Hamilton, who had pressed forward,
followed
by the
van guard under Mansfield, was, for a short time, lost sight
of, and it was feared he had fallen: but he soon re-appear-
ed, formed the troops in the redoubt, and as soon as it sur-
rendered gave the command to Major Fish.
van guard under Mansfield, was, for a short time, lost sight
of, and it was feared he had fallen: but he soon re-appear-
ed, formed the troops in the redoubt, and as soon as it sur-
rendered gave the command to Major Fish.
Hamilton - 1834 - Life on Hamilton - v1
Hamilton, gives the course of this affair.
Camp, near Dobbs' Ferry, July 10th, 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 no-
thing was said on the subject of a command, I wrote the
General a letter, and enclosed him my commission. This
morning Tilghman came to me in his name, pressed me to
retain my commission, with an assurance that he would en-
deavour, 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. "
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? HAMILTON. 375
It was at this post that Washington first received the in-
telligence that the squadron of De Grasse was approach-
ing the coast of Virginia. A council of war was held, to
which Hamilton was invited by General Washington. The
plan of a southern campaign was then discussed, and though
reluctant to relinquish the attempt on New-York, so long
entertained, it was determined, for the most cogent reasons,
to make a forced march on Lord Cornwallis.
It became of the utmost importance to conceal this pur-
pose. The idea was thrown out, that the French fleet was
expected at Shrewsbury, and that the army was to march
and join it there; and, to complete the deception, lines for
an encampment were marked out on the Jersey side, ovens
constructed, and a body of men advanced, as if to take a
position for the combined forces. At this particular crisis,
Washington felt the full value of his exertions in obtaining
secret intelligence. A communication was constantly kept
up with New-York, and it was soon ascertained that the
deception was complete. The extent of the imposition on
Sir Henry Clinton has always been a subject of surprise,
but a stratagem which was adopted by Washington, and
which fully succeeded, will serve to explain it. There was
an individual in New-Jersey, who at one time held a con-
siderable rank in the militia, and who had been employed
by Washington to gain intelligence. In this service he had
proved himself shrewd, observing, and alert; and the in-
formation he had given, at the commencement of his ca-
reer, had been of much importance. Some time prior to
this period, General Washington had discovered this man
to be a traitor, and that, under cover of serving the Ameri-
can cause, he was in fact in the pay of Sir Henry Clinton.
He determined to take advantage of this discovery, and
under the pretence of employing him to get farther advices,
Washington sent for him to head quarters, where he threw
in his way a map, prepared for the purpose, marked with
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? 3T6 THE LIFE OF
the pretended route of the army to Shrewsbury, and with
plans of the land and naval attack upon New-York. Anx-
ious to confirm his impressions by every possible means,
this same individual sought an interview with Colonel Ha-
milton, and under semblance of a zeal for the American in-
terests, inquired of him the destination of the army. Ha-
milton, confident that a disclosure by him of the actual in-
tentions of the commander-in-chief, would be the most cer-
tain means of deceiving him, as it could not be supposed
that he would communicate such an important and confi-
dential secret, at once replied, "we are going to Virginia. "
The spy, thus completely duped, hastened with his informa-
tion to the enemy, and communicated it to Sir Henry Clin-
ton, who was in vain prompted by others to suspect the real
designs of the Americans, and replied to every importunity,
that he had information of a kind, and from a source, that
could not be disputed.
The intelligence of De Grasse's approach, had been com-
municated to General Washington by the Superintendent
of Finance, who immediately on the receipt of it, proceeded
express to head quarters. The probability of Cornwallis'
capture, now became strong. But a great obstacle existed:
-- it was the utter incapacity of moving the army for want
of funds. Robert Morris, on this occasion, rendered one of
those great services to his country, which no other indivi-
dual could have performed ; -- he assumed the responsibi-
lity of moving the army. Washington, aware of the em-
barrassed finances, inquired where were his means? He
replied, that he did not himself know, but that he would find
them. He immediately returned to Philadelphia, secured
all the water craft on the Delaware, provided supplies on
the route of the army, and while Washington was collecting
a force to protect West Point, raised a large portion of the
necessary funds on his personal responsibility.
Hamilton, in the mean time, had attained his wishes; and
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? HAMILTON. 377
on the sixteenth of August, he writes, -- "I wrote you by
the last post, in which I informed you that I had taken com-
mand of my corps. Major Fish is with me. I prize him
both as a friend and an officer. " And a few days after, he
thus announces to his wife his departure for the south: --
"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 your mind for an event which, I am
sure, will give you pain. I begged your father, at the same
time, to intimate to you by degrees the probability of its
taking place. I used this method to prevent a surprise,
which might be too severe to you. A part of the army, my
dear girl, is going to Virginia, and I must, of necessity, be
separated at a much greater distance from my beloved wife.
I cannot announce the fatal necessity, without feeling every
thing that a fond husband can feel. I am unhappy ; -- I
am unhappy beyond expression. I am unhappy, because I
am to be so remote from you; because I am to hear from
you less frequently than I am accustomed to do. I am
miserable, because I know you will be so; I am wretched
at the idea of flying so far from you, without a single hour's
interview, to tell you all my pains and all my love. But I
cannot ask permission to visit you. It might be thought
improper to leave my corps at such a time, and upon such
an occasion. I must go without seeing you, -- I must go
without embracing you: -- alas! I must go. But let no
idea, other than of the distance we shall be asunder, disquiet
you. Though I said the prospects of activity will be great-
er, I said it to give your expectations a different turn, and
prepare you for something disagreeable. It is ten to one
that our views will be disappointed, by Cornwallis retiring
to South Carolina by land. At all events, our operations
will be over by the latter end of October, and I will fly to
my home. Don't mention I am going to Virginia. "
The allied armies moved on the twenty-second of August,
vol. i. 48
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? 378 THE LIFE OF
and havnig taken a circuitous route to keep up the decep-
tion, reached Philadelphia on the second of September.
Generals Washington and Rochambeau then proceeded to
an interview with De Grasse; and General Lincoln, com-
manding the Americans, and Baron De Viomenil the French,
moved on to the head of Elk, which they reached on the sixth
of September. From this place, Hamilton again writes, --
"Yesterday, my lovely wife, I wrote to you enclosing you
a letter in one to your father, to the care of Mr. Morris.
To-morrow the post sets out, and to-morrow we embark
for York Town. I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of
writing you a few lines. Constantly uppermost in my
thoughts and affections, I am happy only when my moments
are devoted to some office that respects you. I would give
the world to be able to tell you all I feel, and all I wish, but
consult your own heart, and you will know mine. What
a world will soon be between us! To support the idea, all
my fortitude is insufficient. What must be the case with
you, who have the most female of female hearts? I sink
at the perspective of your distress, and I look to heaven to
be your guardian and supporter. Circumstances which
have just come to my knowledge, assure me that our ope-
rations will be expeditious, as well as our success certain.
Early in November, as I promised you, we shall certainly
meet. Cheer yourself with this idea, and with the assu-
rance of never more being separated. Every day confirms
me in the intention of renouncing public life, and devoting
myself wholly to you. Let others waste their time and their
tranquillity in a vain pursuit of power and glory; -- be it
my object to be happy in a quiet retreat,. with my better
angel. " Again he writes from Annapolis, -- " How che-
quered is human life? --how precarious is happiness? --
how easily do we often part with it for a shadow? These
are the reflections that frequently intrude themselves upon
me, with a painful application. I am going to do my duty.
