Part 23
[13] The proportion of the European armies, in general, to the national population, is calculated at one to a hundred. By this rule, supposing our population to be two and a half millions, our armies ought to consist of twenty-five thousand men; but the proportion will naturally be less in this country. Our population is more diffused; there is a greater facility of procuring subsistence, fewer poor (and consequently fewer of that class of men whose habits, tempers, and circumstances lead them to embrace the military life) than in any other country in the world. Hence it is, I say, twenty thousand men are as many as we shall be able to raise. Experience justifies this opinion. In the first paroxysms of enthusiasm our armies were larger. I believe, at
## particular periods, we have had more than thirty thousand men in the
field: but our force has every year diminished, and has been for two years past below the standard I have assigned. Immense efforts have been made to procure men, but they have not been able to produce more. This shows that our military system is still susceptible of great reforms in favor of economy; but we dare not make them, because we cannot pay the army. I also said, twenty thousand men would be as many as we should stand in need of. The enemy have now less than this number within the States; and cannot, in the future progress of the war, have more.
An equal force, with the occasional aid of the militia, will confine them within one or two capital points; and this will be their defeat. But we have a further resource in the troops of our allies. We must not dream of decisive enterprises, unless our allies will assist us with twelve or fifteen thousand land troops, and an undisputed maritime superiority. Then, with the aid of the militia, drawn out for a few months, we may undertake and succeed. Our true policy, in the meantime, is, to endeavor to form a solid compact force, proportioned to our necessities.
[14] The possibility of making up so large a proportion of specie will depend on foreign assistance. It could hardly be hoped to effect it within ourselves, if, as I suppose, there are not more than six millions of dollars in these States. It is true, plate is admitted; but it is uncertain how far this may prove a resource. It were to be wished the proportion of specie might be as large as possible: but, perhaps, for fear of a failure, it may be advisable to alter the above proportions, so as to have, upon the whole, about one-third in specie, and two thirds in European funds and landed security.
[15] It may, perhaps, not be impossible to make some profitable speculations on the bullion which the Spaniards are afraid to transport from South America to Europe.
[16] It is impossible too soon to make some arrangement that will enable Congress to put a stop to the further emission.
[17] There is another immense consideration. The proprietors of the Bank will be the holders of a great part of this paper. They have it in their power to double the value of it by this plan: which is, in other words, to gain a hundred per cent.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
De Peyster’s Point, May 2, 1781.
Sir:
I am extremely sorry to have embarrassed you by my late application, and that you should think there are insuperable obstacles to a compliance with it. Having renounced my expectations, I have no other inducement for troubling your Excellency with a second letter, than to obviate the appearance of having desired a thing inconsistent with the good of the service, while I was acquainted with the circumstances that made it so.
I was too interested a spectator of what happened in the case of Major M’Pherson, not to have remarked, and not to recollect all the circumstances. The opposition turned ostensibly on his being a brevet officer, yet having a command in a corps formed entirely from one line: the propriety of his being employed in a detachment from the army at large, so far as I remember, was not disputed. In delicacy to Major M’Pherson, no personal objections were formally made: but in reality they existed, and contributed to the discontent. It was thought a peculiar hardship, that a gentleman who had, for a long time, fought against us, and had not taken part with us till a late period, and when our affairs had assumed a more prosperous aspect, should be preferred in one of the most honorary commands of the service. Your Excellency must be convinced, that I mention this in no other view than to show the sentiments of the officers at the time, and the whole grounds for the opposition. My esteem for Major M’Pherson, and other reasons, make it impossible I can have a different intention.
I know less of the motives of dissatisfaction in the case of Colonel Gimat and Major Galvan; but I have understood that it is founded on their being appointed in the light corps for two successive campaigns.
It would be uncandid in me, not to acknowledge that I believe a disposition to exclude brevet officers in general from command, has a great share in the opposition in every instance; and that so far it affects my case. But, at the same time, it appears to me, this principle alone can never be productive of more than momentary murmurs, where it is not seconded by some plausible pretext. I also am convinced that the Pennsylvania officers, for their own sakes, repented the rash steps they had taken; and, on cool reflection, were happy in an opportunity to relinquish their menaces of quitting a service to which they were attached by habit, inclination, and interest, as well as by patriotism. I believe, too, we shall never have a similar instance in the army, unless the practice should be carried to excess. Major Galvan, I am told, will probably be relieved. Colonel Gimat will be then the only brevet officer remaining in command. Your Excellency is the best judge of the proper limits; and there can be no doubt, that the rights of particular officers ought to give place to the general good and tranquillity of the service.
