1From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 21 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
A number of disaffected persons having been taken up and brought to His Excellency, he ordered an examination into their cases to know who of them were subject to a military jurisdiction, & who came properly under the cognizance of the civil power; also to discriminate those who were innocent, or guilty of trivial offences from those whose crimes were of a more capital and heinous nature;...
2From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 29 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed was intended to be sent with the prisoners mentioned in the list; but before this could be done, Mr. Sims, one of the chief Justices of the State came to this town, and informed me, that the Governor and Council were upon the point of adjourning, and that the sending the prisoners to them would only be an embarrassment without answering, at present, any valuable purpose. He...
3George Washington to William Livingston, 1 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 1, 1777. Discusses Lieutenant John Troup’s arrest. Has ordered a special court martial. States that under no circumstances is Troup’s sentence to be mitigated. Is satisfied with Livingston’s reason for delay in dividing New Jersey into districts. Understands reluctance of people of New Jersey to join militia. Agrees that practice of issuing unauthorized...
4From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 22 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I am in Philadelphia on some business of great importance to the army; to execute which I stand in need of a party of about 100 men which are not readily to be procured here. If Your Excy. will be pleased to order over such a party under good active officers, you will equally serve the public & oblige. Yr. Excy’s Most Obed servt. ALS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
5George Washington to William Livingston, 8 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Pawlins Mill, Pennsylvania ] October 8, 1777 . Asks Livingston to send a large portion of New Jersey Militia to Major General Israel Putnam. States that precarious situation in the Highlands can undo the good that has been achieved in New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6George Washington to William Livingston, 2 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 2, 1778. Discusses detection of plot to assassinate Livingston. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7George Washington to William Livingston, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 16, 1778 . Is sending Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman to Livingston to present picture of distressing state of the Army. Repeats request to Livingston to help relieve situation by sending goods stored in New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
8George Washington to William Livingston, 22 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 22, 1778 . Commends New Jersey’s efforts. States that a change of method is needed in handling supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
9George Washington to William Livingston, 25 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 25, 1778 . Asks Livingston to have Mr. Jacob Bankson watched as a suspected spy. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
10George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] December 21, 1778 . Reports arrest of John Smith Hatfield on charge of treason. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
11George Washington to William Livingston, 22 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 22, 1779 . Explains reasons for withdrawing Brigadier General William Maxwell’s brigade and the Monmouth detachment from New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
12George Washington to William Livingston, 28 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 28, 1779 . Discusses British troop movements in New Jersey. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13George Washington to William Livingston, 4 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 4, 1779 . Thinks that an increase in pay of the New Jersey Militia would cause discontent in the Continental Army and in other state militias. Urges Livingston to complete the battalions in New Jersey. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14George Washington to William Livingston, 9 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 9, 1779 . States that two men found guilty of encouraging desertion have been sent to Livingston. Urges that they be severely punished. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
15George Washington to William Livingston, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 3, 1779 . Describes British troop movements and asks Livingston to alert militia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, George Clinton, and William Livingston, 27 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] September 27, 1779 . States that if the French fleet is in reality off the coast, it will be necessary for states to supply men and provisions. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
17George Washington to William Livingston, 4 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, October 4, 1779. Asks Livingston to instruct William Van Drill, a pilot, to join Major Henry Lee at Monmouth to assist D’Estaing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
18George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 21, 1779 . States reasons that make it probable that British will attack Army’s winter quarters. Asks Livingston for support if this should happen. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
19George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 21, 1779 . States probability of an attack on the Army by the British. Asks Livingston to form a plan by which militia can be called into action on short notice. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
20George Washington to William Livingston, 19 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] February 19, 1780 . Explains why it would be inexpedient for a state to interfere in enlistment complaints. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
21George Washington to William Livingston, 18 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 18, 1780 . Is sending Brigadier General Henry Knox to present to the New Jersey legislature the “ill consequences” of their plan of “a draft from the Militia to serve for the campaign under their own Officers, instead of being incorporated with their Continental batallions.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
22George Washington to William Livingston, 27 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
Ringwood [ New Jersey ] January 27, 1781 . Informs Livingston that the mutiny has been completely suppressed. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
23George Washington to William Livingston, 13 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 13, 1781 . Will discuss question of New Jersey prisoners with commissary of prisoners. Explains rules of exchange concerning militia and civilians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LS , in the handwriting of H, William Livingston Papers, MS Division, New York Public Library.
24From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, [29 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Baron De Steuben informs me that he expects to set out this day on a visit to your legislature to endeavour to procure some arrangement respecting the place at Hackensack some time since granted to him by your state upon certain conditions. My anxiety for the Baron’s situation induces me to take the liberty of asking your friendship to him as far as may consist with considerations of...