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? HAMILTON. 379
Our operations will be so conducted, as to economize the
lives of men. Exert your fortitude, and rely upon heaven. "
These repeated expressions of attachment, are but the
gentler declarations of the strong feelings which animated
his breast, always full of tenderness to every object of his
regard. It is apparent from his correspondence at this
time, that he entertained a fixed purpose, should the oppor-
tunity offer, of establishing his military character on still
higher ground, and winning a meed of fame, connected
with the last great event in his country's early glory, and
that he foresaw, with a deep foreboding of danger, the
high enterprise to which his ambition pledged him.
The transports which had been furnished by Barras, in
the absence of De Grasse, reached the harbour between
James Town and Williamsburg, on the twenty-second of
September, with the advance of the Americans, where
they disembarked, the residue soon following. The whole
body moved forward, and on the twenty-eighth arrived
within two miles of the enemy's works at York Town;
Hamilton commanding a corps of light infantry, which was
attached to the division of La Fayette, who had joined with
the remains of the little army of Virginia.
The selection of this position by Lord Cornwallis, under
the circumstances in which he was placed, ean by no means
be regarded as exhibiting a want of military skill. Had
the British General pursued his own wishes, he would have
returned to the command of the army in South Carolina;
but this would have been a violation of his orders from Sir
Henry Clinton, who, apprehensive for his own safety, had
directed a portion of the forces in Virginia to return to New-
York. It had, also, been a favourite object with the Bri-
tish ministry, to establish a permanent and central post,.
whence their naval enterprises could be more successfully
conducted. Portsmouth, at first, attracted the attention of
the British General, but was found wholly unsuited to his
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? 380 THE LIFE OF
purpose. He next had in view the establishment of his
army at Point Comfort, but greater objections existed to
it, and York Town remained the only choice.
This small village, lying on the south side of the noble
stream whence it derives its name, is situated on the beau-
tiful peninsula, formed by the York and the James, in their
approach to the Chesapeake.
Gloucester, which is on the north and opposite side of
the York, projects so far into the river, that the distance
between the headlands little exceeds a mile.
Here Cornwallis, intercepted in his retreat to the inte-
rior by La Fayette, who after a series of masterly move-
ments, had completely kept him at bay, -- deterred, also,
by the violent heats of the season, and cut off by De Grasse
from all hopes of succour by sea, had concentrated his
army, to the number of seven thousand men.
On the west and northwest, his post was protected by an
inlet from the river, a morass, and a deep ravine. On the
high banks of the river to the north, batteries were erect-
ed, which co-operating with those on the Gloucester side,
controlled the river pass, which was narrowed by vessels
sunk in the channel, and was also commanded by several
ships of war stationed in the offing. The south and south-
west, the most accessible points, were covered by an ex-
tensive line of field fortifications, which his army were en-
gaged in throwing up, when the Americans landed.
On their approach, a show of opposition was made on
their left, but a few pieces being advanced by Viomenil,
the enemy receded. On the twenty-ninth of September,
the Americans took their ground in front and on the left of
their works, and kept up a light and scattering fusilade.
The enemy, apprehensive they would get between their
outworks and the town, evacuated the greater part of them
on the following day, and they were occupied by the Ame-
rican light infantry, supported by their allies. During the
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? HAMILTON. 3S1
ensuing days, the besiegers were engaged in throwing up
redoubts, which was effected with great intrepidity, under
a heavy cannonade.
On the sixth of October, the army moved forward, and
opened their first parallel, within six hundred yards of the
enemy, under cover by day light. Hamilton now moved
his corps of light infantry into the works, and planted their
standards on the top of the line of the parallel. On the
ninth and tenth, six heavy batteries, three French and three
American, opened a heavy fire on the British, which dis-
mounted some of their guns, injured their embrasures, and
compelled them to shelter their cannon behind the merlons.
This was followed by an almost entire suspension of the
fire, and the loss of their heaviest vessel, the Charon, a
forty-four gun frigate, by a hot shot from the French bat-
tery, which burnt to the water's edge, presenting, in a serene
night, a magnificent and melancholy spectacle.
On the evening of the eleventh, the second parallel was
opened by Steuben's division, which was carried on within
three hundred and sixty yards of the enemy's batteries,
with amazing rapidity during the night; while their shot
and shells kept up a continual and dazzling blaze, and was
completed on the succeeding day.
It now became necessary to obtain possession of two de-
tached redoubts, which were advanced on the left of the
enemy, within three hundred yards in their front, which
enfiladed the whole line of the American entrenchments,
and were supposed to command the communication be-
tween York and Gloucester. The heavy and incessant fire
which had been poured in upon them, it was believed, had
rendered them practicable, and it was determined to carry
them by assault. The work on the extreme left to be
forced by the American light infantry, comprising a part of
La Fayette's division ; that on the right, by a detachment of
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? S82 THE LIFE OF
French grenadiers and chasseurs, commanded by De Vio-
menil.
This was the opportunity for which Hamilton had so
long, so eagerly hoped, of signalizing himself by some act
of distinguished prowess. But he was on the point of
losing it. The fourteenth of October was his tour of duty,
but from a supposed precedence due to that part of the
light infantry which had made the Virginian campaign,
Washington had determined to give the attack to Colonel
Barber.
The moment Hamilton learned this arrangement, he left
Major Fish, proceeded immediately to the General's quar-
ters and remonstrated with him> claiming the right of the
attack, as the officer on duty. His appeal was successful,
and Hamilton returned in the highest spirits, exclaiming to
Fish, " We have it! we have it! " The disposition was then
made to advance in two columns. The right composed of
Gimat's battalion, and Hamilton's, under Major Fish. The
left, under Laurens, with a small body of picked men, who
was directed to take them in reverse.
The redoubt, on the right, was to be attacked by a body
of grenadiers, under Count Deux Ponts and Colonel
L'Estrade, supported by the regiment of Gatinois: a dis-
position intended to prevent any jealousy between the ar-
mies, and to excite their emulation.
The signal of attack was a shell from the American bat-
tery, with a corresponding one from the French.
As soon as the first shell reached its zenith,, that from the
French battery also ascended. Hamilton then gave the
order to advance at the point of the bayonet, pushed forward,
and before the rest of the corps had ascended the abatis,
mounted over it, stood for a moment on the parapet, with
three of his soldiers, encouraging the others to follow, and
sprung into the ditch. Fish followed. Gimat, receiving a
wound from the first sentinel as they were unmasking, was
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? HAMILTON. 383
compelled to retire. The American infantry, animated by
the address and example of their leader, pressed on, with
muskets unloaded and fixed bayonets. They soon reached
the counterscarp, under a heavy and constant fire from the
redoubt, and surmounting the abatis, ditch, and palisades,
mounted the parapet, and leaped into the work.
Hamilton, who had pressed forward, followed by the
van guard under Mansfield, was, for a short time, lost sight
of, and it was feared he had fallen: but he soon re-appear-
ed, formed the troops in the redoubt, and as soon as it sur-
rendered gave the command to Major Fish.
The impetuosity of the attack carried all before it, and
within nine minutes from the time the abatis was passed,
the work was gained. "Not a gun," says La Fayette," was
fired. The ardour of the troops did not give time for the
sappers to derange the abatis; and owing to the conduct
of the commander, and bravery of the men, the redoubt
was stormed with uncommon rapidity. "* "Few cases,"
says Washington, " have exhibited greater proofs of intre-
pidity, coolness, and firmness, than were shown on this oc-
casion. "
Colonel Barber's battalion, the first in the supporting co-
lumn,'arrived at the moment the advance were getting over
the works, and executed their orders with the utmost ala-
crity, (the Colonel being slightly wounded,) while the rest
of the division, under Muhlenburg and Hagen, advanced
with admirable firmness, and formed their columns with
perfect silence and order, under the fire of the enemy.
