Recipient

Letters to 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
259 letters
Letter

Philip Schuyler to Alexander Hamilton, September 16, 1780

From Philip Schuyler
To Alexander Hamilton
September 16, 1780

Philip Schuyler informs Alexander Hamilton of a severe wheat shortage in New York due to drought, causing a delay in meeting the state's supply quota for the army. He assures that the deficit can be remedied within a month if conditions improve and suggests government intervention to secure additional supplies. Schuyler also notes logistical challenges, such as the need for flour casks and bags, and discusses efforts to purchase wheat for a state reserve.

Letter

Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette to Alexander Hamilton, October 20, 1780

From Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
To Alexander Hamilton
October 20, 1780

Marquis de Lafayette informs Alexander Hamilton about sending a Canadian officer with a letter to Gouvion and requests Hamilton's approval to dispatch it along with letters for General Heath to mislead the enemy. He urges Hamilton to discuss the release of two acquitted deserters and the transfer of the condemned one with the General. Lafayette emphasizes gathering intelligence from both sides by Monday night for comparison and insists on strict confidentiality.

Letter

Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette to Alexander Hamilton, October 21, 1780

From Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
To Alexander Hamilton
October 21, 1780

Marquis de Lafayette writes to Alexander Hamilton sharing news of a successful capture of a convoy and a victorious expedition on the Spanish Main, expressing joy over the combined fleet's achievements. He urges Hamilton to read his previous letters from Rhode Island and inquires about any new developments that might lift his spirits. Lafayette also mentions hoping his letter to Gouvion reached Hamilton safely and notes Britain's declining fortunes.

Letter

Timothy Pickering to Alexander Hamilton, November 22, 1780

From Timothy Pickering
To Alexander Hamilton
November 22, 1780

Timothy Pickering informs Alexander Hamilton about the challenge of assembling teams to retrieve five boats by Thursday night and offers to try to accomplish it. He inquires whether the oars should be muffled and requests guidance on the route to take. Pickering also anticipates the need to impress horses for the operation.

Letter

Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette to Alexander Hamilton, December 9, 1780

From Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
To Alexander Hamilton
December 9, 1780

Marquis de Lafayette writes to Alexander Hamilton explaining delays in delivering a letter to General Washington due to changes in the General's location and unforeseen obstacles. Lafayette expresses frustration over Hamilton's insistence on written communication but reports taking direct action to ensure the message reaches Washington promptly. He emphasizes the urgency and importance of the matter while maintaining a friendly tone.

Letter

George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, December 27, 1780

From George Washington
To Alexander Hamilton
December 27, 1780

George Washington instructs Alexander Hamilton on measures to support the Albany Armory, including exempting its workers from military duty and providing necessary supplies. He mentions potential travel plans to Rhode Island related to undisclosed matters and reports on a new British troop movement from New York, possibly involving Benedict Arnold. Washington expresses uncertainty about traveling to Albany during the winter.

Letter

Timothy Pickering to Alexander Hamilton, January 17, 1781

From Timothy Pickering
To Alexander Hamilton
January 17, 1781

Timothy Pickering appeals to Alexander Hamilton to approve issuing provisions to John Lewis and other sloop masters who served the public during the war but remain unpaid and destitute. He emphasizes their hardship, the risk of discouraging future service, and requests Hamilton convey their situation to the Commander in Chief for authorization. Pickering balances concern for scarce army supplies with humanitarian relief for these displaced families.

Letter

Timothy Pickering to Alexander Hamilton, January 18, 1781

From Timothy Pickering
To Alexander Hamilton
January 18, 1781

Timothy Pickering, Quartermaster General, asks Alexander Hamilton to clarify when ox-teams hired for the upcoming campaign should assemble and at which rendezvous point. He notes that the teams require sufficient pasturage, which will only be available by late May or early June, and suggests delaying their assembly as long as possible without hindering the campaign. Pickering requests Hamilton to obtain General Washington’s decision on the matter.

Letter

Richard Platt to Alexander Hamilton, February 24, 1781

From Richard Platt
To Alexander Hamilton
February 24, 1781

Richard Platt writes to Alexander Hamilton in 1781 requesting compensation for Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay for oxen seized for public use during the Revolutionary War. Platt urges Hamilton to take action to ensure Hay receives payment for the loss. The letter reflects concerns over fair treatment of individuals contributing resources to the war effort.

