provided by family friends. Seizing this, Hamilton arrived thegrammar school in Elizabethtown, New Jersey in the autumn of 1772. One year later, in 1774, Hamiltongraduated and entered King's College in New York City. There, Hamilton obtained a bachelor's of artsdegree in just one year. As the War of Independence began, Hamilton took a trip to Boston, which seems to have solidified hisloyalties with the colonists. At a mass meeting held in the fields in NewYork City on July 6, 1774, he made a sensational speech attackingBritish policies. In addition, he wrote a series of letters for John Holt'sNew-York Journal. When an Anglican clergyman, Samuel Seabury,denounced the first Continental Congress in several WestchesterFarmer letters, Hamilton replied with two powerful pamphlets. His military aspirations also flowered with a series on early accomplishments. At King's College he joined a patriot volunteer band known as the "Corsicans" and drilled every morning before classes. In August of 1775, the "Corsicans" participated in a raid to seize the cannon from the Battery. On March 14th, 1776, he was commissioned captain of a company of artillery set up by the New York Providential Congress. Some sources state that Hamilton's company participated at the Battle of Long Island in August of 1776. At White plains, in October of 1776, his battery guarded Chatterton's Hill and protected the withdrawal of William Smallwood's militia. On January 3, 1777, Hamilton's military reputation won the interest of General Nathaniel Greene. His cannon were brought to rear on Nassau Hall, and Hamilton gave the order to fire when the British troops there refused to surrender. Impressed by this, General Greene introduced theyoung Captain to General Washington. The proficiency and bravery Hamilton displayed around New York City impressed General Washington.He joined Washington's personal staff in March of 1777 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He servedfour years ...