The gallantry of the storm was not less distinguished
than the humanity of the victors. In the midst of the
works, as soon as Hamilton saw the enemy driven back,
. * "Colonel Hamilton, whose well-known talents and gallantry were most
conspicuous. Our obligations to him, to Colonel Gimat, and Colonel Lau-
rens, and to each and all the officers and men, are beyond expression. "
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? 384 THE LIFE OF
he ordered his men to halt, and excepting in the charge at
the onset, not a man was injured. An incident occurred
as soon as they entered the redoubt, to which Hamilton re-
fers in his report. "Incapable of imitating examples of
barbarity, and forgetting recent provocations, the soldiery
spared every man who ceased to fight. "
Colonel Scammel, of the light infantry, while reconnoi-
tering, a few days before, was surprised by a party of
horse, and after he was taken was wantonly wounded, of
which wound he died. When Colonel Campbell, who
commanded the redoubt, advanced to surrender, a captain,-
who had served under Scammel, seized a bayonet, and
drew back with the intent of plunging it into his breast,
when Hamilton turned it aside, and Campbell, exclaiming,
"I place myself under your protection," was made prisoner
by Laurens. *
* Doctor Gordon, whose statements are often erroneous, says, in speak-
ing of this affair, "The light infantry of the Americans were command-
ed by Marquis La Fayette, and the service was allotted to a select corps.
The Marquis said to General Washington, 'The troops should retaliate on
the British for the cruelties they have practised. ' The General answered,
'You have full command, and may order as you please. ' The Marquis or-
dered the party to remember New-London, and to retaliate by putting the
men in the redoubt] to the sword, after having carried it -- *********
Lieutenant Colonel Laurens personally took the commanding officer. The
Colonel's humanity and that of the Americans, so overcame their resentments
that they spared the British. When bringing them off, as prisoners, they said
among themselves, 'Why, how is this? We were ordered. 'to put them to
death. ' Being asked by others why they had not done it, they answered,'We
could not, when they begged so hard upon their knees for their lives. '" To
this shameful fabrication, the attention of Colonel Hamilton was drawn. It is
thus refuted:
To the Editor of the Evening Post.
New-York, August 10, 1802.
SIR,
Finding that a story, long since propagated, under circumstances which it
was expected would soon consign it to oblivion, (and by winch I have been
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? HAMILTON. 385
The redoubt on the right was also taken, but with less
celerity, the Americans having the work in their posses-
sion, and being regularly formed, while their allies were
yet engaged in removing the abatis.
The fate of the enemy was now decided. The second
parallel was continued during the night, the two redoubts
enveloped, and a line of communication opened with the
first before break of day. As a last effort, a sortie was
made, towards day-light of the sixteenth, which proved un-
successful.
Cornwallis, who knew the weakness of his defences,
and had placed his only hopes on succour from New-York,
resolved to make a desperate attempt to cross to Glouces-
ter, intending to escape by land to New-York. Boats were
prepared, and a part of the troops embarked, when a vio-
lent storm arose, which drove the boats down the river, and
prevented the completion of his bold design. New batteries
were now finished by the Americans; the whole works
were mounted, and a heavy and irresistible cannonade en-
complimented at the expense of Generals Washington and La Fayette,) has
of late been revived, and has acquired a degree of importance by being repeat-
ed in different publications, as well in Europe as America, it becomes a duty to
counteract its currency and influence by an explicit disavowal.
The story imports in substance, that General La Fayette, with the appro-
bation or connivance of General Washington, ordered me, as the officer who
was to command the attack on a British redoubt, in the course of the siege of
York Town, to put to death all those of the enemy who should happen to be
taken in the redoubt, and that through motives of humanity I forbore to execute
the order.
Positively and unequivocally I declare, that no such nor similar order, nor
any intimation nor hint resembling it, was ever by me received, or understood
to have been given.
It is needless to enter into an explanation of some occurrences on the occa-
sion alluded to, which may be conjectured to have given rise to the calumny.
It is enough to say, that they were entirely disconnected with any act of either
of the Generals who have been accused.
With esteem I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
vol. I. 49
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? 386 THE LIFE OF
sued. On the morning of the seventeenth, while the light
infantry were in the trenches, the chamade was beat, and
propositions for surrender made. It is related by Colonel
Fish, that when the sealed packet addressed to Washing-
ton, which was delivered to La Fayette, came in, the Ge-
neral was riding along the line. He had passed Hamilton,
and as soon as he had read the despatch, sent for him, and
asked his opinion as to the terms. After a short time, a
suspension of hostilities was agreed to, and the enemy capi-
tulated; Laurens, at the surrender, representing the Ame-
rican army, both as an honour due to his distinguished me-
rits, and to remind the British king, that he, whose father
was a prisoner in the Tower, held in his hands the fate of
the commander of his armies. *
Congratulations now poured in upon Washington, and
upon his allies, from every quarter of the country; the pub-
lic bodies vieing with each other, in an emulation of grati-
tude. A vote of thanks was rapturously passed by con-
gress, a marble column was ordered to be erected at York
Town, in commemoration of the event, and special honours
were conferred on both commanders.
While receiving the warmest expressions of admiration
from the whole army, Hamilton, thus modestly, in a letter
written to soothe the anxiety of his wife, adverts to what
had passed. "Two nights ago,f my Eliza, my duty and my
honour obliged me to take a step in which your happiness
was too much risked. I commanded an attack upon one
of the enemy's redoubts; we carried it in an instant, and
with little loss. You will see the particulars in the Phila-
delphia papers. There will be, certainly, nothing more of
this kind; all the rest will be by approach; and if there
should be another occasion, it will not fall to my turn to
execute it. "
* Cornwallis was, it is believed, at this time Constable of the Tower,
t October 16th.
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? HAMILTON. 387
Washington,. anxious to push his advantages, solicited
De Grasse to co-operate in the relief of Wilmington and
Charleston. The former object was at first assented to;
but the French admiral conceiving it his duty to return to
the West Indies, changed his views. The plan was aban-
doned, and after having completed the arrangements for
the disposal of the captured army, while the French re-
mained in Virginia, the Americans returned to the north,
and were cantoned, in the latter part of November, in
New-Jersey and in New-York.
Washington, having concerted measures for the next
campaign in a personal interview with congress, revisited
Mount Vernon, loaded with laurels, and crowned with glo-
ry, while Hamilton returned on furlough to his home.
Gratifying as had been the result of this campaign, which
sealed the national independence, and proud as were his
reflections in reviewing the long series of services he had
rendered his country, and in being connected so conspicu-
ously with an event which may be regarded as the closing
scene of the revolution, yet those reflections were not un-
mingled with others of a deeply painful character. Though,
with every uncorrupted mind, he deplored the miseries of
war,* yet long service had confirmed in his bosom a fond-
ness for military life. As an eloquent friend has well re-
marked, "his early education was in the camp; there his
earliest and most cordial friendships were formed; there
he became enamoured of glory, and was admitted to her
? In a letter to a friend, written after the close of the campaign of 1776, he
observes: "Tour sentiments respecting war are perfectly j ust. I don't wonder
at your antipathy to it. Every fine feeling of a delicate mind revolts from the
idea of shedding human blood, and multiplying'the common evils of life by
the artificial methods incident to that state. Were it not for the evident ne-
cessity, and in defence of all that is valuable in society, I could never be re-
conciled to a military character, and shall rejoice when the restoration of
peace, on the basis of freedom and independence, shall put it in my power to
renounce it. "
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? 888 THE LIFE OF
embrace. "* This life was now soon to end, and those
friendships, so warmly cherished, could be cultivated only
at intervals.
