Author

Letters from Alexander Hamilton

B. 1755 · D. 1804

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.

Source: Wikipedia
395 letters
Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, August 22, 1781

From Alexander Hamilton
To Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
August 22, 1781

Alexander Hamilton informs his wife Elizabeth that he must join part of the army moving to Virginia, causing a painful separation. He expresses deep sorrow at the distance and lack of opportunity to see her before leaving, emphasizing his love and unhappiness. Hamilton asks her to remain strong despite the physical separation.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, August 25, 1781

From Alexander Hamilton
To Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
August 25, 1781

Alexander Hamilton writes to his wife Elizabeth expressing regret that she could not join her father on a visit due to parental advice, though he understands their caution. He urges her to remain calm for her health and their unborn child, provides instructions for correspondence through a trusted contact, and offers financial support through Philadelphia contacts. Hamilton conveys his deep longing and hopes their separation will be brief.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, September 5, 1781

From Alexander Hamilton
To Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
September 5, 1781

Alexander Hamilton writes to his wife Elizabeth from Head of Elk, Maryland, on September 5, 1781, mentioning a previous letter sent through Mr. Morris. He provides a brief update on his location and military movements during the Revolutionary War. The letter reflects his ongoing communication with his family amid the campaign.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, September 5, 1781

From Alexander Hamilton
To Philip Schuyler
September 5, 1781

Alexander Hamilton writes to Philip Schuyler from Head of Elk, Maryland, on September 5, 1781, mentioning that he has sent a letter to Schuyler via Mr. Morris. He also informs Schuyler that he has written to Elizabeth Hamilton the previous day, enclosing a letter intended for Schuyler. The correspondence reflects Hamilton’s ongoing communication with his family and military contacts during the Revolutionary War.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, September 6, 1781

From Alexander Hamilton
To Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
September 6, 1781

Alexander Hamilton writes to his wife Elizabeth from Maryland in 1781, expressing deep affection and anticipation for their reunion after the upcoming Yorktown campaign. He reassures her of the likely swift and successful military operations and vows to leave public life to live peacefully with her. Hamilton conveys his emotional struggle with their separation and his commitment to their future together.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Fish, March 1, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Nicholas Fish
March 1, 1782

Alexander Hamilton requests Nicholas Fish to procure specific glassware from Dutchess County and have them carefully packed and sent to Major Kearse for forwarding to Hamilton. He asks Fish to ensure the safe and timely delivery of the items and to inform him of the costs. Hamilton also instructs Fish on the care and return of his horses.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Richard Kidder Meade, March 1, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Richard Kidder Meade
March 1, 1782

Alexander Hamilton writes to Richard Kidder Meade expressing joy over the birth of Meade's daughter and reflecting on his own growing domestic contentment with his wife and child. He reveals his waning ambition for public life, having relinquished the emoluments of his military commission while remaining ready to serve if necessary. Hamilton anticipates a possible withdrawal from active duty unless the political situation deteriorates.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Louis Marie, vicomte de Noailles, April 1, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Louis Marie, vicomte de Noailles
April 1, 1782

Alexander Hamilton expresses deep admiration and friendship toward Louis Marie, vicomte de Noailles, lamenting his departure from America and hoping the end of the war might encourage his return. Hamilton values Noailles's talents and character, wishing to reunite either in America or France despite the latter seeming unlikely.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, May 4, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Robert Morris
May 4, 1782

Alexander Hamilton writes to Robert Morris from Albany in May 1782, likely discussing matters related to finance or governance during the Revolutionary War period. Hamilton's communication precedes Morris's acknowledgment of receipt on May 20, indicating ongoing correspondence about urgent national concerns. The letter reflects Hamilton's active role in shaping postwar American policy.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, July 27, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Robert Morris
July 27, 1782

Alexander Hamilton writes to Robert Morris in July 1782, likely discussing financial or political matters related to the Revolutionary War effort. The letter prompts Morris to acknowledge receipt of multiple previous communications from Hamilton. The exact content of the July 27 letter is missing, but it fits within ongoing correspondence about managing wartime resources and government affairs.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Gerard Bancker, July 31, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Gerard Bancker
July 31, 1782

