Hamilton to Washington “with Reference to a Peace,” 1783
Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, April 9, 1783 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)
By April 1783, peace between Britain and the new country of the United States was imminent. The Continental Congress gathered together a committee to organize various departments in the government after the official peace. Hamilton writes this letter as chairman of this committee. He asks Washington’s advice on keeping the peace and sustaining national security for the new country. On April 11, just two days after Hamilton wrote this letter, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation “Declaring the cessation of arms” against Great Britain.
A Letter from Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, April 9, 1783
Philadelphia April 9th. 1783
Sir
Congress having appointed a Committee consisting of Messrs Maddison, Osgood, Wilson, Elsworth & myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the Military department.
The Committee wish your Excellencys sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States as may be best adopted to their circumstances, and conciliate security with economy and with the principles of our Governments: In this they will be glad you will take as great latitude as you may think necessary; and Will therefore assist entering into any details.
The Committee apprehend it to be the intention of Congress to lay down a general plan, to be carried into execution as circumstances will permit; and that in attending to such dispositions as the immediate situation of the Country may require, they are chiefly desireous of establishing good principles, that will have a permanent salutary operation.
I have the honor to be &ca
Alexn. Hamilton
Chairman
His Excelly Genel. Washington
Source: Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, April 9, 1783, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC02437.02078.
A Letter from Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, April 9, 1783
Philadelphia April 9th. 1783
Sir
Congress having appointed a Committee consisting of Messrs Maddison, Osgood, Wilson, Elsworth & myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the Military department.
The Committee wish your Excellencys sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States as may be best adopted to their circumstances, and conciliate security with economy and with the principles of our Governments: In this they will be glad you will take as great latitude as you may think necessary; and Will therefore assist entering into any details.
The Committee apprehend it to be the intention of Congress to lay down a general plan, to be carried into execution as circumstances will permit; and that in attending to such dispositions as the immediate situation of the Country may require, they are chiefly desireous of establishing good principles, that will have a permanent salutary operation.
I have the honor to be &ca
Alexn. Hamilton
Chairman
His Excelly Genel. Washington
Source: Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, April 9, 1783, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC02437.02078.
imminent - likely to occur at any moment
cessation - temporary or complete stopping
conciliate - win or gain
salutary - favorable, promoting some beneficial purpose
Background
By April 1783, peace between Britain and the new country of the United States was imminent. The Continental Congress gathered together a committee to organize various departments in the government after the official peace. Hamilton writes this letter as chairman of this committee. He asks Washington’s advice on keeping the peace and sustaining national security for the new country. On April 11, just two days after Hamilton wrote this letter, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation “Declaring the cessation of arms” against Great Britain.
Transcript
A Letter from Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, April 9, 1783
Philadelphia April 9th. 1783
Sir
Congress having appointed a Committee consisting of Messrs Maddison, Osgood, Wilson, Elsworth & myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the Military department.
The Committee wish your Excellencys sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States as may be best adopted to their circumstances, and conciliate security with economy and with the principles of our Governments: In this they will be glad you will take as great latitude as you may think necessary; and Will therefore assist entering into any details.
The Committee apprehend it to be the intention of Congress to lay down a general plan, to be carried into execution as circumstances will permit; and that in attending to such dispositions as the immediate situation of the Country may require, they are chiefly desireous of establishing good principles, that will have a permanent salutary operation.
I have the honor to be &ca
Alexn. Hamilton
Chairman
His Excelly Genel. Washington
Source: Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, April 9, 1783, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC02437.02078.
Excerpt
A Letter from Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, April 9, 1783
Philadelphia April 9th. 1783
Sir
Congress having appointed a Committee consisting of Messrs Maddison, Osgood, Wilson, Elsworth & myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the Military department.
The Committee wish your Excellencys sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States as may be best adopted to their circumstances, and conciliate security with economy and with the principles of our Governments: In this they will be glad you will take as great latitude as you may think necessary; and Will therefore assist entering into any details.
The Committee apprehend it to be the intention of Congress to lay down a general plan, to be carried into execution as circumstances will permit; and that in attending to such dispositions as the immediate situation of the Country may require, they are chiefly desireous of establishing good principles, that will have a permanent salutary operation.
I have the honor to be &ca
Alexn. Hamilton
Chairman
His Excelly Genel. Washington
Source: Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, April 9, 1783, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC02437.02078.
imminent - likely to occur at any moment
cessation - temporary or complete stopping
conciliate - win or gain
salutary - favorable, promoting some beneficial purpose
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