Was it to be
destroyed
or
not?
not?
Hamilton - 1834 - Life on Hamilton - v1
HAMILTON.
43
vincial convention was held, and the concurrence of New-
York ultimately secured.
This body met in the ensuing month, and even in that
assemblage was found much of the timidity which had
characterized the representatives they were chosen to suc-
ceed. While they recommended to their constituents to
exercise themselves with arms, they still indulged the de-
lusive hope of redress. Day after day, in the earlier part
of their session, they remonstrated against the incursions
into Canada, and finally* adopted a plan of accommodation
with the ministry, f But the battle of Lexington had been
fought; the war cry was raised, and the American people
were convinced that nothing remained to them but an ap-
peal to the sword.
In New-England the hardy yeomanry abandoned their
homes and husbandry, and rushed to the conflict. In the
other colonies, as the intelligence reached them, on all
sides were heard bursts of popular indignation, and cries
to arms. In New-Jersey the provincial treasury was seized.
In Philadelphia the shipping was embargoed; and in Ma-
ryland and Virginia the public arms and ammunition were
secured. When the news of the skirmish reached New-
York, and it was announced in the concluding words of a
letter "that the crimson fountain was opened, and God only
knew when it would close," tumultuous menace and exe-
cration followed. Patroles were immediately employed
and, directed by Sears and Willet, the popular leaders,
took their rounds throughout the night as if the enemy were
at their doors. Mobs assembled; the keys of the custom
house were seized, the armory broken open; and, dis-
mayed by the irresistible impetuosity of the populace, a
* June 24, 1775.
f A company of troops was directed to receive General Washington or Go-
vernor Tryon, whichever should first arrive.
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? 44 TIE LIFE OF
battalion of the royal troops was compelled to surrender
their weapons and leave the city.
Congress met in May, 1775, and intelligence being re-
ceived of the destination of forces for America, assumed all
the powers of a paramount superintending sovereignty, and
exercised some of its highest attributes. They proceeded
to organize an army, and to establish a general post. Wash-
ington was elected commander-in-chief; -- the accession
of Georgia completed the confederacy; and, as the point
most exposed, five thousand men were ordered to be raised
for the protection of New-York. In that colony the lead-
ers were now on the alert. Positions were taken to com-
mand the Hudson; alarm posts were established ; the coun-
ties were divided into military districts; officers were cho-
sen under the superintendence of committees, which were
then the chief engines of government. The members of
the provincial convention partaking of the general enthu-
siasm, pledged their personal responsibility for loans made
to the colony, and with a signal magnanimity and self-de-
votion, a letter was addressed by the committee of safety
to General Lee, the commanding officer in New-York, on
the twenty-first of January, 1776, in which some of them
held large estates, authorizing him to devote the city to
flames, if he deemed it a necessary sacrifice for advancing
the cause of the revolution.
After the expulsion of the royal troops, that city remained
quiet until the arrival of Tryon, late governor of North
Carolina, recently appointed to the government of New-
York, a man of energy, courage, and decision.
His arrival reanimated the royalists; and although the
patriots retained their ascendency, a sufficient diversion
was created to keep up a feverish alarm.
While these events were passing in rapid succession,
Hamilton was not inactive. His mind roused to enthu-
siasm in the cause which he had espoused, was constantly
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? HAMILTON. 45
generating new arguments to sustain it; and the leisure
which he had from his collegiate duties was employed in
frequent contributions to the press. In June, seventeen
hundred and seventy-five, with a view to confirm the opin-
ion that the English ministry had abandoned every regard
to the principles of her constitution, he published a series of
"Remarks on the Quebec Bill," a measure which had been
resisted in the British Parliament by the whole force of the
opposition, and kindled in the bosoms of the Americans, at
this moment of irritation, the most angry suspicions. Unable
to discover the particular motive of policy which prompted
such an enactment at this time, they viewed it as contain-
ing some hidden purpose of hostility to themselves, and
as an example of the extent to which a British ministry
would exercise an arbitrary authority over the other colo-
nies, if the least encroachment was submitted to.
While Canada was a French province, the French laws
and customs were in force there, which were regulated in
conformity with the genius and disposition of a despotic
government. When it fell under the dominion of Britain,
these laws gave place to the milder influence of the English
laws; and all persons who settled in Canada were, by a
proclamation of the king of Great Britain, assured a full
enjoyment of the rights of British subjects. By this act,
that proclamation and the government exercised under it,
were annulled after the first of January, 1775. The French
laws were restored, and a power reserved to the executive
authority of the provinces of altering the laws at pleasure,
and, by a further provision, the free exercise of the Roman
catholic religion (subject to the king's supremacy) was
guarantied to the people; and the clergy of that church
were declared entitled to hold and enjoy their accustomed
dues and rights.
The "Remarks" were published in two numbers. The
first on the fifteenth of June, 1775, in a brief, but close ex-
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? 46 TUB LIFE 0 1'
animation of the terms of the act, commented forcibly on
the arbitrary character of this bill, which placed the laws
and government of the province under the sole discretion
of the prince; conferred on him the most extraordinary and
dangerous prerogative, that of creating courts of criminal,
civil; and ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and appointing tempo-
rary judges, whose commissions were revocable at plea-
sure ; and that of making the trial by jury dependent on the
will of the provincial legislature; thus showing that an ar-
bitrary government had been established in that extensive
region.
The purport of the second number, was to prove that the
church of Rome had the sanction of a legal establishment
in that province. It is an able refutation of an essay, which
professed to show, that by this act, the catholic religion
was merely tolerated; and giving a very precise and accu-
rate definition of an established religion, it deduces clearly
from the terms of the act, that the catholic religion is placed
on the footing of a regular establishment, while the protes-
tant is "left entirely destitute and unbefriended. "
The dangers to their protestant neighbours of the vicinity
of a colony of Roman catholics, allured in great numbers
by the favour of government, with a dependent clergy, dis-
posed to support absolute power,are stronglyportrayed, and
an earnest appeal is made to the jealous feelings of the
protestant colonies.
These essays are an interesting specimen of the early
reach of thought, and precision of language, which were
afterwards disclosed by him in so remarkable a degree.
He also repeatedly took part in the public deliberations.
One instance is related by a highly respectable member of
the Society of Friends. It was a meeting of merchants.
Soon after the discussion had opened, Hamilton rose to
address them: -- " Ah," said the gentleman, "what brings
that lad here ? --the poor boy will disgrace himself. " It
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? HAMILTON. 47
was a question as to the non-importation agreement. He
argued the necessity of adhering to it while in force, both
from obligation and the influence of example, but, at the
same time, seeing the approach of war, he contended, that
having been adopted only as a measure of resistance, and
stronger measures being inevitable, that good policy requi-
red the rescinding the agreement by congress, and that those
who had violated it should be forgiven, as indirectly bene-
fitting the public.
Congress having published a declaration of their deter-
mination to resist by force, and having recommended the
embodying throughout the continent of organized compa-
nies of militia, Hamilton joined a volunteer corps, command-
ed by Major Fleming, who had been an adjutant in the Bri-
tish service, and was a skilful and exact disciplinarian.
"Under his command he acquired a knowledge of the rudi-
ments of military science, and became expert in its details. "*
This company was composed chiefly of young gentlemen
of the city, anxious to acquire a knowledge of tactics, with
a view to future promotion.
They met for daily exercise in the churchyard of St.
George's chapel, early in the morning, before the com-
mencement of their college duties. They assumed the name
of " Hearts of Oak," and in their green uniforms and leath-
ern caps, bearing the ominous inscription of "Freedom or
Death," attracted the attention of the inhabitants, and are
still recollected with enthusiasm by the few survivors of the
scene. In this corps were several of the personal friends
of Hamilton, among whom were Colonel Fish, afterwards
eminently distinguished at the siege of York Town, and
Colonel Troup, who served with credit in the northern de-
partment, and received the thanks of congress.
While Hamilton was a member of this corps, it was em-
ployed in a service of some danger. Having been required
* Colonel Troup.
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? 48 THE LIFE OF
by the committee to remove the cannon from the Battery,
while they were thus occupied, a boat of the Asia, man-of-
war, approached, with the design, as was believed, of pre-
venting their removal. The boat was fired upon by the
citizens, which drew a broadside from the ship, "during
which, Hamilton, who was aiding in the removal of the
cannon, exhibited the greatest unconcern, although one of
his companions was killed by his side," and was thus con-
nected in the minds of the people with the first act of re-
sistance to the first act of violence offered to the province.
