By Governor Clinton's advice, I have sent an order in the
most emphatical terms to General Putnam, immediately to
despatch all the continental troops under him to your assist-
ance, and to detain the militia instead of them.
most emphatical terms to General Putnam, immediately to
despatch all the continental troops under him to your assist-
ance, and to detain the militia instead of them.
Hamilton - 1834 - Life on Hamilton - v1
handle.
net/2027/uva.
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? 96 THE LIFE OF
my, and to point out to him the many happy consequences
that will accrue from an immediate reinforcement being sent
from the northern army, I have thought it proper to appoint
you to that duty, and desire that you will immediately set
out for Albany, at which place, or in the neighbourhood, I
imagine you will find General Gates.
You are so fully acquainted with the principal points on
which you are sent, namely, the state of our army and the
situation of the enemy, that I shall not enlarge on those heads.
What you are chiefly to attend to, is to point out in the clear-
est and fullest manner to General Gates, the absolute neces-
sity that there is for his detaching a very considerable part
of the army at present under his command to the reinforce-
ment of this; a measure that will in all probability reduce
General Howe to the same situation in which General Bur-
goyne now is, should he attempt to remain in Philadelphia
without being able to remove the obstructions in the Dela-
ware, and open a free communication with his shipping. The
force which the members of the council of war judge it safe
and expedient to draw down at present, are the three New-
Hampshire and fifteen Massachusetts regiments, with Lee's
and Jackson's two of the sixteen, additional. But it is more than
probable that General Gates may have detained part of those
troops to the reduction of Ticonderoga, should the enemy not
have evacuated it, or to the garrisoning of it. If they should, in
that case the reinforcement will be according to circumstan-
ces; but, if possible, let it be made up to the same number
out of other corps. If upon your meeting with General
Gates, you should find that he intends, in consequence of his
success, to employ the troops under his command upon some
expedition, by the prosecution of which the common cause
will be more benefitted than by their being sent down to re-
inforce this army, it is not my wish to give any interruption
to the plan. But if he should have nothing more in contem-
plation than those particular objects which I have mentioned
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? HAMILTON. 97
to you, and which it is unnecessary to commit to paper, in
that case you are to inform him that it is my desire that the
reinforcements before mentioned, or such part of them as
can be safely spared, be immediately put in motion to join
the army.
I have understood that General Gates has already de-
tached Nixon's and Glover's brigades to join General Put-
nam, and General Dickinson informs me, Sir Henry Clin-
ton has come down the river with his whole force; if this
be a fact, you are to desire General Putnam to send the two
brigades forward with the greatest expedition, as there can
be no occasion for them there.
I expect you will meet Colonel Morgan's corps upon their
way down; if you do, let them know how essential their
services are to us, and desire the Colonel or commanding
officer to hasten their march as much as is consistent with
the health of the men after their late fatigues.
G. W.
P. S. I ordered the detachment belonging to General
McDougal's division to come forward. If you meet them,
direct those belonging to Greene's, Angel's, Chandler's, and
Duryee's regiments not to cross Delaware, but to proceed
to Red Bank.
Colonel Hamilton proceeded by way of New-Windsor to
Fishkill, the head quarters of General Putnam, from whence
he addressed the following letter to General Washington,
on the second of November.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
SEAR SIR,
I lodged last night in the neighbourhood of New-Wind-
sor. This morning early I met Colonel Morgan with his
corps, about a mile from it, in march for head quarters. I
vol. i. 13
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? TUB LIFE OF
told him the necessity of making all the despatch he could,
so as not to fatigue his men too much, which he has pro-
mised to do.
I understood from Colonel Morgan, that all the northern
army were marching down on both sides the river, and
would, probably, be to-morrow at New-Windsor and this
place; and that General Putnam had held a council for
the general disposition of them, in which it was resolved to
send you four thousand men, and to keep the rest on this
side the river. I came here in expectation that matters
were in such a train as to enable me to accomplish my
errand without going any farther, unless it should be to
hasten the troops that were on their march; but on my
arrival, I learned from Mr. Hughes, an aid-de-camp of Ge-
neral Gates, that the following disposition of the northern
army had taken place.
General Patterson's, Glover's, and Nixon's brigades and
Colonel Warner's mountain boys to remain in and about
Albany, -- barracks building for them. General Poor's
brigade marching down this side of the river to join Gene-
ral Putnam, will be here probably to-morrow. General
Learned's brigade, Morgan's corps, Warner's brigade of
Massachusetts militia, and some regiments of New-York
militia, on their march on the west side of the river.
I have directed General Putnam, in your name, to send
forward with all despatch to join you, the two continental
brigades and Warner's militia brigade ; this last is to serve
till the latter end of this month. Your instructions did not
comprehend any militia, but as there are certain accounts
here that most of the troops from New-York are gone to
reinforce General Howe, and as so large a proportion of
continental troops have been detained at Albany, I conclu-
ded you would not disapprove of a measure calculated to
strengthen you, though but for a small time, and have ven-
tured to adopt it on that presumption.
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? HAMILTON. 99
Being informed by General Putnam, that General Wynds,
with seven hundred Jersey militia was, at King's Ferry, with
intention to cross to Peekskill, I prevailed upon him to re-
linquish that idea, and send off an immediate order for them
to march towards Red Bank. It is possible, however, un-
less your excellency supports this order by an application
from yourself, he may march his men home, instead of march-
ing them to the place he has been directed to repair to.
Neither Lee's, Jackson's regiments, nor the detachments
belonging to General McDougal's division have yet march-
ed. I have urged their being sent, and an order has been
despatched for their instantly proceeding. Colonel Hughes
is pressing some fresh horses for me. The moment they
are ready, I shall recross the river in order to fall in with
the troops on the other side, and make all the haste I can
to Albany to get the three brigades there sent forward.
Will your excellency permit me to observe, that I have
some doubts,under present circumstances and appearances,
of the propriety of leaving the regiments proposed to be left
in this quarter? But if my doubts on this subject were
stronger than they are, I am forbid, by the sense of council,
from interfering in the matter.
General Poor's brigade is just arrived here; they will
proceed to join you with all expedition. So strongly am I
impressed with the importance of endeavouring to crush
Mr. Howe, that I am apt to think it would be advisable
to draw off all the continental troops. Had this been de-
termined on, General Warner's sixteen hundred militia
might have been left here.
I have the honour to be,
With the warmest esteem and respect,
Your excellency's most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
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? 100 THE LIFE OF
On Hamilton's arrival at Albany, he had an interview
with General Gates, the result of which is stated in the
following letter to General Washington.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
Albany, November, 1777.
DEAR SIR,
I arrived here yesterday at noon, and waited upon Ge-
neral Gates immediately on the business of my mission, but
was sorry to find his ideas did not correspond with yours,
for drawing off the number of troops you directed. I used
every argument in my power to convince him of the pro-
priety of the measure, but he was inflexible in the opinion
that two brigades at least of continental troops should re-
main in and near this place. His reasons were, that the
intelligence of Sir Henry Clinton's having gone to join
Howe was not sufficiently authenticated to put it out of
doubt; that there was, therefore, a possibility of his return-
ing up the river, which might expose the finest arsenal in
America (as he calls the one here,) to destruction, should
this place be left so bare of troops as I proposed, and that
the want of conveniences and the difficulty of the roads
would make it impossible to remove artillery and stores
for a considerable time; that the New-England states would
be left open to the depredations and ravages of the enemy;
that it would put it out of his power to enterprise any thing
against Ticonderoga, which he thinks might be done in the
winter, and which he considers it of importance to under-
take.
The force of these reasons did by no means strike me;
and I did every thing in my power to show they were un-
substantial; but all I could effect was to have one brigade
despatched in addition to those already marched. I found
myself infinitely embarrassed, and was at a loss how to act.
I felt the importance of strengthening you as much as pos-
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? HAMILTON. - 101
sible; but, on the other hand, I found insuperable inconve-
niences in acting diametrically opposite to the opinion of a
gentleman whose successes have raised him to the high-
est importance.