Knowing also that the army was not a favourite of con-
gress, he could not but survey, for the last time, with pain,
the war-worn faces of those faithful men, who, while win-
ning the liberties of their country, had won for her such im-
perishable renown, requited, as he felt they were to be, by
the grossest ingratitude.
Of his immediate companions in the family of Washing-
ton, with two he had already parted. Early in the year,
Meade, who had recently married, retired from the service,
and except by his gallantry in rushing to the aid of Steuben,
and repulsing the advances of Arnold from his native state,
was no longer known as a public man.
The " Old Secretary," Harrison, as he was familiarly call-
ed, left the army the previous spring, having been appoint-
ed, by the state of Maryland, Chief Justice of its Supreme
Court; which situation he filled until the adoption of the
Federal Constitution, when such was Washington's estimate
of the claims of this meritorious individual upon his country,
that he nominated him a Judge of the Supreme Court of
the United States, immediately after its organization, which
he declined. f
* Fisher Ames.
t The following letter, written by Colonel Harrison to Hamilton, as a vin-
dication of his motives for leaving the army, may not be deemed inappropriate,
as an act of justice to an early friend.
"New-Windsor, , 1781.
"I came here, my dear Hamilton, on Friday night to bid adieu to the Gene-
ral, to you, and to my other friends as a military man, and regretted much that
I had not the happiness of seeing you. To-morrow I am obliged to depart,
and it is possible our separation may be forever. But be this as it may, it can
only be with respect to our persons, for as to affection, mine for you will con-
tinue to my latest breath. This event will probably surprise you, but from
your knowledge of me, I rely you will conclude at the instant, that no light
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? HAMILTON.
Tilghman, McIIenry, and Laurens remained in the ser-
vice.
The first, whose social virtues were only equalled by his
military daring, continued with the commander-in-chief un-
til his resignation, from whom he received the warmest ac-
knowledgements of gratitude. He then established himself
in Baltimore, where he died in seventeen hundred and eigh-
ty-six.
McHenry, whom Hamilton described "as sensible, judi-
cious, well informed, of an intrepidity never questioned, and
of a temper, which though firm in the support of principles,
was full of moderation and amenity," returned to Maryland,
where he exercised a salutary influence in the councils of
that state, filled a seat in congress a short time, and closed
his public life as Secretary at War.
But the individual who held the first place in Hamilton's
considerations would have taken me from the army; and, I think, I might
safely have rested the matter here. However, as the friendship between us,
gives you a claim to something more, and as I am not indifferent about cha-
racter, and shall be anxious to have the esteem of all who are good and virtu-
ously great, I shall detail to you, my friend, the more substantial reasons which
have led to my present conduct. I go from the army, then, because I have
found, on examination, that my little fortune, earned by an honest and hard
industry, was becoming embarrassed; to attend to the education of my chil-
dren; to provide, if possible, for the payment of a considerable sum of money,
with which I stand charged in the partition of my father's estate; to save a
house which I had begun, and without instant attention would be ruined; and
because the state of Maryland, in a flattering manner, have been pleased to
appoint me to a place, very respectable in its nature, corresponding with my
former, and interesting to my whole future life and support: -- they have ap-
pointed me to the chair of the Supreme Court. These, my friend, are the mo-
tives to my present resolution. My own feelings are satisfied on the occasion,
though I cannot but regret parting with the most valuable acquaintances I
have, and I hope they will justify me most fully to you, my Hamilton, espe-
pecially when you consider the time I have been in the service, and the com-
pensation I have received * * *. Adieu.
"Yours, in haste, most affectionately,
"Robt. H. Harrison. "
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? THE LIFE OF
affections was Laurens,with whom he now parted, not again
to meet.
This heroic soldier joined the army in the beginning of
seventeen hundred and seventy-seven; distinguished him-
self at Brandywine, and at Germantown only retired after
an impetuous, though unadvised attempt upon Chew's house,
from which Hamilton endeavoured to dissuade him, after
having received a severe wound, and having left two-thirds
of his men upon the field.
At Monmouth, where every member of Washington's staff
contended not only for their country, but for the honour of
their chief, he was conspicuous in leading the soldiers to the
charge, and rallying them on the retreat. At Rhode-Island,
he commanded a regiment of infantry, and received the es-
pecial thanks of Sullivan for his order and gallantry.
He was incessantly employed in various operations while
at the south. At the siege of Savannah, he gave a singular
instance of his high-wrought feelings. After the defeat, he
stood lost in abstraction, with his arms wide extended, in
the midst of a heavy fire, and replied to a remonstrance on
his rashness, "My honour does not permit me to survive the
disgrace of this day;" and was only recalled to his duty, by
a peremptory order to cover the retreat. At Charleston,
he sallied from the town, and frequently repulsed the be-
siegers, and was again wounded. Having twice received
the thanks of congress, he returned, after the surrender at
York Town, to Carolina, where hearing of the approach of
a party of the enemy, he arose from his sick bed, threw
himself at the head of his corps, and fell in a trifling skir-
mish near the banks of the Combahee. A short time before
his death, he writes to Hamilton, complaining " that the ene-
my's system was perfectly defensive, and rendered the cam-
paign insipid. Many of our sanguine citizens have flatter-
ed themselves with the idea of a prompt evacuation of
Charleston. I wish the garrison would either withdraw or
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? HAMILTON. 391
fight us. Adieu, my dear friend. While circumstances
place so great a distance between us, I entreat you not to
withdraw the consolation of your letters. You know the
unalterable sentiments of your affectionate Laurens. "
Of all the youthful soldiers of the revolution, there is not
one upon whose story the recollections of his contemporaries
have more fondly dwelt. His distinguished place in the
affections of Washington, and the repeated public honours
proffered to him by congress, his numerous and varied ser-
vices, his address in negotiation, his gallantry in battle, his
exalted zeal, and his lofty spirit, elevated him so far above
his fellow-soldiers, that at his name every youthful aspira-
tion of ambition was kindled.
But Laurens was not alone a gallant soldier, a distinguish-
ed patriot, a skilful diplomatist. To these he added all the
endearing and social affections, all the attractions of a noble
nature, all the graces of a refined and cultivated intellect,
and an address which possessed an irresistable, an endless
charm.
Qualities which in other men might have offended by
their contrast, in him only served to give richness of cha-
racter, and create variety of interest. His intrepid spirit
was coupled with a self-distrust, a confiding weakness of
temper, which awakened in his friends surprise and love.
While to others his heart was all kindness and benevolence,
he was unjust only to himself; and while the world saw
him graced with every virtue, he was still aspiring to some
higher excellence, -- an ideal perfection, which is denied to
our nature, and exists only in the warm conceptions of a
mind deeply tinged with romance. Nothing can more fully
express this inward struggle for superior excellence, than
his letter to Hamilton, and the latter's elegant rebuke, that
"he refined on the refinements of sensibility. "
With a bosom not less alive to the most generous emo-
tions, but with a mind of a firmer texture, Hamilton repro-
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? 392 TUB LIFE OF
ved, in the noble spirit of his friend, an excess of that deli-
cacy which he himself cherished.
In the intercourse of these martial youths, there was a
deep fondness of friendship, which approached the tender-
ness of feminine attachment. On the annunciation of his
sad fate, Hamilton writes to La Fayette, -- " Poor Laurens!
he has fallen a sacrifice to his ardour, in a 1 rifling skirmish
in South Carolina. You know how truly I loved him, and
will judge how much I regret him. "
This simple tribute of affection, conveyed a deeper mean-
ing than is expressed; for while his country deplored the
untimely fate of this their favourite youth, cut off in the ca-
reer of honour, his friend knew the deep wound he had re-
ceived at an early period of his life, and that there was that
upon his memory which made the latest moment the most
desired of his existence.
