Title: George Washington to Captain Stephen Chambers, 27 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Chambers, Stephen

Valley Forge, February 27, 1778. Instructs Chambers to cut communications between Philadelphia and the surrounding country and to protect supplies coming into Camp.


Title: George Washington to James Mease, 27 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Valley Forge, February 27, 1778. Instructs Mease to supply Major General Israel Putnam with clothing.


Title: George Washington to Officers Sent to the Hospitals, 28 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Officers Sent to the Hospitals

Valley Forge, February 28, 1778. Requests complete and accurate return of the hospitals, patients, equipment, and employees. Orders all who have recovered and are fit for duty to return to Camp.


Title: George Washington to Captain-Lieutenant Jonas Symonds, 28 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Symonds, Jonas

Valley Forge, February 28, 1778. Instructs Symonds to act under Brigadier General Anthony Wayne’s orders.


Title: General Officers Wanted and Proportioned to the Several States, February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Officers Wanted and Proportioned to the Several States

[Valley Forge] February, 1778. Heading reads: “In the present arrangement of the Army, there will be wanted 11 Major Generals & 25 Brigadiers. 3 Maj: Generals to act as Lt Generals, eight to command divisions—22 Brigades—for the Regiments of the line and 3 for light troops.” There then follows lists of major generals and other officers who “May be counted on.”


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 March 1778
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: McHenry, James

Head Quarters [Valley Forge] March5th 1778
Sir,
It gives me pleasure to inform you that Mr Boudinotte has been able to effect your exchange for a Doctor Mentzes. Allow me to congratulate you on the event.
We are again on the business of a general cartel with Mr Howe He seems inclined to meet us on fair ground. Commissioners from us meet an equal number from him the 10th instant. One great and preliminary point to be settled is the proportion of prisoners that we ought to account for. To assist our judgment in this point we shall be much obliged to you by the return of this express, and without a moment’s loss of time to send us your deposition, to the best of your knowlege, on the actual state of the prisoners sent out at the time of their delivery; and whatever else may serve to throw light upon the subject.
I am Sir   Your most Obedt
A Hamilton ADC


Title: George Washington to Major Warham Parks, 5 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Parks, Warham

[Valley Forge] March 5, 1778. Urges Parks to remain in service in spite of temporary disability.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 6 March 1778
From: Clinton, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Poughkeepsie, New York, March 6, 1778. On March 12, 1778, Hamilton wrote to Clinton: “Capt. Coleman delivered me your two letters of the 5th & 6th, instant.” Letter of March 6 not found.]


Title: George Washington to Sir William Howe, 9 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

[Valley Forge] March 9, 1778. Asks that meeting of commissioners for the exchange of prisoners be delayed until March 31, 1778. Is disturbed that, although Major General Richard Prescott was sent to New York City in exchange for Major General Charles Lee, Lee has not yet been sent out of New York City. Asks that Howe immediately order Lee’s release.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 12 March 1778
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Clinton, George

Head Quarters [Valley Forge] March 12th 1778.
Sir,
Capt. Coleman delivered me your two letters of the 5th & 6th, instant.
The pleasure, I have, in corresponding with you, will dispose me, whenever I have any thing to communicate, that may be worth your attention, or that appears to me so, to trouble you with my sentiments: But I shall not expect you to make an equal return either in quantity or frequency. You will, in this, intirely consult your own convenience.
I had previously flattered myself, that your ideas and mine would correspond, in a certain matter, and I am glad to find I was not mistaken. I doubt not the defects of a certain synod, will appear to you not the subject of speculation only; but as disorders in the state, that require a remedy, and will, as far, as your influence, reaches, contribute to it. Shall I speak what seems to me a most melancholy truth? It is this—that with the most adequate means to ensure success in our contest, the weakness of our councils will, in all probability, ruin us. Arrangements on which, the existence of the army depends, and almost the possibility of another campaign, are delayed in a most astonishing manner; and I doubt whether they will be adopted at all.
A late resolve directs G. W. to fix the number of men under which G. H. shall not send any parties out of his lines, on pain of being treated as marauders. The folly of this is truly ridiculous; but as there is perhaps nothing but folly in it, it may be excused in them. Another resolve made for punishing Kidnappers or persons who aid the enemy in carrying off the peaceable inhabitants has a retrospective view to those, who have assisted, as well as a perspective one to those who shall assist in such practices. Thus we have gotten into the spirit of making ex post facto laws, or rather violating all law. Another resolve, by plain implication, acknowledges a thing not founded in fact, which is very injurious to us—to wit, that we have inlisted prisoners of war. This silences all our complaints against the enemy for a similar practice, and furnishes them with a damning answer to any thing we can say on the subject. This is at least an instance of folly and inconsideration, and serves to prove the general charge.
These men seem also to have embraced a system of infidelity. They have violated the convention of Saratoga; and I have reason to believe the ostensible motives for it were little better than pretences, that had no foundation. I have lately seen some letters from Burgoigne on the subject. There was however a strong temptation for this, and it may be excused, though I cannot say the measure is to my taste. Lately, a flag, with provisions and cloathing for the British prisoners, with G. W.’s passport was seized at Lancaster. The affair was attended with circumstances of violence, and mean[n]ess that would disgrace hottentots. Still more lately, G. W. engagements with G.H., for an exchange of prisoners, has been most shamefully violated. C—s have resolved that no exchange shall take place ’till all accounts are settled and the ballance due the U: S: paid. The beauty of it is—on a fair settlement we shall without doubt be in Mr. Howe’s debt; and in the meantime we detain his officers and soldiers, as a security for the payment. The operation of this resolve, though it does not plainly appear upon the face of it, is to put off an exchange, perhaps forever. At any rate it cannot take place all next summer.
It is thought to be bad policy to go into an exchange; but admitting this to be true it is much worse policy to commit such frequent breaches of faith, and ruin our national character. Whatever refined politicians may think, it is of great consequence to preserve a national character; and if it should once seem to be a system in any state to violate its faith whenever it is the least inconvenient to keep it, it will unquestionably have an ill-effect upon foreign negociations and tend to bring Government at home into contempt, and of course to destroy its influence. The general notions of justice and humanity are implanted in almost every human breast; and ought not to be too freely shocked. In the present case, the passions of the country and army are on the side of an exchange; and a studied attempt to avoid it will disgust both, and serve to make the service odious. It will injure drafting and recruiting, discourage the militia & increase the discontents of the army. The prospect of hopeless captivity cannot but be very disagreeable to men constantly exposed to the chance of it. Those, whose lot it is to fall into it, will have little scruple to get rid of it by joining the enemy.
It is said, not to be our present interest to exchange, because we should endeavour, by and by, to take advantage of the enemy’s weakness to strike some decisive blow. If we should fail in this, which I believe we shall, when they get reinforced we shall not think it our interest to add to the strength of an enemy, already strong enough and so on ad infinitum.
The truth is, considered in the mere view of barter, it never can be our interest to exchange; the constitution of our army, from the short term of inlistment the dependence we are obliged to place in the militia, are strongly opposed to it; and if the argument of present interest be adhered to, we never can exchange. I may venture to assert, there never can be a time more proper than the present, or rather a month or two hence; and go about it as soon as we please the previous negociations necessary and other circumstances, will, of course, procrastinate it for some time. And I would ask, whether in a republican state and a republican army; such a cruel policy as that of exposing those men who are foremost in defence of their country to the miseries of hopeless captivity, can succeed?
For my own part I have so much of the milk of humanity in me, that I abhor such Neronian maxims; and I look upon the old proverb, that honesty is the best policy to be so generally true, that I can never expect any good from a systematical deviation from it; and I never can adopt the reasonings of some American politicians deducible from their practice, that no regard is to be paid to national character, or the rules of good faith.
I dwell upon the faults of Congress because I think they strike at the vitals of our opposition and of our future prosperity, and with this idea I cannot but wish that every Gentleman of influence in the country should think with me.
We have nothing new in camp, save that Capt. Barry, late of a Continental frigate, has destroyed with a few gunboats two large ships belonging to the enemy, laden with forage from Rhode Island. He also took an armed schooner, which he has since been obliged to run on shore, after a gallant defence. ’Tis said he has saved her cannon & stores—among the ordnance four brass howitzers. Some acco’ts say the enemy are preparing to evacuate Philadelphia. Sed credat Judaeus Apella, non ego.
I have the honor to be With unfeigned esteem & respect Sir Your most Obed’t
A. Hamilton


Title: George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Valley Forge, March 14, 1778. Instructs Heath to demand liberation of Daniel Hiester and the return of Hiester’s papers and effects.


Title: George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Valley Forge, March 16, 1778. States that command of Forts Montgomery and Clinton should be placed under general command of the Highlands. Has appointed Major General Alexander McDougall to that general command. Sees no prospect of carrying out intended expedition against Canada.


Title: George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Valley Forge, March 16, 1778. Instructs McDougall to set up court of inquiry to investigate Major General Israel Putnam’s alleged responsibility for fall of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. Appoints McDougall to command of the Highlands.


Title: George Washington to Sir William Howe, 22 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

[Valley Forge] March 22, 1778. Demands exchange of Lieutenant Colonel Ethan Allen for Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell and release of Captains Isaiah Robinson and Nathaniel Galt. Informs Howe that Elias Boudinot, Colonel William Grayson, and Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and Robert Hanson Harrison have been appointed as commissioners for negotiating an exchange of prisoners.


Title: George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 25 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Forman, David

Valley Forge, March 25, 1778. Orders Forman to leave salt works and join Colonel Israel Shreve’s regiment.


Title: George Washington to William Livingston, 25 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Valley Forge, March 25, 1778. Asks Livingston to have Mr. Jacob Bankson watched as a suspected spy.