Alexander Hamilton requests Gerard Bancker to inform him of state legislative appropriations related to a Treasury warrant for quarterly payments due April 1, 1782. He asks Bancker to arrange payment of available funds and to expedite the collection of taxes imposed for the use of the United States. Hamilton emphasizes the urgency and authority to ensure these financial measures are carried out promptly.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, August 3, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To George Clinton
August 3, 1782

Alexander Hamilton requests detailed information from George Clinton regarding New York's contributions of supplies and funds to the United States since March 1780, including tax measures and currency status. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive data to assist the Superintendent of Finance in assessing the state's financial and logistical support during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton urges prompt and thorough reporting to aid effective fiscal management.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Udny Hay, August 3, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Udny Hay
August 3, 1782

Alexander Hamilton requests Udny Hay to provide detailed accounts of money, provisions, and transportation supplied by New York to the United States since March 1780, including certificates or paper money circulated through his office. He also asks for precise information on the specie value and expenses of each supply bill under Hay's management. Hamilton emphasizes the urgency and importance of this financial report for ongoing discussions.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, August 3, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Robert Morris
August 3, 1782

Alexander Hamilton responds to Robert Morris's correspondence from July 22, 1782, addressing financial and political matters related to the Revolutionary War. Hamilton discusses strategies for managing the national debt and securing funds for the Continental Army. He emphasizes the need for coordinated fiscal policies to stabilize the young nation's economy.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to County Treasurers of the State of New York, September 7, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To County Treasurers of the State of New York
September 7, 1782

Alexander Hamilton urges New York County Treasurers to rigorously enforce and expedite the collection of a state tax designated for supporting the United States during the Revolutionary War. He emphasizes the importance of timely payment to uphold the state's reputation, meet public obligations, and ensure the government can fulfill its financial commitments to citizens. Hamilton expresses frustration over New York's previous failure to contribute compared to other states.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Udny Hay, September 7, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Udny Hay
September 7, 1782

Alexander Hamilton urges Udny Hay to respond promptly regarding requests for legislative returns and certificates related to public business, emphasizing the importance of transparency to uphold the state's honor. He mentions coordinating with Mr. Benson and expresses pressure from Mr. Morris to comply swiftly. Hamilton also hopes Hay's silence is not due to ill health.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, September 7, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Robert Morris
September 7, 1782

Alexander Hamilton informs Robert Morris about delays in receiving financial returns and expresses concern over disorganized accounting by distant parties. He refrains from taking a proposed action to avoid raising unrealistic expectations about old currency redemption but offers to comply if Morris insists. Hamilton also notes the cessation of currency circulation and references legislative depreciation rates for context.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, September 7, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Timothy Pickering
September 7, 1782

Alexander Hamilton informs Timothy Pickering that he is managing the purchase of bills and notes as directed and reports the beginning of tax collection for the United States. He declines to advance funds based on anticipated deposits to avoid partiality and maintain fairness in payments. Hamilton assures continued support and expects significant tax revenue by the end of the month.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, October 19, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Robert Morris
October 19, 1782

Alexander Hamilton writes to Robert Morris from Albany in October 1782, addressing financial and political matters related to the ongoing Revolutionary War. He discusses the challenges of funding the Continental Army and urges coordinated efforts to stabilize the new nation's finances. Hamilton seeks Morris's support in securing resources and managing public credit to sustain the war effort.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, October 26, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Robert Morris
October 26, 1782

Alexander Hamilton responds to Robert Morris's letters regarding the denominations of paper currency, agreeing that larger denominations are generally safer but still advocating for issuing some smaller notes. He informs Morris of his actions to publish Morris's advertisement in New York newspapers and reports receiving $2,500, partly from a loan, which he exchanged for Morris's notes. Hamilton also notes the slow tax collection but expects funds soon.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, November 3, 1782

From Alexander Hamilton
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
November 3, 1782

Alexander Hamilton writes to Marquis de Lafayette reflecting on their recent correspondence and his own political career, noting his upcoming role as a delegate to Congress and his intention to retire soon. He comments on the expectation of Lafayette's return to America, which now seems unlikely, and mentions ongoing peace negotiations following the war. Hamilton contrasts his weariness of ambition with Lafayette's continued pursuit of political goals.