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 Nathanael Greene, August 17, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To Nathanael Greene
August 17, 1779

Alexander Hamilton informs Nathanael Greene that Lieutenant Whitehead will depart the next morning with important dispatches for General Washington in Philadelphia. Hamilton requests that Greene provide Whitehead with a good horse, saddle, and bridle to facilitate the journey. The letter emphasizes the urgency and importance of the communication.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, August 22, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To Henry Knox
August 22, 1779

Alexander Hamilton forwards a petition to Henry Knox regarding a soldier's service status, emphasizing General Washington's policy against forcing men to serve beyond their agreed terms. Hamilton requests Knox to investigate the petitioner's circumstances thoroughly and ensure fair treatment if the man is not enlisted for the duration of the war.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Anthony Wayne, September 1, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To Anthony Wayne
September 1, 1779

Alexander Hamilton apologizes to Anthony Wayne for missing a planned dinner and requests to reschedule without causing Wayne to break an existing engagement with General Irvin. Hamilton expresses his intention to visit another day and mentions possible guests, including McHenry and Washington. He emphasizes that Wayne should only stay home for reasons other than expecting their visit.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Horatio Gates, September 4, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To Horatio Gates
September 4, 1779

Alexander Hamilton, stationed at West Point, asks General Horatio Gates to forward a letter from French diplomat Conrad Alexandre Gérard to Baron von Steuben. The request aims to facilitate communication among key figures in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton's action supports coordination between American and French military efforts.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, September 12, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To John Jay
September 12, 1779

Alexander Hamilton writes to John Jay from West Point in September 1779, addressing a delay in correspondence and referencing previous letters from July and early September. He acknowledges Jay's note about unanswered letters and aims to clarify or respond to ongoing communication issues during the Revolutionary War. The letter reflects the challenges of maintaining timely communication among Continental leaders.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, September 12, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
September 12, 1779

Alexander Hamilton urges Marquis de Lafayette to prioritize securing naval support and provisions from the continent to strengthen their operations against the British. He argues that extending the war to the West Indies and arming privateers against British commerce would significantly weaken the enemy and enhance the alliance's resources. Hamilton emphasizes the strategic advantage of coordinated land and sea efforts to hasten British defeat.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Anthony Wayne, September 30, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To Anthony Wayne
September 30, 1779

Alexander Hamilton directs General Anthony Wayne to reassign the light infantry units from the Carolina Brigade back to their original regiments. This order aims to reorganize troop deployments for improved military efficiency during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton emphasizes maintaining proper command structure within the Continental Army.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, October 1, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To James Duane
October 1, 1779

Alexander Hamilton informs James Duane that Count D’Estaing has arrived off the coast of Georgia and plans to attack British forces there, alleviating Hamilton’s fears for the Southern States. He expresses concern over Cornwallis’s recent troop movements, interpreting them as preparations for a significant British assault on Charlestown. Hamilton conveys this intelligence to update Duane on the shifting military situation.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to John G. Mitchell, October 18, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To John G. Mitchell
October 18, 1779

Alexander Hamilton writes from Lewes, Delaware, in October 1779, likely addressing military or political matters during the Revolutionary War. He corresponds with John G. Mitchell, who acknowledges receipt of Hamilton's letter dated October 18. The content of Hamilton's original letter remains unknown due to the absence of the text.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to John G. Mitchell, October 19, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To John G. Mitchell
October 19, 1779

Alexander Hamilton writes from Little Egg Harbor in 1779, likely discussing military or logistical matters related to the Revolutionary War. He communicates with John G. Mitchell, who acknowledges receipt of Hamilton's letter dated October 19. The correspondence reflects ongoing coordination among American officers during the conflict.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to John G. Mitchell, October 22, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To John G. Mitchell
October 22, 1779

Alexander Hamilton writes to John G. Mitchell from the New Jersey coast in 1779, likely discussing military or political matters related to the Revolutionary War. The letter prompts a response from Mitchell dated October 23, indicating ongoing correspondence between the two. The specific content of Hamilton's original message is not preserved.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to William Gordon, December 10, 1779

From Alexander Hamilton
To William Gordon
December 10, 1779

Alexander Hamilton accuses William Gordon of fabricating a false plot and acting with duplicity and slander. Hamilton rejects Gordon's attempts to involve Congress and demands a full disclosure, ultimately ending their correspondence due to Gordon's failure to provide evidence. Hamilton asserts his willingness to have his conduct examined by any tribunal.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Catharine Livingston, January 1, 1780

From Alexander Hamilton
To Catharine Livingston
January 1, 1780

Alexander Hamilton writes to Catharine Livingston and Miss Schuyler expressing regret that his poor driving skills prevent him from safely escorting them, despite his eagerness to do so. He humorously compares himself to Phaeton, willing to take risks if assured of success. Hamilton notes that Colonel Tilghman volunteers to accompany the ladies, ensuring they will have proper attendance.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Nathanael Greene, January 4, 1780

From Alexander Hamilton
To Nathanael Greene
January 4, 1780

Alexander Hamilton, acting as aide-de-camp, asks General Nathanael Greene to advise on the minimum number of paid couriers needed under new postal regulations, emphasizing the importance of economy. Hamilton also suggests considering the use of reliable sergeants for occasional duties and mentions he is communicating with Congress on the matter.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Margarita Schuyler, February 1, 1780

From Alexander Hamilton
To Margarita Schuyler
February 1, 1780

Alexander Hamilton writes to Margarita Schuyler in 1780, expressing his pleasure in delivering a letter entrusted to him by her sister and revealing his admiration for Margarita based on portraits and descriptions. He seeks to establish a friendly and confident connection despite their lack of personal acquaintance. Hamilton acknowledges that his openness may seem bold but hopes it will be well received.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, March 17, 1780

From Alexander Hamilton
To Elizabeth Schuyler
March 17, 1780

Alexander Hamilton writes to Elizabeth Schuyler expressing his longing during his stay in Amboy and encourages her to visit Philadelphia despite their separation. He requests she inform him of her plans and hopes to visit her there if possible, while affectionately noting that she and Peggy are frequent subjects of admiration among his companions.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, March 17, 1780

From Alexander Hamilton
To George Washington
March 17, 1780

Alexander Hamilton informs George Washington of ongoing military coordination with General St. Clair and updates him on British movements and intelligence. He reports that enemy forces remain unaware of the fleet's southern deployment and that prisoner exchange negotiations are underway with cautious optimism. Hamilton also conveys respects from fellow officers and sends recent news from New York.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, May 2, 1780

From Alexander Hamilton
To George Washington
May 2, 1780

Alexander Hamilton responds to George Washington regarding accusations made by Doctor Gordon, whom Hamilton vehemently condemns as dishonest and malicious. Hamilton refuses to accept Gordon's conditions to avoid an inquiry and insists on exposing him as the source of the calumny. He expresses deep contempt for Gordon and commits to publicly denouncing him based on his conviction of Gordon's deceit.