11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
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, 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,...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19XI. 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...
20To 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...