Hamilton, Alexander

Autograph letter signed ("A. Hamilton"), 2 pages, bifolium (8 x 6 3/4 in.; 205 x 170 mm), integral address leaf, [Preakness, New Jersey], 18 October 1780, regarding the appointment of Nathaniel Greene to assume Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates's southern command; leaves detached, large open seal tear and fraying along one margin of address leaf. Blue cloth folding case, blue morocco spine.

Papers of Alexander Hamilton (ed. Syrett) 2:479

"With the sentiments I entertain of Gates, I cannot but take pleasure in his removal, and with the confidence I have in Greene, I expect much from his being the Successor."  As an aide-de-camp to Washington, Hamilton frequently clashed over questions of military strategy with one of the General's most bitter rivals, Major General Horatio Gates. After one of the worst American defeats at the Battle of Camden, Gates was relieved of his command until a court of inquiry was concluded. As Hamilton explains in an earlier letter to Duane dated 3 September, Gates's blunders cost over 1,000 patriot lives and 1,000 men were taken prisoner.  On 14 September Washington wrote to Nathaniel Greene to inform him of his appointment to the southern theatre. William Sharpe, who served on the Congressional committee overseeing the commanding officer of the southern department, notified Gates that he was relieved of command on 24 October.