New-York, May 26, 1776.
Gentlemen:
I take the liberty to request your attention to a few
particulars, which will be of considerable importance to the future progress of
the company under my command: and I shall be much obliged to you for as speedy
a determination concerning them as you can conveniently give. The most material
is respecting the pay. Our company, by their articles, are to be subject to the
same regulations, and to receive the same pay, as the Continental Artillery.
Hitherto I have conformed to the standard laid down in the Journal of the
Congress, published the 10th May, 1775; but I am well informed that, by some
later regulation, the pay of the Artillery has been augmented, and now stands
according to the following rates: Captain, £10. 13. 4. Captain-Lieutenant, £8.
Lieutenants, each, £7. 6. 8. Sergeants, £3. 6. 8. Corporals, £3. 1. 4.
Bombardiers, £3. 1. 4. Gunners, £3. Matrosses, £2. 17. 4. Drummers and Fifers,
£3. By comparing these with my pay-rolls, you will discover a considerable
difference; and I doubt not you will be easily sensible that such a difference
should not exist.
I am not personally interested in having an augmentation
agreeably to the above rates, because my own pay will remain the same as that
it now is: but I make this application on behalf of the company; as I am fully
convinced such a disadvantageous distinction will have a very pernicious effect
on the minds and behavior of the men. They do the same duty with the other
companies, and think themselves entitled to the same pay. They have been
already comparing accounts; and many marks of discontent have lately appeared
on this score. As to the circumstance of our being confined to the defence of
the colony, it will have little or no weight; for there are but few in the
company, who would not as willingly leave the colony on any necessary
expedition, as stay in it: and they will not, therefore, think it reasonable to
have their pay curtailed on such a consideration. Captain Beauman, I
understand, enlists all his men on the above terms; and this makes it difficult
for me to get a single recruit: for men will naturally go to those who pay them
best. On this account, I should wish to be immediately authorized to offer the
same pay to all who may incline to enlist. The next thing I should wish to
know, is, whether I must be allowed any actual expenses that might
attend the enlistment of men, should I send into the country for that purpose.
The expense would not be great; and it would enable me to complete my company
at once, and bring it the sooner into proper order and discipline.
Also, I should be glad to be informed, if my company is to
be allowed the frock which is given to the other troops as a bounty? This frock
would be extremely serviceable in summer, while the men are on fatigue; and
would put it in their power to save their uniform much longer. I am, gentlemen,
with the greatest respect,
Your most obedient
servant,
Alexander Hamilton, Captain.
SOURCE: John C. Hamilton, Editor, The Works of
Alexander Hamilton: Correspondence. 1769-1789, Volume 1, p. 7-9
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