A violent commotion was the consequence of this attack.
The liberty mobs collected and traversed the streets, threat-
ening personal injuries to every adherent of the crown. In
the height of their excitement, they approached the college,
with a view to seize the person of the president, Doctor
Cooper, an obnoxious tory. As they drew near his resi-
dence, Hamilton and Troup ascended the steps, and fearful
lest in this moment of irritation they might commit some
excess, Hamilton, in order to give the president time to es-
cape, harangued the mob, with great eloquence and ani-
mation, "on the excessive impropriety of their conduct,
and the disgrace they were bringing on the cause of liber-
ty, of which they professed to be the champions. " He suc-
ceeded in diverting their attention, until the alarmed cler-
gyman (who, at first, imagining he was exciting the popu-
lace, exclaimed from an upper window, "Don't listen to
him, gentlemen, he is crazy, he is crazy! ") took refuge in
the ship of war. *
By a similar exhibition of firmness, he interposed with
a concourse of people known as " Travis' mob," and divert-
ed their rage from Mr. Thurman, whose conduct as a mem-
ber of one of the committees, had aroused their indignation,
and whose life was menaced.
* Letter of Colonel Troup to Colonel Pickering.
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? HAMILTON. 49
At this time, the popular commotions became frequent;
the royalists who had fled from the other colonies to New-
York for safety, were compelled to leave it; and such was
the distempered state of feeling, that Tryon, the last royal
governor, a man of intrepid courage, fearful of his life, took
refuge on board the Halifax packet, whence he issued his
disregarded mandates.
The press of Rivington, the tory printer, was the last ob-
ject of attack. By occasionally printing for the popular
side, he had preserved some appearance of neutrality, but
as the controversy ripened, he took a decided part with the
royalists. On the twenty-third of November, a party of
horse from Connecticut, under the command of Sears, ap-
peared in the city, with the avowed design of destroying
his press. Heading the mob, they proceeded in the dusk
of evening to rifle its contents. Hamilton again appeared
the advocate of order, and relying on his former success,
renewed his appeals to the discretion of the citizens, and,
indignant at the encroachment of unlicensed troops from
another colony, offered to join in opposition to the intruders,
and check their progress. His exhortation was unsuccess-
ful. The outrage was perpetrated, but his interference
was not without happy consequences. It elevated him
still more in the estimation of the patriots, who saw in his
love of order and respect for the authority of the laws, as-
surances of those high qualities which, rising above the wild
uproar of the times, disdained to win popularity from popu-
lar delusion.
VOl. I.
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? CHAPTER IV.
During the winter of seventeen hundred and seventy-
six, while England was making a powerful effort for the
subjugation of her colonies, and an act of parliament had
been passed declaring them in open rebellion, the general
congress were chiefly occupied with measures to repair
the losses that attended the northern campaign, which, after
the most arduous exertions, had terminated with the fall of
Montgomery, before the walls of Quebec ; an event which,
from the recollection of the death of Wolfe, the heroism of
the attempt, the immense efforts which had been made,
and the hardships encountered, deeply engaged the sym-
pathies of his countrymen, and caused his loss to be de-
plored as a great national calamity. *
The failure of this expedition changed the whole aspect
of affairs. Instead of securing the co-operation of the Ca-
nadas, and presenting to the enemy an unbroken line of
hostility, the utmost exertions were requisite to maintain
the posts which had been won with so much gallantry in
the preceding spring, to suppress the disaffection that eagerly
displayed itself, and to prevent a junction of the forces of
the enemy, which must have left the larger portion of the
colonies an easy and unassisted prey to their overwhelming
numbers.
Hamilton, during the previous winter, foreseeing that the
course of events must soon lead to an open rupture, deter-
mined to apply himself to the study of arms, and before any
steps were taken to organize a regular force, had by great
* It was announced in these words, -- " Weep, America! for tho<< hast
lost one of thy most virtuous and bravest sons. "
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? 52 THE LIFE OF
assiduity, made such progress as books and the instruction
of a British bombardier could give him in pyrotechnics and
gunnery.
The convention of New-York having determined to aug-
ment its military establishment, among other arrangements
ordered a company of artillery to be raised. * Hamilton
seized this opportunity to enter the service, and was recom-
mended to the convention by his friend McDougal, who
had been appointed colonel of the first regiment raised in
the province. A doubt having been intimated of his know-
ledge of that branch of arms, McDougal proposed that he
should undergo an examination, and on a certificate being
given of his competency, he was appointed, on the four-
teenth day of March, seventeen hundred and seventy-six,
"Captain of the Provincial Company of Artillery," and
within a short time after was directed to guard the records
of the colony. "Hamilton," says Mulligan, by whom he
was aided, "recruited his men, and with the remnant of the
second and last remittance which he received from Santa
Cruz, equipped them. He attended to their drill and his
other duties with a degree of zeal and diligence which soon
made his company conspicuous for their appearance, and
the regularity of their movements. "
His first lieutenant having been transferred to another
command, he took this occasion to enforce, in a letter to
the convention, the policy of advancing officers in succes-
sion, in which he added, " I would beg the liberty warmly
to recommend to your attention the first sergeant in my
company, -- a man highly deserving notice and preferment.
He has discharged his duty in his present station with un-
common fidelity, assiduity, and expertness; he is a very
good disciplinarian, possesses the advantage of having seen
a good deal of service in Germany, and has a tolerable share
* January 6,1776.
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? HAMILTON. 53
of common sense. In a word, I verily believe he will make
an excellent lieutenant, and his advancement will be a
great encouragement and benefit to my company in parti-
cular, and will be an animating example to all men of merit
to whose knowledge it comes. " Hamilton, in this sugges-
tion, paid a debt of gratitude, and, at the same time, incul-
cated a measure, the efficacy of which was demonstrated
in various instances.
The convention adopted the suggestion. The brave
bombardier was promoted to a lieutenancy, and rising to
the command of a company, Captain Thomson fell at the
battle of Springfield, at the head of his men, after gallantly
repulsing a desperate charge of the enemy. A general
resolution was at the same time published by the conven-
tion, assuring " promotion to such privates and non-commis-
sioned officers as should distinguish themselves. " Captain
Hamilton seems not to have permitted the duties of his pro-
fession to divert him wholly from the course of study in
which he had been engaged. His military books of this
period give an interesting exhibition of his train of thought.
In the pay book of his company, amid various general spe-
culations and extracts from the ancients, chiefly relating to
politics and war, are intermingled tables of political arith-
metic, considerations on commerce, the value of the rela-
tive productions which are its objects, the balance of trade,
the progress of population, and the principles on which de-
pend the value of a circulating medium; and among his
papers, there remains a carefully digested outline of a plan
for the political and commercial history of British Ameri-
ca, compiled at this time.
Thus a fund of knowledge was early gathered by him,
which his powerful intellect soon after applied to the con-
dition of the new republic, and rapidly matured into results
of extensive utility.
But the term of these studies was soon closed. The
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? 54 THE LIFE OF
independence of the American states was declared by con-
gress, and on the same day Lord Howe with his invading
army landed in the vicinity of New-York.
The heights of Brooklyn, a small village opposite New-
York, on the southern banks of the Sound, was the posi-
tion selected by General Lee to meet the first impression
of the enemy. Its natural advantages for defence were
not great. The extensive line of approach rendered a di-
vision of the defensive force unavoidable, and there was
little in its situation to prevent the expected battle being
fought on nearly equal terms, while the difficulty of retreat
filled the minds of the undisciplined troops with dismay.
Washington balanced between the dangers of this post,
and the alarming effects which he apprehended from a
surrender of New-York without an attempt at defence.
The British took advantage of the interval, and the battle
of Long Island ensued.
The result of this action proved the perilous position of
the army; and although the mode of its escape was a sub-
ject of commendation, yet the course of the engagement
and conduct of the troops disclosed to the eye of the com-
mander all the weakness and disorganized state of his forces,
and filled his mind with a sad presage of the future. In the
retreat, Captain Hamilton brought up the rear, having lost
his baggage and a field-piece.
An important question as to the course to be pursued
with regard to the city of New-York had meanwhile occu-
pied the mind of Washington.
