Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 29 August 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Putnam, Israel

Head Quarters Wilmington [Delaware]Augt. 29th. 1777
Sir,
By command of His Excellency, I am to request you will immediately send on Major Blackden & the detachment that came with him to join this army.
I am Sir   Your most Obed serv
Alex Hamilton A.D.C.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 1 September 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morris, Gouverneur

Head Quarters Wilmington [Delaware]September 1st 1777
Dear Sir,
Agreeable to the intention of the Council I have delivered their inclosed letter to His Excellency who after perusing it has sealed and forwarded it to Mr. Hancock.
The relieving Fort Schuyler is a very happy and important event, and will concur with the two happy strokes given by Harkemar and Stark to reverse the face of affairs and turn the scale against Mr Burgoigne. I hope Capt Montgomery’s suggestions may be right as to his being obliged to advance; but I fancy if he once thinks it unsafe he will not be bound by such an empty punctilio to risk the destruction of his army. As General Howe is now fairly sat down to the Southward, the Eastern states, no longer under any apprehensions from him, ⟨will⟩ be disposed, I am in hopes, to exert their whole force, and if they do, I shall wonder at it if Mr. Burgoigne advances with impunity.
Before this reaches you, you will have heard of General Howes ⟨com⟩ing into Chesapeak bay; where he has landed his whole army within about four miles from the head of Elk; a day or two, after his landing, he marched from his first position and extended his van as far as Grey ⟨’s⟩-Hill. He still lies there in a state of inactivity; in a great measure I believe from the want of horses, to transport his baggage and stores. It seems he sailed with only about three weeks provendor and was six at sea. This has occasioned the death of a great number of his horses, and has made skeletons of the rest. He will be obliged to collect a supply from the neighbouring country before he can move, unless he should be disposed to make a more hazardous movement, than he would ever be able to justify, unless by a degree of success he has no right to expect.
The main body of our army is incamped on the heights of Wilmington so as to cover the town; we have strong parties of light troops and militia advanced towards the enemy who have ⟨frequent⟩ skirmishes with them, of little consequence, and often ⟨pick up a few⟩ prisoners. We have taken ⟨at least⟩ 70 since they landed & have had 30 deserters. This Country does not abound in good posts. It is intersected by such an infinity of roads, and is so little mountainous that it is impossible to find a spot not liable to capital defects. The one we now have is all things considered the best we could find, but there is no great depindence to be put upon it. The enemy will have Philadelphia, if they dare make a bold push for it, unless we fight them a pretty general action. I opine we ought to do it, and that we shall beat them soundly if we do. The Militia seem pretty generally stirring. Our army is in high health & spirits. We shall I hope have twice the enemy’s numbers. I would not only fight them, but I would attack them; for I hold it an established maxim, that there is three to one in favour of the party attacking.
I am in haste   Dr Sir   Your most Obed servant
A Hamilton


Title: George Washington to William Livingston, 1 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Wilmington [Delaware] September 1, 1777. Discusses Lieutenant John Troup’s arrest. Has ordered a special court martial. States that under no circumstances is Troup’s sentence to be mitigated. Is satisfied with Livingston’s reason for delay in dividing New Jersey into districts. Understands reluctance of people of New Jersey to join militia. Agrees that practice of issuing unauthorized passports has pernicious results. Discusses enemy’s position on Grey’s Hill.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Junior, 2 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Nelson, Thomas, Jr.

Wilmington [Delaware] September 2, 1777. Discusses danger of stationing large forces at Yorktown and Hampton. States that plan to stop shipping on rivers is not effective. Recommends use of light companies. Describes position of enemy. Sends information concerning battle of Oriskany and retreat from Fort Schuyler.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 3 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Wilmington [Delaware] September 3, 1777. Discusses possibility of British attack on Maxwell by enemy party sent to Bohemia, Delaware. Orders Maxwell to send information about enemy in that area. In postscript, orders Maxwell to retreat to Christiana Bridge.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 4 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hand, Edward

Wilmington [Delaware] September 4, 1777. Orders Hand to send forward officers of Colonel Daniel Brodhead’s regiment. Sends news of Fort Stanwix (Schuyler).


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Charles Stewart, 5 September 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Stewart, Charles

Wilmington [Delaware] Septemr. 5th 1777
Sir,
Inclosed in your letter to Mr Ludowick you will find one from His Excellency confirming your orders. We expected you to call here this morning; but as you have not done it, I send you the letters, that they may be immediately forwarded by express. No time should be lost in the matter as it is a point of the most urgent necessity.
I am Sir   Your most Obed serv
A Hamilton ADC


Title: George Washington to Christopher Ludowick, 5 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Ludowick, Christopher

Wilmington [Delaware] September 5, 1777. Orders Ludowick to Camp by way of Pittstown and Coryells Ferry. Asks Ludowick to send bread from these places to Camp, and to set up as many ovens as possible in Philadelphia for baking hard bread.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Wilmington [Delaware] September 5, 1777. Encloses two letters for Lord Richard Howe and General William Howe. Orders Maxwell to apologize to Howe if there is any truth in report that an enemy flag was fired upon. Requests information concerning situation of enemy.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Wilmington [Delaware] September 5, 1777. Asks if Maxwell is prepared to make a secret foray against enemy. Gives instructions concerning proper guides and return route.


Title: George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 14 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

Near Germantown [Pennsylvania] September 14, 1777. Forwards to Dickinson steps taken to counteract the enemy in New Jersey. Is confident of Dickinson’s cooperation and assistance.


Title: George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Near Germantown [Pennsylvania] September 14, 1777. Orders Heath to send all Continental troops in Massachusetts to join the main Army. Relays information concerning engagement at Brandywine Creek.


Title: George Washington to John Hancock, 17 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Yellow Springs [Pennsylvania] September 17, 1777. Discusses situation of enemy and American efforts to secure reinforcements.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Hancock, [18 September 1777]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hancock, John

[Warwick Furnace, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1777]
Sir,
If Congress have not yet left Philadelphia, they ought to do it immediately without fail, for the enemy have the means of throwing a party this night into the city. I just now crossed the valleyford, in doing which a party of the enemy came down & fired upon us in the boat by which means I lost my horse. One man was killed and another wounded. The boats were abandon’d & will fall into their hands. I did all I could to prevent this but to no purpose.
I have the honour to be   wth. much respect   Sir   Your mo. obedt. Servt.
A. Hamilton


Title: Major General John Sullivan to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, [21 September 1777]
From: Sullivan, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander,Laurens, John

[September 20, 1777. On September 21, 1777, Hamilton and Laurens wrote to Sullivan: “We have just received your favour of Yesterday.” Letter not found.]