General Gates has won the entire confidence of the east-
ern states. If disposed to do it, by addressing himself to
the prejudices of the people, he would find no difficulty to
render a measure odious, which it might be said with plau-
sibility enough to be believed, was calculated to expose
them to unnecessary dangers, notwithstanding their exer-
tions during the campaign had given them the fullest title
to repose and security. General Gates has influence and
interest elsewhere; he might use it, if he pleased, to dis-
credit the measure there also. On the whole, it appeared
to me dangerous to insist on sending more troops from hence,
while General Gates appeared so warmly opposed to it.
Should any accident or inconvenience happen in conse-
quence of it, there would be too fair a pretext for censure,
and many people are too well disposed to lay hold of it.
At any rate, it might be considered as using him ill, to take
a step so contrary to his judgment in a case of this nature.
These considerations, and others which I shall be more ex-
plicit in when I have the pleasure of seeing you, determin-
ed me not to insist upon sending either of the other bri-
gades remaining here. I am afraid what I have done may
not meet with your approbation, as not being perhaps fully
warranted by your instructions; but I ventured to do what
I thought right, hoping that at least the goodness of my in-
tention will excuse the error of my judgment.
I was induced to this relaxation the more readily, as I
had directed to be sent on two thousand militia which were
not expected by you, and a thousand continental troops out
of those proposed to be left with General Putnam, which I
have written to him since I found how matters were cir-
cumstanced here, to forward to you with all despatch. I
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? 102 THE LIFE OF
did this for several reasons:--because your reinforcement
would be more expeditious from that place than from this;
because two thousand continental troops at Peekskill will
not be wanted in its present circumstances, especially as
it was really necessary to have a body of continental troops
at this place for the security of the valuable stores here,
and I should not, if I had my wish, think it expedient to
draw off more than two of the three brigades now here.
This being the case, one of the ends you proposed to be
answered, by leaving the ten regiments with General Put-
nam, will be equally answered by the troops here; I mean
that of covering and fortifying the eastern states, and one
thousand continental troops in addition to the militia collect-
ed and that may be collected here, will be sufficient in the
Highlands for covering the country down that way, and
carrying on the works necessary to be raised for the de-
fence of the river.
The troops gone and going to reinforce you are near five
thousand rank and file continental troops, and two thousand
five hundred Massachusetts and New-Hampshire militia.
These, and the seven hundred Jersey militia, will be a lar-
ger reinforcement than you expected, though not quite an
equal number of continental troops, nor exactly in the way
directed. General Lincoln tells me the militia are very ex-
cellent, and though their times will be out by the last of this
month, you will be able, if you think proper, to order the
troops still remaining here, to join you by the time their term
of service expires.
I cannot forbear being uneasy lest my conduct should
prove displeasing to you, but I have done what, consider-
ing all circumstances, appeared to me most eligible and pru-
dent. Vessels are preparing to carry the brigade to New-
Windsor, which will embark this evening. I shall, this
afternoon, set out on my return to camp, and on my way
shall endeavour to hasten the troops forward.
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? HAMILTON. 103
Disappointed in the orders issued by General Gates, Ha-
milton, in pursuance of the requisition of the commander-
in-chief, addressed him on the 5th November, prior to his
departure from Albany, in the following decisive tone.
COLONEL HAMILTON TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, November 5, 1777.
SIR,
By inquiry, I have learned that General Patterson's bri-
gade, which is the one you propose to send, is by far the
weakest of the three now here, and does not consist of more
than about six hundred rank and file fit for duty. It is
true, that there is a militia regiment with it of about two
hundred, but the time of service for which this regiment is
engaged is so near expiring, that it would be past by the
time the men could arrive at their destination.
Under these circumstances, I cannot consider it either as
compatible with the good of the service, or my instructions
from his excellency General Washington, to consent that
that brigade be selected from the three to go to him, but I
am under the necessity of desiring, by virtue of my orders
from him, that one of the others be substituted instead of
this, either General Nixon's or General Glover's, and that
you will be pleased to give immediate orders for its embar-
kation.
Knowing that General Washington wished me to pay the
greatest deference to your judgment, I ventured so far to
deviate from the instructions he gave me, as to consent, in
compliance with your opinion, that two brigades should
remain here instead of one. At the same time, permit me
to observe, that I am not myself sensible of the expediency
of keeping more than one, with the detached regiments in
the neighbourhood of this place, and that my ideas coincide
with those gentlemen whom I have consulted on the occa-
sion, whose judgment I have much more reliance upon than
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? 104 THE LIFE OF
on my own, and who must be supposed to have a thorough
knowledge of all the circumstances. Their opinion is, that
one brigade and the regiments before mentioned would
amply answer the purposes of this post. When I prefer-
red your opinion to other considerations, I did not imagine
you would pitch upon a brigade little more than half as
large as the others, and finding this to be the case, I indis-
pensably owe it to my duty to desire, in his excellency's
name, that another may go instead of the one intended, and
without loss of time. As it may be conducive to despatch
to send Glover's brigade, if agreeable to you, you will give
orders accordingly.
On the receipt of this letter, General Gates gave the or-
der, and soon after wrote to General Washington, stating
as his reason for not having readily complied with the re-
quest made to him, an apprehension that the forces at Peeks-
kill could not prevent the enemy from destroying the city of
Albany and the arsenal, and that he was entirely averse
from sending more than one brigade, lest every good effect
of the ruin of Burgoyne's army should be totally lost by the
possession of that town.
Colonel Hamilton having concluded his mission to Gene-
ral Gates, returned to New-Windsor, whence, on the 10th
November, he addressed the commander-in-chief to this
effect.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
DEAR SIR,
I arrived here last night from Albany. Having given
General Gates a little time to recollect himself, I renewed
my remonstrance on the necessity and propriety of sending
you more than one brigade of the three he had detained
with him, and finally prevailed upon him to give orders
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? HAMILTON. 105
for Glover's in addition to Patterson's brigade to march
this way.
As it was thought conducive to expedition to send the
troops by water as far as it could be done, I procured all
the vessels that could be had at Albany fit for the purpose,
but could not get more than sufficient to take Patterson's
brigade. It was embarked the 7th instant, but the wind has
been contrary; they must probably be here to-day. Ge-
neral Glover's brigade marched at the same time, on the
east side of the river, the roads being much better than on
this side. I am this moment informed, that one sloop with
a part of Patterson's has arrived, and that the others are in
sight. They will immediately proceed by water to King's
Ferry, and thence take the shortest route.
I am pained beyond expression to inform your excellency
that on my arrival here, I find every thing has been neg-
lected and deranged by General Putnam, and that the two
brigades, Poor's and Learned's, still remain here and on the
other side of the river at Fishkill. Colonel Warner's mili-
tia, I am told, have been drawn to Peekskill, to aid in an ex-
pedition against New-York, which it seems is, at this time,
the hobby-horse with General Putnam. Not the least at-
tention has been paid to my order in your name for a de-
tachment of one thousand men from the troops hitherto sta-
tioned at this post. Every thing is sacrificed to the whim
of taking New-York.
The two brigades of Poor and Learned, it appears, would
not march for want of money and necessaries; several of
the regiments having received no pay for six or eight
months past. There has been a high mutiny among the
former on this account, in which a captain killed a man,
and was himself shot by his comrade. These difficulties,
for want of proper management, have stopped the troops
from proceeding. Governor Clinton has been the only
man who has done any thing towards removing them, but
VOl. I. 14
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? 106 THE LIFE OF
for want of General Putnam's co-operation, has not been
able to effect it. He has only been able to prevail with
Learned's brigade to agree to march to Goshen, in hopes
by getting them once on the go, to induce them to continue
their march. On coming here, I immediately sent for Co-
lonel Bailey, who now commands Learned's brigade, and
persuaded him to engage to carry the brigade on to head
quarters as fast as possible. This he expects to effect by
means of five or six thousand dollars, which Governor Clin-
ton was kind enough to borrow for me, and which Colonel
Bailey thinks will keep the men in good humour till they
join you. They marched this morning towards Goshen.
