New-york, August, 1776.
It is necessary I should inform you that there is at present
a vacancy in my company, arising from the promotion of Lieut. Johnson to a
Captaincy in one of the new Gallies (which command, however, he has since
resigned for a very particular reason). As Artillery officers are scarce in
proportion to the call for them, and as myself and my remaining officers
sustain an extraordinary weight of duty on account of the present vacancy, I
shall esteem it a favor, if you will be pleased, as soon as possible, to make
up my deficiency by a new appointment. It would be productive of much
inconvenience should not the inferior officers succeed in course, and from this
consideration I doubt not you will think it proper to advance Mr. Gilleland and
Mr. Bean, and fill up the third lieutenancy with some other person. I would beg
the liberty warmly to recommend to your attention Thomas Thompson — now
first Sergeant in my company — a man highly deserving of notice and preferment.
He has discharged his duty in his present station with uncommon fidelity,
assiduity, and expertness. He is a very good disciplinarian — possesses the
advantage of having seen a good deal of service in Germany, has a tolerable
share of common sense, and will not disgrace the rank of an officer and
gentleman. In a word, I verily believe, he will make an excellent Lieutenant,
and his advancement will be a great encouragement and benefit to my company in
particular, and will be an animating example to all men of merit to whose
knowledge it comes. Myself and my officers will be much obliged to the Hon. the
Convention to favor us with our commissions with all convenient speed, as they
may be highly requisite under some circumstances that may possibly hereafter
arise.
A. Hamilton,
Captain of New-York
Artillery.
SOURCE: John C. Hamilton, Editor, The Works of
Alexander Hamilton: Correspondence. 1769-1789, Volume 1, p. 10
No comments:
Post a Comment