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Camp, near Dobbs' Ferry, July 10th, 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 no-
thing was said on the subject of a command, I wrote the
General a letter, and enclosed him my commission. This
morning Tilghman came to me in his name, pressed me to
retain my commission, with an assurance that he would en-
deavour, 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. "
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? HAMILTON. 375
It was at this post that Washington first received the in-
telligence that the squadron of De Grasse was approach-
ing the coast of Virginia. A council of war was held, to
which Hamilton was invited by General Washington. The
plan of a southern campaign was then discussed, and though
reluctant to relinquish the attempt on New-York, so long
entertained, it was determined, for the most cogent reasons,
to make a forced march on Lord Cornwallis.
It became of the utmost importance to conceal this pur-
pose. The idea was thrown out, that the French fleet was
expected at Shrewsbury, and that the army was to march
and join it there; and, to complete the deception, lines for
an encampment were marked out on the Jersey side, ovens
constructed, and a body of men advanced, as if to take a
position for the combined forces. At this particular crisis,
Washington felt the full value of his exertions in obtaining
secret intelligence. A communication was constantly kept
up with New-York, and it was soon ascertained that the
deception was complete. The extent of the imposition on
Sir Henry Clinton has always been a subject of surprise,
but a stratagem which was adopted by Washington, and
which fully succeeded, will serve to explain it. There was
an individual in New-Jersey, who at one time held a con-
siderable rank in the militia, and who had been employed
by Washington to gain intelligence. In this service he had
proved himself shrewd, observing, and alert; and the in-
formation he had given, at the commencement of his ca-
reer, had been of much importance. Some time prior to
this period, General Washington had discovered this man
to be a traitor, and that, under cover of serving the Ameri-
can cause, he was in fact in the pay of Sir Henry Clinton.
He determined to take advantage of this discovery, and
under the pretence of employing him to get farther advices,
Washington sent for him to head quarters, where he threw
in his way a map, prepared for the purpose, marked with
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? 3T6 THE LIFE OF
the pretended route of the army to Shrewsbury, and with
plans of the land and naval attack upon New-York. Anx-
ious to confirm his impressions by every possible means,
this same individual sought an interview with Colonel Ha-
milton, and under semblance of a zeal for the American in-
terests, inquired of him the destination of the army. Ha-
milton, confident that a disclosure by him of the actual in-
tentions of the commander-in-chief, would be the most cer-
tain means of deceiving him, as it could not be supposed
that he would communicate such an important and confi-
dential secret, at once replied, "we are going to Virginia. "
The spy, thus completely duped, hastened with his informa-
tion to the enemy, and communicated it to Sir Henry Clin-
ton, who was in vain prompted by others to suspect the real
designs of the Americans, and replied to every importunity,
that he had information of a kind, and from a source, that
could not be disputed.
The intelligence of De Grasse's approach, had been com-
municated to General Washington by the Superintendent
of Finance, who immediately on the receipt of it, proceeded
express to head quarters. The probability of Cornwallis'
capture, now became strong. But a great obstacle existed:
-- it was the utter incapacity of moving the army for want
of funds. Robert Morris, on this occasion, rendered one of
those great services to his country, which no other indivi-
dual could have performed ; -- he assumed the responsibi-
lity of moving the army. Washington, aware of the em-
barrassed finances, inquired where were his means? He
replied, that he did not himself know, but that he would find
them. He immediately returned to Philadelphia, secured
all the water craft on the Delaware, provided supplies on
the route of the army, and while Washington was collecting
a force to protect West Point, raised a large portion of the
necessary funds on his personal responsibility.
Hamilton, in the mean time, had attained his wishes; and
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? HAMILTON. 377
on the sixteenth of August, he writes, -- "I wrote you by
the last post, in which I informed you that I had taken com-
mand of my corps. Major Fish is with me. I prize him
both as a friend and an officer. " And a few days after, he
thus announces to his wife his departure for the south: --
"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 your mind for an event which, I am
sure, will give you pain. I begged your father, at the same
time, to intimate to you by degrees the probability of its
taking place. I used this method to prevent a surprise,
which might be too severe to you. A part of the army, my
dear girl, is going to Virginia, and I must, of necessity, be
separated at a much greater distance from my beloved wife.
I cannot announce the fatal necessity, without feeling every
thing that a fond husband can feel. I am unhappy ; -- I
am unhappy beyond expression. I am unhappy, because I
am to be so remote from you; because I am to hear from
you less frequently than I am accustomed to do. I am
miserable, because I know you will be so; I am wretched
at the idea of flying so far from you, without a single hour's
interview, to tell you all my pains and all my love. But I
cannot ask permission to visit you. It might be thought
improper to leave my corps at such a time, and upon such
an occasion. I must go without seeing you, -- I must go
without embracing you: -- alas! I must go. But let no
idea, other than of the distance we shall be asunder, disquiet
you. Though I said the prospects of activity will be great-
er, I said it to give your expectations a different turn, and
prepare you for something disagreeable. It is ten to one
that our views will be disappointed, by Cornwallis retiring
to South Carolina by land. At all events, our operations
will be over by the latter end of October, and I will fly to
my home. Don't mention I am going to Virginia. "
The allied armies moved on the twenty-second of August,
vol. i. 48
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? 378 THE LIFE OF
and havnig taken a circuitous route to keep up the decep-
tion, reached Philadelphia on the second of September.
Generals Washington and Rochambeau then proceeded to
an interview with De Grasse; and General Lincoln, com-
manding the Americans, and Baron De Viomenil the French,
moved on to the head of Elk, which they reached on the sixth
of September. From this place, Hamilton again writes, --
"Yesterday, my lovely wife, I wrote to you enclosing you
a letter in one to your father, to the care of Mr. Morris.
To-morrow the post sets out, and to-morrow we embark
for York Town. I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of
writing you a few lines. Constantly uppermost in my
thoughts and affections, I am happy only when my moments
are devoted to some office that respects you. I would give
the world to be able to tell you all I feel, and all I wish, but
consult your own heart, and you will know mine. What
a world will soon be between us! To support the idea, all
my fortitude is insufficient. What must be the case with
you, who have the most female of female hearts? I sink
at the perspective of your distress, and I look to heaven to
be your guardian and supporter. Circumstances which
have just come to my knowledge, assure me that our ope-
rations will be expeditious, as well as our success certain.
Early in November, as I promised you, we shall certainly
meet. Cheer yourself with this idea, and with the assu-
rance of never more being separated. Every day confirms
me in the intention of renouncing public life, and devoting
myself wholly to you. Let others waste their time and their
tranquillity in a vain pursuit of power and glory; -- be it
my object to be happy in a quiet retreat,. with my better
angel. " Again he writes from Annapolis, -- " How che-
quered is human life? --how precarious is happiness? --
how easily do we often part with it for a shadow? These
are the reflections that frequently intrude themselves upon
me, with a painful application. I am going to do my duty.
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? HAMILTON. 379
Our operations will be so conducted, as to economize the
lives of men. Exert your fortitude, and rely upon heaven. "
These repeated expressions of attachment, are but the
gentler declarations of the strong feelings which animated
his breast, always full of tenderness to every object of his
regard. It is apparent from his correspondence at this
time, that he entertained a fixed purpose, should the oppor-
tunity offer, of establishing his military character on still
higher ground, and winning a meed of fame, connected
with the last great event in his country's early glory, and
that he foresaw, with a deep foreboding of danger, the
high enterprise to which his ambition pledged him.