I shall, as soon as possible, see General Poor, and do
every thing in my power to get him along, and hope I shall
be able to succeed.
The plan I before laid having been totally deranged, a
new one has become necessary. It is now too late to send
Warner's militia; by the time they reached you, their term
of service would be out. The motive for sending them,
which was to give you a speedy reinforcement has, by the
past delay, been superseded.
By Governor Clinton's advice, I have sent an order in the
most emphatical terms to General Putnam, immediately to
despatch all the continental troops under him to your assist-
ance, and to detain the militia instead of them.
My opinion is, that the only present use for troops in this
quarter is, to protect the country from the depredations of
little plundering parties, and for carrying on the works ne-
cessary for the defence of the river. Nothing more ought
to be thought of. 'Tis only wasting time and misapplying
men to employ them in a suicidal parade against New-
York,-- for in this it will undoubtedly terminate. New-
York is no object, if it could be taken, and to take it would
require more men than could be spared from more substan-
tial purposes. Governor Clinton's ideas coincide with mine.
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? HAMILTON. 10?
He thinks that there is no need of more continental troops
here than a few to give a spur to the militia in working
upon the fortifications. In pursuance of this, I have given
the directions before mentioned. If General Putnam at-
tends to them, the troops under him may be with you nearly
as early as any of the others, (though he has unluckily
marched them down to Tarrytown,) and General Glover's
brigade, when it gets up, will be more than sufficient to
answer the true end of this post.
If your excellency agrees with me in opinion, it will be
well to send instant directions to General Putnam to pur-
sue the object I have mentioned, for I doubt whether he will
attend to any thing I shall say, notwithstanding it comes in
the shape of a positive order. I fear unless you interpose,
the works here will go on so feebly for want of men, that
they will not be completed in time; whereas, it appears to
me of the greatest importance they should be pushed with
the utmost vigour. Governor Clinton will do every thing
in his power. I wish General Putnam was recalled from
the command of this post, and Governor Clinton would ac-
cept it: -- the blunders and caprices of the former are end-
less. Believe me, sir, no body can be more impressed with
the importance of forwarding the reinforcements coming
to you with all speed, nor could any body have endeavour-
ed to promote it more than I have done; but the ignorance
of some, and the design of others, have been almost insu-
perable obstacles. I am very unwell, but I shall not spare
myself to get things immediately in a proper train, and for
that purpose intend, unless I receive other orders from you,
to continue with the troops in the progress of their march.
As soon as I get General Poor's brigade in march, I shall
proceed to General Putnam's at Peekskill.
On the twelfth of November, he addressed another let-
ter to General Washington, in which he says, "I have been
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? 108 THE LIFE OF
detained here these two days by a fever and violent rheu-
matic pains throughout my body. This has prevented my
being active in person for promoting the purposes of my
errand, but I have taken every other method in my power,
in which Governor Clinton has obligingly given me all the
aid he could. In answer to my pressing application to Ge-
neral Poor for the immediate marching of his brigade, I was
told they were under an operation for the itch, which made
it impossible for them to proceed, till the effects of it were
over. By a letter, however, of yesterday, General Poor*
informs me he would certainly march this morning. I must
do him the justice to say, he appears solicitous to join you,
and that I believe the past delay is not owing to any fault
of his, but is wholly chargeable on General Putnam. In-
deed, sir, I owe it to the service to say, that every part of
this gentleman's conduct is marked with blunder and negli-
gence, and gives general disgust.
"Parson's brigade will join you, I hope, in five or six days
from this; Learned's brigade may do the same ; Poor's will,
I am persuaded, make all the haste they can for the future,
and Glover's may be expected at Fishkill to-night, whence
they will be pushed forward as fast as I can have any influ-
ence to make them go; but I am sorry to say, the disposition
for marching in the officers and men does not keep pace with
my wishes or the exigency of the occasion. They have un-
fortunately imbibed an idea that they have done their part of
the business of the campaign, and are now entitled to repose.
This, and the want of pay, makes them averse to a long march
at this advanced season.
"* * * * In a letter from General Putnam, just now receiv-
ed by Governor Clinton, he appears to have been the 10th
instant at King's Street, at the White Plains. I have had no
* This gentleman died 9th September, 1780. Washington says of him,--
"an officer of distinguished merit, who, as a citizen and a soldier, had every
claim to the esteem of his country. "
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? HAMILTON. 109
answer to my last applications. The enemy appear to have
stripped New-York very bare. The people there, that is the
tories, are in a great fright: this adds to my anxiety that
the reinforcements from this quarter to you are not in greater
forwardness and more considerable.
"I have written to General Gates, informing him of the ac-
counts of the situation of New-York with respect to troops,
and the probability of the force gone to Howe being greater
than was at first expected, to try if this will not extort from him
a farther reinforcement. I don't, however, expect much from
him, as he pretends to have in view an expedition against Ti-
conderoga, to be undertaken in the winter, and he knows that
under the sanction of this idea, calculated to catch the eastern
people, he may, without censure, retain the troops; and as I
shall be under the necessity of speaking plainly to you when I
have the pleasure of seeing you, I shall not hesitate to say, I
doubt whether you would have had a man from the northern
army if the whole could have been kept at Albany with any
decency. Perhaps you will think me blameable in not having
exercised the powers you gave me, and given a positive order.
Perhaps I have been so; but deliberately weighing all cir-
cumstances, I did not, and do not think it advisable to do it. "
Hamilton then crossed the river to Fishkill, in order to have
another interview with General Putnam, whence he wrote
a second letter to General Gates.
HAMILTON TO GATES.
November 12th, 1777.
SIR,
Ever since my arrival in this quarter, I have been endeav-
ouring to collect the best idea I could of the state of things in
New-York, in order the better to form a judgment of the pro-
bable reinforcement gone to General Howe. On the whole,
this is a fact well ascertained, that New-York has been strip-
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? 110 THE LIFE OF
ped as bare as possible; that in consequence of this, the few
troops there and the inhab ^ants are under so strong appre-
hensions of an attack, as almost to amount to a panic; that
to supply the deficiency of men, every effort is making to ex-
cite the citizens to arms for the defence of the city. For this
purpose, the public papers are full of addresses to them, that
plainly speak the apprehensions prevailing on the occasion.
Hence I infer that a formidable force is gone to General
Howe. The calculations made by those who have had the
best opportunities of judging, carry the number from six to
seven thousand. If so, the number gone and going to Gene-
ral Washington is far inferior, -- five thousand at the utmost.
The militia were all detained by General Putnam, till it be-
came too late to send them.
The state of things I gave you when I had the pleasure of
seeing you, was, to the best of my judgment, sacredly true.
I give you the present information, that you may decide whe-
ther any farther succour can with propriety come from you.
The fleet, with the troops on board, sailed out of the Hook
the 5th instant. This circumstance demonstrates, beyond
a possibility of doubt, that it is General Howe's fixed intention
to endeavour to hold Philadelphia at all hazards, and removes
all danger of any farther operations up the North river this
winter; otherwise Sir Henry Clinton's movement at this
advanced season is altogether inexplicable.
If you can with propriety afford any farther assistance, the
most expeditious mode of conveying it, will be to acquaint Ge-
neral Putnam of it, that he may send on the troops with him,
to be replaced by them. You, sir, best know the uses to
which the troops with you are to be applied, and will deter-
mine accordingly. I am certain it is not his excellency's wish
to frustrate any plan you may have in view for the benefit of
the service, so far as it can possibly be avoided, consistent
with a due attention to more important objects.
I am, with respect, sir, your most obedient,
Alex. Hamilton, A. D. C.
