Paramus, November 28, 1780.
Dear Hamilton:
Here I arrived last night, and am going to set out for Philadelphia.
Gouvion goes straight to New Windsor, and by him I write to the
General. I speak of Hand and Smith, whom I recommend, and add: “If,
however, you were to cast your eye on a man, who, I think, would suit
better than any other in the world, Hamilton is, I confess, the officer
whom I would like best to see in my * * * * *.” Then I go on with the
idea, that, at equal advantages, you deserve from him the preference;
that your advantages are the greatest; I speak of a co-operation;
of your being in the family; and conclude, that on every public and
private account I advise him to take you.
I know the General’s friendship and gratitude for you, my dear
Hamilton: both are greater than you perhaps imagine. I am sure he needs
only to be told that something will suit you, and when he thinks he
can do it he certainly will. Before this campaign I was your friend,
and very intimate friend, agreeably to the ideas of the world. Since
my second voyage, my sentiment has increased to such a point the world
knows nothing about. To show _both_, from want and from scorn of
expressions, I shall only tell you--Adieu.
Yours,
La Fayette.