I cannot forbear repeating, that my case is peculiar, and dissimilar to all the former. It is distinguished by the circumstances I have before intimated; my early entrance into the service; my having made the campaign of ’76, the most disagreeable of the war, at the head of a company of artillery, and having been entitled, in that corps, to a rank, equal in degree, more ancient in date, than I now possess; my having made all the subsequent campaigns in the family of the Commander-in-Chief, in a constant course of important and laborious service. These are my pretensions, at this advanced period of the war, to being employed in the only way which my situation admits; and I imagine they would have their weight in the minds of the officers in general. I only urge them a second time, as reasons which will not suffer me to view the matter in the same light with your Excellency, or to regard, as impracticable, my appointment in a light corps, should there be one formed. I entreat they may be understood in this sense only. I am incapable of wishing to obtain any object by importunity. I assure your Excellency, that I am too well persuaded of your candor, to attribute your refusal to any other cause than an apprehension of inconveniences that may attend the appointment.
I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, Sir, your most obed’t servant, A. Hamilton.
General Washington. P. S. I have used the term brevet in the sense your Excellency appears to have understood it in, as signifying, in general, all officers not attached to any established corps. Congress seem, however, to have made a distinction: they only give a kind of warrant to those whom they designate as brevet officers. Mine is a regular commission.
LE VICOMTE DE NOAILLES A HAMILTON.
Newport, 10 May, 1781.
Je suis certain, mon cher Colonel, de vous faire plaisir en vous apprenant que votre ami Laurens est arrivé à Paris en bonne santé, après une traversée favorable. Au départ de la frégate La Concorde arrivée à Boston avec M. de Barras amiral, qui vient prendre le commandement de notre flotte, et M. le Vicomte de Rochambau, Mr. Laurens avait déjà eu plusieurs conférences avec nos ministres; il aura été bien écouté et bien entendu de celui qui est chargé du departement de la marine, ainsi que de notre contrôleur général. Ces deux hommes paraissent influer infiniment dans ce moment sur l’opinion du Roi de France et celle du peuple; qui finit en France, comme dans tous les pays du monde par être entendue. Vous saurez certainement quels sont les préparatifs pour cette campagne; je désire que nous puissions délivrer l’Amérique des souffrances qu’elle éprouve: quoique je ne sois point né dans un pays libre mon cher Colonel, je verrai avec plaisir les fondemens que vous allez établir pour le bonheur et la tranquillité d’un peuple chez lequel toutes les nations de l’Europe auront les mêmes droits. Une fois cette époque arrivée, l’Humanité jettera avec plaisir ses yeux sur l’autre monde, et verra sans envie un peuple qui ne devra son bonheur qu’à son propre courage. S’il m’est possible de placer une petite pierre dans ce vaste edifice, je me trouverai parfaitement heureux.
Le Ministre chargé de gouverner les finances de notre puissance vient d’obtenir du roi de France la permission de lui rendre un compte public de son administration depuis cinq ans qu’il en a la direction: cet exemple, le premier de ce genre a frappé l’Europe d’étonnement et d’amiration pour la conduite de ce grand homme; il prouve qu’au commencement de son ministère les dépenses de l’État excédait les recettes de 24 millions. Les différentes économies qu’il a pu établir, malgré la guerre et les frais énormes qu’elle exige, a rétabli non seulement l’équilibre mais même un bénéfice de dix millions de rente excédante et dix sept millions cinq-cent mille livres, employé annuellement à des remboursements de rentes perpetuelles. Ce qui produit maintenant 27 millions de rente de plus que de dépense. La manière énergique, raisonnée et claire rend son ouvrage persuasif aux yeux mêmes de ses ennemis. Je compte vous envoyer ce livre par la première occasion et par celle-ci même, si l’homme qui vous remettra ma lettre veut s’en charger.
Je vous demanderais pardon de mon importunité, mon cher Colonel, si je n’avais pas été assez heureux pour vous donner de nouvelles de notre ami. Je vous prie de ne pas douter de l’extrême plaisir que j’aurai dans tous les temps de ma vie à vous prouver combien mon attachement pour vous est tendre et sincère.
Le Vicomte de Noailles.
Je vous prie de présenter mon respectueux hommage à Son Excellence le Général Washington; il force ses ennemis mêmes à l’estimer, et lorsqu’on l’a vu deux fois il laisse l’impression du respect le plus tendre.
Col. Hamilton.
CARTER TO HAMILTON.
Newport, May 18, 1781.