Title: Bill for Expenses of George Washington’s Staff, [21 September 1777]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Potts Grove, Pennsylvania, September 21, 1777]

paid at Christiana for family’s breakfast, horses &c.—
£6.5

paid on the road from thence to Wilmington for lodging &c—
6.

paid for breakfast the morning we crossed brandywine—
1.12

pd.
 1.12

15.9

Received the above from Capt Gibbs

Sepr. 21st 1777
A. Hamilton


Title: Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens to Major General John Sullivan, 21 September 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander,Laurens, John
To: Sullivan, John

Head Quarters [Potts Grove, Pennsylvania] Septr 21: 1777
Dear Sir
We have just received your favour of Yesterday, desiring from us a Testimony of your Conduct, so far as it fell under our Observation, the day of the Battle on the Brandywine.
As we had not the pleasure of seeing you in the fore part of that Action when the Line at large was Engaged, We are unable from our own Knowledge, to say any thing of your Conduct at that time. But we can chearfully testify in justice to Your Reputation, that when we had an opportunity of seeing you, it was in circumstances which did you Honour. This was from the time you rode up, and joined Genl: Weedon’s Brigade ’till your Horse was wounded. You were employed in animating and encouraging the Men, to their duty, both by your Words and example; and in every Respect behaved, with becoming bravery, and Activity.
We have the Honour to be   Sir   Your most Obedt Servts.
A Hamilton
John Laurens
Major Genl. Sullivan


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [21 September 1777]
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Potts Grove, Pennsylvania, September 21, 1777]
Sir,
The distressed situation of the army for want of blankets and many necessary articles of Cloathing, is truly deplorable; and must inevitably be destructive to it, unless a speedy remedy be applied. Without a better supply than they at present have, it will be impossible for the men to support the fatigues of the campaign in the further progress of the approaching inclement season. This you well know to be a melancholy truth. It is equally the dictate of common sense and the opinion of the Physicians of the army as well as, of every officer in it. No supply can be drawn from the public magazines. We have therefore no resource but from the private stock of individuals. I feel, and I lament, the absolute necessity of requiring the inhabitants to contribute to those wants which we have no other means of satisfying, and which if unremoved, would involve the ruin of the army, and perhaps the ruin of America. Painful as it is to me to order and as it will be to you to execute the measure, I am compelled to desire you immediately to proceed to Philadelphia, and there procure from the inhabitants, contributions of blankets and Cloathing and materials to answer the purposes of both; in proportion to the ability of each. This you will do with as much delicacy and discretion as the nature of the business demands; and I trust the necessity will justify the proceeding in the eyes of every person well affected to the American cause; and that all good citizens will chearfully afford their assistance to soldiers, whose sufferings they are bound to commisserate, and who are eminently exposed to danger and distress, in defence of every thing they ought to hold dear.
As there are also a number of horses in Philadelphia both of public and private property, which would be a valuable acquisition to the enemy, should the city by any accident fall into their hands, you are hereby authorised and commanded to remove them thence into the Country to some place of greater security and more remote from the operations of the enemy.
You will stand in need of assistance from others, to execute this commission with dispatch and propriety; and you are therefore impowered to employ such persons as you shall think proper to aid you therein. Given


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Hancock, 22 September 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Hancock, John

Philadelphia Sepr. 22d. 1777
Sir,
I left camp last evening and came to this city to superintend the collection of blankets and cloathing for the army. Mr. Lovel sends to inform me there is an express going off to Congress, and I do myself the honor to communicate a brief state of things, when I left camp. The enemy moved yesterday from where they lay opposite to valley forge &c. higher up the river on their old scheme of gaining our right. I dont know precisely where they halted; but our army was preparing to move up also to counteract them. I am this morning told they marched about twelve oClock at night for that purpose. The general opinion was that the enemy would attempt crossing this day. Every appearance justified the supposition.
We had intelligence that the enemy had the night before last surprised Generals Smallwood and Wayne and consequently dispersed them, after a small opposition. The loss tis said was not great; and our troops were reassembling fast at the Red Lion. This seems to have been a bad look-out and is somewhat disconcerting.
By a letter from General McDougall received this morning, it appears he was, on the 20th in the morning, at Second River just setting out on his march towards Woodbridge. He is pressing forward with all possible expedition.
I have the honor to be   With much Respect   Sir   Your most Obed servt
A Hamilton ADC
PS The troops were pretty well refreshed & in good spirits.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 22 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Camp on Reading Road 28 Miles from PhiladelphiaSept 22d. 1777.
Dr. Sir
I have order’d eight or Ten light Horse more to your assistance, and if you should find a further force necessary to facilitate the business you are upon, there are fifty or sixty dismounted No Carolinians attach’d at present to Colo. Nicholas Corps. These must be subject to your order. I have been just now inform’d, that there are not less than three thousand pair of Shoes in the hands of three or four Persons in Philadelphia—a Peter January himself is said to have 140 Pair. You will make the most diligent inquiry upon this Head; you know our distresses and will collect ev’ry pair you possibly can. I refer you to Mr J Mease for proper information, being told that he knows where they are. I do not wish your exertions to be solely directed to obtaining shoes & Blankets; extend them to evry other article, you know to be material for the Army; your own prudence will point out the least exceptionable means to be pursued in these instances; but remember, that delicacy and a strict adherence to the ordinary modes of application must give place to our necessity’s. We must if possible, accommodate the Soldiery with such articles as they stand in need of or we shall have just reasons to apprehend the most injurious & alarming consequences from the approaching season. As fast as you collect Shoes & Blankets you will send them off by some interior middle road, that they may be secure, with peremptory orders to those who shall have em in charge, not to delay a moment in getting them to the Army. The business you are upon I know is disagreable, & perhaps in the execution, you may meet with more obstacles than were at first apprehended & also with opposition to the parties I have mention’d; call in such a number of Militia as you may think necessary, observing however over the conduct of the whole, a strict discipline, to prevent evry species of rapine & disorder. If Mr Mease has any under Jackets & stockings, he should order a supply to be forwarded to the Army as soon as possible. This you will tell him.
I am Dr Sr   Yr &c.
GW
ps I doubt not but Mr Mease has remov’d all the clothing ‘ere this but you’ll mention the propriety of doing it immediately, in case of accidents.
To Colo Hamilton.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 22 September 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Livingston, William

Philadelphia Sepr. 22d 1777
Sir,
I am in Philadelphia on some business of great importance to the army; to execute which I stand in need of a party of about 100 men which are not readily to be procured here. If Your Excy. will be pleased to order over such a party under good active officers, you will equally serve the public & oblige.   Yr. Excy’s   Most Obed servt.
A Hamilton ADC


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [23 September 1777]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Philadelphia, September 23, 1777]
by Virtue of powers from His Excellency General Washington I do hereby Authorise you to require from the inhabitants, contributions of Blankets and Cloathing of every kind and to take whatever materials you know will be useful to the Army that you may find in the Stores keeping an account of the same and giving receipts.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White, [23 September 1777]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: White, Anthony Walton

[Philadelphia, September 23, 1777]
Sir,
In consequence of orders received from His Excellency General Washington, I desire you will press all the horses in this city & neighbourhood in order to be conveyed thence to some place more remote from the present seat of the war, except such as come under the following description: Those which are the property of poor needy persons, whose livelihood depends upon them, and those which belong to transient persons, or persons who are on the point of leaving the city, and will want their horses for the purpose. This is the general outline of your duty: such deviations as particular circumstances may require are left to your discretion.
I am Sir   Your most Obedt serv
A Hamilton ADC
Sep: 23d. 1777
To Lt Col: White


Title: George Washington to the Board of War, 28 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Pennypackers Mill [Pennsylvania] September 28, 1777. Asks Board of War to order the militia “from the Southward” to join the main Army.


Title: George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 September 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Skippack [Pennsylvania] September 30, 1777. Approves of Heath’s action in supplying Continental frigates with needed ammunition and is pleased with the capture of prizes. Sends news of successes in North and of British occupation of Philadelphia. Repeats orders to forward three regiments from Massachusetts.