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? HAMILTON. Ill
He proceeded through the Highlands to Peekskill, where
becoming seriously indisposed, he addressed a letter to Gene-
ral Washington, dated November 15, Mr. Kennedy's House.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
I arrived at this place last night, and unfortunately find my-
self unable to proceed any farther. Imagining I had gotten
the better of my complaint which confined me at Governor
Clinton's, and anxious to be about attending to the march of
the troops, the day before yesterday I crossed the ferry in or-
der to fall in with General Glover's brigade, which was on its
march from Poughkeepsie to Fishkill. I did not, however,
see it myself, but received a letter from Colonel Shepherd,
who commands the brigade, informing me he would be last
night at Fishkill, and this night at King's Ferry. Wagons, &c.
are provided on the other side for his accommodation, so that
there need be no delay but what is voluntary; and I believe
Colonel Shepherd is as well disposed as could be wished to
hasten his march. General Poor's brigade crossed the ferry
the day before yesterday. Two York regiments, Cortland's
and Livingston's, are with them: they were unwilling to be
separated from the brigade, and the brigade from them.
General Putnam was unwilling to keep them with him, and if
he had consented to do it, the regiments to replace them
would not join you six days as soon as these. The troops
now remaining with General Putnam, will amount to about
the number you intended, though they are not exactly the
same. He has detached Colonel Charles Webb's regiment
to you. He says the troops with him are not in a condition
to march, being destitute of shoes, stockings, and other neces-
saries; but I believe the true reasons of his being unwilling
to pursue the mode pointed out by ycu, were his aversion to
the York troops, and his desire to retain General Parsons with
him. I am, with much respect and esteem,
Your excellency's most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
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? 112 THE LIFE OF
His delicate frame, exhausted by his exertions, sunk under
the fatigue, and he was prevented by indisposition from re-
joining the army until a short time before it entered into win-
ter quarters at Valley Forge. While anxiously waiting his
recovery, in the expectation of participating in the decisive
blow which he still cherished the hope might be given to the
enemy, he had the gratification of receiving a letter from
General Washington, dated November 15, 1777.
DEAR SIR,
I have duly received your several favours from the time
you left me to that of the 12th instant. I approve entirely of
all the steps you have taken, and have only to wish that the
exertions of those you have had to deal with, had kept pace
with your zeal and good intentions. I hope your health will,
before this, have permitted you to push on the rear of the
whole reinforcement beyond New-Windsor. Some of the
enemy's ships have arrived in the Delaware, but how many
have troops on board, I cannot exactly ascertain. The ene-
my has lately damaged Fort Mifflin considerably, but our
people keep possession, and seem determined to do so to the
last extremity. Our loss in men has been but small, -- Cap-
tain Treat is unfortunately among the killed. I wish you a
safe return, and am, dear sir,
Your most obedient servant,
G. Washington.
A careful survey of Hamilton's letters, justifies the conclu-
sion, that it would have been difficult to have adopted a hap-
pier mode of attaining the objects of his mission. The situa-
tion in which he was placed was extremely difficult, one
which required the most careful examination of opposite con-
siderations, in which an error might have involved his prin-
cipal in the greatest embarrassment, and might have resulted
in the overthrow of all his youthful hopes.
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? HAMILTON. 113
An ordinary mind, overawed by the imposing situation of
General Gates, would have acquiesced in the reasons assign-
ed by him for the retention of the troops.
A determined youth, clothed with plenary powers, might
have yielded to the tempting impulse of showing his authority,
by requiring the whole force by a peremptory order, which
if obeyed, might have produced a general discontent towards
Washington, that would have been augmented by the cla-
mours of the partizans of Gates in congress, and by his un-
bounded popularity in the eastern states, and if disobeyed,
would have brought his authority into contempt.
Hamilton was aware of the difficulties of his situation, and
while he fulfilled his orders, he shielded the commander-in-
chief from all possible censure, and by his prudence deprived
his enemies of every pretence of complaint; but after having
ascertained that public opinion would sustain him in a more
peremptory procedure, that the shallowness of General Gates'
objections were perceived by all the military men at Albany,
and that the people disbelieved the existence of any public
necessity for the detention of the troops; penetrating the
real motives of the delay, and believing this policy to be in
subservience to that dangerous ambition which menaced the
most alarming consequences to the republic, though still
mingling mildness with energy, he assumed a bolder tone of
remonstrance, made manifest the misconduct of Gates, and
obtained more than his nice discretion had at first ventured to
insist upon.
This deportment of a lad of twenty, negotiating with an
officer buoyed up with his recent successes, already placed
before the popular eye as the rival of Washington, sustained
by a majority of congress, and hoping soon to supplant him,
will be regarded as not the least remarkable, nor the least in-
teresting incident of his life; -- by Washington it never was
forgotten.
While doing justice to the subject of this memoir, it is pain-
VOl. I. 15
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? 114 THE LIFE OF
ful to raise the veil, and to dissipate those pleasing illusions,
cherished from childhood, towards every eminent actor in
the revolutionary struggle, which have ripened into a sen-
timent little short of personal attachment, more especially
when the person inculpated is General Putnam.
Of some of these individuals, political differences have
tinged the character with its baneful hues, and the merit of
winning national independence has beenforgotten, or thrown
far into the shade by the more prominent interests which
have since agitated the commonwealth; but the claims of
Putnam stand alone upon his military achievements, and the
story of his wondrous perils, and of his eminent prowess, is
intermingled with, and has become a part of our national
romance, so that we cannot endure that even the truth
should lessen aught of the brightness of his glory. His
rustic manners, and his imperfect education, have rather
added to his reputation with the people,delighted to approxi-
mate him to themselves, and to appropriate a part of his
fame; and he is associated in their minds with the rural con-
suls and dictators of uncorrupted Rome; but higher duties
are to be fulfilled than to gratify national pride, and the
story of the revolution is but half told when those difficul-
ties are concealed, which were encountered and overcome
by the men who achieved the liberty of their country.
The consequences of the delays which had been inter-
posed in reinforcing the army were soon and sadly felt. --
The fall of Fort Mifflin was a prelude to the evacuation of
Red Bank. A reinforcement from New-York, enabled
Cornwallis, with a detachment of two thousand men, to
cross the river; from the procrastination in forming a
junction with Glover's brigade, then on their march through
the Jersies, General Greene found himself too weak to in-
tercept his adversary, and on the night of the twentieth of
November, after the waste of so many lives, the water guard
was destroyed, and the defences of the Delaware fell into
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? HAMILTON. 115
the hands of the enemy. * Howe, strengthened by the suc-
cours which now reached him, was enabled to hold posses-
sion of Philadelphia during the ensuing winter, "though just
before the reduction of the forts, he balanced upon the point
of quitting that city. "
A letter from General Washington to congress, of the
tenth of December, in which he mentions the movement of
the enemy to Chestnut Hill, and their sudden retreat, ex-
presses " a regret that they had not come to an engagement. "
This retreat was unquestionably owing to a discovery of the
increased strength of the Americans. From this may be
inferred Howe's condition at that moment, and it justifies
the conclusion, that a prompt obedience to the orders con-
veyed by Hamilton, on the parts of Gates and Putnam,
would not only have saved the defences of the river, so long
and gallantly maintained, but by enabling the Americans
to take a strong position in the vicinity of Red Bank, would
have cut off the communication between the British army
and fleet, and fulfilling Washington's prophecy, Howe would
have been reduced to the situation of Burgoyne, thus pro-
bably terminating the war in the second year of our inde-
pendence. !
* A very elaborate and able letter, August, 1777, discussing at great length
the nature of the river defence proper to be adopted, is on file at Washing-
ton, in the handwriting of Hamilton.
f The conduct of Putnam, on this occasion, entered deeply into the breast
of Washington; and we find him, in a letter from Valley Forge, dated March
6,1778, thus expressing himself, in reference to the command at Rhode If land:
"They also know with more certainty than I do, what will be the determina-
tion of congress respecting General Putnam; and, of course, whether the ap-
pointment of him to such a command as that at Rhode Island would fall within
their views. It being incumbent on me to observe, that with such materials as
I am furnished, the toork must go on, -- whether well or ill is another matter. --
If, therefore, he and others are not laid aside, they must be placed where they
eon least injure the service. "
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? CHAPTER VII.
