Philadelphia, February 7, 1788.
Sir:
Flattering myself that your knowledge of me will induce you to receive
the observations I make, as dictated by a regard to the public good, I
take the liberty to suggest to you my ideas on some matters of delicacy
and importance. I view the present juncture as a very interesting one.
I need not observe how far the temper and situation of the army make
it so. The state of our finances was perhaps never more critical. I
am under injunctions which will not permit me to disclose some facts
that would at once demonstrate this position; but I think it probable
you will be possessed of them through another channel. It is, however,
certain, that there has scarcely been a period of the revolution
which called more for wisdom and decision in Congress. Unfortunately
for us, we are a body not governed by reason or foresight, but by
circumstances. It is probable we shall not take the proper measures;
and if we do not, a few months may open an embarrassing scene. This
will be the case, whether we have peace or a continuance of the war.
If the war continues, it would seem that the army must, in June,
subsist itself, _to defend the country_. If peace should take place, it
_will_ subsist itself, _to procure justice to itself_. It appears to be
a prevailing opinion in the army, that the disposition to recompense
their services, will cease with the necessity for them; and that if
they once lay down their arms, they part with the means of obtaining
justice. It is to be lamented that appearances afford too much ground
for their distrust.
It becomes a serious inquiry, What is the true line of policy? The
claims of the army, urged with moderation, but with firmness, may
operate on those weak minds which are influenced by their apprehensions
more than by their judgments, so as to produce a concurrence in the
measures which the exigencies of affairs demand. They may add weight
to the applications of Congress to the several States. So far a useful
turn may be given to them. But the difficulty will be, to keep a
_complaining_ and _suffering army_ within the bounds of moderation.
This your Excellency’s influence must effect. In order to it, it will
be advisable not to discountenance their endeavors to procure redress,
but rather, by the intervention of confidential and prudent persons,
_to take the direction of them_. This, however, must not appear. It
is of moment to the public tranquillity, that your Excellency should
preserve the confidence of the army without losing that of the people.
This will enable you, in case of extremity, to guide the torrent, and
to bring order, perhaps even good, out of confusion. ’Tis a part that
requires address; but ’tis one which your own situation, as well as the
welfare of the community, points out.
I will not conceal from your Excellency a truth which it is necessary
you should know. An idea is propagated in the army, that delicacy,
carried to an extreme, prevents your espousing its interests with
sufficient warmth. The falsehood of this opinion no one can be better
acquainted with than myself; but it is not the less mischievous for
being false. Its tendency is to impair that influence which you may
exert with advantage, should any commotions unhappily ensue, to
moderate the pretensions of the army, and make their conduct correspond
with their duty.
The great _desideratum_ at present, is the establishment of general
funds, which alone can do justice to the creditors of the United States
(of whom the army forms the most meritorious class), restore public
credit, and supply the future wants of government. This is the object
of all men of sense. In this, the influence of the army, properly
directed, may co-operate.
The intimations I have thrown out, will suffice to give your Excellency
a proper conception of my sentiments. You will judge of their
reasonableness or fallacy; but I persuade myself you will do justice to
my motives.
I have the honor to be,
With great respect,
Your Excellency’s
Most obedient servant,
Alex. Hamilton.
General Knox has the confidence of the army, and is a man of sense. I
think he may be safely made use of. Situated as I am, your Excellency
will feel the confidential nature of these observations.
His Excellency General Washington.