25From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 15 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 15, 1788. On December 22, 1788, Livingston wrote to Hamilton : “Being favoured with your letter of the 15th instant.” Letter not found. ]
26From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 8 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 8, 1790. “I had the honor of receiving a few days since your Excellencys letter of the 23d. of January last enclosing a Statement of the public debt of New Jersey.…” LS , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Letter not found. Livingston’s letter was in reply to “Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States,” November 21, 1789 .
27From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 28 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since Writing the above we have certain Advice that a Fleet of 130 Sail left Halifax the 9th Inst. bound to Sandy Hook—And We have little doubt but General How is arrived there within these few days in the Grey Hound —A Moments Time therefore is not to be lost—The Plan proposed by your Provincial Congress of raising the Men as Volunteers upon a Bounty appears to me to be totally inadequate to...
28From George Washington to William Livingston, 29 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since Col. Reed left this I have Received certain Intelligence from the Hook that about forty of the Enemies Fleet have arrived there, and others now in sight that there cannot be a doubt but the whole fleet will be in this day and tomorrow, I beg not a moments time may be lost in sending forward such parts of the Militia as Colo. Reed will mention. We are so very weak at this post that I must...
29From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 5 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour of the 4th came safely to hand. The Situation of New Jersey is such & the Apprehension of the Inhabitants so justly excited that I have concluded to discharge the Militia from this Place except those from Morris County whose internal Situation is such as to leave them nothing to fear from the Enemy. These I have posted on Bergen in order to prevent any Communication & to give the...
30From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 6 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour of this Date inclosing Major Duyckinck’s Letters was this Moment received. The known Dissafection of the Poeple of Amboy & the Treachery of those of Staten Island who after the fairest Professions have shewn themselves our inveterate Enemies induced me to give Directions that all Persons of known Enmity or doubtful Character should be removed from Places where they might enter into...
31From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of yesterday with the Inclosures is recieved. Col. Puttnam went over yesterday & after doing what is necessary at Bergen will proceed to Eliza. Town & from thence to Amboy—He is our principal Engineer & may [be] depended upon for Skill & Industry. The Deserter whose Examination you sent was brought over last Evening—two others from the Fleet came up this Morning—their Accounts...
32From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 8 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Before this reaches you—You will undoubtedly have heard of the unexpected Arrival of the Carolina Army on Staten Island: which added to the Hessians & former Troops under Ld Howe exhibit a Force justly alarming. When I compare it with that which we have to oppose them I cannot help feeling very anxious Apprehensions. The new Levies are so incomplete the old Regiments deficient in their...
33From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 21 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
⟨I a⟩m much obliged to you for your Favour of this Date—The Intelligence is important, & I shall take every necessary Measure to avail myself of it. Should any new Intelligence arrive you will please to forward it with the same kind Expedition you have used on this. We have made no Discovery of any Movements here of any Consequence. I am with much Regard Sir Your most Obed. Hbble Sert LS , in...
34From George Washington to William Livingston, 5 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Congress having directed me, by a Resolve of the 26th Septemr to procure as soon as possible, an Exchange of the Officers and Soldiers taken on Long Island for the same Number of British Officers and privates, now prisoners in the united States, it becomes necessary for me to be informed of the Number and Ranks of the prisoners in the different States, in order to carry the same into...
35From George Washington to William Livingston, 7 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
On tuesday morning the Enemy broke up their Encampments which were i⟨n⟩ front of our lines, after having re⟨mained there⟩ several days without attempt⟨ing any thing.⟩ they have advanced towards the ⟨North River and⟩ King’s bridge. This sudden & unexpect⟨ed Movement⟩ is a matter of much speculation. some su⟨ppose⟩ they are going into Winter Quarters, and will set dow⟨n⟩ in New York without...
36From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment arrived at this place with Genl Beals and Genl Heards Brigades from Maryland and Jersey and part of Genl Ewing’s from Pennsylvania. Three other Regiments left to Guard the Passes upon Hackinsack River and to serve as covering Parties are expected up this Evening. After the unfortunate Loss of Fort Washington it was determined to evacuate Fort Lee in a great Measure, as it...
37From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
⟨The⟩ Critical Situation of our Affairs ⟨and the move⟩ments of the Enemy make some ⟨further & im⟩mediate Exertions absolutely ⟨necessary—In⟩ order that you may have the ⟨fullest Repre⟩sentation and form a perfect ⟨Idea of what is⟩ now necessary, I have desired ⟨Colo. Reed to w⟩ait on You, and must refer ⟨You to him for⟩ Particulars. I am with great Respect & Regard Sir Your Most Obedt & Very...
