26351Conference at Hartford, [22 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Summary of a Conversation between His Excellency General Washington, The Count De Rochambeau & The Chevalier De Ternay—exclusive of the contents of the paper dated at Hartford the 22nd Sept. 1780. signed by the parties. It was agreed that if the Count De Guichen should arrive by the beginning of October and an naval engagement should immediately take place, in which by a fortunate office, The...
26352From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [25 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
You will see by the inclosed 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...
26353Enclosure: Benedict Arnold to George Washington, 25 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The Heart which is Concious of its Own rectitude, Cannot attempt to paliate a Step, which the World may Censure as wrong; I have ever acted from a Principle of Love to my Country, since the Commencement of the present unhappy Contest between Great Britain and the Colonies, the same principle of Love to my Country Actuates my present Conduct, however it may appear Inconsistent to the World: who...
26354From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
There has just been unfolded at this place a scene of the blackest treason, Arnold has fled to the Enemy. André the British Adjt Genl is in our possession as a Spy. This capture unravelled the mystery. West Point was to have been the Sacrifice, all the dispositions have been made for the purpose and ’tis possible, tho’ not probable to night may still see the execution. The wind is fair, I came...
26355From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, 25 September [1780] (Hamilton Papers)
In the midst of my letter, I was interrupted by a scene that shocked me more than any thing I have met with—the discovery of a treason of the deepest dye. The object was to sacrifice West Point. General Arnold had sold himself to André for this purpose. The latter came but in disguise and in returning to New York was detected. Arnold hearing of it immediately fled to the enemy. I went in...
26356George Washington to George Clinton, 26 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Robinsons [ New York ] September 26, 1780 . Sends details of the Arnold-André plot. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26357George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 26 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Robinsons [ New York ] September 26, 1780 . Instructs Wayne to march his brigade to West Point. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress; LS (photostat), in the handwriting of H, George Washington Collection, "Facsimiles and Transcripts," MS Division, New York Public Library.
26358[From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens], [27 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Sparks Transcripts, Harvard College Library. Although this letter is attributed to H in the Sparks Transcripts, in reality it was written by Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, H’s fellow aide. The original of the letter is in the South Carolina Historical Society. There are textual differences in the Sparks and the original, but the contents of both letters are the same. The copy in the Sparks...
26359To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Ledyard, [27 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Since writing two Letters to his Excely. concrning Mr. Wm. Smyth. I have learned for a certainty that he was laying a plan for rescuing Joshua Smyth which was frustrated by Col. H. Hay his Uncle in Law. I would wish to give you all ye. information I can in this young Mans Case that you may be ye. better able to determine concerning him, which causes you this trouble. I am my dear Col. Your...
26360George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 27 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Near West Point, September 27 , 1780 . Sends news of Major General Benedict Arnold’s treason. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The letter was first dated September 26 and then changed to 27.
26361George Washington to the Officer Commanding at West Point and Its Dependencies, 27 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Robinsons [ New York ] September 27, 1780 . Sends instructions for placing the “several posts … in a state of defence at the shortest notice.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26362From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Foot, 28 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter to the General was delivered to me on the road. You will on receipt of this permit the officer with the flag to return delivering him the enclosed letter. This I know to be His Excellency’s intention, and he yesterday gave orders for the purpose which seem not to have reached you. I am Sir Your Most Obed’t ALS , Mr. C. P. Greenough Fuller, New York City. Foot was the receiver of...
26363From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
The General desires you on receipt of this to send a party of fifty men to proceed ten miles down the River road beyond the ferry to give security to the guards who are conducting the prisoners to Head Quarters on an upper route. ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, November 16–17, 1938, Lot 94; ALS (photostat), in the handwriting of H, George Washington Collection, "Facsimiles and...
26364George Washington to the Board of General Officers, 29 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Tappan [ New York ] September 29, 1780 . Informs board that it is to consider Major John André’s case and to decide his punishment. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26365From Alexander Hamilton to Sir Henry Clinton, [30 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
It has so happened in the course of events, that Major André Adjutant General of your army has fallen into our hands. He was captured in such a way as will according to the laws of war justly affect his life. Though an enemy his virtues and his accomplishments are admired. Perhaps he might be released for General Arnold, delivered up without restriction or condition, which is the prevailing...
