De Peyster’s Point, April 27, 1781.
Sir:
I imagine your Excellency has been informed, that in consequence of
the resolution of Congress for granting commissions to Aid-de-Camps
appointed under the former establishment, I have obtained one of
Lieutenant Colonel in the army of the United States, bearing rank since
the 1st of March, 1777.
It is become necessary to me to apply to your Excellency, to know in
what manner you foresee you will be able to employ me in the ensuing
campaign. I am ready to enter into activity whenever you think proper,
though I am not anxious to do it till the army takes the field, as
before that period I perceive no object.
Unconnected as I am with any regiment, I can have no other command than
in a light corps; and I flatter myself my pretensions to this are good.
Your Excellency knows, I have been in actual service since the
beginning of ’76. I began in the line, and had I continued there, I
ought, in justice, to have been more advanced in rank than I now am.
I believe my conduct, in the different capacities in which I have
acted, has appeared to the officers of the army, in general, such as
to merit their confidence and esteem; and I cannot suppose them to
be so ungenerous as not to see me with pleasure put into a situation
still to exercise the disposition I have always had of being useful
to the United States. I mention these things, only to show that I do
not apprehend the same difficulties can exist in my case (which is
peculiar), that have opposed the appointments to commands of some other
officers, not belonging to what is called the line. Though the light
infantry is chiefly formed, yet being detached to the southward, I take
it for granted there will be a vanguard by detachment formed for this
army.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your Excellency’s most ob’t serv’t,
A. Hamilton.
To General Washington.