Was it to be destroyed or
not? The subsequent events of the war proved the impo-
licy of the national councils on this point; but the follow-
ing extract from a letter* of the commander-in chief to con-
gress shows, that in this decision he had no part.
"If we should be obliged to abandon the town, ought it
to stand as winter quarters for the enemy? They would
* September 2, 1776.
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? HAMILTON. 55
derive great convenience from it on the one hand, and much
property would be destroyed on the other. It is an im-
portant question, and will admit of but little time for deli-
beration. At present, I dare say, the enemy mean to pre-
serve it if they can. If congress should resolve upon the
destruction of it, the resolution should be kept a profound
secret, as the knowledge of it will make a capital change
in their plan. " Congress resolved to save the city. *
Immediately after the action, the Americans evacuated
the city of New-York, leaving a small force in the field-
works which hadbeen erected on the eminences that skirted
the Sound, opposite to which a portion of the British fleet
were soon after moored, to cover the approach of that part
of the troops which were ordered to take possession of the
city. "I recollect," says a survivor of the scene, "as though
it were yesterday, the day when the British fleet came up.
Fascines had been extended across the Broadway near the
Bowling Green, where the statue of Chatham was thrown
down. On the west side of the town the barricades were
built of a cargo of mahogany; but this was all a show to
keep up the spirits of the people; for I myself heard Ge-
neral Wooster laugh at the idea of defence.
"Along the shores of the Hudson were piled in little heaps,
by which the women and children were sitting, the gather-
ed furniture of the timid, who were anxiously but vainly
looking for the means of transportation from the opposite
shores of the Jersey. The half-armed militia were seen
parading in small parties through the streets, who, incensed
at the approach of the enemy, every now and then dischar-
ged a volley on some unfortunate tory who was skulking
away; while at intervals were heard the ringing of the
small brass pieces on the battery, which the two frigates
that passed up the Hudson hardly cared to answer. As the
* September 3.
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? 56 THE LIFE OF
boats came near, filled with soldiers, they were drawn by
the tide into the form of a crescent. I never saw so beau-
tiful a sight; the sun shone out bright, and the water was
without a ripple. "
The next position taken was the heights of Harlem, at
which place, says Benson, Hamilton first attracted the ob-
servant eye of Washington, who, on the inspection of the
works which he was engaged in throwing up, entered into
conversation with him, invited him to his marquee, and
formed a high estimate of his military capacity.
Captain Hamilton remained with the main army until
the battle of White Plains,* where Ms conduct was remark-
ed; whence, on the retreat of Washington to North Cas-
tle, and the advance of Knyphausen to Kingsbridge, he was
detached to cover a post in the neighbourhood of Fort
Washington. The fall of that fortress, which sealed the
fate of the city of New-York, and cut off so large a portion
of the army, awakened all the soldier's spirit in his breast;
and, after a careful observation of the post, he volunteered
to General Washington to storm it; saying, that if he
would confide to him an adequate number of men, one half
under the command of Major Stevens, f the residue of him-
self, he would promise him success. But the small num-
ber of the troops, and the position and strength of the ene-
my forbade this gallant enterprise, to which Hamilton was
encouraged by a knowledge of its defences, and by the ease
with which it had fallen.
After the British had crossed the Hudson, he succeeded
in joining the army on the west side of that river.
On the approach of the enemy, they retreated first to
Hackensack, and thence to Newark. Here Washington,
reinforced by Stirling's and Hand's brigades, called a coun-
cil of officers.
* October 28.
f The late General Ebenezer Stevens.
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? HAMILTON. 57
By some of the members it was urged to move the army
to Morristown, to form a junction with the northern troops,
who were winding along the mountains of Sussex; but
Washington and Greene concurred in the more hazardous
and intrepid determination, if possible, to make a stand at
Brunswick; but, at all events, to dispute the passage of the
Delaware.
After a short repose, with a force not exceeding three
thousand men, half clothed, many of them unarmed, with-
out cavalry to protect them from surprises, debilitated by
fatigue, and worn down by a series of disasters, Washing-
ton was compelled again to retire, closely pursued by a de-
tachment of eight thousand men under the command of
Lord Cornwallis. The Americans succeeded in making
an undisturbed retreat until they approached the vicinity
of New-Brunswick; there, as the rear of the American
levies crossed the Raritan, the van of the British came in
sight. The bridge having been destroyed, and knowing
that the river was fordable, Hamilton, while the army was
parading, planted his field-pieces on the high grounds which
command the river, and, by a spirited cannonade, aided in
checking the progress of the British, while Washington de-
camping after night-fall, reached Princeton on the morning
of the first of December.
"Well do I recollect the day," said a friend, "when Ha-
milton's company marched into Princeton. It was a model
of discipline; at their head was a boy, and I wondered at
his youth; but what was my surprise, when struck with his
diminutive figure, he was pointed out to me as that Hamil-
ton of whom we had already heard so much. "
He continued with his company, which, from the severity
of the weather, and its exposure in the brilliant enterprises
of Trenton and Princeton, was reduced to a fragment of five-
and-twenty men, until the establishment of head quarters
at Morristown, when, at the invitation of General Wash-
vol. i. 8
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? 58 THE LIFE OF
ington, on the first of March, seventeen hundred and seven-
ty-seven, he was appointed his aid-de-camp, with the rank
of lieutenant colonel.
The situation of New-Jersey during the progress of the
hostile armies, was more calamitous than that of any por-
tion of the country under all the trials of the revolution.
Its position between the two great central colonies of
America, had for a long time, protected it from the harass-
ing exposure to which the out settlements were subject, and
the great body of its people were pursuing their rural oc-
cupations in quiet and security.
With but little foreign commerce to feel directly the ex-
actions of Great Britain, and with few causes of internal
dissatisfaction with their governors, the spirit of resistance
which this colony evinced, is a remarkable evidence of the
rapid growth of popular sentiments. New-Jersey was, in
fact, as to any present evils, scarcely a party to the question
then in agitation; but there, as in other parts of America,
the love of liberty which had been cultivated in a few ge-
nerous bosoms,* quickened the mass of the people, and no
sooner was opposition aroused, than she was seen entrust-
ing her fortunes to committees and conventions, the great
instruments of political hostility.
But the ardour which had enkindled the inhabitants of
that colony, had neither anticipated nor prepared them for
the scenes in which they were so early to participate.
* The exertions of Mr. Alexander, (Lord Stirling,) were particularly con-
spicuous. At the beginning of the controversy, he was a member of the king's
council of that state, and his correspondence with the governor gives an amu-
sing view of that doubtful allegiance to the king and to the people which was
sought to be preserved and justified. He served through the war, and died
in 1783, when Washington, in a letter to congress, paid this high tribute to
his courage and patriotism, -- " The remarkable bravery, intelligence, and
promptitude of his lordship, to perform his duty as an officer, had endeared him
to the whole army, and now make his loss the more sincerely regretted. "--
Dated January 20, 1783.
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? HAMILTON. 59
The arrival of the British army in New-York seemed
hardly to have awakened them from their security; and
when the determination of Washington to cross the Hud-
son, threw upon them, of a sudden, the whole weight of war,
scenes of unmitigated suffering ensued.
In the track of the pursuing army bridges were broken
down, dwellings destroyed, granaries plundered, and even
the traces of the fugitives were seen printed on the snow
with their blood. While many fled before the enemy, the
condition of those who remained was doubly pitiable. Some
sought security in protections; intestine feuds followed; eve-
ry social feeling seemed to be suspended; and in the gene-
ral insecurity, suspicion was deemed a virtue. Straggling
bands of plunderers were seen stealing along the margin of
the water courses, and by the unfrequented roads. Parties
of horse, foraging at a distance, broke in, during the night,
upon the unhappy people who had taken shelter in the woods,
directed by the fires near which they were cowering. The
rich had removed their wives and children to New-Eng-
land, while the women of the poor were seized, flying in
terror to the interior, where, at the recital of the barbari-
ties they had endured, parties were formed, who came down
upon the disaffected with infuriated passions, to wreak ven-
geance for their wrongs. Even the friends of the cause
were compelled to wrestle with the famished American
soldiers for their secreted provisions.
Amidst all which, their patriotic governor was constantly
issuing mandates against disaffection, and giving to resist-
ance the stronger motive of religious duty. The places of
worship were deserted, and the clergy were seen inciting
the people to arms, thus rendering fiercer and more odious
the ferocious face of war.
