1From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 1 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I yesterday returned from an excursion through three of the four eastern States, and found your letter of the 18th of April. It is very necessary that the true and independent friends of the government should communicate and understand each other at the present very embarrassed and dangerous crisis of public affairs. I am glad, therefore, of the opportunity which your letter affords me of...
2From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 1 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The purposes for which the house I now occupy was taken having ceased, you will be pleased to dispose of it, as soon as possible, in the way which shall appear to you most favorable to the public interest. With great consideration I am, Sir, Yr. obt ser AL , New-York Historical Society, New York City; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Stevens,...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan R. Wilmer, 1 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 1, 1800. Discusses the presidential campaign of 1800. Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Wilmer, a Maryland lawyer and merchant, served as a member of the Governor’s Council from 1797 to 1801. Except for a few changes in wording, this letter is the same as H to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, July 1, 1800 .
4From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 1 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the enclosed. If any good use can be made of it you will do it. I have been in Massachusettes, New Hampshire & Rhode Island. There is little doubt of Fœderal Electors in all. But there is considerable doubt of a perfect Union in favour of Pinckney. The leaders of the first class are generally right but those of the second class are too much disposed to be wrong. It is essential to...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Dexter, 2 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
From the terms of the act disbanding the additional army, and correspondence with the Department of War I consider my Military agency as having ceased. When therefore any remnants of the business formerly under my superintendence present themselves I can only lay them before you for your consideration and decision. In pursuance of this idea I send you the enclosed account. Df , in the...
6From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Dexter, 2 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon looking over my papers I find the enclosed account, which should have been transmitted at an earlier day for the consideration of the War Department. It is now enclosed to you that you may give such directions as shall appear to you proper. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
7To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Jackson, 2 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] July 2, 1800 . Encloses bill for repair of barracks at Salem. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Jackson, a major in the Second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, was in command of the troops stationed at Newport. This letter was incorrectly addressed to H as inspector general of the Army, a position he no longer held. See H to Ebenezer Stevens, July 1,...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 2 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 2, 1800. “I send you the inclosed paper, and request that you will take measures for having me reimbursed, in the sum mentioned.…” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Swan was paymaster general of the United States Army.
9To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 3 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Pittsburgh, July 3, 1800. Complains that when marching “at the head of a Column commanding a platoon, with the Music Before me” he could not make his orders heard over the noise of the band. States he “once … made my Sword perform the Duties of a Telegraphe” and proposes that “uniform Signals” be “established through the army.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hamtramck was a...
10From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 3 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
John Dover junr, son of John Dover of this city, enlisted under the name of John Thompson between nine and ten years ago. He reenlisted about two years since in Capn. McClary’s company, and is at present at Detroit, still passing under the name of John Thompson. The Father of this person has procured a substitute for him who has been approved. A letter was written some time since to Niagara...
11Account with James Chapman, 4 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
For Postage of letters on Public Service from 23rd May ’til 1st. June 1800 } 5.60 Recv’d of Jno. Wilkins Junr. Qr. M. Genl by the hand of Lt. Colo. Aaron Ogden Dpy. Qr. Mr. Genl. the above five ⁶⁰⁄₁₀₀ Dolls. in full. $5.60 ADS , The American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia. H’s endorsement reads: “The within postage being on public account I approve of its being paid by Aarn Ogdn Esqr....
12To Alexander Hamilton from Frederick N. Hudson, 4 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am equally pained at the necessity of my Conduct’s being explained; as I am, fearfull of offending by the many apologies I have made but fear of being thought ungrateful to the Man who has laid me under the most delicate and lasting obligations has been the only stimulus to my taking the liberty of addressing you so frequently As I have during our present Cruise. Apprehensions that you might...
13To Alexander Hamilton from James Stille, 4 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Observing your return to N. Y. announced by the public prints I have taken the liberty of addressing myself to you and stating some embarrassments under which the events of the day have placed me. You may possibly recollect my mentioning to you on a former occasion the great vexations which the Comg. offs. of this post experienced from a public house situated just without the Garrison limits....
