1Instructions to Colonel Christopher Greene, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have directed General Varnum to send your regiment and that of Colonel Angel to Red bank, by a rout which has been marked out to him. The command of that detachment will of course devolve upon you; with which you will proceed with all expedition and throw your self into that place. When you arrive there you will immediately communicate your arrival to Col: Smith, commander of the Garrison at...
2To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this (that is their rear) and had passed the road which turns off towards South Amboy, which determines their rout towards Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting is the extreme distress of the troops for want of provisions—General Wayne’s detachment is almost starving—and seem both unwilling and unable to...
3Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 7 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
7 July 1778 . Conveys GW’s wish that Moylan “collect the whole of the cavalry , without delay, as well the unarmed as the armed, and after a little refreshment, and getting the horses shod &c. proceed moderately towards the North river to join the army.” Cavalry “accoutrements” that arrived “to the Eastward” were “ordered immediately on—These will meet us shortly, it is to be hoped on the...
4To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 20 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I transmit your Excellency a letter from the Count Destain. He has had the River sounded and finds he cannot enter. He will sail for Rhode Island tomorrow evening; in the mean time he is making demonstrations to deceive the enemy and beget an opinion, that he intends to operate in this quarter. He would sail immediately but he waits the arrival, or to hear, of a frigate which carried...
5To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 23 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to Your Excellency the evening of the 20th by Major Neville. I remained in the neighbourhood of Black Point ’till the afternoon following. The Count had received his expected dispatches from Congress and was to sail, as I mentioned before, the first fair wind. At Brunswick yesterday, Mr Caldwell joined me. He was immediately from the Point and brought intelligence that the fleet got...
6Substance of a Conference with La Luzerne, 16 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Minister opened the conference by observing, that The Council of Massachusettes had represented to him the disadvantages, which their commerce was likely to suffer from the late misfortune in Penobscot, and the advantages which would result, if His Excellency Count D’Estaing could detach a few ships of the line and frigates to be stationed upon their coast, for protecting their commerce...
7To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 26 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
We are honored with two letters from Your Excellency of the 10th and 21st; to the contents of which we beg leave to assure you of our strictest attention—That of the 18th is not yet come to hand—it is not improbable it has gone round by Lewis Town, which has occasioned the delay. Col. Hamilton wrote to Your Excellency from Philadelphia acquainti⟨ng⟩ you with our arrival there and our intention...
8To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail and Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton, 1 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brigadier General Duportail and Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton, 1 Nov. 1779 . Duportail and Hamilton wrote GW on 8 Nov. : “We hope before this you will have received our two letters of the 26th of October and 1st instant.”
9To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 2 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
We last night received the honor of Your Excellency’s letter of the 25th of October—On the 26th we had the pleasure of advising you fully of our situation and motives for coming to this place. We have since received no further intelligence of the Count—his operations—or ultimate intentions; on which account and from the late period of the season, we have given over all expectation of any thing...
10To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 8 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys letter of the 30th of October reached us yesterday. We hope before this you will have received our two letters of the 26th of October and 1st instant. We have received no late advices from the Southward, which confirms us in the ideas of our last—Major Lee will no doubt have communicated to Your Excellency what he mentions to us, that the enemy are preparing at New York for a...
11To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 15 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
On our present plan, It appears to me the quantity of ammunition proposed by General Knox for the Artillery is insufficient. A larger consumption may be necessary—The Stone houses in which the enemy may attempt to defend themselves may be obstinate and we should have it in our power by the severity and duration of our fire to bring them to reason. I take the liberty to suggest these matters,...
12Enclosure: Minutes of Prisoner Exchange Negotiations, 10–14 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Minutes of the proceedings of the Commissioners, on the part of His Excellency General Washington and of His Excellency General sir Henry Clinton. The Commissioners being met, agree to the following preliminaries. That copies of the powers should be interchanged, and they were interchanged accordingly. That the limits of the neutral ground should extend three miles round Amboy, that Town being...
13To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 17 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 14th and shall not fail in conjunction with General St Clair to attend to the military object of it. I am much obliged to your Excellency for the communication of your Southern advises—The enemy are still in the dark about their fleet and army gone that way as we gather from the Commissioners —They pretend to have little European news, though a vessel arrived...
14To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 2 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely sorry your Excellency has been troubled with the affair to which the papers transmitted in your letter of this morning relate. Admitting the possibility of Doctor Gordons not being the author of what I must always call a calumny, and had he not been an irreconcileable enemy to plain dealing, the matter might have been brought to a very easy issue, without the necessity of an...
15VIII. To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 8 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have seen the enemy; those in view I calculate at about three thousand—there may be and probably enough are others out of sight—They have sent all their horse to the other side except about fifty or sixty—Their baggage it is agreed on all hands has also been sent across and their wounded—It is not ascertained that any of their infantry have passed to the other side —There are four or five...
