As a member of Washington's staff, Hamilton did not have the independent
command that he so much desired; but he endured that heroic Winter at
Valley Forge, was present at all the important battles, took an active
part in most of them, and always gained honor and distinction.

As an aide to Washington, Hamilton's most important mission was when he
was sent to General Gates to secure reinforcements for the Southern army.
Gates had defeated Burgoyne and won a full dozen stern victories in the
North. In the meantime, Washington had done nothing but make a few brave
retreats. Gates' army was made up of hardy and seasoned soldiers, who had
met the enemy and defeated him over and over again. The flush of success
was on their banners; and Washington knew that if a few thousand of those
rugged veterans could be secured to reinforce his own well-nigh
discouraged troops, victory would also perch upon the banners of the
South.

As a superior officer he had the right to demand these troops; but to
reduce the force of a general who is making an excellent success is not
the common rule of war. The country looked upon Gates as its savior, and
Gates was feeling a little that way himself. Gates had but to demand it,
and the position of Commander-in-Chief would go to him. Washington
thoroughly realized this, and therefore hesitated about issuing an order
requesting a part of Gates' force. To secure these troops as if the
suggestion came from Gates was a most delicate commission. Alexander
Hamilton was dispatched to Gates' headquarters, armed, as a last resort,
with a curt military order to the effect that he should turn over a
portion of his army to Washington. Hamilton's orders were: "Bring the
troops, but do not deliver this order unless you are obliged to."

Hamilton brought the troops, and returned the order with seal intact.

The act of his sudden breaking with Washington has been much exaggerated.
In fact, it was not a sudden act at all, for it had been premeditated for
some months. There was a woman in the case. Hamilton had done more than
conquer General Gates on that Northern trip; at Albany, he had met
Elizabeth, daughter of General Schuyler, and won her after what has been
spoken of as "a short and sharp skirmish." Both Alexander and Elizabeth
regarded "a clerkship" as quite too limited a career for one so gifted;
they felt that nothing less than commander of a division would answer. How
to break loose--that was the questio