From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, 9 July [1779]
To Baron von Steuben1
[New Windsor, New York] July 9 [1779]
Dr. Baron
The General will adopt the arrangement you propose;2 that is Nixons & Larneds will form one division Patterson’s3 & North Carolina another.4
Yr. Affectionate humble ser.
A Hamilton
The Collector: An Historical Magazine for Autograph and Book Plate Collectors (July-August, 1946), 160.
1. Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, baron von Steuben, arrived in America from Germany in the autumn of 1777 after serving as one of Frederick the Great’s titular aides. He first appeared at Valley Forge on February 23, 1778, and on March 28, 1778, George Washington appointed him volunteer inspector general. On May 5, 1778, he became a major general and inspector general in the Continental Army.
2. For the “arrangement” proposed by Steuben, see “Formation of the Army Commanded by his Excellency General Washington, for the present Campaign” (copy, New-York Historical Society, New York City) and “Formation of Nixon, Patterson, Learned & No. Carolina Brigades” (copy, New-York Historical Society, New York City).
3. John Nixon, Ebenezer Learned, and John Paterson were all from Massachusetts, and each held the rank of brigadier general. Although Learned had resigned in 1778, the brigade which he had commanded was still known by his name.
4. Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh of Georgia was the commanding officer of the North Carolina brigade.