Title: George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 25 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

Valley Forge, March 25, 1778. Orders transfer of horses to Iveham and Springfield if this will improve their quarters and forage.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Cornelius Durant, 27 March 1778
From: Durant, Cornelius
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Boston, March 27, 1778. Encloses letter from Hugh Knox and requests Hamilton to write to Knox.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Major Nicholas Fish, 27 March 1778
From: Fish, Nicholas
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Valley Forge, March 27, 1778. Requests discharge for Ensign Robert Wood, Second New York Regiment.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [29 March 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Moylan, Stephen

[Valley Forge, March 29, 1778]
Sir
It is His Excellency’s desire that you immediately send to camp a good active vigilant officer with twenty horse. Let both horses and men be picked, as the service they are intended for will require able horses and trusty men who will not desert. They are wanted to relieve Capt Lee, and perform the duties his parties did. Be pleased to have it done without delay.
Dr Col:   Yrs. with regard
A Hamilton ADC
Head QuartersMarch 29th. 1778


Title: Charles Thomson to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot, 30 March 1778
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Grayson, William,Harrison, Robert Hanson,Hamilton, Alexander,Boudinot, Elias

In Congress [York, Pennsylvania] March 30th. 1778
Whereas Congress concur in opinion with General Washington that there are some Ambiguities characterizing the Measures taken by Genl. Howe respecting General Lee, which justify alarming surmises, notwithstanding all that has passed to the contrary.
Resolved That General Washington be informed that it is the intention of Congress that it should be a preliminary in the proposed Cartel for a general Exchange of prisoners that Major General Lee be absolutely exchanged for Major Genl. Prescot, and if refused, that no exchange take place till the further order of Congress.
That it be proposed to exchange Lt. Colo. Ethan Allen for Lieut. Colo. Campbell or Lieut. Colo. Anstruther and if not acceded to that Lieut. Colo. Campbell be sent back to the State of Massachusets Bay.
That General Washington be further directed to instruct the Commissioners to be careful not to contravene, in setting the proposed Cartel, any of the Resolutions of Congress particularly that of the 30th Decemr. respecting such of the Citizens of these States as may voluntarily join the Enemy and be taken in Arms against these States.
That if the Enemy will not consent to exempt Citizens from Capture agreeable to the law of Nations the Commissioners be instructed positively to insist on their exchange without any relation to Rank.
That General Washington be directed not to permit any Article of the proposed Cartel to be finally concluded without his express approbation and that the president be directed to inform him accordingly.
Extract from the Minutes
Chas: Thompson Secy.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Baron von Steuben, [March–April 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Steuben, Baron von

[Valley Forge, March–April, 1778]
Voila votre reponse mon Cher Baron!
Par le camp De Bound Brook, Je suppose que vous voulez dire le Camp de Middle Brook, lequel est tres pres de Bound Brook, et nous n’avons point eu de camp la. C’est une position infiniment avantageuse a tous egards, situé sur une montagne fort escarpé, les approaches en front et par les flancs extremement difficile, couvert de bois &c. Le retraite en est bien facile &c.
Nous n’avons point de vaisseau a Burlington; mais nous avons des batteaux a Coryels ferry. Je ne scais pas le nombre, mais il y en a assez pour transporter notre armé a travers du Delaware, dans tres peu de tems.

Le terrein entre Trenton &c. n’est pas beaucoup coupé par des bois; les chemins sont bons; il y a, si je me souviens bien, deux ou trois petits creeks.
Je crois voir le raison de ces questions. Vous voulez faire faire a l’armee un mouvement dans les Jerseys. C’est une chose beaucoup as desirer, si nous avions assez de waggons pour transporter non seulement l’armee, mais nos malades, magazins &c.; mais nous n’avons pas assez pour cela.


Title: Colonels Charles O’Hara and Humphrey Stephens, and Captain Richard FitzPatrick to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot, 1 April 1778
From: O’Hara, Charles,Stephens, Humphrey,FitzPatrick, Richard
To: Grayson, William,Harrison, Robert Hanson,Hamilton, Alexander,Boudinot, Elias

PhiladelphiaApril 1st: 1778
Gentlemen
We have reported to Sir Wm. Howe your observations on his Commission to us for settling a Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners; therefore if it will not be inconvenient, We will beg the favor of you to stay in German Town ’till ten o’clock, at which time We will do ourselves the honor of waiting on you to lay before you Sir Wm: Howe’s Sentiments on that matter.
We are   Gentlemen   With due respect   Your very Obedient Servants
Chas: OHara
Humphy. Stephens
Richard FitzPatrick
To
Colonel Grayson
Lt Col: Harrison
Lt Col: Hamilton
Elias Boudinot Esqr

We hope to have the favor of your answer.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [3 April 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Greene, Nathanael

[Valley Forge, April 3, 1778]
Dr. General,
We have to request, you will order a couple of very good teams to be got ready to proceed to the enemy’s lines for General Lee’s baggage. He is to come out on parole, on Sunday morning. You will judge when they ought to set out from here—suppose tomorrow noon, so as to get in the neighbourhood of Vandeering’s Mill by tomorrow night. When they are ready to set out tomorrow let them make report to Head Quarters and passports will be given.
Yr hum serv
A Hamilton ADC
Head Quarters April 3
Major General Greene QMG


Title: Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to George Washington, [4 April 1778]
From: Grayson, William,Harrison, Robert Hanson,Hamilton, Alexander,Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

[Valley Forge, April 4, 1778]
To His Excellency George Washington Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.
We, the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency, “to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention, for the exchange of Prisoners of War, and for all matters whatsoever, which may be properly contained therein” beg leave to report—
That in pursuance of Your Excellency’s orders, on the 31st day of March, we met at German Town, the Commissioners appointed by General Sir William Howe, for the purposes, as expressed in their commission, “of taking into consideration all past transactions, relative to the exchange of prisoners, to adjust the differences, that have so long subsisted in regard to them, to remove all difficulties that may arise, in carrying into execution a general exchange of prisoners, with both parties at this time, and finally to establish a regular and explicit cartel, for the future.”
We produced our respective powers and interchanged copies for further examination; after which a proposition was made to us, to take up the business of our meeting, in the form of a general Cartel, and to make the discussion of past transactions a secondary object; in doing which, it was to be understood, that nothing was to be final or obligatory, ’till the whole Treaty should be concluded. To this we readily agreed, as the mode appeared eligible in itself, and consonant with the intention of our commission. These preliminaries being adjusted, a paper was submitted to our consideration, containing a number of articles, relative to the subject of our negociation which we promised to peruse and deliver our sentiment concerning.
General Howe’s commissioners proposed to adjourn ’till the next day, and expressed a desire of returning that evening to Philadelphia, to which we did not then think proper to object.
Having met the next morning, we, in a cursory manner, pointed out some imperfections in General Howe’s commission: An essential one was, that it contained no recital of the authority, by which he acted; whereas your Excellency’s commission expressly specifies, that it is, ‘in virtue of full powers to you delegated.’ His commissioners promised to communicate our objections, and receive his further instructions.
We proceeded, in the mean time, to a comparison of ideas on the paper above-mentioned, and made rough minutes of the result; agreeing, that whatever might be adopted should only be considered, as a concurrence in some general principles, which were to be modified, explained, enlarged and applied, as should be, afterwards determined.
It was then proposed to digest what had been done into a more regular and explicit form, and to prepare any new propositions which might occur; but as this would necessarily require time, it was agreed to defer our next interview, to Friday the 3d: of April.
The Commissioners, from General Howe, then informed us, that it was expected by him, the Commissioners on both sides were always to retire, after the business of the day, within their respective lines, and that the neutrality of German Town was only to continue, during the time of actual negotiation; as on account of the proximity of that place to Philadelphia, many inconveniences might attend our constant residence there. This proposal was equally unexpected and surprising:—We conceived it to be contrary to the tenor of the correspondence, communicated to us, which had passed between your Excellency and General Howe, for the appointment of a place of Treaty. It could not but produce much unnecessary delay in the negociation, the distance between your camp and German Town being [more than seventeen miles] and tended to impose a new and burthensome condition on us by obliging us to perform a journey of twice that distance every day. In point of propriety and for the dispatch of business, we thought it necessary, the commissioners should remain constantly together. These motives and an apprehension, that something might be implied, in the objection, unfavourable to our personal honor, determined us to suspend the negociation ’till we had reported to Your Excellency the terms required and received your directions in consequence. We declared our resolution and reasons to General Howe’s commissioners and have returned to Camp accordingly.
Willm. Grayson.
Rob. H. Harrison
Alex Hamilton
Elias Boudinot
Camp Valley forge April 4th. 1778


Title: George Washington to Sir William Howe, 4 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

[Valley Forge] April 4, 1778. Discusses change of meeting place for commissioners from Germantown to Newtown.


Title: Permit for Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton to Pass British Lines, 5 April 1778
From:
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Head Quarters, Philadelphia, 5th. April, 1778.
Until further Orders, advanced Posts and Patrols are not to prevent all persons, having Passports Signed by two of the following Officers, to pass unmolested, Viz.: Cols. O’Hara and Stephens, and Capt. Fitzpatrick, of the British; Col. Gregson, Lieut.-Col. Hamilton, and Mr. Boudinot (Commissary of Prisoners), belonging to the Enemy.


Title: George Washington to Thomas Wharton, 5 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas

[Valley Forge] April 5, 1778. Encloses letter from Mary Pemberton. Has refused her request but will convey the wagons requested, if Wharton agrees.