The Americans, at the close of this campaign, were re-
duced to few more than twelve hundred troops, enlisted
for short terms of service, at the expiration of which, scarce-
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? 60 THE LIFE OF
ly an inducement could be offered for their re-enlistment.
The selection of the post at Morristown was, under these
circumstances, particularly eligible, and had been made at
the instance of the unfortunate St. Clair. Protected by
inaccessible heights and heavy forests from the approach
of any large body of the enemy, it had the advantage of
being almost equi-distant from Amboy, Newark, and New-
Brunswick, their principal positions, which were all held
in check, while it was secure of a retreat by various denles
in its rear, leading to a fertile and well-peopled country.
But deficient as was the army, if it may so be called, in
numbers, the severe campaign of the Jersies had produced
the happiest effect, in disclosing to the commander-in-chief
the character of his officers, and in drawing around him in
a common devotion to its cause, the most gallant patriots
of the country.
Surrounded by the greatest difficulties, they had them-
selves learned, and their example had taught the American
people the all-important lesson, that their enemy was not
invincible, and their common dangers had inspired a mutual
confidence, which, towards the person of their chief, rose to
the highest point of enthusiasm.
Indeed, in the long life of glory with which Washington
was blessed, this may be selected as the moment when his
popularity was greatest. The reverses which had befallen
the army at the commencement of the campaign, had scarce-
ly left a hope for America short of unconditional submis-
sion; but when, in the language of Colonel Hamilton,*
"after escaping the grasp of a disciplined and victorious
enemy, this little band of patriots were seen skilfully avoid-
ing an engagement until they could contend with advan-
tage, and then, by the masterly enterprises of Trenton and
Princeton, cutting them up in detachments, rallying the
* Eulogium on General Greene.
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? HAMILTON. 61
scattered energies of the country, infusing terror into the
breasts of their invaders, and changing the whole tide and
fortune of the war," a general spirit of enthusiasm per-
vaded the nation, and every bosom swelled with gratitude
to Washington and his illustrious companions.
Among these, the reputation of General Greene de-
servedly stood highest.
Connected with every important movement of the main
army from the investment of Boston until this moment, he
displayed, in all its various difficulties, an unbending con-
stancy, a readiness of decision, a fertility of resource, and
a masterly self-possession, which proved him in every emi-
nent military qualification second to no other officer of the
army, and had given him an influence with the comman-
der-in-chief, which in the future incidents of the revolution,
was exerted most happily for the service. Of him it was
not less truly than eloquently said, "that he carried in his
native genius all the resources of war, and the balance of
every extreme of fortune. " His eminent and distinguished
excellence early attracted the respect of Colonel Hamilton;
an intimacy followed of the closest character; by none of
his comrades were the merits of General Greene more
fully understood, and, as will be seen in the future pages
of this work, by none could they have been more warmly
portrayed.
Next in rank to Greene was Major General Sullivan.
This gentleman having acquired an extensive reputation as
a lawyer in the colony of New-Hampshire, was elected to
represent it in the celebrated congress of seventy-four. In
this situation he commanded respect and confidence as a
man of firmness and intelligence; and having been re-
elected a delegate, on the selection of the general staff of
the army, Sullivan was appointed to the command of a bri-
gade, then on duty near Boston. Early in seventy-six. he re-
ceived orders for the northern army, with which he served
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? 62 thi lifi 01
until the approaching invasion of New-York, when he
again rejoined the main army, and was captured in the bat-
tle of Long Island. Immediately after his exchange, he re-
sumed his command, and in the action of Trenton, at the
head of the right wing, discovered equal gallantry and good
conduct. Of proverbial courage, quick apprehension, and
observing a scrupulous obedience to his instructions, he
was usually selected for stations which required deter-
mined intrepidity, and in no instance did he disappoint the
trust which was reposed in him.
The first regiment of artillery raised on the continental
establishment had been confided to Henry Knox, a native
of Boston, who, leaving a lucrative employment, joined the
army as a volunteer in the battle of Bunker's Hill. Alarmed
at the deficiency of ordnance which gave the enemy such
vast superiority, Knox, full of ardour, hastened to the Ca-
nadian frontier, where, by great personal exertions, he was
enabled in some measure to supply this essential want.
The enterprise he displayed in this instance received the
grateful approbation of the commander-in-chief. He was
appointed a colonel of artillery, and on the increase of that
corps obtained the rank of Major General.
Of great integrity, a sound understanding, and undaunt-
ed courage, he was soon classed among the individuals who
most deserved the public confidence; and on occasions
when the service was the more meritorious, because it was
necessarily secret, he was eminently useful. Frank, open,
and sincere, he won and preserved the regard of his bro-
ther officers, and could boast that which was alone a suffi-
cient passport to consideration, of being the man whom
"Washington loved. "
But the officer who at this time, next to Greene, pos-
sessed most the personal confidence of the commander,
was General John Cadwallader. This gentleman, formed
by education to adorn the most polished circles of society,
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? HAMILTON. 63
combined with a clear and vigorous understanding, a bold
spirit of enterprise and generosity of temper, which rose
above the difficulties of every situation, and inspired among
his followers the highest sense of personal attachment.
Hurried away by his ardour, he had suffered himself to
be taken a prisoner at the same time with General Sullivan.
His manly qualities made a strong impression in the camp
of the enemy, and great, but vain, exertions were used to in-
duce him to influence Washington in favour of conciliation.
On his liberation, he returned to the army; and in the bold
attempts to repulse the British from the borders of the De-
laware, he was entrusted with a most important and difficult
share in the enterprise. His merits soon forced him upon
the attention of Congress. At the close of the campaign he
was promoted to the command of a brigade, and continued
during a great part of the Revolution serving under the im-
mediate eye of Washington.
The gentlemen who at this time composed the personal
staff of the commander-in-chief were, Colonel Robert H.
Harrison, a native of Maryland, who at an early age
removed to Alexandria, where, as a member of the bar, he
was employed by Washington, who, soon after he took the
command at Cambridge, wrote him an urgent letter to join
the army, which he did, in the capacity of an aid-de-camp;
and, in the following year, was appointed his principal se-
cretary; to the performance of the arduous duties of which
office his health, and ultimately his life, became a sacrifice.
He was most commonly known as the "Old Secretary;"
discreet, indefatigable, ingenuous, fearless -- an officer in
whom every man had confidence, and by whom no man was
deceived. -- The generous and accomplished Tilghman, --
the amiable and chivalric Meade, with whom Hamilton was
a welcome associate, and became Washington's "principal
and most confidential aid. "
The intercourse of his staff was of the happiest kind; and
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? 64 THE LIFE OF
the fact related by Lafayette, that, during a familiar asso-
ciation of five years, not an instance of disagreement oc-
curred, is a remarkable evidence of the tone of feeling
which prevailed.
Harrison, who was much the elder, treated Hamilton with
parental kindness, and soon after he had entered the family,
gave him the epithet of " The Little Lion," a term of en-
dearment by which he was familiarly known among his
bosom friends to the close of his life.
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? HAMILTON. 65
CHAPTER V.
[1777. ]
On his appointment to the staff of Washington, Colonel
Hamilton, immediately after his recovery from a very se-
vere indisposition,induced by the hardships of the campaign,
wrote to the New-York convention, apprizing them of his
change of situation, and suggesting the transfer of his com-
pany to the continental establishment.
A reply was received from Messrs. Morris and Allison,
announcing "that they had been appointed a committee of
the New-York convention, to correspond with him at head
quarters," and concurring in his suggestion, as to the dis-
posal of his company. A long and interesting correspond-
ence ensued, parts of which will be presented in their ap-
propriate connexion.
Having served with distinction through the most arduous
campaign of the revolution, and having thus entitled him-
self to rapid promotion in the line of the army, Hamilton
hesitated much before he consented to relinquish this pros-
pect for a place in the staff. His high sense of personal
independence, had already induced him to decline a similar
invitation from two general officers; but influenced by the
reputation of the commander-in-chief, he relinquished his
objections, and entered upon the discharge of his duties
with all the devotion due to his early and illustrious friend.
This larger and more appropriate sphere of action, gave
to his mind not only a wider but a loftier range. He was
called, not merely to execute subordinate parts, but to assist
in planning campaigns, in devising means to support them,
in corresponding with the different members of this exten-
sive empire, and in introducing order and harmony into the
general system.
vol,, i. 9
?
vincial convention was held, and the concurrence of New-
York ultimately secured.