Title: George Washington to Colonel Jonathan Mifflin, 1 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Jonathan

[Skippack, Pennsylvania] October 1, 1777. Orders Mifflin to remove stores from Trenton.


Title: George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, 1 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan

[Skippack, Pennsylvania] October 1, 1777. Discusses promotion of Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs and sends news of fall of Philadelphia.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Count Casimir Pulaski, [2 October 1777]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Pulaski, Casimir, Count

[Worcester Township, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1777]
Monsieur,
Son Excellence vous desire d’assembler toute la cavalerie le plutot possible prés de ses quartiers, ou vous trouverez de place propre pous les accommoder, ceux qui sont utilement employé excepté. Vous informerez son Excellence dés le moment de votre arrivé. I’l n’y a pas du temps a perdre.
J suis   Votre serveteur tres hum
A Hamilton
Peter Wentz, Worcester Township
Octor. 2d. 1777


Title: George Washington to John Hancock, 5 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Near Pennypackers Mill [Pennsylvania] October 5, 1777. Describes the “unfortunate” attack on Germantown.


Title: George Washington to Sir William Howe, 6 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

[Near Pennypackers Mill, Pennsylvania] October 6, 1777. Returns a lost dog belonging to General Howe.


Title: George Washington to John Hancock, 7 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

Near Pennypackers Mill [Pennsylvania] October 7, 1777. Reports American losses at Germantown and estimates British losses. Intends to rest the men and wait for reinforcements. Reports on naval forces on the Delaware. Asks for more general officers. Recommends Brigadier General Alexander McDougall for promotion. Urges speedy completion of inquiry into Major General Arthur St. Clair. Reports arrival of British ships at Verplanks Point.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 7 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

Pawlins Mill [Pennsylvania] October 7, 1777. Orders Varnum to “the Baptist meeting House in Montgomery Township” to meet main Army.


Title: George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Armstrong, John

[Pawlins Mill, Pennsylvania] October 8, 1777. Instructs Armstrong to send Brigadier General James Potter and six hundred men to intercept British communications between Philadelphia and Chester. Expects to be informed of Potter’s actions.


Title: George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 8 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Christopher

[Pawlins Mill, Pennsylvania] October 8, 1777. Orders Greene’s regiment and that of Colonel Israel Angell to Red Bank as a special detachment with Greene in command.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Silas Newcomb, 10 October 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Newcomb, Silas

Head Quarters [Towamencin, Pennsylvania] October 10th. 1777
Sir,
I am desired by His Excellency, to inform you that, on a second consideration, it has been thought inexpedient to send as many Continental troops to Red-bank, as was at first intended; and that the number, now on their march for that place, will be rather insufficient for the defence of it. He therefore requests you will, in addition to the Continental troops, furnish from a 100 to 150 of your Militia, to complete the number necessary for the security of a post of such essential consequence; and that you will hold the rest of the troops under your command, in constant readiness to cooperate with the Garrison, whenever the enemy shall make an attempt upon it.
I am &c
AH ADC


Title: George Washington to Major John Jameson, 11 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Jameson, John

[Skippack Camp, Pennsylvania] October 11, 1777. Orders Jameson to collect horses, clothing, and other supplies for Army.


Title: George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 14 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Christopher

[Towamencin, Pennsylvania] October 14, 1777. Orders Greene to send sufficient men to replace deserters in Commodore John Hazelwood’s fleet and to assist Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith.


Title: George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 14 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Samuel

[Towamencin, Pennsylvania] October 14, 1777. Hopes that Smith will be more successful in the future in gaining control of enemy’s batteries. Has ordered Colonel Christopher Greene to assist Smith.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Christopher Greene, 15 October 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Greene, Christopher

Head Quarters [Towamencin, Pennsylvania] Octor. 15th. 1777. 11 OClock PM.
Sir
His Excellency is persuaded by intelligence from different Quarters that the Enemy are determin’d to endeavour, by a speedy & vigorous effort to carry Fort Mifflin, and for this purpose are preparing a  considerable force. Their attempt will probably be sudden & violent as they are hardly in a situation to delay a matter so essential to them as that of removing the River obstructions. It is of infinite importance to disappoint their intentions in this instance, as their keeping or evacuating Philadelphia materially depends upon their having the communication with their shipping immediately opened, & it is not unlikely they may dispair of effecting it, if they should fail in the push which is imagin’d they are now about to make. Colo Smiths present force is not as great as could be wish’d, & requires to be augmented to put him in a condition to make an effectual opposition. The Genl would therefore have you to detach immediately as large a part of your force as you possibly can in aid of his garrison. He cannot well determine what proportion; this must be regulated by circumstances & appearances, but his present idea is that the principal part should go to his assistance: To enable you the better to spare a respectable reinforcement, He has directed Genl Newcomb to send his Brigade of Militia to Red Bank or as many of them as he can prevail upon to go. Colo Angell will also March tomorrow morning to join you with his Regt. The Garrisons & Fleet may be inform’d of these succours by way of keeping up their spirits. It will not be adviseable to trust to the houses in the Neighbourhood of your Post, as these in case of an investiture will fail you, which makes it prudent to have a sufficient Number of huts before hand prepar’d within the Fort. He hopes & doubts not you will keep fully in mind the prodigious importance of not suffering the Enemy to get entire possession of the Delaware & will spare no pains nor activity to frustrate their efforts for that purpose. He begs you to be watchfull on ev’ry Quarter & industrious in stopping ev’ry avenue by which you are assailable, cautious not to pay too much attention to any one part of your works, & neglect the others, but take ev’ry precaution to strengthen the whole, for otherwise the greatest danger may be where you least expect it.
I am &c.
AH ADC
To Colo Green


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 15–19 October 1777
From: Fleury, Marquis de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River] October 15–19, 1777. Discusses defences of Fort Mifflin and the British attack on the fort.


Title: George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 18 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Christopher

[Worcester, Pennsylvania] October 18, 1777. Informs Greene that Baron d’Arendt will assume command of Fort Mifflin and that Lieutenant Colonel John Green, with reinforcements, is on the way to the fort. Sends news of surrender of General John Burgoyne.


Title: George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 18 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Samuel

[Worcester, Pennsylvania] October 18, 1777. Informs Smith that Baron d’Arendt will assume command of Fort Mifflin and that Lieutenant Colonel John Green, with reinforcements, is on the way to the fort. Sends news of the surrender of General John Burgoyne. Suggests a plan to prevent British from preparing floating batteries.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 21 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Forman, David

[Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania] October 21, 1777. Believes that British will attack Red Bank. Requests Forman to collect as many militiamen as possible and go to aid of that post. Has asked Brigadier General Silas Newcomb to do the same.


Title: [To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington], [21 October 1777]
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1777]


Title: George Washington to John Hancock, 22 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

[Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania] October 22, 1777. Regrets that Hancock is forced to retire as President of Continental Congress because of poor health and the pressure of private affairs.


Title: George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

[Whitpain Township [Pennsylvania] October 22, 1777. Discusses distribution of newly arrived supplies. Sends news of General John Burgoyne’s defeat. Describes recent movements of enemy.