My Dear Sir:
* * * * *
M. de Barras arrived a few days since, with the General’s son, in a frigate from France. He has taken the command of the fleet. Seven hundred land forces are now embarking, the wind is fair, and they sail this day to meet the convoy expected from France, with provisions and recruits for the regiments here. I fear they will have a very trifling augmentation of force, and that this campaign will prove as inactive as the last. I imagine you will be with General Washington at the conference. You will have the pleasure to see General Chastellux, who will give you this letter. At his return, I expect it will be decided whether the army marches or not: at present it seems a matter of great doubt, notwithstanding the preparations which are making. I am astonished we hear nothing from the southward. I fear, if the detachment, embarked at New-York, is destined for that quarter, that the enemy will make a considerable progress.
* * * * *
Your friend and servant, John Carter.
Colonel Hamilton.
LA FAYETTE TO HAMILTON.
Richmond, May 23, 1781.
My Dear Hamilton:
I have been long complaining that I had nothing to do; and want of employment was an objection I had to my going to the southward. But for the present, my dear friend, my complaint is quite of an opposite nature; and I have so many arrangements to make, so many difficulties to combat, so many enemies to deal with, that I am just that much of a general, as will make me a historian of misfortunes, and nail my name upon the ruins of what good folks are pleased to call the army in Virginia.
There is an age past since I heard from you. I acknowledge that, on my part, I have not written so often as I ought to have done; but you will excuse this silence in favor of my very embarrassing circumstances. However remote you may be from your former post of aid-de-camp to the Commander-in-Chief, I am sure you are nevertheless acquainted with every transaction at head quarters. My letters have served to your information, and I shall consequently abstain from repetitions.
Our forced march saved Richmond; Phillips was going down; and thus far I was very happy. Phillips’s return, his landing at Brandon, south side of James River, and the unmolested journey of Lord Cornwallis through North Carolina, made me apprehensive of the storm that was gathering. I advanced towards Petersburg, and intended to have established a communication upon James and Appamatox Rivers. Had Phillips marched to Halifax, I was determined to follow him; and should have risked every thing rather than to omit making a diversion in favor of Greene. But that army took possession of Petersburg, and obliged me to stick to this side of the river, from whence reinforcements are expected. Both armies have formed their junction, and must consist of between four and five thousand men. We have nine hundred continentals. Their infantry is near five to one; their cavalry ten to one. Our militia are not numerous, come without arms, and are not used to war. Government wants energy; and there is nothing to enforce the laws. General Greene has directed me to take command in this State; and I must tell, by the way, that his letter is very polite and affectionate. It then became my duty to arrange the departments, which I found in the greatest confusion and relaxation. Nothing can be obtained, and yet expenses were enormous.
The Baron, and the few new levies he could collect, are ordered to South Carolina. I am glad he goes, as the hatred of the Virginians to him was truly hurtful to the service. Is it not strange that General Wayne’s detachment cannot be heard of? They are to go to Carolina; but should I want them for a few days, I am at liberty to keep them. This permission I will improve, so far as to receive one blow, that, being beat, I may at least be beat with some decency. There are accounts that make Lord Cornwallis very strong: others make him very weak. In this country there is no getting good intelligence.
I request you will write me, if you approve of my conduct. The command of the waters, the superiority in cavalry, and the great disproportion of forces, gave the enemy such advantages, that I durst not venture out, and listen to my fondness for enterprise. To speak truth, I was afraid of myself as much as of the enemy. Independence has rendered me the more cautious, as I know my own warmth. But if the Pennsylvanians come, Lord Cornwallis shall pay something for his victory.
I wish a reinforcement of _light infantry_, to recruit the battalions, or a detachment under General Huntington was sent to me. I wish Laurens or Sheldon were immediately dispatched with their horse.
Come here, my dear friend, and command our artillery in Virginia. I want your advice and your exertions. If you grant my request, you will vastly oblige,
Your friend, La Fayette.
Colonel Hamilton.
MORRIS TO HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, May 26, 1781.
Sir:
It is some time since I received your performance dated the 30th of April last. I have read it with that attention which it justly deserves, and finding many points of it to coincide with my own opinions on the subject, it naturally strengthened that confidence which every man ought to possess, to a certain degree, in his own judgment. You will very soon see the plan of a Bank published, and subscriptions opened for its establishment, having already met with the approbation of Congress. It only remains for individuals to do their part, and a foundation will be laid for the anticipation of taxes and funds, by a paper credit that cannot depreciate.
