Date Created:
Place Created: Philadelphia
Year Created: 1783
Owner: Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
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Description: In 1783, Hamilton wrote as a Continental Congressman from New York to General Washington in his capacity as chairman of a committee formed by Congress to organize various departments in the government after the official peace at the end of the Revolution. Hamilton would like Washington's "sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States as may be best adapted to their circumstances, and conciliate security with economy and with the principles of our Governments." He is concerned about how to prepare the nation for "permanent salutary operation."
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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 [struck: the] [inserted: their] circumstances, and conciliate security with œconomy 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 [2] 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
Citation: Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02078
New York, NY