14From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Dexter, 7 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose for your information the copy of a letter from Captn: Stille Commanding Officer at West point with a copy of my answer to it. Inclosed also is a letter from mr Wheeler formerly 1st. Lieutt: in the 12 Regt: U S. to mr P Church, soliciting his interest, for my recommendation to procure him an appointment in the Artillery which I shall with pleasure give, since the...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Dexter, 7 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you three letters from Major Hoops, and take the liberty to suggest the propriety of convening a General Court Martial for the trial of the Offenders on the charges exhibited against them. With great respect I am Sir Your obed serv: Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see James Stille to...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 7 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose a letter from Dr. Genet together with his account, the settlement of which he requests may take place as speedily as possible; but he has, as you will see, purposely omitted fixing any rate for his services. You will therefore please to fill up the blank, calculating the compensation due to him for the time of his service, on the principle of his receiving the emoluments of a...
17From Alexander Hamilton to James Stille, 7 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 4th instant, and shall with pleasure give you my advice, for as such only it must be regarded, since I consider my military functions as having ceased. It appears to me to be an adviseable step for you to liberate those Citizens who surrendered to and are now under your custody, sending their names with the proper charges against them to the district Attorney...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 7 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your favour of the 1st. instant. I have some knowledge of the circumstance referred to in Genl. Schuylers Letter. It is a fact that Mr. Shoemaker has either seen such a Letter from Mr. Jefferson as is described, or recd. such evidence that a Letter of the kind existed, as made a strong impression on his Mind. It has I know been proposed to make application to Mr. Smith’s son...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Dexter, 9 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
From a letter (not however couched in very explicit terms) which I have received from Mr Bureau De Puissy, I am induced to think, that this Gentleman would be willing to accept an appointment in the service of the United States. He was under the Royal Government an Engineer of distinction in the service of France. You are I daresay informed of his political history. He was a member and once...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Dexter, 10 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 10, 1800. On July 28, 1800, Hamilton wrote to Dexter and referred to “your letter of the 10th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
21To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Y. How, 12 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I should do violence to my feelings if I neglected early to express to you my respect and my gratitude. During the year which I have been so happy as to spend in your military family, your conduct towards me has been uniformly delicate and tender. It has excited in my heart an attachment that can never be effaced. With sincere affection and respect I am, Dr. Sir, yr. ob. ser. ALS ,...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Ellison, 14 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I met with the Aurora last Night, which has led me to an expression of my detestation of the infamous Writer. It did not occur to me that I might probably be the means of silencing him till within one Hour of the Mail’s being closed. I suggested the Idea to Mr Hale only, & he urged me to write to you. I should be sorry to see the foregoing Letter published, & hope, that, if you will get a Copy...
23Enclosure: “Y. Z.” to John C. Ogden, [14 July 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
To the Revd John Cosens Ogden If you do not promise to refrain from the Nonsense & abuse, which you have so profusely lavished of late, upon New England Illuminati, Genl Hamilton &c &c, you must expect to see the following published in Boston, Portsmouth, Connecticut, Vermont, Canada, Lansingburgh, Albany, New York & Philadelphia Papers & in every other place where you have made yourself...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 14 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will oblige me by ordering for me to be ready as soon as possible a Coachee to cost 80 pounds and to be as complete and decent as can be had for that sum. Yrs. truly If you could without too much trouble find a stout cart horse I should be glad to have him—the rate not too dear. ALS , George N. Meissner Collection, Rare Book Department, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Ogden, a...
25To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 14 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
By your order I furnish Majr Wilcocks, of the late 12 Regt Infty. with a Horsemans Tent, for his use, and took his receipt therefor. This tent has not been return’d to the Depty Qt Master Genl. which is contrary to Genl Orders. I have seen the Major & he refuses to deliver it up, to me, by alledging that Government owes him, and further observ’d I might Sue him for it. I do not wish to...
