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Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 4
Contents:
U.S. History
From Alexander Hamilton, in Congress.
Philadelphia, 25 March, 1783.
SIR,
The inclosed I write more in a public than in a private capacity. Here I write as a citizen zealous for the true happiness of this country; as a soldier, who feels what is due to an army which has suffered every thing, and done much for the safety of America.
I sincerely wish ingratitude was not so natural to the human heart as it is. I sincerely wish there were no seeds of it in those who direct the counsels of the United States. But while I urge the army to moderation, and advise your Excellency to take the direction of their discontents, and endeavour to confine them within the bounds of duty, I cannot, as an honest man, conceal from you, that I am afraid their distrust has too much foundation. Republican jealousy has in it a principle of hostility to an army, "whatever be their merits, whatever be their claims to the gratitude of the community. It acknowledges their services with unwillingness, and rewards them with reluctance. I see this temper, though smothered with great care, involuntarily breaking out upon too many occasions. I often feel a mortification, which it would be impolitic to express, that sets my passions at variance with my reason. Too many, I perceive, if they could do it with safety or color, would be glad to elude the just pretensions of the army. I hope this is not the prevailing disposition.
But, supposing the country ungrateful, what can the army do? It must submit to its hard fate. To seek redress by its arms, would end in its ruin. The army would moulder by its own weight, and for want of the means of keeping together; the soldiery would abandon their officers; there would be no chance of success, without having recourse to means that would reverse our revolution. I make these observations, not that I imagine your Excellency can want motives to continue your influence in the path of moderation, but merely to show why I cannot myself enter into the views of coercion, which some gentlemen entertain; for, I confess, could force avail, I should almost wish to see it employed. I have an indifferent opinion of the honesty of this country, and ill forebodings as to its future system.
Your Excellency will perceive I have written with sensations of chagrin, and will make allowance for coloring; but the general picture is too true. God send us all more wisdom! I am, very sincerely and respectfully,
Your Excellency’s obedient servant,
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Contents:
Chicago: Alexander Hamilton, "From Alexander Hamilton, in Congress.," Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 4 in Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, ed. Jared Sparks (Freeport, NY: Books for Libraries Press, 1853), 12–14. Original Sources, accessed March 21, 2025, http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=3ZR3YKUQ64VV9T6.
MLA: Hamilton, Alexander. "From Alexander Hamilton, in Congress." Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 4, in Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, edited by Jared Sparks, Vol. 4, Freeport, NY, Books for Libraries Press, 1853, pp. 12–14. Original Sources. 21 Mar. 2025. http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=3ZR3YKUQ64VV9T6.
Harvard: Hamilton, A, 'From Alexander Hamilton, in Congress.' in Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Vol. 4. cited in 1853, Correspondence of the American Revolution: Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, ed. , Books for Libraries Press, Freeport, NY, pp.12–14. Original Sources, retrieved 21 March 2025, from http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=3ZR3YKUQ64VV9T6.
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