[1777.
? 96 THE LIFE OF
my, and to point out to him the many happy consequences
that will accrue from an immediate reinforcement being sent
from the northern army, I have thought it proper to appoint
you to that duty, and desire that you will immediately set
out for Albany, at which place, or in the neighbourhood, I
imagine you will find General Gates.
You are so fully acquainted with the principal points on
which you are sent, namely, the state of our army and the
situation of the enemy, that I shall not enlarge on those heads.
What you are chiefly to attend to, is to point out in the clear-
est and fullest manner to General Gates, the absolute neces-
sity that there is for his detaching a very considerable part
of the army at present under his command to the reinforce-
ment of this; a measure that will in all probability reduce
General Howe to the same situation in which General Bur-
goyne now is, should he attempt to remain in Philadelphia
without being able to remove the obstructions in the Dela-
ware, and open a free communication with his shipping. The
force which the members of the council of war judge it safe
and expedient to draw down at present, are the three New-
Hampshire and fifteen Massachusetts regiments, with Lee's
and Jackson's two of the sixteen, additional. But it is more than
probable that General Gates may have detained part of those
troops to the reduction of Ticonderoga, should the enemy not
have evacuated it, or to the garrisoning of it. If they should, in
that case the reinforcement will be according to circumstan-
ces; but, if possible, let it be made up to the same number
out of other corps. If upon your meeting with General
Gates, you should find that he intends, in consequence of his
success, to employ the troops under his command upon some
expedition, by the prosecution of which the common cause
will be more benefitted than by their being sent down to re-
inforce this army, it is not my wish to give any interruption
to the plan. But if he should have nothing more in contem-
plation than those particular objects which I have mentioned
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? HAMILTON. 97
to you, and which it is unnecessary to commit to paper, in
that case you are to inform him that it is my desire that the
reinforcements before mentioned, or such part of them as
can be safely spared, be immediately put in motion to join
the army.
I have understood that General Gates has already de-
tached Nixon's and Glover's brigades to join General Put-
nam, and General Dickinson informs me, Sir Henry Clin-
ton has come down the river with his whole force; if this
be a fact, you are to desire General Putnam to send the two
brigades forward with the greatest expedition, as there can
be no occasion for them there.
I expect you will meet Colonel Morgan's corps upon their
way down; if you do, let them know how essential their
services are to us, and desire the Colonel or commanding
officer to hasten their march as much as is consistent with
the health of the men after their late fatigues.
G. W.
P. S. I ordered the detachment belonging to General
McDougal's division to come forward. If you meet them,
direct those belonging to Greene's, Angel's, Chandler's, and
Duryee's regiments not to cross Delaware, but to proceed
to Red Bank.
Colonel Hamilton proceeded by way of New-Windsor to
Fishkill, the head quarters of General Putnam, from whence
he addressed the following letter to General Washington,
on the second of November.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
SEAR SIR,
I lodged last night in the neighbourhood of New-Wind-
sor. This morning early I met Colonel Morgan with his
corps, about a mile from it, in march for head quarters. I
vol. i. 13
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? TUB LIFE OF
told him the necessity of making all the despatch he could,
so as not to fatigue his men too much, which he has pro-
mised to do.
I understood from Colonel Morgan, that all the northern
army were marching down on both sides the river, and
would, probably, be to-morrow at New-Windsor and this
place; and that General Putnam had held a council for
the general disposition of them, in which it was resolved to
send you four thousand men, and to keep the rest on this
side the river. I came here in expectation that matters
were in such a train as to enable me to accomplish my
errand without going any farther, unless it should be to
hasten the troops that were on their march; but on my
arrival, I learned from Mr. Hughes, an aid-de-camp of Ge-
neral Gates, that the following disposition of the northern
army had taken place.
General Patterson's, Glover's, and Nixon's brigades and
Colonel Warner's mountain boys to remain in and about
Albany, -- barracks building for them. General Poor's
brigade marching down this side of the river to join Gene-
ral Putnam, will be here probably to-morrow. General
Learned's brigade, Morgan's corps, Warner's brigade of
Massachusetts militia, and some regiments of New-York
militia, on their march on the west side of the river.
I have directed General Putnam, in your name, to send
forward with all despatch to join you, the two continental
brigades and Warner's militia brigade ; this last is to serve
till the latter end of this month. Your instructions did not
comprehend any militia, but as there are certain accounts
here that most of the troops from New-York are gone to
reinforce General Howe, and as so large a proportion of
continental troops have been detained at Albany, I conclu-
ded you would not disapprove of a measure calculated to
strengthen you, though but for a small time, and have ven-
tured to adopt it on that presumption.
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? HAMILTON. 99
Being informed by General Putnam, that General Wynds,
with seven hundred Jersey militia was, at King's Ferry, with
intention to cross to Peekskill, I prevailed upon him to re-
linquish that idea, and send off an immediate order for them
to march towards Red Bank. It is possible, however, un-
less your excellency supports this order by an application
from yourself, he may march his men home, instead of march-
ing them to the place he has been directed to repair to.
Neither Lee's, Jackson's regiments, nor the detachments
belonging to General McDougal's division have yet march-
ed. I have urged their being sent, and an order has been
despatched for their instantly proceeding. Colonel Hughes
is pressing some fresh horses for me. The moment they
are ready, I shall recross the river in order to fall in with
the troops on the other side, and make all the haste I can
to Albany to get the three brigades there sent forward.
Will your excellency permit me to observe, that I have
some doubts,under present circumstances and appearances,
of the propriety of leaving the regiments proposed to be left
in this quarter? But if my doubts on this subject were
stronger than they are, I am forbid, by the sense of council,
from interfering in the matter.
General Poor's brigade is just arrived here; they will
proceed to join you with all expedition. So strongly am I
impressed with the importance of endeavouring to crush
Mr. Howe, that I am apt to think it would be advisable
to draw off all the continental troops. Had this been de-
termined on, General Warner's sixteen hundred militia
might have been left here.
I have the honour to be,
With the warmest esteem and respect,
Your excellency's most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
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? 100 THE LIFE OF
On Hamilton's arrival at Albany, he had an interview
with General Gates, the result of which is stated in the
following letter to General Washington.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
Albany, November, 1777.
DEAR SIR,
I arrived here yesterday at noon, and waited upon Ge-
neral Gates immediately on the business of my mission, but
was sorry to find his ideas did not correspond with yours,
for drawing off the number of troops you directed. I used
every argument in my power to convince him of the pro-
priety of the measure, but he was inflexible in the opinion
that two brigades at least of continental troops should re-
main in and near this place. His reasons were, that the
intelligence of Sir Henry Clinton's having gone to join
Howe was not sufficiently authenticated to put it out of
doubt; that there was, therefore, a possibility of his return-
ing up the river, which might expose the finest arsenal in
America (as he calls the one here,) to destruction, should
this place be left so bare of troops as I proposed, and that
the want of conveniences and the difficulty of the roads
would make it impossible to remove artillery and stores
for a considerable time; that the New-England states would
be left open to the depredations and ravages of the enemy;
that it would put it out of his power to enterprise any thing
against Ticonderoga, which he thinks might be done in the
winter, and which he considers it of importance to under-
take.
The force of these reasons did by no means strike me;
and I did every thing in my power to show they were un-
substantial; but all I could effect was to have one brigade
despatched in addition to those already marched. I found
myself infinitely embarrassed, and was at a loss how to act.
I felt the importance of strengthening you as much as pos-
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? HAMILTON. - 101
sible; but, on the other hand, I found insuperable inconve-
niences in acting diametrically opposite to the opinion of a
gentleman whose successes have raised him to the high-
est importance.
