New Windsor, April 27, 1781.

    Dear Sir: Your letter of this date has not a little embarrassed me. ² You must remember the ferment in the Pensylvania line the last Campaign occasioned by the appointment of Major McPhearson; and you know the uneasiness which at this moment exists among the Eastern Officers on account of the commands conferred upon Colo. Jemat and Major Galvan although it was the result of absolute necessity.

[Note:Hamilton had written "I imagine your Excellency has been informed that in consequence of the resolution of Congress for granting commissions to Aide de Camps appointed under the former establishment, I have obtained one of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army of the United States bearing rank since the 1st of March 1777." Hamilton's letter is in the Washington Papers . This resolve was passed Feb. 21, 1780. ]

    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 tents 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 Gentlemn 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 prepare for the field.

    My principal concern arises from an apprehension that you will impute my refusal of your request to other motives than those I have expressed, but I beg you to be assured I am only influenced by the reasons which I have mentioned. I am etc. ³

[Note:From the original in the Hamilton Papers in the Library of Congress. ]