New-York, May 26, 1776.
Gentlemen:
I take the liberty to request your attention to a few particulars,
which will be of considerable importance to the future progress of
the company under my command: and I shall be much obliged to you for
as speedy a determination concerning them as you can conveniently
give. The most material is respecting the pay. Our company, by their
articles, are to be subject to the same regulations, and to receive the
same pay, as the Continental Artillery. Hitherto I have conformed to
the standard laid down in the Journal of the Congress, published the
10th May, 1775; but I am well informed that, by some later regulation,
the pay of the Artillery has been augmented, and now stands according
to the following rates: Captain, £10. 13. 4. Captain-Lieutenant, £8.
Lieutenants, each, £7. 6. 8. Sergeants, £3. 6. 8. Corporals, £3. 1. 4.
Bombardiers, £3. 1. 4. Gunners, £3. Matrosses, £2. 17. 4. Drummers and
Fifers, £3. By comparing these with my pay-rolls, you will discover a
considerable difference; and I doubt not you will be easily sensible
that such a difference should not exist.
I am not personally interested in having an augmentation agreeably
to the above rates, because my own pay will remain the same as that
it now is: but I make this application on behalf of the company; as
I am fully convinced such a disadvantageous distinction will have a
very pernicious effect on the minds and behavior of the men. They
do the same duty with the other companies, and think themselves
entitled to the same pay. They have been already comparing accounts;
and many marks of discontent have lately appeared on this score.
As to the circumstance of our being confined to the defence of the
colony, it will have little or no weight; for there are but few in the
company, who would not as willingly leave the colony on any necessary
expedition, as stay in it: and they will not, therefore, think it
reasonable to have their pay curtailed on such a consideration. Captain
Beauman, I understand, enlists all his men on the above terms; and
this makes it difficult for me to get a single recruit: for men will
naturally go to those who pay them best. On this account, I should
wish to be immediately authorized to offer the same pay to all who may
incline to enlist. The next thing I should wish to know, is, whether I
must be allowed any _actual expenses_ that might attend the enlistment
of men, should I send into the country for that purpose. The expense
would not be great; and it would enable me to complete my company at
once, and bring it the sooner into proper order and discipline.
Also, I should be glad to be informed, if my company is to be allowed
the frock which is given to the other troops as a bounty? This frock
would be extremely serviceable in summer, while the men are on fatigue;
and would put it in their power to save their uniform much longer. I
am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect,
Your most obedient servant,
Alexander Hamilton, Captain.