Title: George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

[Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania] October 24, 1777. Answers questions concerning Sullivan’s conduct at Brandywine.


Title: Baron d’Arendt to Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, 26 October [1777]
From: Arendt, Henry Leonard Philip
To: Hamilton, Alexander,Laurens, John

Fort Mifflin [on Mud Island in the Delaware River] October 26 [1777]. Discusses plans for defence of Fort Mifflin.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 26 October 1777
From: Fleury, Marquis de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River] October 26, 1777. Describes the situation at Fort Mifflin. Expects an assault.


Title: George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Green, 28 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Green, John

[Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania] October 28, 1777. States that in Baron d’Arendt’s absence, Fort Mifflin is to be under command of Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 28 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

[Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania] October 28, 1777. Orders Varnum to Woodbury to cooperate with those already there for the relief of Fort Mifflin and the garrison at Red Bank.


Title: Council of War, 29 October 1777
From: Council of War,Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Whitpain Township [Pennsylvania] October 29, 1777. Hamilton recorded the minutes of this meeting.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 30 October 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Head Quarters Philada: County 30th: October 1777
Dear Sir
It having been judged expedient by the Members of ⟨a⟨ Council of War held yesterday, that one of the Gentlemen of my family should be sent to Genl: Gates in order to lay befor⟨e⟩ him the State of this Army; and the Situation of the Ene⟨my⟩ and to point out to him the many happy Consequences that will accrue from an immediate reinforceme⟨nt⟩ being sent from the Nothern Army; I have thought ⟨it⟩ proper to appoint you that duty, and desire that yo⟨u⟩ will immediately set out for Albany, at which pla⟨ce⟩ or in the neighbourhood, I imagine you will find ⟨Genl:⟩ Gates
You are so fully acquainted with the two princip⟨al⟩ points on which you are sent, namely the state of ⟨our⟩ Army and the Situation of the Enemy, that I Sha⟨ll not⟩ enlarge on those Heads; what you are chiefly to at⟨tend⟩ to, is to point out in the Clearest and fullest manner ⟨to⟩ Genl: Gates the absolute necessity that there is for ⟨his⟩ detaching a very considerable part of the Army at pre⟨sent⟩ under his Command to the reinforcement of this; a measure that will in all probability reduce Genl: H⟨owe⟩ to the same situation in which Genl: Burgoine now ⟨is⟩ should he attempt to remain in Philadelphia with⟨out⟩ being able to remove the obstructions in Delaware, & open⟨ing⟩ a free communication with his Shipping.
The force which the Members of the Counc⟨il⟩ of War judge it safe and expidient to draw down at prese⟨nt⟩ are the three New Hampshire, and Fifteen Massachus⟨setts⟩ Regiments, with Lee’s and Jacksons, two of the 16 adition⟨al⟩. But it is more than probable that Gen Gates may ha⟨ve des⟩tined part of those Troops to the reduction of Ticondero⟨ga⟩ should the Enemy not have evacuated it, or to the garriso⟨nning⟩ of it. If they Should, in that case, the reinforcement will vary according to Circumstances; but, if possible, let it be made up to the same Number out of other Corps.
If upon your meeting with Genl: Gates, you should find that he intends in Consequence of his Success to employ the Troops under his Command upon some expedition by the prosecution of which the common cause will be more benefitted than by their being sent down to reinforce this Army, it is not my wish to give any interruption to the plan. But if he should have nothing more in contemplation than those particular objects which I have mention’d to you, and which it is unnecessary to commit to paper, in that case you are to inform him that it is my desire that the reinforcements before mentioned, or such part of them as can be safely spared, be immediately put in motion to join this Army.
I have under stood that Genl: Gates has already detached Nixons & Glovers Brigades to join Genl: Putnam, and Genl: Dickinson informs me Sr: Henry Clinton has come down the River with his whole force. If this be a fact, you are to desire Genl: Putnam to send the two Brigades forward with the greatest expedition, as there can be no occasion for them there.
I expect you will meet Colo: Morgans Corps upon their way downe, if you do, let them know how essential their services are to us, and desire the Colo. or Commanding Officer to hasten their March as much as it is consistent with the health of the Men, after their late fatigues.
Let me hear from you when you reach the North River, and upon your arrival at Albany. I wish you a pleasent Journey And am   Dr: Sir   Your most obt. Servant
Go: Washington
P.S. I ordered the detatchments belonging to Genl. Mcdougalls Division to come forward. If you meet them direct those belonging to Green’s, Angell’s, Chandlers and Durgees Regt. not to cross Delaware but to proceed to Red Bank.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 November 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Head Quarters Fish Kill [New York]Novemr. 2d. 1777
Dear Sir,
I lodged last night in the neighbourhood of New Windsor. This morning early, I met Col: Morgan with his corps about a mile from it, in march for Head Quarters. I told him the necessity of making all the dispatch he could so as not to fatigue his men too much, which he has promised to do.
I understood from Col: Morgan that all the Northern army were marching down on both sides the River, and would probably be to-morrow at New Windsor and this place; and that General Putnam had held a council for the general disposition of them, in which it was resolved to send you 4000 men, and to keep the rest on this side the River. I came here in expectation that matters were in such a train as to enable me to accomplish my errand without going any farther; unless it should be to hasten the troops that were on their march. But on my arrival, I learn from Mr Hughes and Aid De Camp of General Gates, that the following disposition of the Northern army had taken place.
General Patersons, Glovers & Nixons brigades, & Col. Warners mountain boys to remain in and about Albany; barracks building for them.
General Poor’s Brigade marching down this side of the River to join General Putnam; will probably be here tomorrow. General Larned’s brigade, Morgan’s corps, Warn⟩er’s⟩ Brigade of Massachusettes militia & some Regimen⟨ts⟩ of N York militia—on their march on the West side of the River.

I have directed General Putnam, in your name, to send forward with all dispatch to join you, the two Continental brigades & Warner’s Militia brigade. This last is to serve ’till the latter end of this month. Your instructions did not comprehend any militia; but as there are certain accounts here that most of the troops from New York are gone to reinforce General Howe, and as so large a proportion of the Continental troops have been detained at Albany, I concluded you would not disapprove of a measure calculated to strengthen you, though but for a small time, and have ventured to adopt it, on that presumption. Being informed by General Putnam, that General Wynds, with 700 Jersey militia were at Kings ferry, with intention to cross to Peeks-Kill, I prevailed upon him to relinquish that idea & send off an immediate order for them to march towards Red-bank. It is possible however, unless your Excellency supports this order by an application from yourself, he may march his men home instead of to the place he has been directed to repair to. Neither Lee’s Jackson’s Regiments, nor the detachments belonging to General McDougall’s division have yet marched. I have pressed their being sent, and an order has been dispatched for their instantly proceeding.
Col: Hughes is pressing some Fresh horses, for me. The moment they are ready I shall recross the River in order to fall in with the troops on the other side, and make all the haste I can to Albany to get the three brigades there sent forward.
Will your Excellency permit me to observe, that I have some doubts under present circumstances and appearances of the propriety of leaving the regiments proposed to be left in this quarter? But if my doubts on this subject were stronger than they are I am forbid by the sense of Council from interfering in the matter.
I have the honor to be With the warmest esteem &   respect Your Excelly. most Obedt serv.
A. Hamilton
General Poor’s Brigade is just arrived here. They will proceed to join you with all expedition. So strongly am I impressed with the importance of endeavoring to crush Mr. Howe, that I am apt to think it would be adviseable to draw off all the Continental troops. Had this been determined on, General Warner’s 1600 militia might have been left here.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Fleury, 4–8 November 1777
From: Fleury, Marquis de
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Fort Mifflin on Mud Island in the Delaware River] November 4–8, 1777. Acknowledges receipt of “His Excellencys order authorizing me to exercise the functions of Engineer at Fort Mifflin.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 5 November 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gates, Horatio

