Call Colonel Hamilton
While young Hamilton was directing his battery during the passage of the Raritan, Washington, who was anxiously watching the passing of the troops, observed Hamilton’s skill and courage. He ordered one of his officers to find out the young man’s name, and tell him to report at Headquarters.
Therefore, as soon as possible, young Hamilton hurried to Headquarters. As a result of this interview, Washington made him a member of his own staff. Hamilton became Washington’s private secretary.
Many a night, after long hours of work together, Washington and Hamilton would retire to their rooms. Then suddenly a courier with important despatches would gallop up to Headquarters. Washington would arise, read the despatches and say:—
“Call Colonel Hamilton.”
And the young secretary would come and take his dictation.
Washington had the greatest confidence in Hamilton’s judgment. So much did Washington value his advice, that when he wrote his “Farewell Address,” “acting as every wise man would do under the circumstances,” he asked Hamilton for his opinion, as he also asked James Madison for his. Washington desired to get the different points of view of two large minds, on so important a document.