Title: Questions Concerning a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Newtown, Pennsylvania, April 10–11, 1778]

1st.  Qre? … In what light are the prisoners sent out by General Howe to be considered?
2d  … How far and for what proportion are we bound to account?
3d  … When and upon what terms are the British and foreign prisoners in our hands to be returned? Who are to be considered as citizens on both sides?
4th  … Are Americans, who join the enemy, when not in captivity, and taken in Arms to be considered as other prisoners and liable to be exchanged?
5th.  Is not the agreement for the exchange of prisoners now subsisting to continue?
6th.  Is any further mode of Exchange to be adopted, such as giving a number of inferior officers or privates for one of superior rank, or estimating officers and privates at a price, when an exchange can’t be effected according to the Agreement now in force? If a further mode is to be adopted, what shall be the proportion of inferior officers or privates? At what price are officers and privates to be estimated, how it is to be paid & in what specie?
7th.  In what time are exchanges to be made, having regard to the situation of the armies as to distance from each other?
8th.  Should not regular returns of prisoners be transmitted by the Commissaries of each army, or persons authorised for that purpose, of all prisoners in their possession and how often?
9th.— Who shall do the first act in exchanges? Shall the party indebted make the first return of prisoners? Or shall he give notice of the time, place, number and quality of the prisoners to be exchanged, and then and there receive a like number in return?
10th.  What rations or supplies of provision, or money in lieu of them, shall be furnished prisoners? Should they be in provision? How shall the balance be estimated and when and how paid? Should not accounts be regularly transmitted and how often?
11th— Are the respective commanders to advance prisoners, in their possession, any, and what pay?
12— Are prisoners to be furnished with cloaths and medecine and how to be accounted for?
13— Are rations and other accounts already incurred to be adjusted; when and how?
14— How is the difference between gold, silver and paper currency to be considered in settling accounts?
15th.  Shall prisoners taken in future be allowed to inlist?
16— Are there any and what persons in the army, who should not be considered as prisoners of War though taken, and who should be immediately released, without receiving others of the same condition in return?
Hospitals
17.— Is the Cartel proposed to be settled to comprehend officers & sailors in the marine line, supposing the officer appointed to nogociate on the part of General Howe will agree to it? If it is, are they only to be exchanged for officers in the sea service, and upon principles of equality in number and in rank? Or may they be exchanged for land officers where an exchange in the marine line cannot be effected, having regard to difference of rank?
 Passports for purveyors or commissaries to Hospitals to carry or purchase provisions, where they shall happen to be in the neighbourhood.
 Are Chaplains, Physicians, surgeons & all their attendants to be considered as Prisoners or not? Are the sick & wounded in hospitals?


Title: Notes on a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Newtown, Pennsylvania, April 10–11, 1778]

Memorandums

Arts:
All officers and soldiers, prisoners of war on either side shall be exchanged on the terms and in the manner following.
Those first captured shall be first exchanged.
Every officer shall be exchanged for one of equal rank, as far as number will apply, except when there are officers, who have been longer in captivity, that cannot be so exchanged; in which case, these shall have a preference, and be exchanged on the principle of composition, according to the succeeding rule.
When officers cannot be exchanged for those of equal rank, two or more inferior officers shall be given for a superior, in order to which, all officers bearing rank shall be estimated thus:

General & Commander in chief
89

Lieutenant General
55

Major General
34

Brigadier
21

Col:
13

Lieut Colonel
8

Major
5

Captain
3

Lieutenant
2

Ensign
1

If there should remain any officers on either side, who cannot be exchanged in the foregoing modes, privates may be given for officers at the rate of five for an ensign and progressively in the above ratio.
(What shall be the rate and maner of ransom for money?)
Staff officers bearing rank shall be exchanged for each other or for those of the line of similar rank: Such as have none shall be exchanged for each other only, in the same or in different departments, either on the principle of equality of station or composition; and shall be estimated thus:

  Quarter Master General
12

  Deputy
6

  Assistant deputy
3

  Commissary General of Provisions
6

  Deputy
3

  Ass: Deputy
1

  Pay Master General
6

  Deputy
3

  Clerk
1

  Commissary of Military Stores
6

  Deputy
3

  Ass: deputy or conductor
1

  Commissary of forage
6

  Deputy
3

  Ass: deputy
1

  Muster Master
6

  Deputy
3

  Waggon Master
3

  Deputy or Conductor
1

  Capt of Guides
3

Officers on both sides to be returned on parole in  days after captivity,
{
Citizens of whatsoever class or denomination, whether in or out of office, and wheresoever taken to be exchanged for each other according to parity of number only.

Citizens whether in or out of office how to be exchanged?—

Deserters, or persons, who bearing arms on either side, in the present war leave it, and enter into the opposite army, not to be deemed prisoners of war nor exchangeable.

Exchanges to be made every  or sooner, if circumstances will permit.

Registers to be kept of all Prisoners taken specifying their names ranks and corps and the places of their confinement, and monthly returns, accounting for differences, shall be interchanged. When prisoners are to be returned, on either side, notice shall be given of the time and place, that proper persons may be appointed to receive them. A list of their names ranks and corps shall be delivered with them; a duplicate of which shall be signed by the officer receiving as a voucher for the delivery.

Permission shall be allowed by both parties to purchase provisions, in aid of the stipulated rations—and cloathing and other necessaries, under proper restrictions.
}
Commissaries to be mutually stationed.

Permission shall be granted to either party to send in provisions cloathing money and other necessaries for the use of prisoners, by land or water, and passports when required shall be given accordingly.
to be enlarged

Surgeons & Medecines &c.
}
Proposed to hire instead of sending in.

Commissioned officers shall be permitted to visit the prisoners in their different stations at stated periods, and upon previous notice, under proper restrictions.

Hospitals—

Ration to be defined

Settlement of Accounts how? Prisoners shall not be permitted to inlist or on any pretence be transported beyond sea?

Prisoners not to be thrown into dungeons or other unnecessarily rigorous confinement; but for a flagrant breach of the laws of war and nations.

All private property stolen by deserters to be returned.

Passports to be granted to Purveyors of Hospitals to provide necessaries for their use, within certain limits according to circumstances.


Title: Draft of a Proposed Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, [10–11 April 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Newtown, Pennsylvania, April 10–11, 1778]
A Treaty and Convention for the Exchange and Accommodation of Prisoners of War, made between the Armies of The United States of America and The Kingdom of Great Britain; and for other purposes therein specified.
Whereas on the 30th. day of July, in the year 1776, a proposition was made by His Excellency General Washington to His Excellency General Sir William Howe, and acceded to by him, on the first day of August following, for an exchange of Prisoners—officer for officer of equal rank, soldier for soldier and citizen for citizen—And Whereas differences have arisen on the construction and execution of the said agreement, and it has been found by experience, to be, not fully competent to all the purposes of the exchange and accomodation of prisoners, To settle those differences and prevent the like in future, to provide more effectual and extensive relief, for captivity, in its various circumstances, and to obviate, as far as possible, every unnecessary distress and rigor of war,
We William Grayson Colonel, Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton Lieutenant Colonels, and Elias Boudinot, Commissary General of Prisoners, in the Armies of the United States
Being there unto duly authorised by His Excellency, George Washington Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of the same, and in virtue of the full powers to him given
Stipulate and declare, that the following articles shall have full force and effect, between the Belligerent armies, according to their true intent and meaning; and that, if any doubt or difficulty shall arise, it shall be decided, conformable to the natural import and design of this convention, and agreeable to the custom and usage of war among civilized nations.

Article 1st
All officers and soldiers, prisoners of war, on either side shall be exchanged on the terms and in the manner following:
Those first captured shall be first exchanged.
Every officer shall be exchanged, for one of equal rank, as far as number will apply; except when there are officers, who have been longer in captivity, that cannot be so exchanged, in which case, these shall have a preference and be exchanged on the principle of composition, according to the succeeding rule,
When officers cannot be exchanged for those of equal rank, two or more inferior officers shall be given for a superior in order to which all officers bearing rank shall be estimated thus:

General and commander in Chief
192

Lieutenant General, commanding in a separate department
96

Lieutenant General
48

Major General
24

Brigadier
12

Colonel
6

Lieut. Colonel
5

Major
4

Captain
3

Lieutenant
2

Ensign
1

If there should remain any officers on either side, who cannot be exchanged in the foregoing modes, it shall be at the option of the debtor, to give privates for officers, at the rate of five for an ensign, and progressively in the above ratio.
Staff officers bearing rank shall be exchanged for each other, or for those of the line of similar rank: Such as have none shall be exchanged for each other only; in the same, or in different departments, either on the principle of equality or of composition, and shall be estimated thus:—

Quarter Master General
12

Deputy
6

Assistant deputy
3

Commissary General of Provisions
6

Deputy
3

Assistant deputy
1

Pay Master General
6

Deputy
3

Clerk
1

Commissary of Military stores
6

Deputy
3

Assistant deputy or conductor
1

Commissary of forage
6

Deputy
3

Assistant deputy
1

Muster Master
6

Deputy
3

Waggon Master
3

Deputy or conductor
1

Capt of Guides
3

Officers of horse, foot, and artillery and Engineers shall be exchanged for each other indiscriminately: Dragoons, foot soldiers, matrosses, artificers, sappers and miners shall be exchanged for each other, in like manner.
Any officer, who may not be specifically comprehended in the preceeding articles, shall be exchanged for any other of similar station or degree, if such can be found; or some other mode shall be agreed on between the respective generals, favourable to the prisoner, which shall be an obligatory precedent for future exchanges of the same nature, and become a part of this cartel.
Retainers to, or persons serving in either army, in the most inferior capacities, not particularly enumerated, shall be exchanged for those of similar quality and description, so far as it can be done and the residue for private soldiers.
Officers shall be exchanged according to the highest rank they hold.
Exchanges shall be made every two months, or sooner, if circumstances will permit.
Officers, on both sides, shall be returned on parole in ten days after captivity; to remain so ’till regularly exchanged.
Registers shall be kept of all prisoners taken, specifying their names, ranks and corps, and monthly returns, accounting for differences, shall be interchanged. When prisoners are to be returned, on either side, notice shall be given of the time and place, that proper persons may be appointed to receive them. A List of their names, ranks and corps, shall be delivered with them; a duplicate of which shall be signed by the officer receiving, as a voucher for the delivery.
Article II
No person shall be considered, as an officer, or soldier, who is not at the time of capture, in military pay and service.
Article III
Physicians, Surgeons, Apothecaries, Purveyors and all attendants and guards on hospitals, Chaplains, Auditors of accounts, Clothiers, the Commissary General of Prisoners and his deputies, the Judge Advocate and his deputies, the Provost Marshal and his corps and all suttlers and servants, not soldiers, shall be exempt from captivity.
Hospitals should be sacred, everything they contain; the sick and wounded and stores of every kind, shall not be liable to capture or any species of violence.
Article 4th
Citizens of whatsoever class or denomination, whether, in or out of office, and wheresoever taken shall be exempt from captivity.