Albany, Novemr. 5th. 1777
Sir,
By inquiry, I have learned that General Patterson’s brigade, which is the one you propose to send is, by far, the weakest of the three now here, and does not consist of more than about 600 rank and file fit for duty. It is true there is a militia regiment with it of about 200, but the term of service for which this regiment is engaged is so near expiring, that it would be past by the time the men could arrive at the place of their destination, and to send them would be to fatigue the men to no purpose. Under these circumstances, I cannot consider it either as compatible with the good of the service or my instructions from His Excellency General Washington, to consent, that that brigade be selected from the three, to go to him; but I am under the necessity of requiring, by virtue of my orders from him, that one of the others be substituted instead of this; either General Nixons or General Glover’s, and that you will be pleased to give immediate orders for its embarkation.
Knowing that General Washington wished me to pay great deference to your judgment, I ventured so far to deviate, from the instructions he gave me as to consent, in compliance with your opinion that two brigades should remain here instead of one. At the same time permit me to observe that I am not myself sensible of the expediency of keeping more than one here, in conjunction with the detached regiments in the neighbourhood of this place; and that my ideas coincide with those of Gentlemen, whom I have consulted on the occasion, whose judgment I have more reliance upon than my own and who must be supposed to have a thorough knowlege of the circumstances, necessary to enter into the question. Their opinion is, that one brigade with the regiments before mentioned would amply answer the purposes of this post. When I preferred your opinion to other considerations, I did not imagine you would pitch upon a brigade little more than half as large as the others; and finding this to be the case I indispensibly owe it to my duty, to desire in His Excellency’s name, that another brigade may go instead of the one intended. As it may be conducive to dispatch, that Genl. Glovers brigade should be the one; if agreeable to you; you will give directions accordingly.
I have the honor to be   With real respect & esteem   Sir   Your most Obedt serv
Alex Hamilton ADC
If you think proper to order Glovers brigade and will be pleased to send your orders to me, I will have them immediately forwarded.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 5–8 November 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Putnam, Israel

[Albany, November 5–8, 1777. On November 9, 1777, Hamilton wrote to Putnam: “I wrote to you from Albany.” Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [6] November 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Albany, November [6] 1777
Dr Sir,
I arrived here yesterday at Noon and waited upon General Gates immediately on the business of my mission; but was sorry to find his ideas did not correspond with yours for drawing off the number of troops you directed. I used every argument in my power to convince him of the propriety of the measure, but he was inflexible in the opinion that two Brigades at least of Continental troops should remain in and near this place. His reasons were, that the intelligence of Sir Harry Clinton’s having gone to join Burgoigne was not sufficiently authenticated to put it out of doubt; That there was therefore a possibility of his returning up the River which might expose the finest arsenal in America (as he calls the one here) to destruction should this place be left so bare of troops as I proposed; And That the want of conveniences and the difficulty of the roads would make it impossible to remove the Artillery & stores here for a considerable time; That the New England States would be left open to the depredations & ravages of the enemy; That it would put it out of his power to entreprise any thing against Ticonderoga, which he thinks might be done in the Winter, and which he considers it of importance to undertake.
The force of these reasons did by no means strike me, and I did everything ⟨in⟩ my power to show they were unsubstantial; but all I could effect was to have one Brigade dispatched in addition to those already march⟨ed⟩. I found myself infinitely embarrassed ⟨and⟩ was at a loss how to act. I felt the importance of strengthening you as much as possible, ⟨but⟩ on the other hand, I found insuperable inconviences in acting diametrically opposite ⟨to⟩ the opinion of a Gentleman, whose successes have raised him into the highest importance. General Gates has won the intire confidence of the Eastern States; if disposed to do it by addressing himself to the prejudices of the people he would find no difficulty to render a measure odious; which it might be said, with plausibility enough to be believed, was calculated to expose them to unnecessary danger, not withstanding their exertions during the campaign had given them the fullest title to repose and security. General Gates has influence and interest elsewhere; he might use it, if he pleased, to discredit the measure there also. On the whole it appeared to me dangerous to insist on sending more troops from hence while General Gates appeared so warmly opposed to it. Should any accident or inconvenience happen in consequence of it, there would be too fair a pretext for censure, and many people are too-well-disposed to lay hold of it. At any rate it might be considered as using him ill to take a step so contrary to his judgment in a case of this nature. These considerations and others which I shall be more explicit in when I have the pleasure of seeing you determined me not to insist upon sending either of the other brigades remaining here. I am afraid what I have done may not meet with your approbation as not being perhaps fully warranted by your instructions; but I ventured to do what I thought right, hoping that at least the goodness of my intention will excuse the error of my judgment.
I was induced to this relaxation the more readily, as I had directed to be sent on two thousand militia, which were not expected by you, and a thousand Continental troops out of those proposed to be left with General Putnam; which I have written to him since I found how matters were circumstanced here, to forward to you with all dispatch. I did this for several reasons; because your reinforcemt. would be more expeditious from that place than from this; because two thousand Continental troops at Peeks-Kill will not be wanted in its present circumstances; especially as it was really necessary to have a body of Continental troops at this place for the security of the valuable stores here, and I should not, if I had my wish, think it expedient to draw off more than two of the three brigades now here. This being the case, one of the ends you proposed to be answered by leaving the ten Regiments with General Putnam will be equally answered by the troops here; I mean that of covering and satisfying the Eastern states; and 1000 Continental troops, in addition to the militia collected and that may be collected there, will be sufficient in the Highlands for covering the Country down that way and carrying on the works necessary to be raised for the defence of the River.
The troops gone and going to reinforce you are near 5000 Rank & file Continental troops & 2500 Massachusettes and New Hampshire militia. These and the seven hundred Jersey militia will be a larger reinforcement than you expected, though not quite an equal number of Continental troops; nor exactly in the way directed. General Lincoln tells me the militia are very excellent; and though their times will be out by the last of this month, you will be able if you think proper to order the troops still remaining here to join you by the time their term of service expires.
I cannot forbear being uneasy, lest my conduct should prove displeasing to you; but I have done, what considering all circumstances, appeared to me most eligible and prudent.
I have the honor to be with   great esteem & respect   Your Excellencys   Most Obed Serv
Alex Hamilton
Vessels are preparing to carry the brigade to New Windsor, which will embark this evening. I shall this afternoon set out on my return to Camp, and, on my way, shall endeavor to hasten the troops forward.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 November 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Putnam, Israel