This body met in the ensuing month, and even in that
assemblage was found much of the timidity which had
characterized the representatives they were chosen to suc-
ceed. While they recommended to their constituents to
exercise themselves with arms, they still indulged the de-
lusive hope of redress. Day after day, in the earlier part
of their session, they remonstrated against the incursions
into Canada, and finally* adopted a plan of accommodation
with the ministry, f But the battle of Lexington had been
fought; the war cry was raised, and the American people
were convinced that nothing remained to them but an ap-
peal to the sword.
In New-England the hardy yeomanry abandoned their
homes and husbandry, and rushed to the conflict. In the
other colonies, as the intelligence reached them, on all
sides were heard bursts of popular indignation, and cries
to arms. In New-Jersey the provincial treasury was seized.
In Philadelphia the shipping was embargoed; and in Ma-
ryland and Virginia the public arms and ammunition were
secured. When the news of the skirmish reached New-
York, and it was announced in the concluding words of a
letter "that the crimson fountain was opened, and God only
knew when it would close," tumultuous menace and exe-
cration followed. Patroles were immediately employed
and, directed by Sears and Willet, the popular leaders,
took their rounds throughout the night as if the enemy were
at their doors. Mobs assembled; the keys of the custom
house were seized, the armory broken open; and, dis-
mayed by the irresistible impetuosity of the populace, a
* June 24, 1775.
f A company of troops was directed to receive General Washington or Go-
vernor Tryon, whichever should first arrive.
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? 44 TIE LIFE OF
battalion of the royal troops was compelled to surrender
their weapons and leave the city.
Congress met in May, 1775, and intelligence being re-
ceived of the destination of forces for America, assumed all
the powers of a paramount superintending sovereignty, and
exercised some of its highest attributes. They proceeded
to organize an army, and to establish a general post. Wash-
ington was elected commander-in-chief; -- the accession
of Georgia completed the confederacy; and, as the point
most exposed, five thousand men were ordered to be raised
for the protection of New-York. In that colony the lead-
ers were now on the alert. Positions were taken to com-
mand the Hudson; alarm posts were established ; the coun-
ties were divided into military districts; officers were cho-
sen under the superintendence of committees, which were
then the chief engines of government. The members of
the provincial convention partaking of the general enthu-
siasm, pledged their personal responsibility for loans made
to the colony, and with a signal magnanimity and self-de-
votion, a letter was addressed by the committee of safety
to General Lee, the commanding officer in New-York, on
the twenty-first of January, 1776, in which some of them
held large estates, authorizing him to devote the city to
flames, if he deemed it a necessary sacrifice for advancing
the cause of the revolution.
After the expulsion of the royal troops, that city remained
quiet until the arrival of Tryon, late governor of North
Carolina, recently appointed to the government of New-
York, a man of energy, courage, and decision.
His arrival reanimated the royalists; and although the
patriots retained their ascendency, a sufficient diversion
was created to keep up a feverish alarm.
While these events were passing in rapid succession,
Hamilton was not inactive. His mind roused to enthu-
siasm in the cause which he had espoused, was constantly
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? HAMILTON. 45
generating new arguments to sustain it; and the leisure
which he had from his collegiate duties was employed in
frequent contributions to the press. In June, seventeen
hundred and seventy-five, with a view to confirm the opin-
ion that the English ministry had abandoned every regard
to the principles of her constitution, he published a series of
"Remarks on the Quebec Bill," a measure which had been
resisted in the British Parliament by the whole force of the
opposition, and kindled in the bosoms of the Americans, at
this moment of irritation, the most angry suspicions. Unable
to discover the particular motive of policy which prompted
such an enactment at this time, they viewed it as contain-
ing some hidden purpose of hostility to themselves, and
as an example of the extent to which a British ministry
would exercise an arbitrary authority over the other colo-
nies, if the least encroachment was submitted to.
While Canada was a French province, the French laws
and customs were in force there, which were regulated in
conformity with the genius and disposition of a despotic
government. When it fell under the dominion of Britain,
these laws gave place to the milder influence of the English
laws; and all persons who settled in Canada were, by a
proclamation of the king of Great Britain, assured a full
enjoyment of the rights of British subjects. By this act,
that proclamation and the government exercised under it,
were annulled after the first of January, 1775. The French
laws were restored, and a power reserved to the executive
authority of the provinces of altering the laws at pleasure,
and, by a further provision, the free exercise of the Roman
catholic religion (subject to the king's supremacy) was
guarantied to the people; and the clergy of that church
were declared entitled to hold and enjoy their accustomed
dues and rights.
The "Remarks" were published in two numbers. The
first on the fifteenth of June, 1775, in a brief, but close ex-
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? 46 TUB LIFE 0 1'
animation of the terms of the act, commented forcibly on
the arbitrary character of this bill, which placed the laws
and government of the province under the sole discretion
of the prince; conferred on him the most extraordinary and
dangerous prerogative, that of creating courts of criminal,
civil; and ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and appointing tempo-
rary judges, whose commissions were revocable at plea-
sure ; and that of making the trial by jury dependent on the
will of the provincial legislature; thus showing that an ar-
bitrary government had been established in that extensive
region.
The purport of the second number, was to prove that the
church of Rome had the sanction of a legal establishment
in that province. It is an able refutation of an essay, which
professed to show, that by this act, the catholic religion
was merely tolerated; and giving a very precise and accu-
rate definition of an established religion, it deduces clearly
from the terms of the act, that the catholic religion is placed
on the footing of a regular establishment, while the protes-
tant is "left entirely destitute and unbefriended. "
The dangers to their protestant neighbours of the vicinity
of a colony of Roman catholics, allured in great numbers
by the favour of government, with a dependent clergy, dis-
posed to support absolute power,are stronglyportrayed, and
an earnest appeal is made to the jealous feelings of the
protestant colonies.
These essays are an interesting specimen of the early
reach of thought, and precision of language, which were
afterwards disclosed by him in so remarkable a degree.
He also repeatedly took part in the public deliberations.
One instance is related by a highly respectable member of
the Society of Friends. It was a meeting of merchants.
Soon after the discussion had opened, Hamilton rose to
address them: -- " Ah," said the gentleman, "what brings
that lad here ? --the poor boy will disgrace himself. " It
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? HAMILTON. 47
was a question as to the non-importation agreement. He
argued the necessity of adhering to it while in force, both
from obligation and the influence of example, but, at the
same time, seeing the approach of war, he contended, that
having been adopted only as a measure of resistance, and
stronger measures being inevitable, that good policy requi-
red the rescinding the agreement by congress, and that those
who had violated it should be forgiven, as indirectly bene-
fitting the public.
Congress having published a declaration of their deter-
mination to resist by force, and having recommended the
embodying throughout the continent of organized compa-
nies of militia, Hamilton joined a volunteer corps, command-
ed by Major Fleming, who had been an adjutant in the Bri-
tish service, and was a skilful and exact disciplinarian.
"Under his command he acquired a knowledge of the rudi-
ments of military science, and became expert in its details. "*
This company was composed chiefly of young gentlemen
of the city, anxious to acquire a knowledge of tactics, with
a view to future promotion.
They met for daily exercise in the churchyard of St.
George's chapel, early in the morning, before the com-
mencement of their college duties. They assumed the name
of " Hearts of Oak," and in their green uniforms and leath-
ern caps, bearing the ominous inscription of "Freedom or
Death," attracted the attention of the inhabitants, and are
still recollected with enthusiasm by the few survivors of the
scene. In this corps were several of the personal friends
of Hamilton, among whom were Colonel Fish, afterwards
eminently distinguished at the siege of York Town, and
Colonel Troup, who served with credit in the northern de-
partment, and received the thanks of congress.
While Hamilton was a member of this corps, it was em-
ployed in a service of some danger. Having been required
* Colonel Troup.
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? 48 THE LIFE OF
by the committee to remove the cannon from the Battery,
while they were thus occupied, a boat of the Asia, man-of-
war, approached, with the design, as was believed, of pre-
venting their removal. The boat was fired upon by the
citizens, which drew a broadside from the ship, "during
which, Hamilton, who was aiding in the removal of the
cannon, exhibited the greatest unconcern, although one of
his companions was killed by his side," and was thus con-
nected in the minds of the people with the first act of re-
sistance to the first act of violence offered to the province.