   as exchanged on parity of number

Article V
A ration shall consist of one pound of bread and one pound of beef, fresh or salt, or three quarters of a pound of salt pork, averdupois. One ration, per day, shall be furnished to every prisoner, by the party to whom he is in captivity.
Article VI
Permission shall be granted for Commissaries to be stationed by the respective Generals with their officers, soldiers and others in captivity, to receive the rations stipulated by the preceding article, inspect their quantity and quality, and distribute them to the Prisoners. Their receipts to be vouchers for the delivery. They shall be permitted to visit the prisoners of all kinds dayly and to purchase where they reside for gold and silver, being the common medium of commerce among nations, such further necessaries (cloathing included) as may be requisite more effectually for relieving the necessities of the prisoners.
Each party shall have liberty to send its commissaries, all kinds of succours, cloathing, provisions and medecine, by land or water; for which purpose, passports shall be granted when required; and full permission shall be given such Commissaries, to sell at the market prices, where they are stationed without restriction, provisions or other articles sent them, the better to procure relief for the prisoners.
All practicable care shall be taken of sick and wounded prisoners; and medecine and all other necessaries shall be furnished by those in whose power they are, as far as the circumstances and condition of the parties will admit. Permission shall be mutually allowed to hire and employ doctors nurses and other attendants at the places where prisoners are confined to superintend the treatment and be intrusted with the care of the sick.
Settlements shall be made of ration accounts once every month, in which rations shall stand against rations, as far as they will extend, and the ballance shall be paid at the election of the debtor, either in provisions, or in gold and silver at the rate of twelve pence per ration, estimating spanish milled dollars at 4/6. Accounts of medicines and other necessaries, furnished the sick, shall be adjusted and paid, in like manner. These articles to be rated according to their real cost to the party furnishing them.
Article VII
All payments, in money, shall be made in gold and silver at the rate of 4/6 for each Spanish milled dollar, and 36/ for a half Johannes weighing 9 oz. 3 gr. and other coin in the same proportion.
Art: VIII
Prisoners shall not be permitted to inlist, or on any pretence be transported beyond sea.
Art IX
No officer, soldier, or other person subject to captivity by this Treaty and Convention shall be thrown into dungeons, or other kinds of unnecessarily rigorous confinement, unless for committing some flagrant violation of the laws of war and nations; in which case authentic vouchers of the crime shall be immediately transmitted to the Commissary of Prisoners of the Army, to which such offender may belong.
Art X
Passports shall be granted to Purveyors of Hospitals, to procure necessaries for their use, within certain limits, according to circumstances.
Art: XI
All private property stolen and carried off by deserters, shall be restored to the owner on application, within four days after their desertion. For this purpose, they shall be stopped at the first posts to which they come, carefully searched, and a list taken of the effects found in their possession, which they shall not be permitted to dispose of ’till the forementioned time shall be elapsed.
Art XII
In persuance of this agreement, the prisoners now actually in captivity, shall, in the first place, be exchanged in proportion to their respective numbers, within the term of two months from the date hereof, each party without delay returning an equal number of those delivered by the other, from time to time.
To adjust and remove the difference hitherto subsisting, as well with respect to the Exchange of Major General Lee, Lt. Colonel Ethan Allen, Capts. Van Dyke, Vanzandt, Whitlock, Sullivan, Bliss, Ebenezer Greene, Stevens, Lieutenants Skinner, Smock, and Doctor Minime, or any other officers, that have been the objects of particular exception, as with respect to the proportion to be accounted for, of those Prisoners, which were sent out on parole by General Sir William Howe, between the month of November 76 and the month of April following, and which remain yet unexchanged: We do hereby specially stipulate and declare, that the aforesaid officers shall be immediately exchanged on the terms of this cartel, for any officers of equal rank, or others by way of equivalent or composition; which have been or shall be delivered in lieu of them; and that  private soldiers shall be returned by General Washington to General Sir William Howe, to be accepted by him as a full settlement and compensation for all prisoners heretofore in dispute.
Article XIII
To liquidate and settle all accounts, relating to prisoners, commissioners shall be mutually appointed within one month from the date of this Cartel, who shall meet on or before the   day of July next; and whatever ballance shall be found due from either party, shall be punctually paid and discharged within  after such liquidation and settlement of accounts; ’till the performance of which, it shall be at the will and choice of the party to which such ballance may be due, to make, or not to make any future exchange, besides those mentioned in the preceding twelvth article, the natural operation of this cartel being so far, and so far only, suspended.
Art. XIV
This Treaty and Convention shall be and continue in full force during the present war.


Title: Colonels Charles O’Hara and Humphrey Stephens, and Captain Richard FitzPatrick to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot, 11 April 1778
From: O’Hara, Charles,Stephens, Humphrey,FitzPatrick, Richard
To: Grayson, William,Harrison, Robert Hanson,Hamilton, Alexander,Boudinot, Elias

New Town [Pennsylvania] 11th April 1778
The Commissioners appointed by His Excellency Sir William Howe to take into Consideration all past Transactions relative to the Exchange of Prisoners, to adjust the differences that have so long subsisted in regard to them, to remove all Difficulties that may arise in carrying into Execution a General Exchange of Prisoners with both Parties at this Time, & finally to establish a regular & explicit Cartel for the future, Having received the Objections made to the Commission under which they act, from the Commissioners appointed to meet them for similar purposes by General Washington, are much concerned to find they are likely to prove an Obstruction to the Execution of so desirable a purpose. They conceive the Powers delegated to them by their Commission to be sufficient and ample, for effectually accomplishing the purposes therein contained, and hereby declare themselves ready and desirous of immediately entering upon a Treaty with the Commissioners appointed by General Washington for carrying in Execution the different Objects of their Commission.
Charles O’Hara
Humphy Stephens
Richd. Fitz Patrick
To
Col: Grayson
Lt. Col: Harrison
Lt Col: Hamilton
Elias Boudinot Esqr.


Title: Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to Colonels Charles O’Hara and Humphrey Stephens, and Captain Richard FitzPatrick, [11 April 1778]
From: Grayson, William,Harrison, Robert Hanson,Hamilton, Alexander,Boudinot, Elias
To: O’Hara, Charles,Stephens, Humphrey,FitzPatrick, Richard

[Newtown, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1778]
The Commissioners, appointed by His Excellency General Washington, “to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention, for the exchange of prisoners of war, and for all matters whatsoever, that may be properly contained therein,” are inexpressibly concerned, to find, that the Commissioners on the part of General Sir William Howe should think it necessary to make the objections stated to their powers, and supported, as they apprehend, by the most conclusive reasons—an insurmountable obstacle to the progress of a negotiation, intended to answer the most benevolent and estimable purposes. As General Sir William Howe must be supposed fully impowered to enter into the Treaty, his commission imports, they can conceive no sufficient reason, for not declaring his powers, and would flatter themselves that nothing can be easier, than to remove the cause of their objections, and to proceed in the business, on admissible terms. They are ready and solicitous to treat on fair, proper, and equal ground such as will give efficacy to their proceedings, and place a public act, on the foundation of public authority.
Willm. Grayson
Rob: H. Harrison
Alex Hamilton
Elias Boudinot
Newton April 11th. 1778
To
Colonel Chs. O Hara
Colonel Humphery Stephens
Capt. Richard Fitz Patrick


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Kip, 15 April 1778
From: Kip, Richard
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Pompton [New Jersey] April 15th 1778.
Sir, Last Decm’r a Twelvemonth a Small Box was Taken at or Near Princetown And Deposited in an Amunition Cart & Supposed to be Taken From thence by Capt. Crane. I can Assure you that I have Seen a Box in Crane’s Possession That answers the Description & Since the Discovery he is prepareing to Leave the Continent. He Now Resides in Clarks Town, Orange County. A Line to Collo. Gilbert Coper at Kakeate with Direction to Detect Or Apprehend In haste May Still Serve to Recover the Money &c. for those Justly Entitled to the Same. In haste I Rem’n S’r your V H S.
Rich’d Kip, Jun’r., Ass. D.Q.M.G.
To Collo. Hammilton.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry E. Lutterloh, 19 April 1778
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lutterloh, Henry E.

[Valley Forge] April 19, 1778. States that a horse not fit for service should be returned to a Mr. Sellers, its owner. Signed “A Hamilton ADC.”


Title: George Washington to the General Officers, 20 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: General Officers

[Valley Forge] April 20, 1778. Lists three plans for next campaign, with possible modes of execution for each plan. Asks officers for opinions.


Title: George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, 24 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Armstrong, John

Valley Forge, April 24, 1778. Invites Armstrong to council of war.


Title: George Washington to George Clinton, 24 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Valley Forge, April 24, 1778. States that a box of “hard” money taken from British at Princeton in winter of 1777 is suspected to be in the hands of a Captain—Lieutenant Joseph Crane of Orange County. Asks Clinton to investigate matter.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Mease, [26 April 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Mease, James

[Valley Forge, April 26, 1778]
Sir,
By command of His Excellency, I inclose you a letter to him from the officers of the German batalion. There appears, by the representation, to be something particular in the circumstances of that batalion, with respect to cloathing, which deserves attention. You will do whatever can be done with propriety to put them upon an equal footing with other Regiments.
I am Sir   Your most Obed Serv
A Hamilton ADC
Head Quarters April 26th. 1778


Title: George Washington to Major General William Tryon, 26 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Tryon, William

Valley Forge, April 26, 1778. States that the British conciliatory handbills have had free circulation among the troops. Asks Tryon to circulate among Tory troops copies of a resolution of Congress concerning the pardoning of those who have levied war against the states.


