Alexander Hamilton to George Washington on the organization of the country and government now peace is official - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02437.02078
From Archive Folder	The Henry Knox Papers [0057] April 1783
Title	Alexander Hamilton to George Washington on the organization of the country and government now peace is official
Date	9 April 1783
Author	Hamilton, Alexander (ca. 1757-1804)
Recipient	Washington, George
Document Type	Correspondence; Government document
Content Description	A copy, in the hand of Washington's secretary David Cobb, of the letter Hamilton wrote as a Continental Congressman from New York to General Washington. Hamilton was writing in his capacity as a chairman of a committee (other members included Madison, Osgood, Wilson, and Ellsworth) formed by Congress to organize various departments in the government after the official peace. Would like Washington's "sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States as may be best adapted to their circumstances, and conciliate security with economy and with the principles of our Governments." Is very interested in what the immediate situation of the country is and how to prepare the nation for "permanent salutary operation."
Subjects	Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Continental Army Continental Congress Congress President Government and Civics Economics
Place written	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Theme	The American Revolution; Creating a New Government; Government & Politics; The Presidency
Sub-collection	The Henry Knox Papers
Additional Information	Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Download PDF [draft] Philadelphia April 9th. 1783 Sir Congress having appointed a Committee consisting of Messrs Maddison, Osgood, Wilson, Elsworth & myself to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace; I am directed by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the Military department. The Committee wish your Excellencys sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States as may be best adopted to [struck: the] [inserted: their] circumstances, and conciliate security with œconomy and with the principles of our Governments: In this they will be glad you will take as great latitude as you may think necessary; and Will therefore assist entering into any details. The Committee apprehend it to be the intention of Congress to lay down a general plan, to be carried into execution as circumstances will permit; and that in attending to such dispositions as the immediate situation of the Country may [2] require, they are chiefly desireous of establishing good principles, that will have a permanent salutary operation. I have the honor to be &ca Alexn. Hamilton Chairman His Excelly. Genel. Washington

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