General Gates has won the entire confidence of the east-
ern states. If disposed to do it, by addressing himself to
the prejudices of the people, he would find no difficulty to
render a measure odious, which it might be said with plau-
sibility enough to be believed, was calculated to expose
them to unnecessary dangers, notwithstanding their exer-
tions during the campaign had given them the fullest title
to repose and security. General Gates has influence and
interest elsewhere; he might use it, if he pleased, to dis-
credit the measure there also. On the whole, it appeared
to me dangerous to insist on sending more troops from hence,
while General Gates appeared so warmly opposed to it.
Should any accident or inconvenience happen in conse-
quence of it, there would be too fair a pretext for censure,
and many people are too well disposed to lay hold of it.
At any rate, it might be considered as using him ill, to take
a step so contrary to his judgment in a case of this nature.
These considerations, and others which I shall be more ex-
plicit in when I have the pleasure of seeing you, determin-
ed me not to insist upon sending either of the other bri-
gades remaining here. I am afraid what I have done may
not meet with your approbation, as not being perhaps fully
warranted by your instructions; but I ventured to do what
I thought right, hoping that at least the goodness of my in-
tention will excuse the error of my judgment.
I was induced to this relaxation the more readily, as I
had directed to be sent on two thousand militia which were
not expected by you, and a thousand continental troops out
of those proposed to be left with General Putnam, which I
have written to him since I found how matters were cir-
cumstanced here, to forward to you with all despatch. I
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? 102 THE LIFE OF
did this for several reasons:--because your reinforcement
would be more expeditious from that place than from this;
because two thousand continental troops at Peekskill will
not be wanted in its present circumstances, especially as
it was really necessary to have a body of continental troops
at this place for the security of the valuable stores here,
and I should not, if I had my wish, think it expedient to
draw off more than two of the three brigades now here.
This being the case, one of the ends you proposed to be
answered, by leaving the ten regiments with General Put-
nam, will be equally answered by the troops here; I mean
that of covering and fortifying the eastern states, and one
thousand continental troops in addition to the militia collect-
ed and that may be collected here, will be sufficient in the
Highlands for covering the country down that way, and
carrying on the works necessary to be raised for the de-
fence of the river.
The troops gone and going to reinforce you are near five
thousand rank and file continental troops, and two thousand
five hundred Massachusetts and New-Hampshire militia.
These, and the seven hundred Jersey militia, will be a lar-
ger reinforcement than you expected, though not quite an
equal number of continental troops, nor exactly in the way
directed. General Lincoln tells me the militia are very ex-
cellent, and though their times will be out by the last of this
month, you will be able, if you think proper, to order the
troops still remaining here, to join you by the time their term
of service expires.
I cannot forbear being uneasy lest my conduct should
prove displeasing to you, but I have done what, consider-
ing all circumstances, appeared to me most eligible and pru-
dent. Vessels are preparing to carry the brigade to New-
Windsor, which will embark this evening. I shall, this
afternoon, set out on my return to camp, and on my way
shall endeavour to hasten the troops forward.
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? HAMILTON. 103
Disappointed in the orders issued by General Gates, Ha-
milton, in pursuance of the requisition of the commander-
in-chief, addressed him on the 5th November, prior to his
departure from Albany, in the following decisive tone.
COLONEL HAMILTON TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, November 5, 1777.
SIR,
By inquiry, I have learned that General Patterson's bri-
gade, which is the one you propose to send, is by far the
weakest of the three now here, and does not consist of more
than about six hundred rank and file fit for duty. It is
true, that there is a militia regiment with it of about two
hundred, but the time of service for which this regiment is
engaged is so near expiring, that it would be past by the
time the men could arrive at their destination.
Under these circumstances, I cannot consider it either as
compatible with the good of the service, or my instructions
from his excellency General Washington, to consent that
that brigade be selected from the three to go to him, but I
am under the necessity of desiring, by virtue of my orders
from him, that one of the others be substituted instead of
this, either General Nixon's or General Glover's, and that
you will be pleased to give immediate orders for its embar-
kation.
Knowing that General Washington wished me to pay the
greatest deference to your judgment, I ventured so far to
deviate from the instructions he gave me, as to consent, in
compliance with your opinion, that two brigades should
remain here instead of one. At the same time, permit me
to observe, that I am not myself sensible of the expediency
of keeping more than one, with the detached regiments in
the neighbourhood of this place, and that my ideas coincide
with those gentlemen whom I have consulted on the occa-
sion, whose judgment I have much more reliance upon than
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? 104 THE LIFE OF
on my own, and who must be supposed to have a thorough
knowledge of all the circumstances. Their opinion is, that
one brigade and the regiments before mentioned would
amply answer the purposes of this post. When I prefer-
red your opinion to other considerations, I did not imagine
you would pitch upon a brigade little more than half as
large as the others, and finding this to be the case, I indis-
pensably owe it to my duty to desire, in his excellency's
name, that another may go instead of the one intended, and
without loss of time. As it may be conducive to despatch
to send Glover's brigade, if agreeable to you, you will give
orders accordingly.
On the receipt of this letter, General Gates gave the or-
der, and soon after wrote to General Washington, stating
as his reason for not having readily complied with the re-
quest made to him, an apprehension that the forces at Peeks-
kill could not prevent the enemy from destroying the city of
Albany and the arsenal, and that he was entirely averse
from sending more than one brigade, lest every good effect
of the ruin of Burgoyne's army should be totally lost by the
possession of that town.
Colonel Hamilton having concluded his mission to Gene-
ral Gates, returned to New-Windsor, whence, on the 10th
November, he addressed the commander-in-chief to this
effect.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
DEAR SIR,
I arrived here last night from Albany. Having given
General Gates a little time to recollect himself, I renewed
my remonstrance on the necessity and propriety of sending
you more than one brigade of the three he had detained
with him, and finally prevailed upon him to give orders
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? HAMILTON. 105
for Glover's in addition to Patterson's brigade to march
this way.
As it was thought conducive to expedition to send the
troops by water as far as it could be done, I procured all
the vessels that could be had at Albany fit for the purpose,
but could not get more than sufficient to take Patterson's
brigade. It was embarked the 7th instant, but the wind has
been contrary; they must probably be here to-day. Ge-
neral Glover's brigade marched at the same time, on the
east side of the river, the roads being much better than on
this side. I am this moment informed, that one sloop with
a part of Patterson's has arrived, and that the others are in
sight. They will immediately proceed by water to King's
Ferry, and thence take the shortest route.
I am pained beyond expression to inform your excellency
that on my arrival here, I find every thing has been neg-
lected and deranged by General Putnam, and that the two
brigades, Poor's and Learned's, still remain here and on the
other side of the river at Fishkill. Colonel Warner's mili-
tia, I am told, have been drawn to Peekskill, to aid in an ex-
pedition against New-York, which it seems is, at this time,
the hobby-horse with General Putnam. Not the least at-
tention has been paid to my order in your name for a de-
tachment of one thousand men from the troops hitherto sta-
tioned at this post. Every thing is sacrificed to the whim
of taking New-York.
The two brigades of Poor and Learned, it appears, would
not march for want of money and necessaries; several of
the regiments having received no pay for six or eight
months past. There has been a high mutiny among the
former on this account, in which a captain killed a man,
and was himself shot by his comrade. These difficulties,
for want of proper management, have stopped the troops
from proceeding. Governor Clinton has been the only
man who has done any thing towards removing them, but
VOl. I. 14
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? 106 THE LIFE OF
for want of General Putnam's co-operation, has not been
able to effect it. He has only been able to prevail with
Learned's brigade to agree to march to Goshen, in hopes
by getting them once on the go, to induce them to continue
their march. On coming here, I immediately sent for Co-
lonel Bailey, who now commands Learned's brigade, and
persuaded him to engage to carry the brigade on to head
quarters as fast as possible. This he expects to effect by
means of five or six thousand dollars, which Governor Clin-
ton was kind enough to borrow for me, and which Colonel
Bailey thinks will keep the men in good humour till they
join you. They marched this morning towards Goshen.
I shall, as soon as possible, see General Poor, and do
every thing in my power to get him along, and hope I shall
be able to succeed.