Title: George Washington to Thomas Wharton, 26 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas

[Valley Forge] April 26, 1778. Asks for information concerning the militia available for next campaign.


Title: George Washington to Pierre Penet, 30 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Penet, Pierre

Valley Forge, April 30, 1778. Thanks Penet for gifts.


Title: George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Valley Forge, May 3, 1778. Discusses reasons for lack of Indian aid. Thinks the United States should continue to try to counteract British overtures to Indians.


Title: George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

[Valley Forge] May 5, 1778. Reviews situation in Europe and discusses possible enemy movements.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel William De Hart, [7 May 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: De Hart, William

[Valley Forge, May 7, 1778]
Sir,
By command of His Excellency, I am to desire, You will immediately march with your Regiment by the safest and most convenient route into the Jerseys, and there join, and put yourself under the command of, Col: Shrieve. You may regulate the march of your baggage, and the transportation of your sick in such manner as shall appear to you most elegible, either by giving them an upper route or making them accompany the Regiment. The former would perhaps be the safer method.
I am   Sir   Your most Obd serv
AH ADC
Head Qrs. Valley Forge May 7th 1778
Lt Col: De Hart


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [7 May 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Greene, Nathanael

[Valley Forge, May 7, 1778]
Dr Sir
I am sadly distressed for want of a good saddle &c; and such is my situation, that I have no opportunity of procuring for myself. The one I got by your order the other day was of a coarser kind that would only do for my servant.
As you are in the way of procuring matters of this kind, you will oblige me much, if you will give orders for purchasing a good saddle bridle holsters &c. for me. These things are on my private account, and whenever I can be made acquainted with their cost will be paid for.
I am Sir   Yr most hum

A Hamilton
Hd Qrs. May 7th. 1778


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 8 May 1778
From: Jay, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Albany 8 May 1778
Dear Sir,
An opinion of your Benevolence leads me to address this Letter to you. Accident has introduced me to Monsr Lewis de Celoron, we happen to lodge in the same House. His modesty & decent manners made an impression upon me, and induced me to make some inquiries into his History and Character. The Gentlemen of this Place say handsome things of him. He is the son of a Major General who fell last war at Ticonderoga. The family is still in Canada and one of the most respectable in that Country. He was sent to France when five years old and there educated. He came out with some French troops to Martinico, and by their General as well as Mr. Bingham was recommended to Congress. They gave him a Brevet for a Captains’ Commission. He served last campaign as a Volunteer, first with General ⟨Fermoy⟩, and afterwards with Col Morgan. To me he appears to have been neglected. It seems he did not descend to the adulation lately fashionable & perhaps acceptable in this department. While Effrontery and Arrogance even in our virtuous and enlightened days are giving rank & Importance to men whom Wisdom would have left in obscurity; I am persuaded you will be happy in an opportunity of exploring as well as cherishing modest merit. I think Monsr. de Celoron is not without it & under this impression recommend him to your notice as a Probationor. Tell me in your future Letters whether he deserves the favorable opinion I am inclined to entertain of him.
Your obedient servant
John Jay


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Stevens, 8 May 1778
From: Stevens, Edward
To: Hamilton, Alexander

London May 8th 1778
Mon cher Ami,
Comment vous portez vous? & comment vous êtes vous porté depuis que je n’ai eu le plasir de vous voir? Si vous êtes en bonne santé tout est bien avec vous; j’en suis sûre. Qui pourrait avoir imaginé mon Ami qu’un homme de votre grandeur, de votre délicatesse de constitution, & de votre tranquillité aurait brillé tant, & en si peu de tems, dans le Champ de Mars, que vous l’avez fait. Je vous assure mon Colonel que je me suis tourmenté beaucoup par rapport à votre santé, la quelle m’a été toujours tres chere depuis le commencement de notre connaissance. Je ne sais pas comment vous pourrez soutenir les duretés, & les fatigues d’une campagne dhiver, en Amerique. Assurément votre constitution n’aurait jamais soutenue de telle sévérité sans l assistance de quelque chose fort extraordinaire. Que ce que ce cette chose extra.? Je ne saurais vous dire, si ce n’est pas ce grand homme W– –n, dont 1 exemple est si singulier, dont la fermeté est si in ébranlable, dont la Persévérance est si inouie, dont les moeurs sont si douces, dont la moderation est si extraordinaire, dont la clemence & si frappant, & dont les actions, en général, sont si eclatants que toute l’Europe en est etonné. En verité mon Cher Hamilton quand on pense à toutes ses choses la, &, en même tems, à ce qu on m’a dit que vous etes l’Aid de camp d’un tel homme ce n’est pas tout-a-fait si difficile à concevoir comment vous vous etes soutenu jusque le present. Quand Je pense aux actions de Monr W– –n, & quand je les compare aux actions d’Annibal, d’Alexandre, ou de César; la comparison me paraît indigne, & je vois Wn. dans une elévation trop haute pour etre ranger avec eux. Quand on considere la Marche d’Annibal au travers les Alpes, on ne peut sempêcher de l admirer. Mais quand on envisage vos campagnes d’hiver, & l’Armée que vous aviez à vous combattre, l’expédition d’Annibal ne parait que petite. J’espere quelque jour d’avoir l’honneur de connaitre votre General, que j’estime, & que je regard comme le liberateur de son Patrie. Le Roi de Prusse l’a honoré l’autre jour, en disant, ma foi ce Monr Was– –n doit être un homme bien singulier, pour avoir résister si long terns a toute la force d’Angleterre; la quelle dans la derniere guerre faisait tremblé à toute l’Europe.
Peutêtre souhaiteriez vous quelque chose des politiques; mais, en verité, je ne suis pas disposer a écrire sur ces sujets la, á present. Je dirai seulement, vous devez vous souvenir de mes sentiments quand nous nous somme quittés l’un l’autre; ils ont été toujours les mêmes. Notre Ami S. est encore à Edinbourg ou il a devenu un fort Galant homme.
Souvenez mois à Messrs Troup, Fish, & Lewis tres sincerement, & croyez moi Affectueusement votre a⟨mi⟩.
PS   Je partirai d ici pour la N.Y. dans tres peu de jours ou j’attends de vous voir avant six mois. Excusez la liberté que je prends à vous écrire en francais; ce n’est pas, soyez sûre, pour vous montré que je sait écrire pitoyablement cette Langue difficile, mais c’est pour vous montré que je desire de retenir ce que j’en sais: & qu’en l’ecrivant à un homme qui la sais parfaitement j’espere de profiter par ses correction. Adieu. Portez vous bien & ⟨—⟩ te extera sumes. Attendez de mes nouvelles aussi tot⟨—⟩ que.


Title: George Washington to the Council of War, 8 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Council of War

Valley Forge, May 8, 1778. Describes distribution of enemy forces. Discusses possibilities of acquiring reinforcements, ordnance, and provisions.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Maxwell, [10 May 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Maxwell, William

[Valley Forge, May 10, 1778]
Sir
His Excellency has received yours from Horsam meeting House. He is a good deal surprized that you left your Artillery behind as one principal aim of the detachment was to protect the Vessels in the River in which Cannon would be essential. His Question to you on the subject was rather intended to indicate his desire that you should take cannon with your Party.
He desires you will immediately march towards the River opposite BordenTown and there act according to circumstances. Though you may not be able to do any thing without Cannon, the approach of a body of men whom the Enemy will suppose to be provided with Artillery may possibly alarm and induce them to return. Perhaps by throwing a part of your men on the heights the opposite side of the river, you may be able to give them some Annoyance. This you will best judge of when you get to the Place. A detachment of 200 men will march to join you immediately with two pieces of Artillery and some Provisions. They will take their rout to the Cross roads; you will be pleased to leave at that place an Officer with directions how to conduct them to you
I am Sir   Your most humble Servt.
Head Quarters May 10th. 1778


Title: George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Junior, 11 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas, Jr.

[Valley Forge] May 11, 1778. Is disappointed that so few militiamen are available. Asks that a plan be devised to keep the militia in constant readiness for the field, and that 400 militiamen be kept between the Delaware and the Schuylkill.


Title: Oath of Allegiance, [12 May 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[Valley Forge, May 12, 1778]
I Alexander Hamilton Lieutenant Colonel and Aide De Camp to His Excellency The commander in Chief do acknowledge the United States of America, to be Free, Independent and Sovereign States, and declare that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of Great-Britain; and I renounce, refuse and objure any allegiance or obedience to him; and I do swear that I will to the utmost of my power, support, maintain and defend the said United States, against the said King George the Third, his heirs and successors and his or their abettors, assistants and adherents, and will serve the said United States in the office of Aide De Camp which I now hold, with fidelity, according to the best of my skill and understanding.

Alex Hamilton
Sworn, before me, Camp Valley
Forge May 12th 1778
Stirling Major Genl.


Title: George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Morgan Connor, 12 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Connor, Morgan

Valley Forge, May 12, 1778. Discusses courts-martial.