26366George Washington to Lieutenant General James Robertson, 30 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Tappan [ New York ] September 30, 1780 . Explains cause for delay in receiving and sending letters. Informs Robertson that Major John André’s “necessaries” will be delivered to André as requested. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26367To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, [September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 17th I received on that day. That of the 13th has taken a tour to Albany and was delivered me this moment, with one Inclosed for Betsy. Commissioners will be appointed to meet the Eastern Convention. I believe Judge Hubbard, Mr Benson the Attorney General and myself will go, the two Gentlemen I have mentioned are as deeply Impressed as men can be with the necessity of more...
26368George Washington to George Clinton, 1 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Orangetown [ New York ] October 1, 1780 . Reiterates Army’s urgent need for flour. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26369George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, [1 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Tappan, New York, October 1, 1780. ] Directs St. Clair to take command of West Point. Sends instructions for this command and reviews the orders that have been given for that and nearby posts. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26370From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [2 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last to you, I have received your letters No. 3 & 4; the others are yet on the way. Though it is too late to have the advantage of novelty, to comply with my promise, I send you my account of Arnold’s affair; and to justify myself to your sentiments, I must inform you that I urged a compliance with Andre’s request to be shot and I do not think it would have had an ill effect; but some...
26371Testimony at the Trial of Joshua Hett Smith, [2 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant-colonel Alexander Hamilton was next produced on the part of the Prosecution, and sworn. Q. Please to declare what you know respecting Mr. Smith, the Prisoner, declaring that he had been on board the Vulture , sloop-of-war, belonging to the enemy, and fetching a person on shore from that vessel? A. I was present when Mr. Smith, the Prisoner, made his Confession before the gentlemen...
26372George Washington to James Duane, 4 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Tappan [ New York ] October 4, 1780 . Criticizes proposed Congressional plan for raising a permanent army. Is concerned that slightest success “will lull us into security.” States that “the history of the war is a history of false hopes and temporary expedients.” Fears this winter “will open a still more embarassing scene.” Reports that interview at Hartford produced nothing conclusive. Df ,...
26373From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [5 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I am directed by The General to inform you in confidence, that the army will march from its present ground as soon as the weather permits. You will make your arrangements accordingly. When the weather clears, if you will call at Head Quarters, you will be informed of the particular disposition. I am D Sir Yr. Obed ser ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Pickering had succeeded Major...
26374From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, [5 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I have told you and I told you truly that I love you too much. You engross my thoughts too entirely to allow me to think anything else. You not only employ my mind all day, but you intrude on my sleep. I meet you in every dream and when I wake I cannot close my eyes again for ruminating on your sweetness. ’Tis a pretty story indeed that I am to be thus monopolized by a little nut brown maid...
26375From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [8 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General is very anxious to hear from you and that your corps should join the army. Your men must have suffered exceedingly yesterday and last night, and your baggage is here. Be with us as soon as you can; but send the express back immediately with an account of your success. Yrs. Affectionately ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lafayette was on a reconnaissance in the...
26376George Washington to the Officer Commanding at Dobbs Ferry, 8 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Tappan [ New York ] October 8, 1780 . Sends instructions for defense of Dobbs Ferry. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26377George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 9 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] October 9, 1780 . States that the idea of a tour of Europe with Franklin after the war would be tempting if domestic affairs were not so urgent. Asserts that the American military and political situation is such that the country can only be saved by either peace or money from America’s allies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26378To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 10 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany [ New York ] October 10, 1780 . Is still confined to his room with gout. Reports that British forces “were collected at St Johns to make separate attacks on the Grants, Saratoga and the Mohawk river.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
26379George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 10 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 10, 1780 . Regrets “that this campaign has not been productive of such important advantages as we had reason to flatter ourselves.” Is “not sanguine about any enterprise, which is connected with maritime dispositions.” Approves detention of Colonel Christopher Greene’s regiment. Sends news of execution of Major John André. Df , in writing of H, George...
26380Summary of George Washington’s Letter to Samuel Huntington, [11 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Contents of Letter to Congress Approves the reduction to 50 regiments. Proposes as the basis of the reduction a half pay establishment for life, or making the half pay for seven years whole pay, to be paid one half in a year after the conclusion of peace, the other half in two years after that. Regiments to consist of one Colonel where the old colonels are continued or one Lt Col Commandant...