Head Quarters New Windsor [New York] Novr. 9th. 1777
Sir,
I cannot forbear Confessing that I am astonishd. and Alarm’d beyond measure, to find that all his Excellency’s Views have been hitherto flustrated, and that no single step of those I mention’d to you has been taken to afford him the aid he absolutely stands in Need of, and by Delaying which the Cause of America is put to the Utmost conceivable Hazard.
I so fully explaind to you the Generals Situation, that I could not entertain a Doubt you would make it the first object of your Attention to Reinforce him with that speed the exigency of affairs demanded; but I am sorry to say, he will have too much Reason to think other Objects, in Comparison with that Insignificant, have been Uppermost. I speak freely, and emphatically, because I tremble at the Consequences of the Delay has hap[pe]ned. General Clintons Reinforcement is prob[ab]ly by this time with Mr. Howe; this will give him a Decicive superiority over our Army. What may be the Issue of such a state of things, I Leave to the feelings of every friend to his Country capable of foreseeing Consequences. My Expressions may prehaps have more Warmth than is altogether proper: But they proceed from the overflowing of my heart in a matter where I conceive this Continent essentially Interested. I wrote to you from Albany, desired you would send a thousand Continental Troops of those first proposed to be left with you. This I Understand has not been done; how the Non Complyance can be answered to Genl. Washington you can best Determine.
I now Sir, in the most explicit terms, by his Excellency’s Authority, give it as a positive Order from him, that all the Continental Troops under your Command may be Immediately marched to Kings Ferry, there to Cross the River and hasten to Reinforce the Army under him.
The Massachusetts Militia are to be detaind instead of them, untill the Troops coming from the Northward arrive. When they do, they will replace them, as far as I am Instructed the Troops you shall send away, in Consequence of this Requisition.

The Generals Idea of keeping troops this way does not extend farther than Covering the Country from any little uruptions of Small parties and carrying on the Works Necessary for the Security of the River. As to attacking New York, that he thinks ought to be out of the Question at Present. If men could be spared from the other Really Necessary Objects he would have no objections to attempting a divertion by way of New York, but nothing further.
As the times of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Militia will soon expire, it will be proper to Call in time for a Reinforcement from Connecticut. Governor Clinton will do all in his power to promote objects, in which the state he Commands in is so Immediately Concernd.
General Glovers and Pattersons Brigades are on their way down. The Number of Continental Troops Necessary for this Post, will be furnished out of them.
I cannot but have the fullest Confidence, you will Use Your Utmost exertions to execute the Business of this Letter and am
with great Respect   Sir   Your Mos. Obt Servt

A Hamilton ADC
To Major Genl Putnam


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 11 November 1777
From: Poor, Brigadier General Enoch
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Fishkill, New York, November 11, 1777. On November 12, Hamilton wrote to Washington: “By a letter … of yesterday, General Poor informs me… “Letter not found.]


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 12 November 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

New Windsor [New York] November12th 1777
Dear Sir,
I have been detained here these two days by a fever and violent rheumatic pains throughout my body. This has prevented my being active in person for promoting the purposes of my errand, but I have taken every other method in my power, in which Governor Clinton has obligingly given me all the aid he could. In answer to my pressing application to General Poor for the immediate marching of his brigade, I was told they were under an operation for the itch, which made it impossible for them to proceed till the effects of it were over. By a letter however of yesterday, General Poor informs me he would certainly march this morning. I must do him the justice to say, he appears solicitous to join you; and that I beleive the past delay is not owing to any fault of his, but is wholly chargeable on General Putnam. Indeed Sir, I owe it to the service to say that every part of this Gentleman’s conduct is marked with blunders and negligence, and gives general disgust.
Parson’s brigade will join you I hope in five or six days from this. Larned’s may do the same. Poors will, I am persuaded, make all the haste they can for the future, and Glovers may be expected at Fish Kill tonight, whence they will be pushed forward as fast as I can have any influence to make them go; but I am sorry to say, the disposition for marching in the officers and men in general of these troops, does not keep pace with my wishes or the exigency of the occasion. They have unfortunately imbibed an idea that they have done their part of the business of the campaign and are now intitled to repose. This and the want of pay make them averse to a long march at this advanced Season.
A letter from you to General Putnam of the 9th. fell just now into my hands. As it might possibly contain something useful to me, I took the liberty of opening it and after reading it, immediately dispatched it to him. If he has paid any attention to my last letters to him, things will be in a right train for executing the order in yours; but whether he has or not is a matter of doubt. In a letter from him just now received by Governor Clinton, he appears to have been the 10th. Instant at Kings street, at the White-plains. I have had no answer to my last applications.
The enemy appear to have stripped New York very bare. The people there (that is the tories) are in a very great fright. This adds to my anxiety, that the reinforcements from this quarter to you, are not in greater forwardness and more considerable.
I have written to General Gates, informing him of the accounts of the situation of New York, with respect to troops, and the probability of the force gone to Howe being greater than was at first expected—to try if this will not extort from him a further reinforcement. I don’t however expect much from him; as he pretends to have in view an expedition against Ticonderoga, to be undertaken in the Winter; and he knows, that under the sanction of this idea, calculated to catch the Eastern people, he may without ⟨cen⟩sure retain the troops. And as I shall be ⟨under⟩ a necessity of speaking plainly to Y⟨our⟩ ⟨Excellen⟩cy when I have the pleasure of seeing ⟨you,⟩ I shall not hesitate to say, I doubt whethe⟨r⟩ you would have had a man from the Northern Ar⟨my⟩ if the whole could have been kept at Albany, with any decency. Perhaps you will think me blameable in not having exercised the powers you gave me, and given a positive order. Perhaps I have been so; but deliberately weighing all circumstances, I did not and do not think it advisable to do it.
I have the honor to be   With Unfeigned esteem & regard   Yr. Excellys.   Most Obed servt
A Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 13 November 177[7]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Gates, Horatio

Fish Kill [New York] Novemr. 13. 177⟨7⟩
Sir,
Since my arrival in this quarter, I have been endeavouring to collect the best idea I could, of the state of things in New York in order the better to form a judgment of the probable reinforcement gone to General Howe. On the whole, these are facts well ascertained, that New York has been stripped extremely bare; That in consequence of this the few troops left there and the inhabitants are under so strong apprehensions of an attack as almost to amount to a panic dread; That to supply the deficency of men, every effort is making to excite the citizens to arms in defence of the city; And for this purpose, the public papers are full of addresses to them that speak plainly the alarm prevailing on the occasion.
I infer from hence, that a very formidable reinforcement is gone to General Howe. The calculations made by those who have had the best opportunities of judging make the number from 6 to 7000. If so, the number gone and going to General Washington is far inferior—5000 at the utmost. The militia were all detained by General Putnam ’till it became too late to send them.
The state of things I gave you when I had the pleasure of seeing you was, to the best of my knowledge, sacredly true. I give you the present information, that you may decide whether any further succour can with propriety come from you.
The fleet with the troops on board sailed out of the Hook the 5th. Instant. This circumstance demonstrates beyond a possibility of doubt, that it is General Howe’s fixed intention to endeavour to hold Philadelphia, at all hazards, and removes all danger of any further operations up the North River this winter: otherwise this movement at so advanced a season is altogether inexplicable.
If you can with propriety afford more aid, the most expeditious mode of conveying it will be to acquaint General Putnam of it that he may send on the troops with him to be replaced by them. You Sir best know the uses to which the troops with you are destined and will determine accordingly; I am certain, it is not His Excellency’s wish to interrupt any plan you may have formed for the benefit of the service so far as it can possibly be avoided, consistent with a due attention to more important objects.
I am with Respect   Sir   Your most Obed serv
Alex Hamilton ADC