The transports which had been furnished by Barras, in
the absence of De Grasse, reached the harbour between
James Town and Williamsburg, on the twenty-second of
September, with the advance of the Americans, where
they disembarked, the residue soon following. The whole
body moved forward, and on the twenty-eighth arrived
within two miles of the enemy's works at York Town;
Hamilton commanding a corps of light infantry, which was
attached to the division of La Fayette, who had joined with
the remains of the little army of Virginia.
The selection of this position by Lord Cornwallis, under
the circumstances in which he was placed, ean by no means
be regarded as exhibiting a want of military skill. Had
the British General pursued his own wishes, he would have
returned to the command of the army in South Carolina;
but this would have been a violation of his orders from Sir
Henry Clinton, who, apprehensive for his own safety, had
directed a portion of the forces in Virginia to return to New-
York. It had, also, been a favourite object with the Bri-
tish ministry, to establish a permanent and central post,.
whence their naval enterprises could be more successfully
conducted. Portsmouth, at first, attracted the attention of
the British General, but was found wholly unsuited to his
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? 380 THE LIFE OF
purpose. He next had in view the establishment of his
army at Point Comfort, but greater objections existed to
it, and York Town remained the only choice.
This small village, lying on the south side of the noble
stream whence it derives its name, is situated on the beau-
tiful peninsula, formed by the York and the James, in their
approach to the Chesapeake.
Gloucester, which is on the north and opposite side of
the York, projects so far into the river, that the distance
between the headlands little exceeds a mile.
Here Cornwallis, intercepted in his retreat to the inte-
rior by La Fayette, who after a series of masterly move-
ments, had completely kept him at bay, -- deterred, also,
by the violent heats of the season, and cut off by De Grasse
from all hopes of succour by sea, had concentrated his
army, to the number of seven thousand men.
On the west and northwest, his post was protected by an
inlet from the river, a morass, and a deep ravine. On the
high banks of the river to the north, batteries were erect-
ed, which co-operating with those on the Gloucester side,
controlled the river pass, which was narrowed by vessels
sunk in the channel, and was also commanded by several
ships of war stationed in the offing. The south and south-
west, the most accessible points, were covered by an ex-
tensive line of field fortifications, which his army were en-
gaged in throwing up, when the Americans landed.
On their approach, a show of opposition was made on
their left, but a few pieces being advanced by Viomenil,
the enemy receded. On the twenty-ninth of September,
the Americans took their ground in front and on the left of
their works, and kept up a light and scattering fusilade.
The enemy, apprehensive they would get between their
outworks and the town, evacuated the greater part of them
on the following day, and they were occupied by the Ame-
rican light infantry, supported by their allies. During the
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? HAMILTON. 3S1
ensuing days, the besiegers were engaged in throwing up
redoubts, which was effected with great intrepidity, under
a heavy cannonade.
On the sixth of October, the army moved forward, and
opened their first parallel, within six hundred yards of the
enemy, under cover by day light. Hamilton now moved
his corps of light infantry into the works, and planted their
standards on the top of the line of the parallel. On the
ninth and tenth, six heavy batteries, three French and three
American, opened a heavy fire on the British, which dis-
mounted some of their guns, injured their embrasures, and
compelled them to shelter their cannon behind the merlons.
This was followed by an almost entire suspension of the
fire, and the loss of their heaviest vessel, the Charon, a
forty-four gun frigate, by a hot shot from the French bat-
tery, which burnt to the water's edge, presenting, in a serene
night, a magnificent and melancholy spectacle.
On the evening of the eleventh, the second parallel was
opened by Steuben's division, which was carried on within
three hundred and sixty yards of the enemy's batteries,
with amazing rapidity during the night; while their shot
and shells kept up a continual and dazzling blaze, and was
completed on the succeeding day.
It now became necessary to obtain possession of two de-
tached redoubts, which were advanced on the left of the
enemy, within three hundred yards in their front, which
enfiladed the whole line of the American entrenchments,
and were supposed to command the communication be-
tween York and Gloucester. The heavy and incessant fire
which had been poured in upon them, it was believed, had
rendered them practicable, and it was determined to carry
them by assault. The work on the extreme left to be
forced by the American light infantry, comprising a part of
La Fayette's division ; that on the right, by a detachment of
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? S82 THE LIFE OF
French grenadiers and chasseurs, commanded by De Vio-
menil.
This was the opportunity for which Hamilton had so
long, so eagerly hoped, of signalizing himself by some act
of distinguished prowess. But he was on the point of
losing it. The fourteenth of October was his tour of duty,
but from a supposed precedence due to that part of the
light infantry which had made the Virginian campaign,
Washington had determined to give the attack to Colonel
Barber.
The moment Hamilton learned this arrangement, he left
Major Fish, proceeded immediately to the General's quar-
ters and remonstrated with him> claiming the right of the
attack, as the officer on duty. His appeal was successful,
and Hamilton returned in the highest spirits, exclaiming to
Fish, " We have it! we have it! " The disposition was then
made to advance in two columns. The right composed of
Gimat's battalion, and Hamilton's, under Major Fish. The
left, under Laurens, with a small body of picked men, who
was directed to take them in reverse.
The redoubt, on the right, was to be attacked by a body
of grenadiers, under Count Deux Ponts and Colonel
L'Estrade, supported by the regiment of Gatinois: a dis-
position intended to prevent any jealousy between the ar-
mies, and to excite their emulation.
The signal of attack was a shell from the American bat-
tery, with a corresponding one from the French.
As soon as the first shell reached its zenith,, that from the
French battery also ascended. Hamilton then gave the
order to advance at the point of the bayonet, pushed forward,
and before the rest of the corps had ascended the abatis,
mounted over it, stood for a moment on the parapet, with
three of his soldiers, encouraging the others to follow, and
sprung into the ditch. Fish followed. Gimat, receiving a
wound from the first sentinel as they were unmasking, was
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? HAMILTON. 383
compelled to retire. The American infantry, animated by
the address and example of their leader, pressed on, with
muskets unloaded and fixed bayonets. They soon reached
the counterscarp, under a heavy and constant fire from the
redoubt, and surmounting the abatis, ditch, and palisades,
mounted the parapet, and leaped into the work.
Hamilton, who had pressed forward, followed by the
van guard under Mansfield, was, for a short time, lost sight
of, and it was feared he had fallen: but he soon re-appear-
ed, formed the troops in the redoubt, and as soon as it sur-
rendered gave the command to Major Fish.
The impetuosity of the attack carried all before it, and
within nine minutes from the time the abatis was passed,
the work was gained. "Not a gun," says La Fayette," was
fired. The ardour of the troops did not give time for the
sappers to derange the abatis; and owing to the conduct
of the commander, and bravery of the men, the redoubt
was stormed with uncommon rapidity. "* "Few cases,"
says Washington, " have exhibited greater proofs of intre-
pidity, coolness, and firmness, than were shown on this oc-
casion. "
Colonel Barber's battalion, the first in the supporting co-
lumn,'arrived at the moment the advance were getting over
the works, and executed their orders with the utmost ala-
crity, (the Colonel being slightly wounded,) while the rest
of the division, under Muhlenburg and Hagen, advanced
with admirable firmness, and formed their columns with
perfect silence and order, under the fire of the enemy.