Letter

Robert Hanson Harrison to Alexander Hamilton, March 26, 1781

From Robert Hanson Harrison
To Alexander Hamilton
March 26, 1781

Robert Hanson Harrison informs Alexander Hamilton of his decision to leave the military due to financial difficulties, including debts and family responsibilities. He expresses deep affection and respect for Hamilton and emphasizes that his departure is driven by serious personal and economic reasons rather than a lack of commitment. Harrison seeks to maintain Hamilton's esteem despite their physical separation.

Letter

Marquis de Fleury to Alexander Hamilton, April 10, 1781

From Marquis de Fleury
To Alexander Hamilton
April 10, 1781

Marquis de Fleury writes to Alexander Hamilton in 1781, inquiring about Hamilton's personal and professional life, including his return from Albany and his role with General Washington. Fleury mentions imminent plans to leave Rhode Island by sea or land and expresses concern for the steadfastness of Virginia's patriots. He closes with warm regards and friendship.

Letter

Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette to Alexander Hamilton, April 10, 1781

From Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
To Alexander Hamilton
April 10, 1781

Marquis de Lafayette writes to Alexander Hamilton in 1781 expressing disappointment that the French fleet did not support an attack on Arnold and explaining his orders to join the Southern Army, where he anticipates limited military action due to heat and reduced troop numbers. He conveys concern for Hamilton’s whereabouts and shares frustrations about the lack of planned offensives against New York.

Letter

Timothy Pickering to Alexander Hamilton, April 20, 1781

From Timothy Pickering
To Alexander Hamilton
April 20, 1781

Timothy Pickering questions Alexander Hamilton about the extent of his authority as quartermaster general to appoint Colonel Jabez Champlin as barrack master for the French army in America. He expresses uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of this appointment. The letter seeks clarification on Hamilton’s official powers in this matter.

Letter

Sebastian Bauman to Alexander Hamilton, April 22, 1781

From Sebastian Bauman
To Alexander Hamilton
April 22, 1781

Sebastian Bauman sends Alexander Hamilton papers including a representation to Major General Heath and a plan for American artillery improvements, aiming to restore Hamilton's trust. He expresses concern about overlooked vulnerabilities at West Point that could lead to disaster and urges precaution to protect the post and its reputation. Bauman emphasizes his loyalty to General Washington and the importance of safeguarding their defenses.

Letter

George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, April 27, 1781

From George Washington
To Alexander Hamilton
April 27, 1781

George Washington expresses concern to Alexander Hamilton about appointing him to command a new advanced corps, fearing it would exacerbate existing tensions among Eastern officers already unhappy with recent appointments. Washington acknowledges Hamilton's merit but warns that pushing such appointments could lead to serious discord during a critical time in the war.

Letter

Philip Schuyler to Alexander Hamilton, April 29, 1781

From Philip Schuyler
To Alexander Hamilton
April 29, 1781

Philip Schuyler informs Alexander Hamilton of the death of his old horse and the condition of replacement horses, urging caution in their deployment due to forage shortages. He reports severe supply issues, including a lack of meat threatening troop morale and local stability, and requests beef shipments and an engineer to build fortifications. Schuyler also sends personal regards to Hamilton and the Washington family.

Letter

George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, August 9, 1781

From George Washington
To Alexander Hamilton
August 9, 1781

George Washington instructs Alexander Hamilton to ensure shoes are issued to state companies under his command with proper accountability measures. He emphasizes that men should be responsible for the shoes and that the distribution process follows established procedures. Washington also directs that Captains Sacket and Williams oversee the proper accounting of the shoes through the existing supply channels.

Letter

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton to Alexander Hamilton, September 3, 1781

From Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
To Alexander Hamilton
September 3, 1781

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton writes to Alexander Hamilton from Albany in 1781, likely addressing personal or family matters during the Revolutionary War. Alexander Hamilton acknowledges receiving her letter only months later, indicating delays in communication during the conflict. The content of Elizabeth's original letter is not preserved.