HAMILTON TO MADISON.
Princeton, June 29, 1783.
Dear Sir:
I am informed, that, among other disagreeable things said about the removal of Congress from Philadelphia, it is insinuated, that it was a contrivance of some members, to get them out of the State of Pennsylvania, into one of those to which they belonged; and I am told, that this insinuation has been pointed at me in particular.
Though I am persuaded, that all disinterested persons will justify Congress in quitting a place where they were told they were not to expect support (for the conduct of the Council amounted to that), yet, I am unwilling to be held up as having had an extraordinary agency in the measure for interestedpurposes, when the fact is directly the reverse. As you were a witness to my conduct and opinions through the whole of the transaction, I am induced to trouble you for your testimony upon this occasion. I do not mean to make a public use of it; but, through my friends, to vindicate myself from the imputations I have mentioned.
I will therefore request your answers to the following questions:
Did that part of the resolutions, which related to the removal of Congress, originate with me, or not?
Did I, as a member of the committee, appear to press the departure; or did I not rather manifest a strong disposition to postpone that event as long as possible, even against the general current of opinion?
I wish you to be as particular and full in your answer as your memory will permit. I think you will recollect, that my idea was clearly this: That the mutiny ought not to be terminated by negotiation; that Congress were justifiable in leaving a place where they did not receive the support which they had a right to expect; but, as their removal was a measure of a critical and delicate nature; might have an ill appearance in Europe; and might, from events, be susceptible of an unfavorable interpretation in this country; it was prudent to delay it till its necessity became apparent: not only till it was manifest there would be no change in the spirit which seemed to actuate the Council; but till it was evident, complete submission was not to be expected from the troops; that, to give full time for this, it would be proper to delay the departure of Congress till the latest period which would be compatible with the idea of meeting at Trenton or Princeton on Thursday—perhaps even till Thursday morning.
I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,A. Hamilton.
I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,A. Hamilton.
I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,A. Hamilton.
To James Madison, Junior, Esq.