A violent commotion was the consequence of this attack.
The liberty mobs collected and traversed the streets, threat-
ening personal injuries to every adherent of the crown. In
the height of their excitement, they approached the college,
with a view to seize the person of the president, Doctor
Cooper, an obnoxious tory. As they drew near his resi-
dence, Hamilton and Troup ascended the steps, and fearful
lest in this moment of irritation they might commit some
excess, Hamilton, in order to give the president time to es-
cape, harangued the mob, with great eloquence and ani-
mation, "on the excessive impropriety of their conduct,
and the disgrace they were bringing on the cause of liber-
ty, of which they professed to be the champions. " He suc-
ceeded in diverting their attention, until the alarmed cler-
gyman (who, at first, imagining he was exciting the popu-
lace, exclaimed from an upper window, "Don't listen to
him, gentlemen, he is crazy, he is crazy! ") took refuge in
the ship of war. *
By a similar exhibition of firmness, he interposed with
a concourse of people known as " Travis' mob," and divert-
ed their rage from Mr. Thurman, whose conduct as a mem-
ber of one of the committees, had aroused their indignation,
and whose life was menaced.
* Letter of Colonel Troup to Colonel Pickering.
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? HAMILTON. 49
At this time, the popular commotions became frequent;
the royalists who had fled from the other colonies to New-
York for safety, were compelled to leave it; and such was
the distempered state of feeling, that Tryon, the last royal
governor, a man of intrepid courage, fearful of his life, took
refuge on board the Halifax packet, whence he issued his
disregarded mandates.
The press of Rivington, the tory printer, was the last ob-
ject of attack. By occasionally printing for the popular
side, he had preserved some appearance of neutrality, but
as the controversy ripened, he took a decided part with the
royalists. On the twenty-third of November, a party of
horse from Connecticut, under the command of Sears, ap-
peared in the city, with the avowed design of destroying
his press. Heading the mob, they proceeded in the dusk
of evening to rifle its contents. Hamilton again appeared
the advocate of order, and relying on his former success,
renewed his appeals to the discretion of the citizens, and,
indignant at the encroachment of unlicensed troops from
another colony, offered to join in opposition to the intruders,
and check their progress. His exhortation was unsuccess-
ful. The outrage was perpetrated, but his interference
was not without happy consequences. It elevated him
still more in the estimation of the patriots, who saw in his
love of order and respect for the authority of the laws, as-
surances of those high qualities which, rising above the wild
uproar of the times, disdained to win popularity from popu-
lar delusion.
VOl. I.
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? CHAPTER IV.
During the winter of seventeen hundred and seventy-
six, while England was making a powerful effort for the
subjugation of her colonies, and an act of parliament had
been passed declaring them in open rebellion, the general
congress were chiefly occupied with measures to repair
the losses that attended the northern campaign, which, after
the most arduous exertions, had terminated with the fall of
Montgomery, before the walls of Quebec ; an event which,
from the recollection of the death of Wolfe, the heroism of
the attempt, the immense efforts which had been made,
and the hardships encountered, deeply engaged the sym-
pathies of his countrymen, and caused his loss to be de-
plored as a great national calamity. *
The failure of this expedition changed the whole aspect
of affairs. Instead of securing the co-operation of the Ca-
nadas, and presenting to the enemy an unbroken line of
hostility, the utmost exertions were requisite to maintain
the posts which had been won with so much gallantry in
the preceding spring, to suppress the disaffection that eagerly
displayed itself, and to prevent a junction of the forces of
the enemy, which must have left the larger portion of the
colonies an easy and unassisted prey to their overwhelming
numbers.
Hamilton, during the previous winter, foreseeing that the
course of events must soon lead to an open rupture, deter-
mined to apply himself to the study of arms, and before any
steps were taken to organize a regular force, had by great
* It was announced in these words, -- " Weep, America! for tho<< hast
lost one of thy most virtuous and bravest sons. "
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? 52 THE LIFE OF
assiduity, made such progress as books and the instruction
of a British bombardier could give him in pyrotechnics and
gunnery.
The convention of New-York having determined to aug-
ment its military establishment, among other arrangements
ordered a company of artillery to be raised. * Hamilton
seized this opportunity to enter the service, and was recom-
mended to the convention by his friend McDougal, who
had been appointed colonel of the first regiment raised in
the province. A doubt having been intimated of his know-
ledge of that branch of arms, McDougal proposed that he
should undergo an examination, and on a certificate being
given of his competency, he was appointed, on the four-
teenth day of March, seventeen hundred and seventy-six,
"Captain of the Provincial Company of Artillery," and
within a short time after was directed to guard the records
of the colony. "Hamilton," says Mulligan, by whom he
was aided, "recruited his men, and with the remnant of the
second and last remittance which he received from Santa
Cruz, equipped them. He attended to their drill and his
other duties with a degree of zeal and diligence which soon
made his company conspicuous for their appearance, and
the regularity of their movements. "
His first lieutenant having been transferred to another
command, he took this occasion to enforce, in a letter to
the convention, the policy of advancing officers in succes-
sion, in which he added, " I would beg the liberty warmly
to recommend to your attention the first sergeant in my
company, -- a man highly deserving notice and preferment.
He has discharged his duty in his present station with un-
common fidelity, assiduity, and expertness; he is a very
good disciplinarian, possesses the advantage of having seen
a good deal of service in Germany, and has a tolerable share
* January 6,1776.
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? HAMILTON. 53
of common sense. In a word, I verily believe he will make
an excellent lieutenant, and his advancement will be a
great encouragement and benefit to my company in parti-
cular, and will be an animating example to all men of merit
to whose knowledge it comes. " Hamilton, in this sugges-
tion, paid a debt of gratitude, and, at the same time, incul-
cated a measure, the efficacy of which was demonstrated
in various instances.
The convention adopted the suggestion. The brave
bombardier was promoted to a lieutenancy, and rising to
the command of a company, Captain Thomson fell at the
battle of Springfield, at the head of his men, after gallantly
repulsing a desperate charge of the enemy. A general
resolution was at the same time published by the conven-
tion, assuring " promotion to such privates and non-commis-
sioned officers as should distinguish themselves. " Captain
Hamilton seems not to have permitted the duties of his pro-
fession to divert him wholly from the course of study in
which he had been engaged. His military books of this
period give an interesting exhibition of his train of thought.
In the pay book of his company, amid various general spe-
culations and extracts from the ancients, chiefly relating to
politics and war, are intermingled tables of political arith-
metic, considerations on commerce, the value of the rela-
tive productions which are its objects, the balance of trade,
the progress of population, and the principles on which de-
pend the value of a circulating medium; and among his
papers, there remains a carefully digested outline of a plan
for the political and commercial history of British Ameri-
ca, compiled at this time.
Thus a fund of knowledge was early gathered by him,
which his powerful intellect soon after applied to the con-
dition of the new republic, and rapidly matured into results
of extensive utility.
But the term of these studies was soon closed. The
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? 54 THE LIFE OF
independence of the American states was declared by con-
gress, and on the same day Lord Howe with his invading
army landed in the vicinity of New-York.
The heights of Brooklyn, a small village opposite New-
York, on the southern banks of the Sound, was the posi-
tion selected by General Lee to meet the first impression
of the enemy. Its natural advantages for defence were
not great. The extensive line of approach rendered a di-
vision of the defensive force unavoidable, and there was
little in its situation to prevent the expected battle being
fought on nearly equal terms, while the difficulty of retreat
filled the minds of the undisciplined troops with dismay.
Washington balanced between the dangers of this post,
and the alarming effects which he apprehended from a
surrender of New-York without an attempt at defence.
The British took advantage of the interval, and the battle
of Long Island ensued.
The result of this action proved the perilous position of
the army; and although the mode of its escape was a sub-
ject of commendation, yet the course of the engagement
and conduct of the troops disclosed to the eye of the com-
mander all the weakness and disorganized state of his forces,
and filled his mind with a sad presage of the future. In the
retreat, Captain Hamilton brought up the rear, having lost
his baggage and a field-piece.
An important question as to the course to be pursued
with regard to the city of New-York had meanwhile occu-
pied the mind of Washington.
Was it to be destroyed or
not? The subsequent events of the war proved the impo-
licy of the national councils on this point; but the follow-
ing extract from a letter* of the commander-in chief to con-
gress shows, that in this decision he had no part.