Title: George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 15 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Valley Forge, May 15, 1778. Discusses Indian relations. Asks Schuyler to stop Lieutenant Colonel Jean Baptiste Gouvion and his party of Indians before they start for Camp. Presents arguments that might be used to explain why Indians are no longer needed. Will send notice of Schuyler’s trial as soon as it is received.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Daniel Morgan, [17 May 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Morgan, Daniel

[Valley Forge, May 17, 1778]
Sir,
His Excellency is sending a considerable detachment towards the enemy’s lines, which will march tomorrow morning. He desires you to select 50 men of your corps, under good officers, and send them to join that detachment. It will be at White marsh tomorrow afternoon where your party will be expected. A party of Indians will join the party to be sent from your corps, at White marsh and act with them.
I am Sir   Your most Obed serv

Alex Hamilton AD
Head Quarters Valley
Forge May 17th. 1778


Title: George Washington to Ezekiel Cheever, 17 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Cheever, Ezekiel

Valley Forge, May 17, 1778. Instructs Cheever to rush forward arms that are en route from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Lebanon, Pennsylvania.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Valley Forge, May 19, 1778. Discusses crimes and court-martial of Jetson, a Loyalist. Denies request to send flour to supporters of Revolution in Philadelphia.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 22–23 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Valley Forge, May 22–23, 1778. Orders removal of stores from the Elk and urges Smallwood to be on continual guard against enemy. In postscript states the enemy is preparing an offensive move.


Title: George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 23 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

[Valley Forge] May 23, 1778. Is pleased with the improved treatment of prisoners by British. Requests Boudinot to come to Camp immediately as there is to be a general exchange of prisoners. States that Colonel Francis Johnston has been nominated to succeed Boudinot as commissary of prisoners.


Title: George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 23 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Shreve, Israel

Valley Forge, May 23, 1778. Discusses case of William Hamet, a Loyalist; disposition of the Jersey drafts; and reinlistment of Lieutenant Jonathan Rhea. Gives instructions in case enemy should evacuate Philadelphia.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Valley Forge, May 25, 1778. Orders Maxwell to secure all available information concerning enemy and to remain in readiness to march.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Dixon and William Hunter, 29 May 1778
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Dixon, John,Hunter, William

Head Quarters ValleyForge May 29th 1778
The Commander in chief positively requires all officers, absent from camp, belonging to the Troops of the State of Virginia, except those who are detained on Public service, by his Excellency the Govr of that State, or any Genl officer of the same, or those who may have furloughs not yet expired—immediately to join their respective Corps.
By his Excellys Command
Alex Hamilton   Aide De Camp
The several Printers of the State of Virginia are desired to Publish the above in their respective news Papers
AH.


Title: George Washington to the Board of General Officers, 29 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Board of General Officers

[Valley Forge] May 29, 1778. Submits case of Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Regnier’s rank.


Title: George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel James Innes, 29 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Innes, James

Valley Forge, May 29, 1778. Orders Innes to return to Camp.


Title: George Washington to the Board of General Officers, 2 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Board of General Officers

Valley Forge, June 2, 1778. Submits for the Board’s decision Lieutenant Colonel Mauduit du Plessis’s claim to rank.


Title: George Washington to the Board of General Officers, 2 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Board of General Officers

Valley Forge, June 2, 1778. Submits for the Board’s decision the case of a suspected spy.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Head Quarters [Valley Forge]4th. June 1778.
Sir.
Mr. Loring having been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to meet Mr. Boudinot or any other person appointed by me for the purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners; I have therefore to desire you (Mr. Boudinot being absent from Camp) to hear any proposals Mr. Loring may have to offer on this subject; and to do definitively whatever may be necessary towards the execution of a general exchange of prisoners: And I hereby assure you that your proceedings in this instance will be ratified by me.
I am Sir, your very hble servant.

Go: Washington
Lieut. Col. Hamilton.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joshua Loring, 5 June 1778
From: Loring, Joshua
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Phila June 5th 1778
Sir
Upon my Report to His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton of our meeting yesterday at the Sorrel Horse for the Purpose of settling an exchange of Prisoners—
I am directed to acquaint you that all our Prisoners in Philadelphia agreable to the enclosed Return shall be sent out on the 12th Inst under a proper Escort to the two miles stone on the Lancaster Road over Schuylkill, provided you agree to meet us There on that day with the like number of British Prisoners of equal Rank to be then & there exchanged for the same and you will be so good as to fix the hour.
I am Sir your most obedient   Humble Servant
Josa Loring   Commissy Genl Prisoners
Col. Hamilton


Title: George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

[Valley Forge] June 8, 1778. Instructs Greene to find a new camp site.


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Captain Jacob Weiss, 9 June 1778
From: Weiss, Jacob
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Valley Forge, June 9, 1778. States that last October he delivered missing chest containing army papers to Easton, Pennsylvania.


Title: George Washington to Colonel Lewis Nicola, 9 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Nicola, Lewis

Valley Forge, June 9, 1778. Instructs Nicola to admit John Woelper of German Battalion as a captain in Corps of Invalids.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [18 June 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Boudinot, Elias

[Valley Forge, June 18, 1778]
Dr Sir
The General has received your Billet per horseman. He thanks you for your intelligence and begs you will continue to advise him of what passes. If the enemy are really gone, try to get some of the inhabitants, on whom, you can depend to pass the Delaware, to watch their motions and convey intelligence.
Caution should be used by you all in entering the city, before you are very certain how matters stand.
Yrs
Alex Hamilton
Hd. Qrs.
June 18th. 1778


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 18 June 1778
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Duer, William

Hd Qrs. [Valley Forge] June 18, 1778
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty to trouble you with a few hints on a matter of some importance. Baron Steuben, who will be the bearer of this waits on Congress to have his office arranged upon some decisive and permanent footing. It will not be amiss to be on your guard. The Baron is a Gentleman for whom, I have a particular esteem; and whose real intelligence and success the consequence of both intitle him to the greatest credit. But I am apprehensive, with all his good qualities, a fondness for power and importance natural to every man may lead him to wish for more extensive prerogatives in his department, than it will be for the good of the service to grant. I should be sorry to ex[c]ite any prejudice against him on this account—perhaps I may be mistaken in my conjecture. The caution, I give, will do no harm, if I am. If I am not it may be useful. In either case, The Baron deserves to be considered as a valuable man, and treated with all the deference which good policy will warrant.
In the first institution of his office, The General allowed him to exercise more ample powers, than would be proper for a continuance. They were necessary in the commencement, to put things in a train with a degree of dispatch, which the exigency of our affairs required. But it has been necessary to restrain them even earlier than was intended. The novelty of the office excited questions about its boundaries. The extent of its operation alarmed the officers of every rank for their own rights. Their jealousies and discontents were rising fast to a height that threatened to over turn the whole plan. It became necessary to apply a remedy. The General has delineated the functions of the Inspectorship, in general orders, a copy of which will be sent to Congress. The plan is good and satisfactory, to the army in general. It may be improved; but it will be unsafe to deviate essentially from it. It is, of course, the General’s intention, that whatever regulations are adopted by him should undergo the revision and receive the sanction of Congress, but it is indispensible in the present state of our army, that he should have the power from time, to time, to introduce and authorise, the reformations necessary in our system. It is a work which must be done by occasional and gradual steps and ought to be intrusted to a person on the spot, who is thoroughly acquainted with all our defects and has judgment sufficient to adapt the progressive remedies they require. The plan established by Congress, on a report of the Board of War when Conway was appointed appears to me exceptionable in many respects. It makes the Inspector independent of the Commander in Chief, confers powers, which would produce universal opposition, in the army, and by making the previous concurrence of the Board of War requisite to the introduction of every regulation which should be found necessary opens such a continual source of delay as would defeat the usefulness of the institution. Let the Commander in Chief introduce, and the legislature afterwards ratify or reject, as they shall think proper. Perhaps you will not differ much from me, when I suppose, that so far as relates to the Board of War, the former scheme was a brat of faction, and therefore ought to be renounced.
There is one thing which the Baron has much at heart, which in good policy he can by no means be indulged in. It is the power of enforcing that part of discipline which we understand by subordination or an obedience to orders. This power can only be properly lodged with the commander in chief, and would inflame the whole army if put into other hands. Each Captain is vested with it in his company, each Colonel in his Regiment, each General in his particular command, and The Commander in Chief in the whole.
When I began this letter, I did not intend to meddle with any other subject than the Inspectorship; but one just comes into my head, which appears to me of no small importance. The goodness or force of an army depends as much, perhaps more, on the composition of the corps which form it, as on its collective number. The composition is good or bad, not only according to the quality of the men, but in proprortion to the completeness or incompleteness of a corps in respect to numbers. A Regiment for instance with a full complement of officers and fifty or sixty men, is not half so good as a company with the same number of men. A Colonel will look upon such a command as unworthy [of] his ambition and will neglect and despise it. A captain would pride himself in it and take all the pains in his power to bring it to perfection. In one case we shall see a total relaxation of discipline, and a negligence of every thing that constitutes military excellence; in the other, there will be attention energy and every thing that can be wished. Opinion, whether well or ill founded, is the governing principle of human affairs. A corps much below its establishment comparing what it is with what it ought to be, loses all confidence in itself, and the whole army loses that confidence and emulation which are essential to success. These and a thousand other things, that will occur to you, make it evident, that the most important advantages attend the having complete corps, and proporti[on]al disadvantages the reverse. Ten thousand men distributed into 20 imperfect regiments will not have half the efficiency of the same number in half the number of regiments. The fact is, with respect to the American army, that the want of discipline and other defects we labour under are as much owing to the skeleton state of our regiments as to any other cause. What then?
Have we any prospect of filling our regiments? My opinion is that we are nearly arrived to our ne plus ultra. If so, we ought to reduce our number of corps, and give them that substance and consistency which they want, by incorporating them together so as to bring them near their establishment. By this measure the army would be infinitely improved & the State would be saved the expence of maintaining a number of superfluous officers. In the present condition of our regiments, they are incapable even of performing their common exercises without joining two or more together, an expedient reluctantly submitted to by those officers, who see themselves made second in command of a batalion instead of first as their commission imports, which happens to every younger colonel, whose regiment is united with that of an elder?
What would be the inconveniencies? While the officers who remain in command and who might be selected from the others on account of superior merit would applaud themselves in the preference given them and rejoice at a change which confers such additional consequence to themselves, those who should be excluded by the measure would return home discontented and make a noise, which would soon subside and be forgotten among matters of greater moment. To quiet them still more effectually, if it should be thought necessary they might be put upon half pay for a certain time.
⟨If on considering this matter, you should agree with me in sentiment, it were to be wished the scheme could be immediately adopted, while the arrangement now in hand is still unexecuted. If it is made, it will be rather inconvenient, immediately after, to unhinge and throw the whole system again afloat.
When you determined on your last arrangement, you did not know what success the different States might have had in draughting and recruiting. It would then have been improper to reduce the number of corps, as proposed. We have now seen their success: we have no prospect of seeing the regiments filled; we should reduce them.
Believe me to be, with great esteem and regard, Dear Sir, your obedient servant,
A Hamilton⟩


Title: George Washington to James Mease, 18 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

[Valley Forge] June 18, 1778. Instructs Mease to send agent to purchase available articles from inhabitants of Philadelphia and to seize public stores left behind by enemy.


