Alexander Hamilton, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army, Orders Pay For His Troops In Preparation for Possible War With France

Signed as Major General: An uncommon document from the brief six month period he held the post; we can find only one other pay order for the troops during this time signed by Hamilton having reached the market in decades

This document has been sold. Contact Us

Alexander Hamilton is well known for his success as a statesman and his accomplishments as the first Secretary of the Treasury, but the title that Hamilton was most proud of was that of major general. On March 17, 1776, Hamilton was commissioned as captain of the Provisional Company of the New York...

Read More

Alexander Hamilton, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army, Orders Pay For His Troops In Preparation for Possible War With France

Signed as Major General: An uncommon document from the brief six month period he held the post; we can find only one other pay order for the troops during this time signed by Hamilton having reached the market in decades

Alexander Hamilton is well known for his success as a statesman and his accomplishments as the first Secretary of the Treasury, but the title that Hamilton was most proud of was that of major general. On March 17, 1776, Hamilton was commissioned as captain of the Provisional Company of the New York Artillery. Throughout the following months, he and his men saw action, and he continually tried to recruit more troops and to improve the lot of those under him. He worked tirelessly to persuade the New York Congress to provide his men with more supplies. In April 1776, Hamilton and his company, following orders from General George Washington, built Fort Bunker Hill near New York City as one of some fourteen emplacements set up to help the Continental Army defend Manhattan. This initial effort earned praise from Washington for both Hamilton and his troops. In October, Hamilton’s company helped the American forces to narrowly defeat the British in the Battle of White Plains. During the Christmas Day victory against the Redcoats at Trenton, Washington was impressed by the young captain’s leadership and courage under fire. Little more than a week later, Hamilton led his troops in the Battle of Princeton on January 2, 1777, where the British were again soundly defeated. Washington soon decided to tap Hamilton to serve as his aide-de-camp, despite the captain’s youth and inexperience. In March, Hamilton was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel at the age of 20. As aide-de-camp, he was expected to anticipate, comprehend, and relay Washington’s orders to the Continental Army. He got high marks from Washington for his performance in this role. Hamilton resigned from Washington’s staff in early 1781, and then commanded a battalion under the Marquis de Lafayette. His last actions in the Revolutionary War occurred in October 1781 at the Battle of Yorktown, where he led a successful night attack against Redoubt No. 10, a key position in the British defenses. His courage and bravery was praised by Washington himself and he was later promoted to colonel. Then came peace and Hamilton returned to civilian pursuits.

In anticipation of war with France, which seemed imminent, Congress authorized a temporary expansion of the U.S. Army to meet the crisis. President John Adams called Washington out of retirement to act as commander-in-chief for raising and leading the forces requisite for such a war. In July 1798, Washington wearily agreed, and when asked to name his officers, appointed Hamilton as Inspector General with a rank of major-general. This meant Hamilton was Washington’s overall second in command, with responsibility for developing and implementing army regulations. By the beginning of 1799 the new army officers had been appointed, and in May 1799 recruiting began. By the time the provisional expanded Army was disbanded in June 1800, around 4,100 men had been mobilized. When Washington died on December 14, 1799, Hamilton became the Army’s senior officer and remained in that capacity until June 15, 1800.

Here Hamilton orders the pay for his troops. Document signed, likely early 1800. “Pay to Captain Benjamin Williamson Deputy Paymaster General on account of the pay etc. of the troops under the immediate command of General Hamilton to 31st December 1799 – the sum of $2832.73, taking his receipt to be accountable therefor to the Accountant of the Department of War. And for so doing this shall be your warrant.” It is signed “Alexander Hamilton, M.G. [Major General].” Thus it was signed during the short six month period in which Hamilton was commander-in-chief of the U.S. Army.

Frame, Display, Preserve

Each frame is custom constructed, using only proper museum archival materials. This includes:The finest frames, tailored to match the document you have chosen. These can period style, antiqued, gilded, wood, etc. Fabric mats, including silk and satin, as well as museum mat board with hand painted bevels. Attachment of the document to the matting to ensure its protection. This "hinging" is done according to archival standards. Protective "glass," or Tru Vue Optium Acrylic glazing, which is shatter resistant, 99% UV protective, and anti-reflective. You benefit from our decades of experience in designing and creating beautiful, compelling, and protective framed historical documents.

Learn more about our Framing Services