26To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 16 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Fort Niagara [ New York ] July 16, 1800 . Complains of delays in the payment of quartermaster drafts, the delays in orders sent to him, the lack of experienced officers, and the reduction in troop strength. States that the British garrison has been reinforced. Thanks Hamilton for “the promises … respecting the Brittish Surgeons” and for “the assurance … respecting the Court of Inquiry.” ALS ,...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 17 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
By the Newspapers which arrived the last post, we are informed of your return to New York. I have therefore requested Lieutt: Walbach to take charge of such part of the Cavalry regulations as we had compiled, and to carry them to you, agreably to your desire, at New York. He will set out in about a week. The only part finished is what relates to the training the horses, and to Military...
28To Alexander Hamilton from John Rutledge, Junior, 17 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The result of a very industrious enquiry I have made here respecting the presidential election is, that ’tis quite problematical how it will issue in this State. I find the people in general very much devoted to Mr Adams, from the mere circumstance I believe of his being an eastern man, & at the same time jealous & suspicious of you in the extreme; saying you possess an influence in the middle...
29Enclosure: James A. Bayard to John Rutledge, Junior, 8 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving upon my return to Wilmington after an absence of three weeks the letter you were so obliging as to write me previous to your departure from New Castle. I felt in an equal degree with yourself the surprize which you manifested at the late conduct of our President. The point of understanding subsisting between him and Mr. Jefferson it is scarcely possible to...
30Introductory Note: From Philip Schuyler, [17 July 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
This letter contains the first explicit reference to the Grange, Hamilton’s country home in upper Manhattan. Hamilton may have begun to plan this “retreat,” as he called it, as early as 1798, when he wrote to his wife Elizabeth of a “sweet prospect” which he had formed. The name he gave to his country estate was the same as that of his family’s ancestral home in Ayrshire, Scotland, and of his...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, [17 July 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you from Albany early in the present Month, and inclosed copy of a writ served on my brother one of the Executors of My late nephew John C. Schuyler, and intreated of you to enter his appearance at the ensuing term of the Supreme Court. The plaintiff is John R. Van Rensselaer who married the Wid⟨ow⟩ of John C. Schuyler and to whom the latter ⟨left⟩ £1000. You will recollect that there...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Jean Xavier Bureaux de Pusy, [19 July 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen Point, New Jersey, July 19, 1800. ] Thanks Hamilton for recommending him for a position in the United States Government. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is written in French. See James McHenry to H, May 12, 1800 ; Bureaux de Pusy to H, May 16, 1800 ; H to Samuel Dexter, July 9, 1800 .
33From Alexander Hamilton to Paul Busti, 23 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 23, 1800. “From past transactions I have reason to think that it may be in contemplation to have an Agent for the Dutch Company, who will reside upon the lands, and be exclusively devoted to their interest having no other occupation or pursuit. Major Hoops has signified to me his wish to be this Agent and I have promised to mention him to you. The Major has many things in his...
34From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Dexter, 28 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
An extraordinary pressure of business since the receipt of your letter of the 10th. instant has delayed a reply to that part of it which respects the rule of promotion. This rule was not adopted on my recommendation singly but on the Recommendation of the Commander in Chief supported by the Opinion of General Pinckney and myself. Of its expediency with regard to the Corps of Artillerists &...
35To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 28 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I discredited a rumour at the Havanna, that our auxiliary force was disbanded, because I could find no reason to justify the measure, & it was not until my Arrival at Norfolk the 13th. Inst: that this unlooked for Event was confirmed. The expression of my regret & disgust on this occasion, might under the consequences which have ensued, produce doubts of my sincerity. I therefore will wave the...
36Enclosure: [Request for Information on Recruits], [28 July 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
General Wilkinson will be much obliged to General Hamilton, for information of the following Heads, & will be happy to receive it, as soon as may be Convenient Vizt. The Disposition & Strength of the 1st. and 2d. Regimts., with the present Station of the Officers of those Corps. The Strength, position & orders of the several recruiting parties, whether Stationary or in March. The Destination...
37From Alexander Hamilton to William R. Putnam, July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am proprietor of five shares in the lands of the Ohio Company, in respect to which I take the liberty to ask your assistance, ’till some general arrangement, which is meditated, shall be adopted by the proprietors in this quarter. Having learnt that ⟨–⟩ taxes have been imposed on the lands w⟨hich⟩ require for its security a remittance of money—that 80 dollars will be equal to the demand for...
