To Alexander Hamilton from William Henderson, 2 March 1794
From William Henderson1
Newyork March 2d. 1794
Dear sir
A recent and severe family affliction has prevented my attending to the business on which we lately corresponded and must be my excuse for not replying to your letter sooner—indeed I hoped that Mr. Hammond2 would have been able to make the arrangement, as he appeared anxious that the object should be effected in a ⟨w⟩ay satisfactory to you; & to which I should have been ready to accede. If the necessity for having this business concluded is not pressing, and can be delayed for a short time, I purpose going to Philada. which will afford an opportunity of making this negociation, better than it can be done by letter.
I am sir with great respect and esteem Your Very Humb. servt.
Wm Henderson
Honb Alexr. Hamilton
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Henderson, a New York City insurance broker, owned large tracts of land in northern New York. He was a stockholder of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures and became a director of the society in October, 1794.
For background to this letter, see Henderson to H, January 19, 1794, and H to Henderson, January 23, 1794.
On a page attached to this letter H wrote: “This letter relates to a request of Mr. Randolph now Secy of State that I would assist him with my influence with friends to procure for him a loan A Hamilton.”