The plan I before laid having been totally deranged, a
new one has become necessary. It is now too late to send
Warner's militia; by the time they reached you, their term
of service would be out. The motive for sending them,
which was to give you a speedy reinforcement has, by the
past delay, been superseded.
By Governor Clinton's advice, I have sent an order in the
most emphatical terms to General Putnam, immediately to
despatch all the continental troops under him to your assist-
ance, and to detain the militia instead of them.
My opinion is, that the only present use for troops in this
quarter is, to protect the country from the depredations of
little plundering parties, and for carrying on the works ne-
cessary for the defence of the river. Nothing more ought
to be thought of. 'Tis only wasting time and misapplying
men to employ them in a suicidal parade against New-
York,-- for in this it will undoubtedly terminate. New-
York is no object, if it could be taken, and to take it would
require more men than could be spared from more substan-
tial purposes. Governor Clinton's ideas coincide with mine.
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? HAMILTON. 10?
He thinks that there is no need of more continental troops
here than a few to give a spur to the militia in working
upon the fortifications. In pursuance of this, I have given
the directions before mentioned. If General Putnam at-
tends to them, the troops under him may be with you nearly
as early as any of the others, (though he has unluckily
marched them down to Tarrytown,) and General Glover's
brigade, when it gets up, will be more than sufficient to
answer the true end of this post.
If your excellency agrees with me in opinion, it will be
well to send instant directions to General Putnam to pur-
sue the object I have mentioned, for I doubt whether he will
attend to any thing I shall say, notwithstanding it comes in
the shape of a positive order. I fear unless you interpose,
the works here will go on so feebly for want of men, that
they will not be completed in time; whereas, it appears to
me of the greatest importance they should be pushed with
the utmost vigour. Governor Clinton will do every thing
in his power. I wish General Putnam was recalled from
the command of this post, and Governor Clinton would ac-
cept it: -- the blunders and caprices of the former are end-
less. Believe me, sir, no body can be more impressed with
the importance of forwarding the reinforcements coming
to you with all speed, nor could any body have endeavour-
ed to promote it more than I have done; but the ignorance
of some, and the design of others, have been almost insu-
perable obstacles. I am very unwell, but I shall not spare
myself to get things immediately in a proper train, and for
that purpose intend, unless I receive other orders from you,
to continue with the troops in the progress of their march.
As soon as I get General Poor's brigade in march, I shall
proceed to General Putnam's at Peekskill.
On the twelfth of November, he addressed another let-
ter to General Washington, in which he says, "I have been
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? 108 THE LIFE OF
detained here these two days by a fever and violent rheu-
matic pains throughout my body. This has prevented my
being active in person for promoting the purposes of my
errand, but I have taken every other method in my power,
in which Governor Clinton has obligingly given me all the
aid he could. In answer to my pressing application to Ge-
neral Poor for the immediate marching of his brigade, I was
told they were under an operation for the itch, which made
it impossible for them to proceed, till the effects of it were
over. By a letter, however, of yesterday, General Poor*
informs me he would certainly march this morning. I must
do him the justice to say, he appears solicitous to join you,
and that I believe the past delay is not owing to any fault
of his, but is wholly chargeable on General Putnam. In-
deed, sir, I owe it to the service to say, that every part of
this gentleman's conduct is marked with blunder and negli-
gence, and gives general disgust.
"Parson's brigade will join you, I hope, in five or six days
from this; Learned's brigade may do the same ; Poor's will,
I am persuaded, make all the haste they can for the future,
and Glover's may be expected at Fishkill to-night, whence
they will be pushed forward as fast as I can have any influ-
ence to make them go; but I am sorry to say, the disposition
for marching in the officers and men does not keep pace with
my wishes or the exigency of the occasion. They have un-
fortunately imbibed an idea that they have done their part of
the business of the campaign, and are now entitled to repose.
This, and the want of pay, makes them averse to a long march
at this advanced season.
"* * * * In a letter from General Putnam, just now receiv-
ed by Governor Clinton, he appears to have been the 10th
instant at King's Street, at the White Plains. I have had no
* This gentleman died 9th September, 1780. Washington says of him,--
"an officer of distinguished merit, who, as a citizen and a soldier, had every
claim to the esteem of his country. "
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? HAMILTON. 109
answer to my last applications. The enemy appear to have
stripped New-York very bare. The people there, that is the
tories, are in a great fright: this adds to my anxiety that
the reinforcements from this quarter to you are not in greater
forwardness and more considerable.
"I have written to General Gates, informing him of the ac-
counts of the situation of New-York with respect to troops,
and the probability of the force gone to Howe being greater
than was at first expected, to try if this will not extort from him
a farther reinforcement. I don't, however, expect much from
him, as he pretends to have in view an expedition against Ti-
conderoga, to be undertaken in the winter, and he knows that
under the sanction of this idea, calculated to catch the eastern
people, he may, without censure, retain the troops; and as I
shall be under the necessity of speaking plainly to you when I
have the pleasure of seeing you, I shall not hesitate to say, I
doubt whether you would have had a man from the northern
army if the whole could have been kept at Albany with any
decency. Perhaps you will think me blameable in not having
exercised the powers you gave me, and given a positive order.
Perhaps I have been so; but deliberately weighing all cir-
cumstances, I did not, and do not think it advisable to do it. "
Hamilton then crossed the river to Fishkill, in order to have
another interview with General Putnam, whence he wrote
a second letter to General Gates.
HAMILTON TO GATES.
November 12th, 1777.
SIR,
Ever since my arrival in this quarter, I have been endeav-
ouring to collect the best idea I could of the state of things in
New-York, in order the better to form a judgment of the pro-
bable reinforcement gone to General Howe. On the whole,
this is a fact well ascertained, that New-York has been strip-
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? 110 THE LIFE OF
ped as bare as possible; that in consequence of this, the few
troops there and the inhab ^ants are under so strong appre-
hensions of an attack, as almost to amount to a panic; that
to supply the deficiency of men, every effort is making to ex-
cite the citizens to arms for the defence of the city. For this
purpose, the public papers are full of addresses to them, that
plainly speak the apprehensions prevailing on the occasion.
Hence I infer that a formidable force is gone to General
Howe. The calculations made by those who have had the
best opportunities of judging, carry the number from six to
seven thousand. If so, the number gone and going to Gene-
ral Washington is far inferior, -- five thousand at the utmost.
The militia were all detained by General Putnam, till it be-
came too late to send them.
The state of things I gave you when I had the pleasure of
seeing you, was, to the best of my judgment, sacredly true.
I give you the present information, that you may decide whe-
ther any farther succour can with propriety come from you.
The fleet, with the troops on board, sailed out of the Hook
the 5th instant. This circumstance demonstrates, beyond
a possibility of doubt, that it is General Howe's fixed intention
to endeavour to hold Philadelphia at all hazards, and removes
all danger of any farther operations up the North river this
winter; otherwise Sir Henry Clinton's movement at this
advanced season is altogether inexplicable.
If you can with propriety afford any farther assistance, the
most expeditious mode of conveying it, will be to acquaint Ge-
neral Putnam of it, that he may send on the troops with him,
to be replaced by them. You, sir, best know the uses to
which the troops with you are to be applied, and will deter-
mine accordingly. I am certain it is not his excellency's wish
to frustrate any plan you may have in view for the benefit of
the service, so far as it can possibly be avoided, consistent
with a due attention to more important objects.
I am, with respect, sir, your most obedient,
Alex. Hamilton, A. D. C.
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? HAMILTON. Ill
He proceeded through the Highlands to Peekskill, where
becoming seriously indisposed, he addressed a letter to Gene-
ral Washington, dated November 15, Mr. Kennedy's House.
HAMILTON TO WASHINGTON.
