Fish, Hamilton, 1808-1893
John M. McDonald interview — 1848-09-27
During his lengthy political career, Hamilton Fish (1808-1893) served as a member of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, as Lieutenant Governor of New York, as the 16th Governor of New York, and as Unites States Secretary of State under President Ulysses S. Grant. His father, Nicholas Fish, was an officer in the Continental Army and served for a time in Westchester County. Hamilton Fish tells John Macdonald that he will review his father’s papers, but is doubtful that they contain any mention of his service in Westchester County. This is the only time that Hamilton Fish is mentioned in the McDonald Interviews.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
118 678 [margin: Bronx] When Colonel Jackson made his attack Lee Briene must have been opposite Ward's Island or opposite the Channel which separates it from Randall's Island.
There is no stream of water between Mill Brook and the Bronx river.
I don't know whether or not, MacLean Ward or Wards Island between at the present time.
1848.? (1838 in orig. — an error.) see p. 7. Sept. 27th Hamilton Fish, of 138 Second Avenue: "Between this and the 1st of next January, I will overlook my fathers papers and let you see all that relates to the Revolutionary war in West Chester County. It is long since I have examined
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679 121 12. my fathers papers, but my impression is that there is not much to be derived from them which will be of Service to you, &c.
Sept. 27. William B. Ronalds of 177 Wall Street (over Mr. Ketchum's): I will make it a point to examine my grand fathers (Colonel James Holmes) papers and will furnish you with all you want in relation to his biography and his transactions in West Chester and Connecticut. I will leave my memoir at your brothers office in Clinton Place). My grandfather was Lieut. Colonel of one of the first four regiments raised by New York. Several circumstances induced him to go over to the British. He had difficulties with General Schuyler — advanced moneys to pay his men which was