Albany, Dec. 9, 1780.
Dear Sir:
Mr. Rensselaer, who has the direction of the Armory here, tells me that
the Board of War write him, they are unable to support it any longer
on the present establishment for want of supplies, and propose to him
to endeavor to have it carried on by contract. This he declares is
impossible. The Armory must either continue on the present footing
or cease. As far as I understand the matter, there is no objection
to the terms in themselves, but a want of means to comply with them.
If there is a want of means, the thing must be relinquished; but as
it does not strike me that it can be more difficult to maintain an
Armory here than elsewhere; and as I apprehend, in the present state
of Arsenals, we shall stand in need of all the repairing we can do; I
take the liberty, at Mr. Rensselaer’s request, to mention the matter
to you. I have seen the Armory myself. It appears to be in excellent
order, and under a very ingenious and industrious man. I am told it
has been conducted hitherto with great activity. Its situation is, in
my opinion, advantageous. As there is a considerable body of troops
always at West Point, and the army generally in its vicinity, the river
is very convenient for transportation to and from the Armory; and, I
should think, would be conducive to economy. This consideration strikes
me as of importance. General Knox, however, will be the best judge of
the usefulness of this Armory.
Mr. Rensselaer also mentions a considerable number of hides in the
hands of persons here who had had orders from the Clothier-General not
to dispose of them but by his order. He says he can no longer, but with
great difficulty, procure leather for the public works on credit; and
has requested me to mention this also to your Excellency.
Mrs. Hamilton presents her respectful compliments to Mrs. Washington
and yourself. After the holidays we shall be at head quarters.
I believe I imparted to you General Schuyler’s wish that you could make
it convenient to pay a visit with Mrs. Washington this winter. He and
Mrs. Schuyler have several times repeated their inquiries and wishes. I
have told them I was afraid your business would not permit you: if it
should I shall be happy. You will enable me to let them know about what
period it will suit. When the sleighing arrives, it will be an affair
of two days up and two days down.
I have, etc.,
A. Hamilton.