Brief guide to manuscripts collections| William L. Clements Library The University of Michigan Nicholas Fish Papers |
Nicholas Fish, born into a prominent, wealthy New York City family, studied law in his native city before becoming a soldier in the Revolution. During his student years Fish formed a lifelong friendship with Alexander Hamilton. He saw continuous service in the Revolutionary War. In 1775 he joined Malcolm's New York Regiment. by August, 1776, he had become General Scott's brigade major and was in the action on Long Island. He was commissioned a major in the 2nd New York Regiment the same year. In 1778 Fish was appointed division inspector under Steuben and commanded an infantry unit at the battle of Monmouth. He was on Sullivan's expedition in 1779 and with lafayette, 1780-1781, serving as Colonel Hamilton's second in command in the Yorktown campaign. Following resignation of his commission in 1784, he was appointed adjutant general for the state of New York. Fish became involved in New York City and state politics, first as an alderman, then as an unsuccessful Federalist candidate for lieutenant governor in 1810.
Correspondence of Nicholas Fish, Revolutionary War officer, adjutant general of New York.
The collection contains nine items dated 1775-1783. Forty-one letters are addressed to Fish as adjutant general of New York, 1785, regarding the raising and provisioning of troops to aid the first United States Army, commanded by Harmar in the Northwest Territory. A group of 36 letters, 1791-1833, relate to Fish's activities in New York politics. There is relatively little family correspondence.
Purchased, 1969
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