"If we should be obliged to abandon the town, ought it
to stand as winter quarters for the enemy? They would
* September 2, 1776.
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? HAMILTON. 55
derive great convenience from it on the one hand, and much
property would be destroyed on the other. It is an im-
portant question, and will admit of but little time for deli-
beration. At present, I dare say, the enemy mean to pre-
serve it if they can. If congress should resolve upon the
destruction of it, the resolution should be kept a profound
secret, as the knowledge of it will make a capital change
in their plan. " Congress resolved to save the city. *
Immediately after the action, the Americans evacuated
the city of New-York, leaving a small force in the field-
works which hadbeen erected on the eminences that skirted
the Sound, opposite to which a portion of the British fleet
were soon after moored, to cover the approach of that part
of the troops which were ordered to take possession of the
city. "I recollect," says a survivor of the scene, "as though
it were yesterday, the day when the British fleet came up.
Fascines had been extended across the Broadway near the
Bowling Green, where the statue of Chatham was thrown
down. On the west side of the town the barricades were
built of a cargo of mahogany; but this was all a show to
keep up the spirits of the people; for I myself heard Ge-
neral Wooster laugh at the idea of defence.
"Along the shores of the Hudson were piled in little heaps,
by which the women and children were sitting, the gather-
ed furniture of the timid, who were anxiously but vainly
looking for the means of transportation from the opposite
shores of the Jersey. The half-armed militia were seen
parading in small parties through the streets, who, incensed
at the approach of the enemy, every now and then dischar-
ged a volley on some unfortunate tory who was skulking
away; while at intervals were heard the ringing of the
small brass pieces on the battery, which the two frigates
that passed up the Hudson hardly cared to answer. As the
* September 3.
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? 56 THE LIFE OF
boats came near, filled with soldiers, they were drawn by
the tide into the form of a crescent. I never saw so beau-
tiful a sight; the sun shone out bright, and the water was
without a ripple. "
The next position taken was the heights of Harlem, at
which place, says Benson, Hamilton first attracted the ob-
servant eye of Washington, who, on the inspection of the
works which he was engaged in throwing up, entered into
conversation with him, invited him to his marquee, and
formed a high estimate of his military capacity.
Captain Hamilton remained with the main army until
the battle of White Plains,* where Ms conduct was remark-
ed; whence, on the retreat of Washington to North Cas-
tle, and the advance of Knyphausen to Kingsbridge, he was
detached to cover a post in the neighbourhood of Fort
Washington. The fall of that fortress, which sealed the
fate of the city of New-York, and cut off so large a portion
of the army, awakened all the soldier's spirit in his breast;
and, after a careful observation of the post, he volunteered
to General Washington to storm it; saying, that if he
would confide to him an adequate number of men, one half
under the command of Major Stevens, f the residue of him-
self, he would promise him success. But the small num-
ber of the troops, and the position and strength of the ene-
my forbade this gallant enterprise, to which Hamilton was
encouraged by a knowledge of its defences, and by the ease
with which it had fallen.
After the British had crossed the Hudson, he succeeded
in joining the army on the west side of that river.
On the approach of the enemy, they retreated first to
Hackensack, and thence to Newark. Here Washington,
reinforced by Stirling's and Hand's brigades, called a coun-
cil of officers.
* October 28.
f The late General Ebenezer Stevens.
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? HAMILTON. 57
By some of the members it was urged to move the army
to Morristown, to form a junction with the northern troops,
who were winding along the mountains of Sussex; but
Washington and Greene concurred in the more hazardous
and intrepid determination, if possible, to make a stand at
Brunswick; but, at all events, to dispute the passage of the
Delaware.
After a short repose, with a force not exceeding three
thousand men, half clothed, many of them unarmed, with-
out cavalry to protect them from surprises, debilitated by
fatigue, and worn down by a series of disasters, Washing-
ton was compelled again to retire, closely pursued by a de-
tachment of eight thousand men under the command of
Lord Cornwallis. The Americans succeeded in making
an undisturbed retreat until they approached the vicinity
of New-Brunswick; there, as the rear of the American
levies crossed the Raritan, the van of the British came in
sight. The bridge having been destroyed, and knowing
that the river was fordable, Hamilton, while the army was
parading, planted his field-pieces on the high grounds which
command the river, and, by a spirited cannonade, aided in
checking the progress of the British, while Washington de-
camping after night-fall, reached Princeton on the morning
of the first of December.
"Well do I recollect the day," said a friend, "when Ha-
milton's company marched into Princeton. It was a model
of discipline; at their head was a boy, and I wondered at
his youth; but what was my surprise, when struck with his
diminutive figure, he was pointed out to me as that Hamil-
ton of whom we had already heard so much. "
He continued with his company, which, from the severity
of the weather, and its exposure in the brilliant enterprises
of Trenton and Princeton, was reduced to a fragment of five-
and-twenty men, until the establishment of head quarters
at Morristown, when, at the invitation of General Wash-
vol. i. 8
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? 58 THE LIFE OF
ington, on the first of March, seventeen hundred and seven-
ty-seven, he was appointed his aid-de-camp, with the rank
of lieutenant colonel.
The situation of New-Jersey during the progress of the
hostile armies, was more calamitous than that of any por-
tion of the country under all the trials of the revolution.
Its position between the two great central colonies of
America, had for a long time, protected it from the harass-
ing exposure to which the out settlements were subject, and
the great body of its people were pursuing their rural oc-
cupations in quiet and security.
With but little foreign commerce to feel directly the ex-
actions of Great Britain, and with few causes of internal
dissatisfaction with their governors, the spirit of resistance
which this colony evinced, is a remarkable evidence of the
rapid growth of popular sentiments. New-Jersey was, in
fact, as to any present evils, scarcely a party to the question
then in agitation; but there, as in other parts of America,
the love of liberty which had been cultivated in a few ge-
nerous bosoms,* quickened the mass of the people, and no
sooner was opposition aroused, than she was seen entrust-
ing her fortunes to committees and conventions, the great
instruments of political hostility.
But the ardour which had enkindled the inhabitants of
that colony, had neither anticipated nor prepared them for
the scenes in which they were so early to participate.
* The exertions of Mr. Alexander, (Lord Stirling,) were particularly con-
spicuous. At the beginning of the controversy, he was a member of the king's
council of that state, and his correspondence with the governor gives an amu-
sing view of that doubtful allegiance to the king and to the people which was
sought to be preserved and justified. He served through the war, and died
in 1783, when Washington, in a letter to congress, paid this high tribute to
his courage and patriotism, -- " The remarkable bravery, intelligence, and
promptitude of his lordship, to perform his duty as an officer, had endeared him
to the whole army, and now make his loss the more sincerely regretted. "--
Dated January 20, 1783.
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? HAMILTON. 59
The arrival of the British army in New-York seemed
hardly to have awakened them from their security; and
when the determination of Washington to cross the Hud-
son, threw upon them, of a sudden, the whole weight of war,
scenes of unmitigated suffering ensued.
In the track of the pursuing army bridges were broken
down, dwellings destroyed, granaries plundered, and even
the traces of the fugitives were seen printed on the snow
with their blood. While many fled before the enemy, the
condition of those who remained was doubly pitiable. Some
sought security in protections; intestine feuds followed; eve-
ry social feeling seemed to be suspended; and in the gene-
ral insecurity, suspicion was deemed a virtue. Straggling
bands of plunderers were seen stealing along the margin of
the water courses, and by the unfrequented roads. Parties
of horse, foraging at a distance, broke in, during the night,
upon the unhappy people who had taken shelter in the woods,
directed by the fires near which they were cowering. The
rich had removed their wives and children to New-Eng-
land, while the women of the poor were seized, flying in
terror to the interior, where, at the recital of the barbari-
ties they had endured, parties were formed, who came down
upon the disaffected with infuriated passions, to wreak ven-
geance for their wrongs. Even the friends of the cause
were compelled to wrestle with the famished American
soldiers for their secreted provisions.
Amidst all which, their patriotic governor was constantly
issuing mandates against disaffection, and giving to resist-
ance the stronger motive of religious duty. The places of
worship were deserted, and the clergy were seen inciting
the people to arms, thus rendering fiercer and more odious
the ferocious face of war.