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 15 November 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Peeks Kill [New York] November 15. 1777Mr. Kennedy’s house
Sir
I arrived at this place last night and unfortunately find myself unable to proceed any further. Imagining I had gotten the better of my complaints while confined at Governor Clinton’s & anxious to be about, attending to the march of the troops, the day before yesterday I crossed the ferry in order to fall in with General Glover’s brigade which was on its march from Poughkepsie to Fish Kill. I did not however see it myself but received a letter from Col. Shepherd, who commands the Brigade informing me he would be last night at Fish Kill and this night at Kings Ferry. Waggons &c. are provided on the other side for his accomodation so that there need be no delay but what is voluntary, and I believe Col. Shepherd is as well disposed as could be wished ⟨to hasten⟩ his march. General Poors Brigade crossed the ferry the day before yesterday. ⟨Two⟩ York regiments, Cortlands & Livingstons, are with them. They were unwilling to be separated from the Brigade and the Brigade from them. General Putnam was unwilling to keep them with him, and if he had consented to do it, the regiments to replace them would not ⟨join you⟩ six days as soon as these. The troops ⟨now⟩ remaining with General Putnam ⟨will amount⟩ to about the number you intended, though ⟨they⟩ are not exactly the same. He has ⟨detached⟩ Col. Charles Webbs regiment to you. ⟨He.⟩ says the troops with him are not in a ⟨condition.⟩ to march being destitute of shoes, stockings ⟨and.⟩ other necessaries; but I believe the true ⟨reasons⟩ of his being unwilling to persue the mo⟨de pointed⟩ out by you were his aversion to the Yor⟨k troops,⟩ and his desire to retain General Par⟨sons with⟩ him.
I am with much respect ⟨and esteem⟩   Yr. Excellys.   Most Obed. servt.
A Hamilton


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 15 November 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania] 15th. Novemr. 1777
Dear Sir
I have duly received your several favours from the time you left me to that of the 12th. inst. I approve intirely of all the Steps you have taken, and have only to wish that the exertions of those you have had to deal with had kept pace with your Zeal and good intentions. I hope your health will before this have permitted you to push on the Rear of the whole reinforcement beyond New Windsor. Some of the Enemy’s Ships have arrived in the Delaware, but how many have Troops on board I cannot exactly ascertain. The Enemy have lately damaged Fort Mifflin considerably, but our people keep possession and seem determined to do so to the last extremity. Our loss in Men has been but small. Capt Treat is unfortunately among the killed.
I wish you a safe return and am   Dear Sir   Your most obt Servt.
Go. Washington


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Knox, 10 December 1777
From: Knox, Hugh
To: Hamilton, Alexander

St Croix Decr. 10th. 1777
Dear Hamilton
The fine, impartial, laconic & highly descriptive account you favour’d me with of the last Years Campain, in your letter of March last, excited in me, & many of your other friends here, an earnest desire of farther accounts from your pen of the succeeding fortunes of the Great American War; A War which will, one day, shine more illustriously in the historic page, than any which has happened since the times of Nimrod & the Giants. And deservedly, on account of the Goodness of the Cause, the grandeur of the Object, the eclat of the Generals, the bravery of the troops & (alas! that I should be obliged to add) of the cruelty & ferocity which has marked the route of yr. Enemies, & the tons of brother’s blood which have been shed on the unhappy Occasion!
I wrote two Answers to your Obliging letter, both of which, I hope, have reached you, & in both of which I have urged it upon you to make & Collect such memoires, as the Urgency of your affairs will permit you, which may furnish Materials for an Accurate history of the War, when you ⟨shall⟩ have leisure to fill up & Embellish Such a Skeleton, with ⟨all⟩ that eligance & dignity of which your fine pen is Capable. The Honourable post you hold under the Great Gen: Washington & so near his person, will give you a peculiar advantage for delineating his Character, both in his Amiable private Virtues & military abilities. And depend upon it the Very Minutiæ of that incomparable man Will be read with Avidity by posterity. You know me too well, I hope, to Suspect me of Superstition. Yet I feel myself, at times, under a strong Impulse, to prophesy that Washington was born for the Deliverance of America; that that Providence who has raised & trained him up for that Very purpose will watch over his Sacred life with a paternal & solicitious Care, will Shield his head in every Day of Battle, Will Guide him to See America free, flourishing & happy, and Will Adorn his fame, among latest posterity, with a Garland of Laurel more Verdant, blooming & enviable, than ever adorn’d the brow of A Marlborough!
The Bearer of this line (if he shall be indeed so fortunate as to put it into your Hand) is our worthy friend Mr. Cornelius Durant, who is possessed of an ardent desire of having the Honour of a Short Interview With General Washington, principally, that he may have it to say that he has seen & Spoken to the Greatest Man of this Age; &, indeed, Considering Mr. Durant’s Personal Worth, his uncommon Zeal for & attachment to the American Cause, the losses he has Sustain’d in attempting to assist her, & his extraordinary Admiration of & love to the General’s Character & person, few men more richly merit this Indulgence. If you Still exist, & exist near the General’s person (And I have not Yet Seen your Name Among the lists of the Slain, or the disgraced!), you can easily procure him this Honour. And I trust you will.
We are now blessed with, & Certified of the Glorious News of Burgoine’s Surrender to the Immortal Gates; another bright Star in the Constellation of American Heroes. And we are momently Expecting to hear that Gen: Washington has done Something like the Same by Gen: Howe!—but we Yet tremble in Suspence; & it is indeed a painful one. Probably before this letter goes, we shall hear more of the matter. Our general accts. are favourable; and while the Cheveaux de fries are defended, who have no fears about Philada. May this campain decide the matter!
By the time this reaches you, you will be (if you are at all) ⟨in wi⟩nter Quarters, & perhaps may be at leisure to write me a ⟨ha⟩lf-folio, of which Mr. Durant will take Care to write ⟨me⟩ duplicates or triplicates for fear of miscarriage.
A Piece of mine, Intitled “An Address to America, by a friend in a foreign Government,” has been sent to the Congress, for publicatn. (if approv’d). I know not yet its fate. It is at least an honestly designed & animating piece, but written incorrectly & in a hurry. If you have seen it, pray give me your sentiments about it. But let it be on a loose paper inclosed in your letter, for the Knowledge of my being the Author must be a profound Secret here.
My Wishes Are that the God of Armies may defend & protect You, & Cause You happily to survive, & to hand down to posterity, the present important Scenes. Numbers here esteem you & would join me in declaring themselves, as I do,   Dear Hamilton,   Your ever Affectionate friend   & Servt.
Hugh Knox


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 22 December 1777
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Clinton, George

