New-York, August, 1776.
It is necessary I should inform you that there is at present a vacancy
in my company, arising from the promotion of Lieut. Johnson to a
Captaincy in one of the new Gallies (which command, however, he has
since resigned for a very particular reason). As Artillery officers
are scarce in proportion to the call for them, and as myself and my
remaining officers sustain an extraordinary weight of duty on account
of the present vacancy, I shall esteem it a favor, if you will be
pleased, as soon as possible, to make up my deficiency by a new
appointment. It would be productive of much inconvenience should not
the inferior officers succeed in course, and from this consideration
I doubt not you will think it proper to advance Mr. Gilleland and Mr.
Bean, and fill up the third lieutenancy with some other person. I
would beg the liberty _warmly_ to recommend to your attention Thomas
Thompson--now first Sergeant in my company--a man highly deserving
of notice and preferment. He has discharged his duty in his present
station with uncommon fidelity, assiduity, and expertness. He is a very
good disciplinarian--possesses the advantage of having seen a good deal
of service in Germany, has a tolerable share of common sense, and will
not disgrace the rank of an officer and gentleman. In a word, I verily
believe, he will make an excellent Lieutenant, and his advancement will
be a great encouragement and benefit to my company in particular, and
will be an animating example to all men of merit to whose knowledge
it comes. Myself and my officers will be much obliged to the Hon. the
Convention to favor us with our commissions with all convenient speed,
as they may be highly requisite under some circumstances that may
possibly hereafter arise.
A. Hamilton,
Captain of New-York Artillery.