Unconnected as I am with any regiment, I can have no other command than in a light corps; and I flatter myself my pretensions to this are good.
Your Excellency knows, I have been in actual service since the beginning of ’76. I began in the line, and had I continued there, I ought, in justice, to have been more advanced in rank than I now am. I believe my conduct, in the different capacities in which I have acted, has appeared to the officers of the army, in general, such as to merit their confidence and esteem; and I cannot suppose them to be so ungenerous as not to see me with pleasure put into a situation still to exercise the disposition I have always had of being useful to the United States. I mention these things, only to show that I do not apprehend the same difficulties can exist in my case (which is peculiar), that have opposed the appointments to commands of some other officers, not belonging to what is called the line. Though the light infantry is chiefly formed, yet being detached to the southward, I take it for granted there will be a vanguard by detachment formed for this army.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your Excellency’s most ob’t serv’t,
A. Hamilton.
To General Washington.
WASHINGTON TO HAMILTON.
New Windsor, April 27, 1781.
Dear Sir:
Your letter of this date has not a little embarrassed me. You must remember the ferment in the Pennsylvania line last campaign, occasioned by the appointment of Major M’Pherson; and you know the uneasiness which at this moment exists among the eastern officers, on account of the commands conferred upon Colonel Gimat and Major Galvan, although it was the result of absolute necessity.
Should circumstances admit of the formation of another advanced corps, of which I see very little prospect, from present appearances, it can be but small, and must be composed almost entirely of eastern troops: and to add to the discontents of the officers of those lines, by the further appointment of an officer of your rank to the command of it, or in it, would, I am certain, involve me in a difficulty of a very disagreeable and delicate nature; and might, perhaps, lead to consequences more serious than it is easy to imagine. While I adhere firmly to the right of making such appointments as you request, I am at the same time obliged to reflect, that it will not do to push that right too far; more especially in a service like ours, and at a time so critical as the present.
I am convinced that no officer can, with justice, dispute your merit and abilities. The opposition heretofore made, has not been for the want of those qualifications in the gentlemen who are, and have been, the objects of discontent. The officers of the line contend, without having reference to particular persons, that it is a hardship and reflection upon them, to introduce brevet officers into commands (of some permanency), in which there are more opportunities of distinguishing themselves than in the line of the army at large, and with the men they have had the trouble to discipline and to prepare for the field.