Peekskill, [New York] Decr. 22d. 1777
Dear Sir,
During my stay in this place, I have received intimations that certain officers high in command in this quarter have been guilty of practices, equally unjust, disgraceful to the Army, and injurious to the common cause; I mean seizing the property of the inhabitants of this State, and converting it to their own use, without any compensation either to the right owners, or to the State. A particular instance, among others, I have heard mentioned is, that at the time of some incursion of the enemy this way, a great number of cattle belonging to the inhabitants were driven off—sold at a kind of mock auction by order of a general officer—sent into Connecticut, and no kind of account rendered of the proceeds. Such enormities, if real, are evidently of the most mischievous tendency; a timely stop ought by all means to be put to them, and the perpetrators brought to an exemplary punishment. When I heard of them, I determined to make a careful scrutiny into the matter, in order to furnish myself with proper materials to lay before General Washington, as a foundation for an inquiry into it. But my slow recovery and my impatience to get home will not allow me leisure nor opportunity to pursue my intention, and gain the necessary information. My feelings however, on the occasion, induced me to mention the matter to you, and to take the liberty to suggest, that in my opinion, every consideration makes it well worth while to have facts ascertained, and if they are found to be such as I am told, to prosecute those who are guilty. I know General Washington, if proper representations came before him, would take effectual measures to show his abhorrence of such iniquitous conduct.
Thank God! I am now so far recovered that I promise myself, if the weather is good, to begin my journey to Head Quarters tomorrow.
Accept my respectful acknowledgments for the interest you took in the restoration of my health, and in the safety of my person during my illness; and believe me to be with real regard and esteem, Yr. Excell’y’s most obedt. Servant,
A. Hamilton
Capt. Gibbs desires me to offer his respectful compliments.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 22–23 December 1777
From: Clinton, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[December 22–23, 1777. On December 28 Clinton wrote to Hamilton: “I was favoured with the Receipt of your Letter of the 22d Instant some Days since and returned a short Answer to it by the Express who brought it.” Letter not found.]


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Stevens, 23 December 1777
From: Stevens, Edward
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Edinburgh Decem: 23rd. 1777
My Dear Hamilton
Tho’ I have written you so repeatedly since my Arrival in Scotland, without having ever received an Answer, and ‘tho’ I am, at present, uncertain whether you have escaped those Dangers, to which you have been so long exposed in Defence of the glorious Cause in wh: you are engaged; yet so anxious am I to hear Something concerning you, and to convince you that I still retain the most sincere and disinterested Friendship for you, that I have determined to hazard this Letter at least, by the Way of France, the only possible mode of Conveyance to the continental Army, which the present State of Affairs allows of. If you have ever had any Reason, my dear Hamilton, to beleive the Sincerity of my Friendship, you may readily conceive the disagreeable Sensations I felt at my Departure from New York, and those which I still continue to experience from the anxious and uncertain State in which I remain concerning my Friends in that Part of the World. Why have you not written me a single Line since our Separation? Has your Anxiety for publick Affairs entirely eradicated from your Mind all remembrance of your private Concerns? Or have you forgotten those Vo⟨ws⟩ of eternal Friendship, which we have so often mutually exchanged? I am perfectly at a Loss I assure you, my Dr: Hamilton, to account for your Silence. I have written you frequently, and, as I know that you was at a Distance from New York, enclosed your Letters to some of our common Friends in that City, and requested them to transmit them to you. But I have not been able to collect the least Intelligence concerning you from any Quarter, untill very lately your Friend Dr: Knox informed me, that he had heard from you, that you was perfectly well, and that you had been exalted to the Rank of Col: and Aid de Camp to general Washington. You may be certain I received these Accounts with the most unfeigned Pleasure, especially as I was perfectly convinced that they were the Rewards of essential Services. Write me my Dear Hamilton by the first opportunity, and direct to me at this University. I was lately honoured with the Degree of M.D., and hope soon to have the Pleasure of seeing you, as I shall take the first opportunity that offers, let the Consequence be what it will. I congratulate you my Dr: Friend on the late Successes of the united States against their tyrannical adversaries. I never read any Thing that gave me more Pleasure, than the accounts, which have been lately published concerning the Capitulation of Gen: Burgoyne. Why did you grant the Puffer, the Boaster, the Savage ⟨as⟩ his Proclamation proves him to be) such favorable Terms? I am glad you have humbled his Pride, and with his, that of his Directors, Advocates and Abettors. The Inhabitants of great Britain begin to despond ⟨and if⟩ the provincial Forces are but strenuous in their ⟨oppo⟩sition, they have nothing now to fear. The ⟨time is ap⟩proaching, when I hope to see America ⟨one of the⟩ most flourishing Republics in the World. ⟨Nothing can⟩ now prevent it from being so, but the volun⟨tary submis⟩sion of its Inhabitants, which Pray God avert. Excuse this hasty, wild Scrawl, as I have been obliged to write in the utmost Hurry, and beleive me to be
My Dr. Ham   Yours inviolably


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 28 December 1777
From: Clinton, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Poughkeepsie [New York] 28th. Decr. 1777.
Dear Sir,
I was favoured with the Receipt of your Letter of the 22d Instant some Days since and returned a short Answer to it by the Express who brought it; but as I have Reason to believe you had left Peeks’ Kill before he got there I conclude my Letter has not been received. I have not a Doubt but that there have been such unjust and dishonorable Practices committed on the Inhabitants as you mention nor have I Reason to believe they were without the Knowledge of the Commanding Officer of the Department. Complaints have been exhibited to him of Cattle the property of the Inhabitants of this State living near Colo Robinsons being drove off by Parties of the Continental Troops and sold at Vendue in New England without any Account being rendered to the Proprietors. And if I am rightly informed an Officer with a Party took sundry Articles from Robinsons, sent them off & sold them in like Manner in Connecticut & has not accounted with the State for the Proceeds of this. I informed Genl Putnam and desired that an Inquiry might be made into the Conduct of the Officer commanding the Party to which I was more particularly induced as I found he had given an Order on the Quarter Master General for the Payment of the Teams employed in carrying off those effects: but I have Reason to believe he has paid no Regard to my Request. Of this I am fully convinced that the Soldiery claim as lawful Prize every Thing they take within the Enemy’s Lines tho the Property of our best Friends, and whatever is taken beyond our Advanced Posts by a generous Construction comes within the above Predicament. On this Principle the several Articles taken at & near Robinsons were sold because the Enemy’s Shipping were then in the River near that Place and on the same Principle indiscriminate Plunder might have taken Place on both Sides of the River as high up as the Manor of Livingston. Little good can be expected of an Army whose Interest it is to suffer a Country to be abandoned to the Enemy thereby to Justify Plundering the Inhabitants. Perhaps, & I dont know that it woud be uncharitable to suppose, that it is this Trade that makes People so very fond of little Expeditions.
I have long thought to ascertain these Facts and seek redress not only for the Parties immediately injured but the public; but my Time has been so fully imployed of late about ⟨other matters that I have been obliged⟩ to neglect it. I am now ⟨however determined to set about⟩ it & wish therefore to ⟨have the particular instructions you⟩ allude to. I mean the ⟨—————⟩ Circumstances as far as ⟨—————⟩ as this may afford me ⟨ full discovery. I won⟨—————⟩ pretend to justify ⟨—————⟩ of last Winter ⟨—————⟩ be considered Plunder ⟨—————⟩
I am ⟨—————⟩ your Health as to be able ⟨—————⟩ you my Dr Sir to be ⟨—————⟩ yourself ⟨too soon you should occasion⟩ in ⟨all⟩ probability ⟨would prove⟩ fatal. May I expect a Line from you whenever you have Liesure; be assured it will always be most kindly received ⟨though⟩ perhaps not quite so punctually answered by Your   Most Obed Servt
G W Clinton
My Respects to Capt Gibbs & young Livingston