Alexander Hamilton was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first U.S. secretary of the treasury from 1789 to 1795 under the presidency of George Washington. He also founded America's first political party, the Federalist Party, in 1791.
Alexander Hamilton instructs Joshua Mersereau to send a reliable agent to Staten Island to gather intelligence on potential British troop movements from New York, expected around Thursday. He emphasizes the urgency of confirming any unusual enemy activity and coordinating with local forces near Cranes Gap. The gathered information must be delivered to Headquarters by Thursday evening.
Alexander Hamilton writes to Jeremiah Wadsworth from Preakness, New Jersey, discussing General Schuyler's departure from Albany to attend a convention. Hamilton likely addresses military or political matters related to Schuyler's movements during the Revolutionary War. The letter reflects ongoing coordination among American leaders in 1780.
Alexander Hamilton requests Charles Stewart to advance rations to Mr. Farge, who is in distress and unable to draw them daily despite having a general's order. Hamilton emphasizes the private nature of the request and seeks Stewart's assistance for a two to three month period.
Alexander Hamilton instructs Timothy Pickering to expedite the transport of boats to join others by Wednesday evening, emphasizing urgency. He specifies that the boats should be at Dobbs Ferry for the teams to proceed. Hamilton's message reflects logistical coordination during the Revolutionary War.
Alexander Hamilton instructs Timothy Pickering to assemble fifty men the next morning to repair roads and bridges for the army's march to New Windsor via Pompton and Ringwood. He emphasizes the need for skilled artificers to ensure the work is done properly. Hamilton signs off as Aide de Camp, underscoring the military nature of the task.
Alexander Hamilton requests a military command from George Washington, expressing his desire to distinguish himself through a notable enterprise. He acknowledges Washington's previous refusal due to concerns about rank and family needs but argues that the current expedition offers a suitable opportunity without those issues. Hamilton emphasizes his readiness to improve the mission and notes his impending temporary absence from the army.
Alexander Hamilton instructs Timothy Pickering to move boats from Doddes to Pompton and then to Kings Ferry quickly. He directs the Jersey light infantry officer to follow Pickering's orders and stay near Pompton until the Jersey Brigade arrives. Hamilton signs as Aide de Camp to the Quartermaster General.
Alexander Hamilton informs George Washington that the Albany Armory faces potential closure due to lack of supplies and funding, as the Board of War cannot maintain it under current conditions. Hamilton emphasizes the armory's good condition, strategic location near West Point, and its importance for repairing arms, urging Washington to consider its continued operation. He notes General Knox's judgment will be crucial in assessing the armory's value.
Alexander Hamilton praises James McHenry's recent poem as his best work, acknowledging its wit and artistic merit. Hamilton admits he was mistaken in doubting McHenry's poetic talent and encourages his continued literary efforts. The letter conveys camaraderie and mutual respect between the two men.
Alexander Hamilton writes to Philip Schuyler from New Windsor, New York, likely addressing military or political matters during the Revolutionary War in early 1781. The letter prompts Schuyler's response dated January 25, indicating ongoing communication about strategic concerns. Specific content of Hamilton's original message is not preserved.
Alexander Hamilton informs Timothy Pickering that the General approves issuing rations to the captains and crews of dismissed vessels, excluding their families, to be accounted for in settlements. He also notes that mid-May is the appropriate time to gather ox-teams for the upcoming campaign. Hamilton conveys these instructions with sincere regard.
Alexander Hamilton writes to Theodorick Bland from Ringwood, New Jersey, reporting his accompaniment of General Washington to address the New Jersey troop mutiny. He indicates that a resolution to the revolt will occur the following day.
Alexander Hamilton writes to Philip Schuyler from New Windsor, New York, likely discussing military or political matters related to the ongoing Revolutionary War in early 1781. The letter prompts Schuyler's acknowledgment on February 5, indicating ongoing communication between the two leaders during a critical period of the conflict.
Alexander Hamilton requests John Lamb to allow a soldier from Lamb's regiment to remain with Mr. Garanger temporarily due to the soldier's difficult circumstances. Hamilton anticipates a resolution to the soldier's situation within a few weeks.
Alexander Hamilton informs Timothy Pickering that General Washington has ordered most of the New Jersey troops to Morris Town to occupy huts but prefers not to store large quantities of supplies there. He explains that the difficult situation of two artisans cannot be remedied, as military provisions cannot extend to soldiers' families. The General maintains this policy consistently in similar cases.
Alexander Hamilton instructs Sebastian Bauman to support Major Garanger in conducting artillery experiments, emphasizing Garanger's French training and potential usefulness despite uncertainty about his practical skills. Hamilton urges Bauman to facilitate the effort discreetly, trusting Bauman's judgment and cautioning that any incompetence will become evident through trial.
Alexander Hamilton informs William Heath that Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion and Captain Rochefontaine will join the detachment under Marquis de Lafayette, while Major Villefranche will soon return to West Point. The communication conveys troop movements during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton writes under General Washington's command as his aide-de-camp.
Alexander Hamilton communicates General Washington's orders to Richard Platt regarding compensation for Colonel Hay, whose oxen were requisitioned for public use. Hamilton instructs that the Quartermaster General provide Colonel Hay with two good oxen as replacement, emphasizing that the source of compensation is not important to the public interest.
Alexander Hamilton informs George Washington that he has sent some enclosed letters by express, which he had unknowingly carried with him. He reports no new developments beyond what Washington already knows, noting that General Greene believes a recent minor defeat will ultimately benefit his campaign in the South. Hamilton closes with respectful regards.
Alexander Hamilton writes to Stewart and Totten from New Windsor, New York, on April 11, 1781, likely addressing military or logistical matters during the Revolutionary War. The letter prompts Stewart and Totten to acknowledge receipt two days later, indicating ongoing communication regarding Continental Army affairs.
Alexander Hamilton informs George Washington of his recent commission as a Lieutenant Colonel retroactive to 1777 and seeks guidance on his role in the upcoming campaign. He expresses readiness to serve actively once the army takes the field and asserts his qualifications and past service merit a command, preferably in a light corps. Hamilton emphasizes his desire to contribute effectively to the United States' military efforts.
Alexander Hamilton requests Richard Platt to arrange the making of a dining table, two small kegs, and two piggons, and asks if an artificer can assist at his quarters for a day. He also inquires about obtaining a light boat manageable by two people. The letter reflects Hamilton’s logistical needs during his military service in 1781.
Alexander Hamilton argues to Robert Morris that single-person executive leadership is essential to restore public and international confidence in the American government. He contends that Congress’s collective administration hinders foreign support, particularly from France, and that a trusted executive ministry would revive hope and strengthen the nation’s cause.
Alexander Hamilton writes to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton expressing relief over her father's narrow escape from capture, praising his presence of mind and urging caution in the future. He shares his own emotional response to the danger she and her father faced and updates her on his military command and well-being. Hamilton also inquires about the receipt of money he sent and thanks her for arranging camp supplies.