The gallantry of the storm was not less distinguished
than the humanity of the victors. In the midst of the
works, as soon as Hamilton saw the enemy driven back,
. * "Colonel Hamilton, whose well-known talents and gallantry were most
conspicuous. Our obligations to him, to Colonel Gimat, and Colonel Lau-
rens, and to each and all the officers and men, are beyond expression. "
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? 384 THE LIFE OF
he ordered his men to halt, and excepting in the charge at
the onset, not a man was injured. An incident occurred
as soon as they entered the redoubt, to which Hamilton re-
fers in his report. "Incapable of imitating examples of
barbarity, and forgetting recent provocations, the soldiery
spared every man who ceased to fight. "
Colonel Scammel, of the light infantry, while reconnoi-
tering, a few days before, was surprised by a party of
horse, and after he was taken was wantonly wounded, of
which wound he died. When Colonel Campbell, who
commanded the redoubt, advanced to surrender, a captain,-
who had served under Scammel, seized a bayonet, and
drew back with the intent of plunging it into his breast,
when Hamilton turned it aside, and Campbell, exclaiming,
"I place myself under your protection," was made prisoner
by Laurens. *
* Doctor Gordon, whose statements are often erroneous, says, in speak-
ing of this affair, "The light infantry of the Americans were command-
ed by Marquis La Fayette, and the service was allotted to a select corps.
The Marquis said to General Washington, 'The troops should retaliate on
the British for the cruelties they have practised. ' The General answered,
'You have full command, and may order as you please. ' The Marquis or-
dered the party to remember New-London, and to retaliate by putting the
men in the redoubt] to the sword, after having carried it -- *********
Lieutenant Colonel Laurens personally took the commanding officer. The
Colonel's humanity and that of the Americans, so overcame their resentments
that they spared the British. When bringing them off, as prisoners, they said
among themselves, 'Why, how is this? We were ordered. 'to put them to
death. ' Being asked by others why they had not done it, they answered,'We
could not, when they begged so hard upon their knees for their lives. '" To
this shameful fabrication, the attention of Colonel Hamilton was drawn. It is
thus refuted:
To the Editor of the Evening Post.
New-York, August 10, 1802.
SIR,
Finding that a story, long since propagated, under circumstances which it
was expected would soon consign it to oblivion, (and by winch I have been
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? HAMILTON. 385
The redoubt on the right was also taken, but with less
celerity, the Americans having the work in their posses-
sion, and being regularly formed, while their allies were
yet engaged in removing the abatis.
The fate of the enemy was now decided. The second
parallel was continued during the night, the two redoubts
enveloped, and a line of communication opened with the
first before break of day. As a last effort, a sortie was
made, towards day-light of the sixteenth, which proved un-
successful.
Cornwallis, who knew the weakness of his defences,
and had placed his only hopes on succour from New-York,
resolved to make a desperate attempt to cross to Glouces-
ter, intending to escape by land to New-York. Boats were
prepared, and a part of the troops embarked, when a vio-
lent storm arose, which drove the boats down the river, and
prevented the completion of his bold design. New batteries
were now finished by the Americans; the whole works
were mounted, and a heavy and irresistible cannonade en-
complimented at the expense of Generals Washington and La Fayette,) has
of late been revived, and has acquired a degree of importance by being repeat-
ed in different publications, as well in Europe as America, it becomes a duty to
counteract its currency and influence by an explicit disavowal.
The story imports in substance, that General La Fayette, with the appro-
bation or connivance of General Washington, ordered me, as the officer who
was to command the attack on a British redoubt, in the course of the siege of
York Town, to put to death all those of the enemy who should happen to be
taken in the redoubt, and that through motives of humanity I forbore to execute
the order.
Positively and unequivocally I declare, that no such nor similar order, nor
any intimation nor hint resembling it, was ever by me received, or understood
to have been given.
It is needless to enter into an explanation of some occurrences on the occa-
sion alluded to, which may be conjectured to have given rise to the calumny.
It is enough to say, that they were entirely disconnected with any act of either
of the Generals who have been accused.
With esteem I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
vol. I. 49
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? 386 THE LIFE OF
sued. On the morning of the seventeenth, while the light
infantry were in the trenches, the chamade was beat, and
propositions for surrender made. It is related by Colonel
Fish, that when the sealed packet addressed to Washing-
ton, which was delivered to La Fayette, came in, the Ge-
neral was riding along the line. He had passed Hamilton,
and as soon as he had read the despatch, sent for him, and
asked his opinion as to the terms. After a short time, a
suspension of hostilities was agreed to, and the enemy capi-
tulated; Laurens, at the surrender, representing the Ame-
rican army, both as an honour due to his distinguished me-
rits, and to remind the British king, that he, whose father
was a prisoner in the Tower, held in his hands the fate of
the commander of his armies. *
Congratulations now poured in upon Washington, and
upon his allies, from every quarter of the country; the pub-
lic bodies vieing with each other, in an emulation of grati-
tude. A vote of thanks was rapturously passed by con-
gress, a marble column was ordered to be erected at York
Town, in commemoration of the event, and special honours
were conferred on both commanders.
While receiving the warmest expressions of admiration
from the whole army, Hamilton, thus modestly, in a letter
written to soothe the anxiety of his wife, adverts to what
had passed. "Two nights ago,f my Eliza, my duty and my
honour obliged me to take a step in which your happiness
was too much risked. I commanded an attack upon one
of the enemy's redoubts; we carried it in an instant, and
with little loss. You will see the particulars in the Phila-
delphia papers. There will be, certainly, nothing more of
this kind; all the rest will be by approach; and if there
should be another occasion, it will not fall to my turn to
execute it. "
* Cornwallis was, it is believed, at this time Constable of the Tower,
t October 16th.
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? HAMILTON. 387
Washington,. anxious to push his advantages, solicited
De Grasse to co-operate in the relief of Wilmington and
Charleston. The former object was at first assented to;
but the French admiral conceiving it his duty to return to
the West Indies, changed his views. The plan was aban-
doned, and after having completed the arrangements for
the disposal of the captured army, while the French re-
mained in Virginia, the Americans returned to the north,
and were cantoned, in the latter part of November, in
New-Jersey and in New-York.
Washington, having concerted measures for the next
campaign in a personal interview with congress, revisited
Mount Vernon, loaded with laurels, and crowned with glo-
ry, while Hamilton returned on furlough to his home.
Gratifying as had been the result of this campaign, which
sealed the national independence, and proud as were his
reflections in reviewing the long series of services he had
rendered his country, and in being connected so conspicu-
ously with an event which may be regarded as the closing
scene of the revolution, yet those reflections were not un-
mingled with others of a deeply painful character. Though,
with every uncorrupted mind, he deplored the miseries of
war,* yet long service had confirmed in his bosom a fond-
ness for military life. As an eloquent friend has well re-
marked, "his early education was in the camp; there his
earliest and most cordial friendships were formed; there
he became enamoured of glory, and was admitted to her
? In a letter to a friend, written after the close of the campaign of 1776, he
observes: "Tour sentiments respecting war are perfectly j ust. I don't wonder
at your antipathy to it. Every fine feeling of a delicate mind revolts from the
idea of shedding human blood, and multiplying'the common evils of life by
the artificial methods incident to that state. Were it not for the evident ne-
cessity, and in defence of all that is valuable in society, I could never be re-
conciled to a military character, and shall rejoice when the restoration of
peace, on the basis of freedom and independence, shall put it in my power to
renounce it. "
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? 888 THE LIFE OF
embrace. "* This life was now soon to end, and those
friendships, so warmly cherished, could be cultivated only
at intervals.
Knowing also that the army was not a favourite of con-
gress, he could not but survey, for the last time, with pain,
the war-worn faces of those faithful men, who, while win-
ning the liberties of their country, had won for her such im-
perishable renown, requited, as he felt they were to be, by
the grossest ingratitude.