I arrived at this place last night, and unfortunately find my-
self unable to proceed any farther. Imagining I had gotten
the better of my complaint which confined me at Governor
Clinton's, and anxious to be about attending to the march of
the troops, the day before yesterday I crossed the ferry in or-
der to fall in with General Glover's brigade, which was on its
march from Poughkeepsie to Fishkill. I did not, however,
see it myself, but received a letter from Colonel Shepherd,
who commands the brigade, informing me he would be last
night at Fishkill, and this night at King's Ferry. Wagons, &c.
are provided on the other side for his accommodation, so that
there need be no delay but what is voluntary; and I believe
Colonel Shepherd is as well disposed as could be wished to
hasten his march. General Poor's brigade crossed the ferry
the day before yesterday. Two York regiments, Cortland's
and Livingston's, are with them: they were unwilling to be
separated from the brigade, and the brigade from them.
General Putnam was unwilling to keep them with him, and if
he had consented to do it, the regiments to replace them
would not join you six days as soon as these. The troops
now remaining with General Putnam, will amount to about
the number you intended, though they are not exactly the
same. He has detached Colonel Charles Webb's regiment
to you. He says the troops with him are not in a condition
to march, being destitute of shoes, stockings, and other neces-
saries; but I believe the true reasons of his being unwilling
to pursue the mode pointed out by ycu, were his aversion to
the York troops, and his desire to retain General Parsons with
him. I am, with much respect and esteem,
Your excellency's most obedient servant,
A. Hamilton.
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? 112 THE LIFE OF
His delicate frame, exhausted by his exertions, sunk under
the fatigue, and he was prevented by indisposition from re-
joining the army until a short time before it entered into win-
ter quarters at Valley Forge. While anxiously waiting his
recovery, in the expectation of participating in the decisive
blow which he still cherished the hope might be given to the
enemy, he had the gratification of receiving a letter from
General Washington, dated November 15, 1777.
DEAR SIR,
I have duly received your several favours from the time
you left me to that of the 12th instant. I approve entirely of
all the steps you have taken, and have only to wish that the
exertions of those you have had to deal with, had kept pace
with your zeal and good intentions. I hope your health will,
before this, have permitted you to push on the rear of the
whole reinforcement beyond New-Windsor. Some of the
enemy's ships have arrived in the Delaware, but how many
have troops on board, I cannot exactly ascertain. The ene-
my has lately damaged Fort Mifflin considerably, but our
people keep possession, and seem determined to do so to the
last extremity. Our loss in men has been but small, -- Cap-
tain Treat is unfortunately among the killed. I wish you a
safe return, and am, dear sir,
Your most obedient servant,
G. Washington.
A careful survey of Hamilton's letters, justifies the conclu-
sion, that it would have been difficult to have adopted a hap-
pier mode of attaining the objects of his mission. The situa-
tion in which he was placed was extremely difficult, one
which required the most careful examination of opposite con-
siderations, in which an error might have involved his prin-
cipal in the greatest embarrassment, and might have resulted
in the overthrow of all his youthful hopes.
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? HAMILTON. 113
An ordinary mind, overawed by the imposing situation of
General Gates, would have acquiesced in the reasons assign-
ed by him for the retention of the troops.
A determined youth, clothed with plenary powers, might
have yielded to the tempting impulse of showing his authority,
by requiring the whole force by a peremptory order, which
if obeyed, might have produced a general discontent towards
Washington, that would have been augmented by the cla-
mours of the partizans of Gates in congress, and by his un-
bounded popularity in the eastern states, and if disobeyed,
would have brought his authority into contempt.
Hamilton was aware of the difficulties of his situation, and
while he fulfilled his orders, he shielded the commander-in-
chief from all possible censure, and by his prudence deprived
his enemies of every pretence of complaint; but after having
ascertained that public opinion would sustain him in a more
peremptory procedure, that the shallowness of General Gates'
objections were perceived by all the military men at Albany,
and that the people disbelieved the existence of any public
necessity for the detention of the troops; penetrating the
real motives of the delay, and believing this policy to be in
subservience to that dangerous ambition which menaced the
most alarming consequences to the republic, though still
mingling mildness with energy, he assumed a bolder tone of
remonstrance, made manifest the misconduct of Gates, and
obtained more than his nice discretion had at first ventured to
insist upon.
This deportment of a lad of twenty, negotiating with an
officer buoyed up with his recent successes, already placed
before the popular eye as the rival of Washington, sustained
by a majority of congress, and hoping soon to supplant him,
will be regarded as not the least remarkable, nor the least in-
teresting incident of his life; -- by Washington it never was
forgotten.
While doing justice to the subject of this memoir, it is pain-
VOl. I. 15
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? 114 THE LIFE OF
ful to raise the veil, and to dissipate those pleasing illusions,
cherished from childhood, towards every eminent actor in
the revolutionary struggle, which have ripened into a sen-
timent little short of personal attachment, more especially
when the person inculpated is General Putnam.
Of some of these individuals, political differences have
tinged the character with its baneful hues, and the merit of
winning national independence has beenforgotten, or thrown
far into the shade by the more prominent interests which
have since agitated the commonwealth; but the claims of
Putnam stand alone upon his military achievements, and the
story of his wondrous perils, and of his eminent prowess, is
intermingled with, and has become a part of our national
romance, so that we cannot endure that even the truth
should lessen aught of the brightness of his glory. His
rustic manners, and his imperfect education, have rather
added to his reputation with the people,delighted to approxi-
mate him to themselves, and to appropriate a part of his
fame; and he is associated in their minds with the rural con-
suls and dictators of uncorrupted Rome; but higher duties
are to be fulfilled than to gratify national pride, and the
story of the revolution is but half told when those difficul-
ties are concealed, which were encountered and overcome
by the men who achieved the liberty of their country.
The consequences of the delays which had been inter-
posed in reinforcing the army were soon and sadly felt. --
The fall of Fort Mifflin was a prelude to the evacuation of
Red Bank. A reinforcement from New-York, enabled
Cornwallis, with a detachment of two thousand men, to
cross the river; from the procrastination in forming a
junction with Glover's brigade, then on their march through
the Jersies, General Greene found himself too weak to in-
tercept his adversary, and on the night of the twentieth of
November, after the waste of so many lives, the water guard
was destroyed, and the defences of the Delaware fell into
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? HAMILTON. 115
the hands of the enemy. * Howe, strengthened by the suc-
cours which now reached him, was enabled to hold posses-
sion of Philadelphia during the ensuing winter, "though just
before the reduction of the forts, he balanced upon the point
of quitting that city. "
A letter from General Washington to congress, of the
tenth of December, in which he mentions the movement of
the enemy to Chestnut Hill, and their sudden retreat, ex-
presses " a regret that they had not come to an engagement. "
This retreat was unquestionably owing to a discovery of the
increased strength of the Americans. From this may be
inferred Howe's condition at that moment, and it justifies
the conclusion, that a prompt obedience to the orders con-
veyed by Hamilton, on the parts of Gates and Putnam,
would not only have saved the defences of the river, so long
and gallantly maintained, but by enabling the Americans
to take a strong position in the vicinity of Red Bank, would
have cut off the communication between the British army
and fleet, and fulfilling Washington's prophecy, Howe would
have been reduced to the situation of Burgoyne, thus pro-
bably terminating the war in the second year of our inde-
pendence. !
* A very elaborate and able letter, August, 1777, discussing at great length
the nature of the river defence proper to be adopted, is on file at Washing-
ton, in the handwriting of Hamilton.
f The conduct of Putnam, on this occasion, entered deeply into the breast
of Washington; and we find him, in a letter from Valley Forge, dated March
6,1778, thus expressing himself, in reference to the command at Rhode If land:
"They also know with more certainty than I do, what will be the determina-
tion of congress respecting General Putnam; and, of course, whether the ap-
pointment of him to such a command as that at Rhode Island would fall within
their views. It being incumbent on me to observe, that with such materials as
I am furnished, the toork must go on, -- whether well or ill is another matter. --
If, therefore, he and others are not laid aside, they must be placed where they
eon least injure the service. "
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? CHAPTER VII.
[1777.