38From George Washington to William Livingston, 30 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure and honor of acknowledging the Rect of yours of the 27th. Genl Williamson gives me small Encouragement to hope for much Assistance from the Militia of this State, indeed some of the Counties, if they were willing, are intimidated from coming in, as the Enemy have possession of the Country. I hope the four Regiments, to be raised to serve till the first of April, will be...
39From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you yesterday, but as from every Information of the Motions of the Enemy, their Intent seems plainly directed thro this State, and then on to Philadelphia, I cannot help calling upon you in the most urgent Manner, and begging you to fall upon proper Means to draw forth the Strength of your province to my Support. The Enemy’s advanced parties were last Night at Bonum Town four Miles...
40From George Washington to William Livingston, 24 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
The irregular and disjointed State of the Militia of this province, makes it necessary for me to inform you, that unless a Law is passed by your Legislature to reduce them to some order, and oblige them to turn out in a different Manner from what they have hitherto done, we shall bring very few into the Feild, and even those few, will render little or no Service. Their Officers are generally...
41From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favor’d with yours of 1st Inst., & shall be happy to hear that your House will adopt the Measures you propose recommding to them. Our Army is in much the same situation as when I had the pleasure of seeing you here, we have lately had two Skirmishes with large Bodies of the Enemy, in which they have little to boast of, & would have had Less , had not a Colonel of ours behav’d Ill in each,...
42From George Washington to William Livingston, 11 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have with pain heard of the irreconcileable Uneasinesses prevailing in the 1st N. Jersey Battalion, originating, as I am credibly informed, in the appointment of Colo. Newcomb to the Command of it. Notwithstanding I believe that Colo. Newcomb is a Gentleman of great Goodness and Integrity, and can not entertain the slightest doubts of his Bravery, yet I am too well persuaded that he is not...
43From George Washington to William Livingston, 14 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your two favours of the 6th and 10th Inst. I had the honour to receive this Evening—Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to have it in my Power fully to comply with the request contained in the former. The first question proposed is easily solved by a sight of the emaciated bodies of all our Prisoners when they have returned—The second admits of equal Proof, as well in the fate of...
44From George Washington to William Livingston, 18 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the Honour of writing to you on the 14th Inst., by the way of Philadelphia, in answer to your favour of the 6th I have received from Brigr Stephen the Letters & Affidavit, by me referred to, when mentioning the Case of Adjutt Kelly; Copies of which, & of a part of a Letter inclosing them to my Aid de Camp, explaining a Sentence in Sr Willm’s Answer, I take the liberty of...
45From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
This Morning I had the honour of receiving your favour of the 15th Inst. with the papers mentioned and inclosed. No person, I hope, can be so lost to Virtue, as to except against Colo. Newcomb on Acct of his being religiously disposed—The relaxed discipline, & Want of Order in the Regimt, I believe, were among the principle Objections to him: These added to his Inactivity & that Want of...
46From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The honour of receiving your favours 20th & 22d Ulto I am now to acknowledge. Some time past Colo. Shreve had my peremptory Order to march with such of his Battalion as was then inlisted: I therefore expected him every day ’till your Letter of the 20th informed me that he was then at Burlington. He has my Order repeated to march immediately to Princeton, there to remain under General Putnam...
47From George Washington to William Livingston, 8 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Moment had the Honour to receive your two favours of the 3d Inst. With pleasure I will forward your Letters to Mr Jay by the first Opportunity. How can an Assembly of Gentlemen, Eyewitnesses to the distresses & Inconveniences that have their principal source in the Want of a well regulated Militia, hesitate to adopt the only remedy that can remove them! And stranger still, think of a...
48From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania has done me the honour to communicate to [me a] piece of Intelligence of Importance, which they received from Colo. Gurney: A Copy of which is inclosed. I wish it may rouse the Gentlemen of your Assembly to prepare for the worst Event—In my Opinion the present Time is of infinitely greater Worth than is generally supposed. Vain and useless will all our...
49From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 17th and 26th March. I communicated the intelligence you gave me concerning Govr Franklin, to Govr Trumbull, who will have his motions narrowly watched in future. I perceive many difficulties in the execution of your Militia law, particularly in suffering an appeal to lay before a Court of Judicature. That indulgence will always be claimed by the person...
50From George Washington to William Livingston, 5 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of Yesterday. I ⟨may⟩ have been mistaken in my interpretation of you⟨r⟩ Militia Law, but it however leaves open a door ⟨for⟩ much litigation and delay. As you must certainly be best acquainted with the Circumstances of your own State, I intirely acquiesce with any mode which you may think most expedient in regard to calling out your Militia ⟨at⟩ this time. I think the...