Alexander Hamilton to Clement Biddle, December 20, 1778
Headquarters [ Middle Brook, New Jersey ] December 20 [ 1778 ]. Requests minutes of trials of Charles Lee and Arthur St. Clair so that they can be published in…
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.
Headquarters [ Middle Brook, New Jersey ] December 20 [ 1778 ]. Requests minutes of trials of Charles Lee and Arthur St. Clair so that they can be published in…
[Philadelphia, January 30, 1779] Dr. Sir, I send you sundry papers respecting the Ordnance department. The General requests you will prepare your observations on them and be ready to meet…
Hd. Qrs. [Middlebrook, New Jersey] Feby 16 1779 Sir, As there are some appearances of an intended movement among the enemy and as they may possibly be encouraged to make…
[Middlebrook, New Jersey, February 23, 1779] Dr. Sir, The General has given me some memorandums for instructions to you on the subject of the Northern preparations. 1 He is however…
Head Quarters Middle Brook [New Jersey] 25 Feby. 1779 Sir, His Excellency has received a line from Mr. Williamson 2 informing him of the enemy having entered Elizabeth Town. 3…
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] March 4, 1779 . Requests White to explain to Washington circumstances under which a horse, belonging to one Robert Brown, was impressed.
Hd. Qrs. Middle Brook [New Jersey] March 11th. 1779 Sir, I have received the honor of your letter of the 17th of february, 1 the contents of which so far…
[Middlebrook, New Jersey, March 14, 1779] Dear Sir, Col Laurens, who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is on his way to South Carolina, on a project,…
[Middlebrook, New Jersey, March 18, 1779] I can hardly forgive an application to my humanity , to induce me to exert my influence in an affair, in which ladies are…
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, March 26, 1779. Letter not found .]
Alexander Hamilton expresses deep affection and friendship toward John Laurens, acknowledging the emotional bond Laurens has forged despite Hamilton's usual caution in attachments. He updates Laurens on his receipt of letters and hopes for Laurens' success with the Assembly, while wishing the enemy will have left Georgia so Laurens can rejoin their shared cause. Hamilton urges Laurens to continue deserving the partiality he has inspired.
Alexander Hamilton informs Lachlan McIntosh that although serious charges against Colonel Morgan warrant investigation, the ongoing military campaign and logistical difficulties make a thorough inquiry impractical at this time. Hamilton explains that conducting the trial now would disrupt operations and delay the campaign, so the general prefers to postpone the matter unless McIntosh requests a specific examination of his own conduct.
Alexander Hamilton informs John Laurens about Monroe's planned mission to the South, endorsing his character and urging Laurens to support Monroe's involvement in a proposed operation involving enslaved people. Hamilton also updates Laurens on military affairs, noting the upcoming Western expedition, slow preparations due to funding issues, and unconfirmed reports of British troop movements in Virginia.
Alexander Hamilton instructs Clement Biddle to forward a letter and a theodolite to Mr. Writtenhouse for General Washington. He also requests care and prompt retrieval of his mare and colt, left in Biddle's charge due to concerns for their safety at Middle Brook. Hamilton asks that other letters be sent by the earliest possible means.
Alexander Hamilton conveys General George Washington’s request for William Irvine to report to military Headquarters. The letter aims to ensure Irvine’s prompt presence for important military matters during the Revolutionary War.
Alexander Hamilton informs Israel Putnam of enemy movements near Stoney Beach and orders him to advance General Smallwood's brigade to the Forest of Deane with provisions. He instructs Putnam to keep additional troops ready to march if needed. The letter reflects urgent military coordination during the Revolutionary War.
[New Windsor, New York, July 9, 1779] Sir His Excellency commands me to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of this day with two prisoners. 2 He says he spoke…
Alexander Hamilton asks David Henley to deliver an open letter to Mr. Dana and to seek a prompt response. Hamilton denies having expressed certain sentiments wrongly attributed to him and relies on Henley's friendship to assist in clarifying the matter. He emphasizes his trust in Henley as the only suitable intermediary in Boston.
Alexander Hamilton addresses Nathanael Greene with strategic questions about the disposition and potential offensive actions of the Continental Army near Philipsburg. He also raises administrative concerns regarding the necessity and claims of the muster masters department and seeks guidance on handling Morgan’s complaint against Shippen, including possible arrest and trial. The letter reflects Hamilton’s involvement in both military strategy and internal army discipline during 1779.
Alexander Hamilton recommends Colonel Fleury to John Jay, praising his talents, character, and political alignment. He requests Jay's support for Fleury's potential appointment as secretary of the next embassy to the United States. Hamilton emphasizes Fleury's merit and the strategic value of his influence in French affairs during the American Revolution.
Alexander Hamilton writes to General Henry Knox requesting his prompt feedback on a letter from General Gates sent the previous day. Hamilton emphasizes the urgency so that an express messenger can be dispatched with Knox's response. The letter reflects ongoing military communications during the Revolutionary War.
Alexander Hamilton asks William Heath to attend a council meeting at headquarters on the afternoon of July 26, 1779. The letter emphasizes the importance of Heath's presence for military discussions during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton's request reflects ongoing coordination among Continental Army leaders.
Alexander Hamilton informs Anthony Wayne about Lieutenant Colonel Williams' request for a review of a court of inquiry into his conduct. Hamilton asks Wayne if his testimony would provide new, significant information to justify delaying the publication of the court's report. The letter seeks Wayne's input to decide whether to proceed with the report or continue the investigation.
Alexander Hamilton instructs Rufus Putnam to prepare the light infantry for immediate movement in response to an enemy incursion into New Jersey. He also orders the transfer of a female prisoner captured at Stoney Point to a nearby enemy vessel bound for New York. The letter reflects military coordination during the Revolutionary War.