George Washington here describes what a good general expects in his aides, and in his staff. Alexander Hamilton had an uncanny ability to anticipate Washington’s needs, to get into his world so to speak, to know what was needed before Washington said it was needed … and also, eventually, to BE Washington in terms of letter-writing. An amazing relationship. But anyway, here’s how Washington describes it:
The variegated and important duties of the aids of a commander in chief or the commander of a separate army require experienced officers, men of judgment and men of business, ready pens to execute them properly and with dispatch. A great deal more is required of them than attending him at a parade or delivering verbal orders here and there, or copying a written one. They ought, if I may be allowed to use the expression, to possess the Soul of the General, and from a single idea given to them, to convey his meaning in the clearest and fullest manner.
Hamilton could do all of this to an almost frightening level.