Of his immediate companions in the family of Washing-
ton, with two he had already parted. Early in the year,
Meade, who had recently married, retired from the service,
and except by his gallantry in rushing to the aid of Steuben,
and repulsing the advances of Arnold from his native state,
was no longer known as a public man.
The " Old Secretary," Harrison, as he was familiarly call-
ed, left the army the previous spring, having been appoint-
ed, by the state of Maryland, Chief Justice of its Supreme
Court; which situation he filled until the adoption of the
Federal Constitution, when such was Washington's estimate
of the claims of this meritorious individual upon his country,
that he nominated him a Judge of the Supreme Court of
the United States, immediately after its organization, which
he declined. f
* Fisher Ames.
t The following letter, written by Colonel Harrison to Hamilton, as a vin-
dication of his motives for leaving the army, may not be deemed inappropriate,
as an act of justice to an early friend.
"New-Windsor, , 1781.
"I came here, my dear Hamilton, on Friday night to bid adieu to the Gene-
ral, to you, and to my other friends as a military man, and regretted much that
I had not the happiness of seeing you. To-morrow I am obliged to depart,
and it is possible our separation may be forever. But be this as it may, it can
only be with respect to our persons, for as to affection, mine for you will con-
tinue to my latest breath. This event will probably surprise you, but from
your knowledge of me, I rely you will conclude at the instant, that no light
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? HAMILTON.
Tilghman, McIIenry, and Laurens remained in the ser-
vice.
The first, whose social virtues were only equalled by his
military daring, continued with the commander-in-chief un-
til his resignation, from whom he received the warmest ac-
knowledgements of gratitude. He then established himself
in Baltimore, where he died in seventeen hundred and eigh-
ty-six.
McHenry, whom Hamilton described "as sensible, judi-
cious, well informed, of an intrepidity never questioned, and
of a temper, which though firm in the support of principles,
was full of moderation and amenity," returned to Maryland,
where he exercised a salutary influence in the councils of
that state, filled a seat in congress a short time, and closed
his public life as Secretary at War.
But the individual who held the first place in Hamilton's
considerations would have taken me from the army; and, I think, I might
safely have rested the matter here. However, as the friendship between us,
gives you a claim to something more, and as I am not indifferent about cha-
racter, and shall be anxious to have the esteem of all who are good and virtu-
ously great, I shall detail to you, my friend, the more substantial reasons which
have led to my present conduct. I go from the army, then, because I have
found, on examination, that my little fortune, earned by an honest and hard
industry, was becoming embarrassed; to attend to the education of my chil-
dren; to provide, if possible, for the payment of a considerable sum of money,
with which I stand charged in the partition of my father's estate; to save a
house which I had begun, and without instant attention would be ruined; and
because the state of Maryland, in a flattering manner, have been pleased to
appoint me to a place, very respectable in its nature, corresponding with my
former, and interesting to my whole future life and support: -- they have ap-
pointed me to the chair of the Supreme Court. These, my friend, are the mo-
tives to my present resolution. My own feelings are satisfied on the occasion,
though I cannot but regret parting with the most valuable acquaintances I
have, and I hope they will justify me most fully to you, my Hamilton, espe-
pecially when you consider the time I have been in the service, and the com-
pensation I have received * * *. Adieu.
"Yours, in haste, most affectionately,
"Robt. H. Harrison. "
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? THE LIFE OF
affections was Laurens,with whom he now parted, not again
to meet.
This heroic soldier joined the army in the beginning of
seventeen hundred and seventy-seven; distinguished him-
self at Brandywine, and at Germantown only retired after
an impetuous, though unadvised attempt upon Chew's house,
from which Hamilton endeavoured to dissuade him, after
having received a severe wound, and having left two-thirds
of his men upon the field.
At Monmouth, where every member of Washington's staff
contended not only for their country, but for the honour of
their chief, he was conspicuous in leading the soldiers to the
charge, and rallying them on the retreat. At Rhode-Island,
he commanded a regiment of infantry, and received the es-
pecial thanks of Sullivan for his order and gallantry.
He was incessantly employed in various operations while
at the south. At the siege of Savannah, he gave a singular
instance of his high-wrought feelings. After the defeat, he
stood lost in abstraction, with his arms wide extended, in
the midst of a heavy fire, and replied to a remonstrance on
his rashness, "My honour does not permit me to survive the
disgrace of this day;" and was only recalled to his duty, by
a peremptory order to cover the retreat. At Charleston,
he sallied from the town, and frequently repulsed the be-
siegers, and was again wounded. Having twice received
the thanks of congress, he returned, after the surrender at
York Town, to Carolina, where hearing of the approach of
a party of the enemy, he arose from his sick bed, threw
himself at the head of his corps, and fell in a trifling skir-
mish near the banks of the Combahee. A short time before
his death, he writes to Hamilton, complaining " that the ene-
my's system was perfectly defensive, and rendered the cam-
paign insipid. Many of our sanguine citizens have flatter-
ed themselves with the idea of a prompt evacuation of
Charleston. I wish the garrison would either withdraw or
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? HAMILTON. 391
fight us. Adieu, my dear friend. While circumstances
place so great a distance between us, I entreat you not to
withdraw the consolation of your letters. You know the
unalterable sentiments of your affectionate Laurens. "
Of all the youthful soldiers of the revolution, there is not
one upon whose story the recollections of his contemporaries
have more fondly dwelt. His distinguished place in the
affections of Washington, and the repeated public honours
proffered to him by congress, his numerous and varied ser-
vices, his address in negotiation, his gallantry in battle, his
exalted zeal, and his lofty spirit, elevated him so far above
his fellow-soldiers, that at his name every youthful aspira-
tion of ambition was kindled.
But Laurens was not alone a gallant soldier, a distinguish-
ed patriot, a skilful diplomatist. To these he added all the
endearing and social affections, all the attractions of a noble
nature, all the graces of a refined and cultivated intellect,
and an address which possessed an irresistable, an endless
charm.
Qualities which in other men might have offended by
their contrast, in him only served to give richness of cha-
racter, and create variety of interest. His intrepid spirit
was coupled with a self-distrust, a confiding weakness of
temper, which awakened in his friends surprise and love.
While to others his heart was all kindness and benevolence,
he was unjust only to himself; and while the world saw
him graced with every virtue, he was still aspiring to some
higher excellence, -- an ideal perfection, which is denied to
our nature, and exists only in the warm conceptions of a
mind deeply tinged with romance. Nothing can more fully
express this inward struggle for superior excellence, than
his letter to Hamilton, and the latter's elegant rebuke, that
"he refined on the refinements of sensibility. "
With a bosom not less alive to the most generous emo-
tions, but with a mind of a firmer texture, Hamilton repro-
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? 392 TUB LIFE OF
ved, in the noble spirit of his friend, an excess of that deli-
cacy which he himself cherished.
In the intercourse of these martial youths, there was a
deep fondness of friendship, which approached the tender-
ness of feminine attachment. On the annunciation of his
sad fate, Hamilton writes to La Fayette, -- " Poor Laurens!
he has fallen a sacrifice to his ardour, in a 1 rifling skirmish
in South Carolina. You know how truly I loved him, and
will judge how much I regret him. "
This simple tribute of affection, conveyed a deeper mean-
ing than is expressed; for while his country deplored the
untimely fate of this their favourite youth, cut off in the ca-
reer of honour, his friend knew the deep wound he had re-
ceived at an early period of his life, and that there was that
upon his memory which made the latest moment the most
desired of his existence.
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