Title: George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 19 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

[Doctor Shannon’s, near Valley Forge] June 19, 1778. Instructs Arnold to proceed to Philadelphia and to take command of troops there.


Title: George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 22 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

Coryells Ferry [New Jersey] June 22, 1778. Acknowledges receipt of Dickinson’s letters. Is sending Colonel Daniel Morgan’s corps to assist Dickinson.


Title: George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 23 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

Hopewell Township near the Baptist Meeting [New Jersey] June 23, 1778. Requests information concerning movements of enemy.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 24 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Charles

Hopewell Township, New Jersey, June 24, 1778. Orders Scott to Allentown to harass enemy.


Title: Council of War to George Washington, 24 June 1778
From: Council of War
To: Washington, George

Hopewell Township [New Jersey] June 24, 1778. The council decided against a general action against the British.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [25 June 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

[Cranbury Town, New Jersey, June 25, 1778]
Sir,
We find on our arrival here, that the intelligence received on the road is true. The enemy have all filed off from Allen Town on the Monmouth road. Their rear is said to be a mile Westward of Lawrence Taylor’s Tavern, six miles from Allen Town. General Maxwell is at Hyde’s Town, abt. three miles from this place. General Dickinson is said to be on the enemy’s right flank, but where cannot be told. We can hear nothing certain of General Scott but from circumstances he is probably at Allen Town. We shall agreeable to your request consider and appoint some proper place of rendesvous, for the union of our force, which we shall communicate to General Maxwell & Scot and to yourself. In the mean time, I would recommend to you to move towards this place as soon as the convenience of your men will permit. I am told Col Morgan is on the enemy’s right flank. He had a slight skirmish with their rear this forenoon at Robert Montgomery’s, on the Monmouth road leading from Allen Town. We shall see General Maxwell immediately, and you will hear from us again.
I am Yr Obedt ser
Alex Hamilton
send this to the General after reading it.

Doctor Stile’s House
Cranbury Town 9 OClock.

We are just informed that General Scot passed by Hopper’s Tavern, 5 miles from Allen Town this afternoon at 5 OClock


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 June 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Robins Tavern8 Miles from Allen Town [New Jersey]12 OClock [June 26, 1778]
Sir,
We have halted the troops at this place. The enemy, by our last reports, were four miles from this (that is their rear) and had passed the road which turns off towards South Amboy, which determines their rout[e] towards Shrewsbury. Our reason for halting is the extreme distress of the troops for want of provisions. General Wayne’s detachment is almost starving and seem both unwilling and unable to march further ’till they are supplied. If we do not receive an immediate supply, the whole purpose of our detachment must be frustrated. This morning we missed doing any thing from a deficiency of intelligence. On my arrival at Cranbury yesterevening, I proceeded by desire of ye Marquis immediately to Hides Town and Allen Town to take measures for cooperating with the different parts of the detachment and to find what was doing to procure intelligence. I found every precaution was neglected—no horse was near the enemy, or could be heard of ’till late in the morning; so that before we could send out parties and get the necessary information, they were in full march and as they have marched pretty expeditiously we should not be able to come up with them during the march of this day; if we did not suffer the impediment we do on the score of provisions. We are intirely at a loss where the army is, which is no inconsiderable check to our enterprise; if the army is wholly out of supporting distance, we risk the total loss of the detachment in making an attack. If the army will countenance us we may do something clever. We feel our personal honor as well as the honor of the army and the good of the service interested and are heartily desirous to attempt whatever the disposition of our men will second and prudence authorise. It is evident the enemy wish to avoid not to engage us.
Desertions I imagine have been pretty considerable to day; I have seen 8 or 10 deserters and have heard of many more. We have had some little skirmishing by detached parties—one attacked their rear guard with a degree of success killed a few and took seven prisoners.
I am with great respect & regard   Sir   Yr Obedt ser.
A Hamilton
Marquis & Gen Dickenson send their compliments. My writing makes theirs unnecessary.
An officer just comes in who informs that [he] left the enemy’s rear five miles off, still in march about half an hour ago. To ascertain still more fully their route I have ordered a fresh party on their left towards the head of their column They have three Brigades in rear of their baggage.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [26 June 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Robins Tavern, near Allentown, New Jersey, June 26, 1778]
Sir,
The result of what I have seen and heard concerning the enemy is, that they have incamped with their van a little beyond Monmouth Court House and their rear at Manalapans River abt. seven miles from this place. Their march to day has been very judiciously conducted—their baggage in front and their flying army in the rear, with a rear guard of 1000 men about 400 paces from the main body. To attack them in this situation, without being supported by the whole army would be folly in the extreme. If it should be thought adviseable to give the necessary support, the army can move to some position near the enemy’s left flank which would put them in a very awkward situation, with so respectable a body in their rear and would put it out of their power to turn either flank should they be so disposed. Their left is strongly posted and I am told their right is also. By some accounts one part of his army lies on the road leading from the Monmouth road to South Amboy. It is not improbable that South Amboy may still be the object.
I had written thus far when your letter to the Marquis arrived. This puts the matter on a totally different footing. The detachment will march tomorrow Morning at three oClock to English Town.
I am with great regard & esteem Yr Obed ser
A Hamilton


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Charles Scott, [27 June 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Scott, Charles

[Robins Tavern, near Allentown, New Jersey, June 27, 1778]
Sir,
This part of the troops marches instantly. We are to join in the Monmouth road one mile this side of Taylor’s Tavern. You will govern yourself accordingly. If you can find Morgan let him be desired again to keep close to the enemy and attack when we attack.
I am sir   Yr Obed serv.
Alex Hamilton   Aide De Camp
You will endeavour to keep up a communication of intelligence.


Title: George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 30 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Du Portail, Louis Le Bèque

Englishtown [New Jersey] June 30, 1778. Orders Du Portail to Philadelphia to study city’s defenses.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Stephen Moylan, [7 July 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Moylan, Stephen

[New Brunswick, New Jersey, July 7, 1778]
Sir,
It is His Excellency’s pleasure, that you collect the whole of the cavalry, without delay, as well the unarmed as the armed, and after a little refreshment, and getting the horses shod &c. proceed moderately towards the North river to join the army. He has received advice from General Heath of the arrival of accoutrements for the cavalry to the Eastward which he has ordered immediately on. These will meet us shortly, it is to be hoped on the North River and will serve to supply deficiencies.
I am Dr Col.   Your most Obedt

A Hamilton   A D C
Brunswick July 7th. 1778


Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elias Boudinot, 8 July 1778
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Philadelphia July 8 1778
My dear Sir
I had concluded your Laurels had produced a forgetfulness of your old friend, but am now rejoicing in my disappointment having your obliging & very entertaining favour of the 5th. Inst. just handed me. With the utmost sincerity I congratulate you & my Country on the kind Interposition of Heaven in our favour on the 28 Ultmo. It seems as if on every Occasion we are to be convinced that our political Salvation is to be as through the fire. I scarcely know whether I am more distressed that any Person engaged in the Cause of America & to whom she has entrusted her Safety could be capable of betraying her Interest in the critical moment of decision, or more really gratifyed & pleased that the supreme disposer of human Events is continually baffling not only the formidable & open force of our Enemies, but also the more dangerous & secret Efforts of false or lukewarm Friends. The General I allways revered & loved ever since I knew him, but in this Instance he has rose superior to himself. Every Lip dwells on his Praise for even his pretended Friends (for none dare to acknowledge themselves his Enemies) are obliged to croak it forth. The share that his family (for whom I retain a real friendship) has in the Honors of the day has afforded me real Pleasure, and among the rest none more than that of your Lordship.
The Congress have not made a House ’till yesterday. I am afraid I shall have my Hands full here, and I am not greatly elated at the Prospect.
We have undoubted Intelligence of the sailing of a French Fleet for this Country, under the Command of Vice Admiral Count de Estang consisting of 12 Ships of the Line, 6 frigates & two xebeques. I have reason to believe the French Ambassador is on Board; an English fleet lay at St. Helena ready to follow them, consisting of Eleven Ships—1 of 90—9 of 74—and one of 64 Guns.
I am sorry to inform you that there is also intelligence of the Settlement of Wyoming being cut off by Coll Buttler with about 1000 Indians Tories & British Troops. It is supposed that Carlisle will soon be the frontier of this State as the Inhabitants are flying in from all Quarters. About 200 Inhabitants were Scalped.
I must beg the favour of your presenting my most respectfull Compliments of Congratulations to his Excellency and the family, especially my worthy friend Harrison.
I am Dr Sir   &c
Coll. Hamilton


Title: George Washington to William Henry Drayton, 12 July 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Drayton, William Henry

Paramus [New Jersey] July 12, 1778. Acknowledges receipt of Drayton’s congratulations on Battle of Monmouth.