16To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, September 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Marquis De la Fayette by your order proposed New York as the object of the intended cooperation and assured the Count De Rochambeau that by a certain period we should have fourteen thousand Continental troops and six thousand militia, and shortly after four or six thousand more. It is of great importance to us that it should appear we are ready and in condition to act; our allies not—It...
17To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 25 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will see by the enclosed we are too late—Arnold went by water to the Vulture —I shall write to General Greene advising him without making a bustle to be in readiness to march and even to detach a Brigade this way, for though I do not believe the project will go on, it is possible Arnold has made such dispositions with the Garrison as may tempt the enemy in its present weakness to make the...
18XI. To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 22 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Sometime last fall when I spoke to your Excellency about going to the Southward, I explained to you candidly my feelings with respect to military reputation, and how much it was my object to act a conspicuous part in some enterprise that might perhaps raise my character as a soldier above mediocrity. You were so good as to say you would be glad to furnish me with an occasion. Wh⟨en⟩ the...
19To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 19 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Mr Renselaar who has the direction of the Armory here tells Me that the Board of War, write him they are unable to support it any longer, on the present establishment for want of supplies—and propose to him to endeavour to have it carried on by contract. This he declares is impossible—The armory must either continue on the present footing or cease. As far as I understand the matter, there is...
20To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 27 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I imagine your Excellency has been informed that in consequence of the resolution of Congress for granting commissions to Aide De Camps appointed under the former establishment, I have obtained one of Lieutenant Colonel in the army of the United States, bearing rank since the 1st of March 1777. It is become necessary to me to apply to your Excellency to know in what manner you foresee you will...
21To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 2 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely sorry to have embarrassed you by my late application, and that you should think there are insuperable obstacles to a compliance with it. Having renounced my expectations, I have no other inducement for troubling Your Excellency with a second letter, than to obviate the appearance of having desired a thing inconsistent with the good of the service, while I was acquainted with the...
22To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 7 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The other day I applied to Col. Tilghman for an order for Shoes for the Two Companies of levies. He thought on a general principle it could not be granted; but as from the best of my own recollection confirmed by inquiry of others, I have reason to believe a distinction was made last campaign in favour of the advanced corps; in the case of Cortland’s regiment, I am induced to submit the matter...
23To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 1 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will, I am persuaded, readily admit the force of this sentiment, that though it is the duty of a good citizen to devote his services to the public, when it has occasion for them, he cannot with propriety, or delicacy to himself, obtrude them, when it either has, or appears to have none. The difficulties I experienced last campaign in obtaining a Command will not suffer me to...
24To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 13 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Flattering myself that your knowlege of me will induce you to receive the observations I make as dictated by a regard to the public good, I take the liberty to suggest to you my ideas on some matters of delicacy and importance. I view the present juncture as a very interesting one—I need not observe how far the temper and situation of the army make it so—The state of our finances was perhaps...
25To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency lately on a very confidential subject and shall be anxious to know as soon as convenient whether the letter got safe to hand. The bearer Shattuck thinks he can point out the means of apprehending Wells & Knowl ton the two persons whom Your Excellency was authorised to have taken into custody. I have desired him to call upon you to disclose the...
26To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 17 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am duely honored with Your Excellency’s letter of the 4th and 12th instant—It is much to be regretted though not to be wondered at, that steps of so inflammatory a tendency have been taken in the army—Your Excellency has in my opinion acted wisely—The best way is ever not to attempt to stem a torrent but to divert it. I am happy to find You coincide—in opinion with me on the conduct proper...
27To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 24 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will before this reaches you have received a letter from the Marquis De la Fayette informing you that the preliminaries of peace between all the belligerent powers have been concluded—I congratulate your Excellency on this happy conclusion of your labours—It now only remains to make solid establishments within to perpetuate our union to prevent our being a ball in the hands of...
28To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to Your Excellency a day or two ago by express—Since that a Committee appointed on the communications from you have had a meeting, and find themselves embarrassed. They have requested me to communicate our embarrassments to you in confidence and to ask your private opinion. The army by their resolutions express an expectation that Congress will not disband them previous to a settlement...
29To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed I write more in a public than in a private capacity—Here I write as a citizen zealous for the true happiness of this country—as a soldier who feels what is due to an army which has suffered every thing and done much for the safety of America. I sincerly wish ingratitude was not so natural to the human heart as it is—I sincerely wish there were no seeds of it in those who direct...
30To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 April 1783 (Washington 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 members 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...
31To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1783 (Washington 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 plan; 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 institutions...
32To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15 April 1783 (Washington 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...
33To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 30 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
As I flatter myself I may indulge a consciousness that my services have been of some value to the public, at least enough to merit the small compensation I wish, I will make no apology to your Excellency for conveying through you that wish to Congress. You are able to inform them if they wish information, in what degree I may have been useful— and I have entire confidence that you will do me...