The capital proposed falls far short of your idea, and, indeed, far short of what it ought to be; but I am confident, if this is once accomplished, the capital may afterwards be increased to almost any amount. To propose a large sum in the outset, and fail in the attempt to raise it, might prove fatal. To begin with what is clearly in our power to accomplish, and on that beginning, to establish the credit that will inevitably command the future increase of capital, seems the most certain road to success. I have thought much about interweaving a landed security with the capital of this Bank, but am apprehensive it would convey to the public mind, an idea of paper being circulated on that credit, and that the Bank, of consequence, must fail in its payments, in case of any considerable run on it: and we must expect that its ruin will be attempted, by external and internal foes. I have therefore left that point to the future deliberations of the Directors of this Bank, to whom, in due time, I shall communicate your address. I esteem myself much your debtor for this piece, not merely on account of the personal respect you have been pleased to express, but also on account of your good intentions: and for these, and the pains you have taken, I not only think, but on all proper occasions, shall say, the public are also indebted to you.
My office is new, and I am young in the execution of it. Communications from men of genius and abilities will always be acceptable; and yours will always command the attention of, Sir,
Your obedient, humble servant, Robert Morris.
Colonel Hamilton.
SCHUYLER TO HAMILTON.
Albany, May 30, 1781.
Dear Sir:
Your favor, covering copies of the letters which passed between the General and you, I received on Friday last at Saratoga, which I left, somewhat indisposed, on Sunday, and arrived in the evening. The fatigue of the journey increased my disorder, which is the quinsy, with so much rapidity, that before Tuesday morning I was twice bled to prevent suffocation. The inflammation is subsiding, and I have been able to swallow a little broth to-day. I propose to attend the Legislature the latter end of the next week, when I shall have the pleasure of seeing you at Fishkill on the Sunday following. I believe you may prepare yourself to go to Philadelphia, as there is little doubt but you will be appointed.
The enemy are arrived at Crown Point: their number not perfectly ascertained, but I believe about two thousand. It is said they intend to fortify there. A rumor prevails that the three companies of Van Schaik’s, now to the northward, are to be called down. If so, I shall instantly remove my family and stock from Saratoga, being certain, if I delay it more than four days after the troops move, that the enemy will possess themselves of the whole. Adieu.
I am, dear Sir, Most affectionately And sincerely, Your obedient servant, Ph: Schuyler.
Colonel Hamilton.
HAMILTON TO MRS. HAMILTON.
Camp Near Dobbs’ Ferry, July 10, 1781.
The day before yesterday I arrived here, but for want of an opportunity could not write any sooner; indeed, I know of none now. Finding when I came here, that nothing was said on the subject of a command, I wrote the General a letter, and inclosed him my commission. This morning Tilghman came to me in his name, pressed me to retain my commission, with an assurance that he would endeavor, by all means, to give me a command, nearly such as I could have desired in the present circumstances of the army. Though I know you would be happy to hear I had rejected this proposal, it is a pleasure my reputation would not permit me to afford you. I consented to retain my commission, and accept the command. I quarter, at present, by a very polite and warm invitation, with General Lincoln, and experience from the officers of both armies every mark of esteem. * * *
A. Hamilton.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
Camp, August 7, 1781.
Sir:
The other day I applied to Colonel Tilghman for an order for shoes, for the two companies of levies. He thought, on a general principle, it could not be granted; but as from the best of my own recollection, confirmed by inquiry of others, I have reason to believe a distinction was made last campaign in favor of the advanced corps, in the case of Cortland’s regiment, I am induced to submit the matter to your Excellency.
Your Excellency is sensible that the service of an advanced corps, must be in general more active than of the line; and that, in a country like this, the article of shoes is indispensable. If the men cannot be supplied, they cannot perform the duty required of them; which will make the service fall heavier upon that part of the corps which is not under the same disability, as well as render a considerable part of it of much less utility. I will not add any personal consideration to those which affect the service; though it certainly cannot be a matter of indifference to me.
The men, I am informed, have, in general, received a bounty of about thirty pounds each, which is spent. The State makes no provision for them; and the fact is, they cannot supply themselves: they must therefore be destitute if they have not a continental supply.
The distinction last campaign, was, if I am not mistaken, that shoes were an article of absolute necessity, and therefore to be allowed, though the articles of clothing were refused.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Excellency’s Most ob’t and humble serv’t, A. Hamilton.
To General Washington.
HAMILTON TO MRS. HAMILTON.
August, 1781.
In my last letter I informed you that there was a greater prospect of
## activity now, than there had been heretofore. I did this to prepare