America and The Kingdom of Great Britain; and for other purposes therein specified. Whereas on the 30th. day of July, in the year 1776, a proposition was made by His Excellency General Washington to His Excellency General Sir William Howe, and acceded to by him, on...
48Notes on a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
Memorandums Arts: All officers and soldiers, prisoners of war on either side shall be exchanged on the terms and in the manner following. Those first captured shall be first exchanged. Every officer shall be exchanged for one of equal rank, as far as number will apply, except when there are officers, who have been longer in captivity, that cannot be so exchanged; in which case, these shall...
49George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Haskell, 13 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 13, 1778 . Orders Haskell to rejoin regiment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Haskell, Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment, was in Massachusetts on furlough.
50George Washington to Colonel Charles Stewart, 4 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Pompton [ New Jersey ] June 4, 1779 . Describes route by which supplies should be sent. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.