Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01442 Author/Creator: Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) Place Written: Albany, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 June 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 33.6 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Hamilton after he left the Army to Major General Knox. Letter details Hamilton's opinions against retaliation for the execution of American Captain Joshua Huddy at the hand of New York Loyalists (this is reference to the well-known Huddy-Asgill Affair). Hamilton says any retaliatory killing would be "derogatory to the national character." He claims there is no precedent for such a killing and that it would be "wanton and unnecessary." Says America's affairs "are now in a prosperous stream and so vigorous," that it would be foolish to tarnish the nation's reputation. Says that this cannot be compared to the execution of John André, which was done in the name of justice. Says if the retaliation must occur, let someone other than George Washington approve it, as it will place a stigma on his reputation. Stresses that the time for this sort of killing is over now that the war is winding down. Notes that Sir Guy Carleton, the British Commander in Chief, would probably offer an apology if given a chance, and recommends that Washington accept it. Says he wrote to Knox on the issue because he knows of his influence with Washington. Hopes rational minds will come to a tolerable decision. Captain Charles Asgill was eventually selected to be executed, but was saved after his mother petitioned the French foreign minister, leading to a letter from the French king and queen, which spared Asgill. The seal was cut from the letter, leaving a small square hole, but no text loss. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Captain Joshua Huddy, an artillery officer in the New Jersey militia, was captured on 24 March 1782, at Tom's River, New Jersey by Loyalists and held on a prison ship in waters off New York City. Sir Henry Clinton turned him over to Loyalists, ostensibly for a prisoner exchange. The Loyalists hung Huddy in retaliation for the death of a Loyalist called Philip White. Washington decrees that a British officer meet the same fate and 17-year-old Captain Charles Asgill, who surrendered at Yorktown, is selected. Asgill’s mother travels to Paris and speaks with Charles Vergennes, the French Foreign Minister, who informs his king and queen. They write Washington, who turns the letter over to Congress. Congress votes to release the unfortunate Asgill, and Washington happily complies with the directive.
Published in Syrett, Harold C. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. (New York and London: Columbia University Press, 1962), Vol. III: 1782 - 1786, p.91.
Hamilton June 7 '82
Dr. General
We are told here that there is a British officer coming on from Cornwallis's army to be executed by way of retaliation for the murder of Capt Huddy. As this appears to me clearly to be an ill timed proceeding, and if persisted in will be derogatory to [struck: the] the national character I cannot forbear communicating to you my ideas upon the subject. A sacrifice of this sort is intirely repugnant to the genius of the age we live in and is without example in modern history nor can it fail to be considered in Europe as wanton and unnecessary. It appears that the enemy (from necessity I grant but the operation is the same) have changed their System and adopted a more humane one; and therefore the only justifying motive of retaliation, the preventing a repetition of cruelty, ceases. But if this were not the case, so solemn and deliberate a Sacrifice of the innocent for the guilty must be condemned on the present received notions of humanity, and encourage an opinion that we are in a certain degree in a state of barbarism. Our affairs are now in a prosperous [strikeout] [inserted: train], and so vigorous, I would rather say so violent a measure would want the plea of necessity. It would argue meanness in us that at this late stage of the war, in the midst of success, we should suddenly depart from that temper with which we have all along borne with a great and more frequent provocations. The death of André could not have been dispensed with; but it might still be viewed at a distance as an act of rigid justice; if we wreak our resentment on an innocent person, it will be suspected that we are too fond of executions. I am persuaded it [2] will have an influence peculiarly unfavorable to the General's character.
If it is seriously believed that in this [struck: presen] advanced stage of affairs retaliation is necessary let another mode be chosen. Let under actors be employed and let the authority by which it is done be wrapt in obscurity and doubt. Let us endeavour to make it fall upon those who have had a direct or indirect share in the guilt. Let not the Commander in Chief considered as the first and most respectable character among us come forward in person and be the avowed author of an act at which every humane feeling revolts. Let us at least have as much address as the enemy, and, if we must have victims, appoint some obscure agents to perform the ceremony, and bear the odium which must always attend even justice itself when directed by [struck: an] extreme [struck: of] severity.
For my own part my Dear Sir I think a business of this complexion intirely out of season. The time for it, if there ever was one, is past.
But it is said the Commander in Chief has pledged himself for it and cannot recede. Inconsistency in their case would be better than consistency. But pretext may be found and will be readily admitted in favour of humanity. Carleton will in all probability do something like apology and concession. He will give appearances of preventing every thing of the kind in the future. Let the General appear to be satisfied with these appearances. The steps Carleton is said to have taken to suppress the refugee incursions will give the better color to [3] lenity.
[strikeout]
I address myself to you upon this occasion because I know your liberality and your influence with the General. If you are of my opinion, I am sure you will employ it if it should not be too late. I would not think a letter necessary, but I know how apt men are to be actuated by the circumstances which immediately surround them and to be led into an approbation of measures which in another situation they would disapprove. Mrs. Hamilton joins me in compliments to Mrs. Knox; believe me to be very truly & affecty D Sir
Albany June 7 '82 yr Obedt
A Hamilton
[docket]
From Colonel Hamilton
7th June 1782
[address leaf]
General Knox
New Windsor
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