34To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 10 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
I am requested by Mr Oudinarde to transmit you the Inclosed Account —I observed to him that it was a little extraordinary the account had not been presented before; and that it was probable your accounts with the public had been long since closed, and that, by the delay, you may have lost the oppurtunity of making it a public charge, as it ought to have been. But as the person was very...
35To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
Major Fairly is just setting out on a visit to You I believe on some business relating to the Cincinnati—The society of this state met some short time since and took into consideration the proposed alterations in the original frame of the Institution— Some were strenuous for adhering to the old constitution a few for adopting the new and many for a middle line—This disagreement of opinion and...
36To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 3 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
In my passage through the Jerseys and since my arrival here I have taken particular pains to discover the public sentiment and I am more and more convinced that this is the critical opportunity for establishing the prosperity of this country on a solid foundation—I have conversed with men of information not only of this City but from different parts of the state; and they agree that there has...
37To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 11 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
You probably saw some time since some animadversions on certain expressions of Governor Clinton respecting the Convention—You may have seen a piece signed a Republican, attempting to bring the fact into question and endeavouring to controvert the conclusions drawn from it, if true—My answer you will find in the inclosed. I trouble you with it merely from that anxiety which is natural to every...
38To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 30 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged to Your Excellency for the explicit manner in which you contradict the insinuations mentioned in my last letter—The only use I shall make of your answer will be to put it into the hands of a few friends. The constitution proposed has in this state warm friends and warm enemies. The first impressions every where are in its favour; but the artillery of its opponents makes some...
39To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Cochran of the British navy has requested my aid in recovering a family watch worn by his brother, who fell at York Town, (and now in the possession of —— ——). In compliance with this request I have written the letter herewith to —— —— which I take the liberty to convey through you, in hope that if you see no impropriety in it, you would add your influence to the endeavour to gratify...
40To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, September 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s friendly and obliging letter of the 28th Ulto came safely to hand. I thank you for your assurance of seconding my application to General Morgan. The truth of that affair is, that he purchased the watch for a trifle of a British soldier, who plundered Major Cochran at the moment of his fall at York Town. I should be deeply pained my Dear Sir if your scruples in regard to a...
41To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 18 November 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your last two letters have duly come to hand & the Count De Moustier has delivered me the watch you committed to his charge. Your obliging attention to this matter claims my particular acknowledgements. I will make no apology for asking you to take the additional trouble of forwarding the inclosed to the General—I take the liberty of passing it through you that you may by perusing the contents...
42To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 1789–1795 (Washington Papers)
Mr Hamilton will with pleasure execute the command of the President by the time appointed and have the honor of waiting upon him. AL , CtY .
43To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
In conformity to the intimation you were pleased to honor me with on evening last I have reflected on the etiquette proper to be observed by the President and now submit the ideas which have occurred to me on the subject. The public good requires as a primary object that the dignity of the office should be supported. Whatever is essential to this ought to be pursued though at the risk of...
44To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 20 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to your desire, I sit down to commit a few lines to the Post. Nothing worth particular mention has occurred since your Departure; except a report brought by Mr Keane from So. Carolina, that McGilivray the Indian Chief had, after a short conference, left our Commissioners, declaring that what they had suggested was only a repe[ti]tion of the old Storey and inadmissible, or something...
45To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 3 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having, in consequence of the Act for the Establishment and support of Light-houses, directed his Enquiries to that object begs leave most respectfully to submit the result to The President of the United States of America. New Hampshire. In this State is only one Light house situated on a point of land on the Island of New-Castle, three miles from Portsmouth,...
46To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 29 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury begs leave respectfully to inform the President of the United States of America, That, in order to be able to furnish in the course of the ensuing month for the compensation of the members of Congress, & the officers and Servants of the two houses, a sum of about sixty thousand dollars; for the payment of the Salaries of the Civil List to the end of the present...
47To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 6 May 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to inform the President of the United states of America, that he has received a letter from the Governor of Virginia intimating, that it is necessary an election should be made of the particular spot upon which it may be deemed proper to erect the intended Light house on Cape Henry, after which the Cession will be completed. The said Secretary having...
48To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 28 May 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United states, for his approbation, five Contracts made by the superintendant of the Light house, piers &c. on the river and Bay of Delaware, and the letter received with them. After due examination in this Office, the Contracts appear advantageous to the United states. Should they be approved, immediate...
49To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 29 May 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President of the United states and submits to his consideration some remarks on the Resolutions, which have passed the two Houses respecting the Lines of Virginia and North Carolina. The Secretary has taken this method of communication as the one best calculated to place the subject under the eye of the President with least trouble to...
50To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 18 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United states for his consideration, a Contract (with the letter that accompanied it) betwen William Allibone Superintendant of the Light-house, Beacons, Buoys & public Piers on the river and Bay of Delaware and Abraham Hargis, Keeper of the Light-house at Cape Henlopen—The yearly Salary of £130. altho’...