The Americans, at the close of this campaign, were re-
duced to few more than twelve hundred troops, enlisted
for short terms of service, at the expiration of which, scarce-
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? 60 THE LIFE OF
ly an inducement could be offered for their re-enlistment.
The selection of the post at Morristown was, under these
circumstances, particularly eligible, and had been made at
the instance of the unfortunate St. Clair. Protected by
inaccessible heights and heavy forests from the approach
of any large body of the enemy, it had the advantage of
being almost equi-distant from Amboy, Newark, and New-
Brunswick, their principal positions, which were all held
in check, while it was secure of a retreat by various denles
in its rear, leading to a fertile and well-peopled country.
But deficient as was the army, if it may so be called, in
numbers, the severe campaign of the Jersies had produced
the happiest effect, in disclosing to the commander-in-chief
the character of his officers, and in drawing around him in
a common devotion to its cause, the most gallant patriots
of the country.
Surrounded by the greatest difficulties, they had them-
selves learned, and their example had taught the American
people the all-important lesson, that their enemy was not
invincible, and their common dangers had inspired a mutual
confidence, which, towards the person of their chief, rose to
the highest point of enthusiasm.
Indeed, in the long life of glory with which Washington
was blessed, this may be selected as the moment when his
popularity was greatest. The reverses which had befallen
the army at the commencement of the campaign, had scarce-
ly left a hope for America short of unconditional submis-
sion; but when, in the language of Colonel Hamilton,*
"after escaping the grasp of a disciplined and victorious
enemy, this little band of patriots were seen skilfully avoid-
ing an engagement until they could contend with advan-
tage, and then, by the masterly enterprises of Trenton and
Princeton, cutting them up in detachments, rallying the
* Eulogium on General Greene.
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? HAMILTON. 61
scattered energies of the country, infusing terror into the
breasts of their invaders, and changing the whole tide and
fortune of the war," a general spirit of enthusiasm per-
vaded the nation, and every bosom swelled with gratitude
to Washington and his illustrious companions.
Among these, the reputation of General Greene de-
servedly stood highest.
Connected with every important movement of the main
army from the investment of Boston until this moment, he
displayed, in all its various difficulties, an unbending con-
stancy, a readiness of decision, a fertility of resource, and
a masterly self-possession, which proved him in every emi-
nent military qualification second to no other officer of the
army, and had given him an influence with the comman-
der-in-chief, which in the future incidents of the revolution,
was exerted most happily for the service. Of him it was
not less truly than eloquently said, "that he carried in his
native genius all the resources of war, and the balance of
every extreme of fortune. " His eminent and distinguished
excellence early attracted the respect of Colonel Hamilton;
an intimacy followed of the closest character; by none of
his comrades were the merits of General Greene more
fully understood, and, as will be seen in the future pages
of this work, by none could they have been more warmly
portrayed.
Next in rank to Greene was Major General Sullivan.
This gentleman having acquired an extensive reputation as
a lawyer in the colony of New-Hampshire, was elected to
represent it in the celebrated congress of seventy-four. In
this situation he commanded respect and confidence as a
man of firmness and intelligence; and having been re-
elected a delegate, on the selection of the general staff of
the army, Sullivan was appointed to the command of a bri-
gade, then on duty near Boston. Early in seventy-six. he re-
ceived orders for the northern army, with which he served
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? 62 thi lifi 01
until the approaching invasion of New-York, when he
again rejoined the main army, and was captured in the bat-
tle of Long Island. Immediately after his exchange, he re-
sumed his command, and in the action of Trenton, at the
head of the right wing, discovered equal gallantry and good
conduct. Of proverbial courage, quick apprehension, and
observing a scrupulous obedience to his instructions, he
was usually selected for stations which required deter-
mined intrepidity, and in no instance did he disappoint the
trust which was reposed in him.
The first regiment of artillery raised on the continental
establishment had been confided to Henry Knox, a native
of Boston, who, leaving a lucrative employment, joined the
army as a volunteer in the battle of Bunker's Hill. Alarmed
at the deficiency of ordnance which gave the enemy such
vast superiority, Knox, full of ardour, hastened to the Ca-
nadian frontier, where, by great personal exertions, he was
enabled in some measure to supply this essential want.
The enterprise he displayed in this instance received the
grateful approbation of the commander-in-chief. He was
appointed a colonel of artillery, and on the increase of that
corps obtained the rank of Major General.
Of great integrity, a sound understanding, and undaunt-
ed courage, he was soon classed among the individuals who
most deserved the public confidence; and on occasions
when the service was the more meritorious, because it was
necessarily secret, he was eminently useful. Frank, open,
and sincere, he won and preserved the regard of his bro-
ther officers, and could boast that which was alone a suffi-
cient passport to consideration, of being the man whom
"Washington loved. "
But the officer who at this time, next to Greene, pos-
sessed most the personal confidence of the commander,
was General John Cadwallader. This gentleman, formed
by education to adorn the most polished circles of society,
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? HAMILTON. 63
combined with a clear and vigorous understanding, a bold
spirit of enterprise and generosity of temper, which rose
above the difficulties of every situation, and inspired among
his followers the highest sense of personal attachment.
Hurried away by his ardour, he had suffered himself to
be taken a prisoner at the same time with General Sullivan.
His manly qualities made a strong impression in the camp
of the enemy, and great, but vain, exertions were used to in-
duce him to influence Washington in favour of conciliation.
On his liberation, he returned to the army; and in the bold
attempts to repulse the British from the borders of the De-
laware, he was entrusted with a most important and difficult
share in the enterprise. His merits soon forced him upon
the attention of Congress. At the close of the campaign he
was promoted to the command of a brigade, and continued
during a great part of the Revolution serving under the im-
mediate eye of Washington.
The gentlemen who at this time composed the personal
staff of the commander-in-chief were, Colonel Robert H.
Harrison, a native of Maryland, who at an early age
removed to Alexandria, where, as a member of the bar, he
was employed by Washington, who, soon after he took the
command at Cambridge, wrote him an urgent letter to join
the army, which he did, in the capacity of an aid-de-camp;
and, in the following year, was appointed his principal se-
cretary; to the performance of the arduous duties of which
office his health, and ultimately his life, became a sacrifice.
He was most commonly known as the "Old Secretary;"
discreet, indefatigable, ingenuous, fearless -- an officer in
whom every man had confidence, and by whom no man was
deceived. -- The generous and accomplished Tilghman, --
the amiable and chivalric Meade, with whom Hamilton was
a welcome associate, and became Washington's "principal
and most confidential aid. "
The intercourse of his staff was of the happiest kind; and
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? 64 THE LIFE OF
the fact related by Lafayette, that, during a familiar asso-
ciation of five years, not an instance of disagreement oc-
curred, is a remarkable evidence of the tone of feeling
which prevailed.
Harrison, who was much the elder, treated Hamilton with
parental kindness, and soon after he had entered the family,
gave him the epithet of " The Little Lion," a term of en-
dearment by which he was familiarly known among his
bosom friends to the close of his life.
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? HAMILTON. 65
CHAPTER V.
[1777. ]
On his appointment to the staff of Washington, Colonel
Hamilton, immediately after his recovery from a very se-
vere indisposition,induced by the hardships of the campaign,
wrote to the New-York convention, apprizing them of his
change of situation, and suggesting the transfer of his com-
pany to the continental establishment.
A reply was received from Messrs. Morris and Allison,
announcing "that they had been appointed a committee of
the New-York convention, to correspond with him at head
quarters," and concurring in his suggestion, as to the dis-
posal of his company. A long and interesting correspond-
ence ensued, parts of which will be presented in their ap-
propriate connexion.
Having served with distinction through the most arduous
campaign of the revolution, and having thus entitled him-
self to rapid promotion in the line of the army, Hamilton
hesitated much before he consented to relinquish this pros-
pect for a place in the staff. His high sense of personal
independence, had already induced him to decline a similar
invitation from two general officers; but influenced by the
reputation of the commander-in-chief, he relinquished his
objections, and entered upon the discharge of his duties
with all the devotion due to his early and illustrious friend.
This larger and more appropriate sphere of action, gave
to his mind not only a wider but a loftier range. He was
called, not merely to execute subordinate parts, but to assist
in planning campaigns, in devising means to support them,
in corresponding with the different members of this exten-
sive empire, and in introducing order and harmony into the
general system.
vol,, i. 9
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