Title: Proceedings of a General Court-Martial for the Trial of Major General Charles Lee, [13 July 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

[New Brunswick, New Jersey, July 13, 1778]
Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton,
Q. What was the strength of the corps under the command of General Lee the 28th of June?
A. To the best of my knowledge the strength of the corps under his immediate command at English Town was about five thousand rank and file; besides these, Colonel Morgan, with about six hundred men, and General Dickinson at the head of a body of militia, as I understood, of eight hundred men, were subject to his orders for the purposes of co-operation.
Q. Did you fall in with the troops under the command of General Lee the 28th of June?
A. I had been sent by General Washington to reconnoitre the intermediate country between him and the advance corps under the command of General Lee, which I fell in with at some distance beyond the Court-house.
Q. What was the situation of General Lee’s troops when you fell in with them?
A. They were issuing out of a wood on the left of the Courthouse in two or three small columns, so near to each other as, in my opinion, to be incapable of displaying, to which also their situation in the woods was an impediment. These columns were in an oblique direction with respect to the enemy, rather towards their right, and within cannon shot. I heard several questions about artillery, of which there seemed to be a deficiency, and some confusion appeared to exist with respect to their situation and circumstances. I think I understood from General Lee, that some troops had been advanced through the woods towards the enemy right. I rode up to the front of the columns, from whence I perceived the situation of the enemy, and observed their cavalry were filing off towards their left, as if with design to attempt something on the right of General Lee’s troops; this I informed him of, and submitted to him whether it would not be proper to send some troops to counteract that manœuvre of theirs, and turn their left flank; he approved the suggestion, and authorized me to give orders for that purpose to a column on the right. The Marquis de la Fayette led this column, to whom I delivered the orders accordingly, which were to wheel by his right, gain and attack the enemy’s left flank. After this I was under the necessity of returning to report to General Washington what I had done in the execution of his orders. To explain more particularly the situation of General Lee’s troops, I would mention some circumstances that I have omitted: There appeared to be a continuation of the wood, out of which the columns were issuing towards the enemy’s right; the ground in front of the columns as far as the enemy, seemed plain and open, without any material obstacles; that which was more immediately occupied by General Lee’s troops was something lower than that which was occupied by the enemy, but the difference in my apprehension was not so material as to be any considerable impediment to an attack, and the distance between the enemy and advanced corps was such, that it appeared to be extremely dangerous to change the position by a retrograde movement in the face of the enemy.
Q. What was the situation of the enemy, and numbers?
A. The enemy were drawn up with their right near a wood, their left on open ground covered by their cavalry, and forming an obtuse angle with the Court-house; the whole force I saw at that time did not exceed eight hundred infantry and cavalry to the best of my judgment, if there were so many.
Q. Was any disposition made by General Lee for attacking the enemy that you saw?
A. Only the one I have mentioned, the sending off troops to attack their left flank, and the one of which I believe I was told by General Lee, of sending off troops to attack their right flank. I saw no co-operation with these movements by any general disposition of the remaining troops.
Q. Did you fall in with General Lee’s troops afterwards?
A. I came up with them in their retreat, a little time before the stand was made, by which the enemy received their first check. I heard General Washington say to General Lee, that it would be necessary for him (General Washington) to leave the ground and form the main body of the army, while I understood he recommended to General Lee to remain there, and take measures for checking the advance of the enemy; General Lee replied he should obey his orders, and would not be the first man to leave the field. I was some little time after this near General Lee, during which, however, I heard no measures directed, nor saw any taken by him to answer the purpose above-mentioned. I understood a body of our troops commanded by General Wayne, and under him Colonel Stewart, and Lieutenant-Colonel Ramsay had been previously thrown into a wood on the left, in front of where I found General Lee, which I was afterwards told had been done by direction of General Washington. On the right I saw some pieces of artillery pretty advantageously posted, but destitute of covering and support. Myself and others observed this to General Lee; no troops were sent that I know of by his direction to supply the defect, but on its being suggested, that the cannon would certainly be lost, if left there in so unsupported a condition. General Lee ordered them to be drawn off. Previous to that, I believe I rode towards Colonel Livingston, who was at the head of a detachment of troops, and strongly advised him to march to the succour of the artillery; this he did not immediately do, but after some conversation between us, I saw him, when at a small distance, marching his detachment to do what I had recommended to him. I now lost sight of General Lee, and rode towards the rear, where I found Colonel Olney retreating with a part of General Varnum’s brigade; I pressed him to form his troops along a fence which was near him, which he immediately performed, and had a smart conflict with the enemy. These were all the measures I knew of, taken by any part of the advanced corp to check the progress of the enemy after my coming the second time to General Lee.
Q. Were the troops, when you fell in with them the second time, retreating in order or disorder, and in what particular manner?
A. The corps that I saw were in themselves in tolerable good order, but seemed to be marching without system or design, as chance should direct, in short, I saw nothing like a general plan, or combined disposition for a retreat; in this, however, the hurry of the occasion made it very difficult to have a distinct conception.
Q. Was there any body drawn up in their rear to cover their retreat that you saw?
A. I saw no such thing.
Q. Were the orders that you heard General Lee give that day, given distinct and clear?
A. I recollect to have heard General Lee give two orders, at both times he seemed to be under a hurry of mind.
Q. Did General Lee to your knowledge advise General Washington of his retreat?
A. He did not to my knowledge.
Q. What was General Washington’s intelligence concerning the disposition of the enemy previous to the orders given to General Lee?
A. When the Marquis de la Fayette first went out with his detachment, I accompanied him. The next day after we received intelligence, that the enemy had changed their disposition, and as they were presenting their rear to us had composed it of the flower of their army, consisting of their whole grenadiers, light infantry, and chasseurs of the line. This intelligence I communicated by letter to General Washington the 26th of June, in the evening; which letter, I have since understood by some gentleman of the family, was received by him.
Question by the Court. What became of the troops of the advanced corp, after the time you saw Colonel Livingston moving to the succour of the cannon?
A. It was after this that I assisted in forming the troops under Colonel Olney. In the action they had with the enemy, my horse received a wound, which occasioned me a fall, by which I was considerably hurt. This and previous fatigue obliged me to retire, and prevented my knowing what became of the detachments of the advanced corp after that circumstance.
Question by the Court. How far from Monmouth Court-house to the place the troops made the first stand?
A. The several events I have related passed so rapidly, that I could not at the time form any accurate judgment as to the relative distances of places, and was prevented by indisposition from seeing them after the action.
General Lee’s question. I should be glad to know from what point of action, you mean, that you thought it would be dangerous to make a retrog[r]ade manœuvre?
A. In the first situation I found the troops beyond Monmouth Court-house, where I first fell in with them, and where (I believe) they first came in view of the enemy.
General Lee’s question. Do you recollect who commanded the two pieces of cannon which you have mentioned were left unsupported, and were afterwards supported (as you say) by your advice?
A. I was not near enough to know the officers; but from what I have since heard, I am led to suppose that Captain Cook commanded them.
General Lee’s question. Did you hear me address myself in person to Colonel Livingston’s detachment, intreating them to draw off either to the right or left, from before the cannon, in order to give them the means of firing upon the enemy’s cavalry, which was ranged exactly in front, and presented a very fine object?
A. I heard nothing of the kind; for I was not with that regiment at the time it got up with the artillery.
General Lee’s question. Did you not express in the field an idea diametrically reverse of my state of mind, from what you have before mentioned in your testimony?
A. I did not. I said something to you in the field expressive of an opinion, that there appeared in you no want of that degree of self-possession, which proceeds from a want of personal intrepidity. I had no idea in my present evidence of insinuating the most distant charge of this nature, but only to designate that there appeared a certain hurry of spirits, which may proceed from a temper not so calm and steady as is necessary to support a man in such critical circumstances.


Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, [14 July 1778]
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Alexander, William

[Paramus, New Jersey, July 14, 1778]
Sir,
Since the giving my evidence at the Court Martial, I have been endeavouring to recollect more particularly the import of the conversation between General Lee and myself, that happened in the field the day of the action and which was the subject of discussion yesterday, before the Court. My memory will not serve me on the occasion, in so clear a manner, as I could wish; but I have been able to form some more distinct ideas, than those expressed when I was interrogated by General Lee, which I communicate to you to make what use of them you think proper. On my making some remarks to General Lee which I now forget, he asked me the following questions, or others to the same effect, and I think partly in the same words. “Do I appear to you to have lost my senses, do I not possess myself?” My answer to these questions I do not perfectly recollect; but I remember that it was a favourable one, though I am unable to determine to what extent. It will be readily conceived that so singular and unexpected a question was not a little embarrassing; and it is possible, I may have replied in terms of less reserve and caution, than I should have done at a moment of greater tranquillity and cooler reflection. I perfectly remember what passed in my mind upon the occasion, with respect to General Lee’s conduct, and from the most deliberate and unbiassed retrospect of it, my judgment intirely coincides with what I then thought. His answers to what was said to him were pertinent; and his behaviour had not the least appearance of concern on the score of personal security. So far he possessed himself and could not be said to have lost his senses, according to his own expressions. But he certainly did not appear to me to be in that collected state of mind or to have that kind of self-possession, which is an essential requisite of the General, and which alone can enable him, in critical emergencies, to take his measures with the promptitude and decision they require. A certain indecision improvidence and hurry of spirits were apparent. These were my thoughts to the best of my recollection at the time, and it is natural for me to believe, that what I replied to General Lee could not be inconsistent with them.
This letter I mean as explanatory to my testimony of yesterday founded upon my reflections since; and if it can be done with propriety I shall be glad it may be admitted by the Court as such.
I am with regard Sir Your most Obedt Serv


Title: George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, 14 July 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Barber, Francis

Paramus [New Jersey] July 14, 1778. Thanks Barber for information concerning the enemy. Discusses compensation of John Hendricks, an American spy.