38From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this morning the pl⟨easure⟩ of your public and private letter of the 29⟨th⟩ of June. I write th⟨is⟩ acknowlegement ⟨for⟩ the two in this private letter because I con⟨sider⟩ my military functions to have ceased ⟨and that⟩ my situation has been left somewhat eq⟨uivo⟩cal. Though I shall regret the loss ⟨of⟩ an opportunity of conversing with you ⟨and⟩ of manifesting in conjunction with Mrs....
39From Alexander Hamilton to William Vans Murray, [July–August 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Give me leave to introduce to your acquaintance and good offices the Chevalier De Colbert who is the bearer of this letter. This Gentleman is among those who have been victims to an attachment upon principle to the royal cause. It is possible nevertheless that the course of things and imperious necessity may at length lead him to seek an accommodation with the present Governing Power of his...
40From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 1 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been repeatedly mentioned to me that you have, on different occasions, asserted the existence of a British Faction in this Country, embracing a number of leading or influential characters of the Fœderal Party (as usually denominated) and that you have sometimes named me, at other times plainly alluded to me, as one of this description of persons: And I have likewise been assured that of...
41From Alexander Hamilton to George Cabot, 1 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 1, 1800. On August 10, 1800, Cabot wrote to Hamilton : “Your letter of the 1st. did not reach me until last evening.” Letter not found. ]
42To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham R. Ellery, 2 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I avail myself of the permission you gave me of recalling Lt. Overing to your remembrance, who, while at New York, solicited your approbation and countenance in his attempts to procure a Lieutenancy in the Artillery. If I recollect rightly his personal appearance had left no impression on your mind to his prejudice, & I am persuaded, he will exert himself to make good any favorable ideas you...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 3 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have two days since written to Mr. Adams a respectful letter on the subject I heretofore mentioned to you. Occupations at Court prevented its being sooner done. But I wait with impatience for the statement of facts which you promised me. It is plain that unless we give our reasons in some form or other—Mr. Adam’s personal friends seconded by the Jacobins will completely run us down in the...
44From Alexander Hamilton to James A. Bayard, 6 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of Columbia College in this City has resigned & we are looking out for a successor. Dr. Wharton has occurred to me as a character worthy of enquiry, & the great confidence I feel in your judgment & candour induces me to have recourse to you. We are extremely anxious to have a well qualified man, as this is the only thing wanting to render our institution very flourishing. We have...
45From Alexander Hamilton to Edward Carrington, 7 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 7, 1800. On August 30, 1800, Carrington wrote to H : “I have received your friendly and confidential letter of the 7th. Inst.” Letter not found. ] Carrington, a veteran of the American Revolution and a member of the Continental Congress from Virginia in 1785 and 1786, was United States marshal in Virginia from 1789 to 1791 and supervisor of the revenue for the District of...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 7 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 7, 1800. “… As between Pinckney & Adams I give a decided preference to the first. If you have not heared enough to induce you to agree in this opinion I will upon your request enter into my reasons. Mr Adams has governed & must govern from impulse and caprice , under the influence of the two most mischievous of Passions for a Politician, to an extreme that to be portrayed...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Stockton, 7 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 7, 1800. On August 9, 1800, Stockton wrote to Hamilton : “I have had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 7th.” Letter not found. ] Stockton, a New Jersey lawyer and Federalist, was a member of the United States Senate from 1796 to 1799.
48From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Dexter, 8 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Major Rensselaer, who was the eldest captain of dragoons before the late augmentation of the army, was under that augmentation promoted to a major. He has some time since devoted himself to military affairs, as a profession for life, and is unwilling to quit. For my part I have conceived there was a discretion in the president on this subject, which may be exercised in favour of the major. A...
49From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, [8 August 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter from Washington, my wishes in every thing accord with yours. I shall be glad of every opportunity of brightening the charm. As soon as possible I will send you the information you desire. A change of office has deranged my Military papers and will occasion some delay. Major Rensselaer unwilling to quit goes to ascertain the possibility of remaining. I am of opinion...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Stockton, 9 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Princeton [ New Jersey ] August 9, 1800 . States: “I have had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 7th.” Requests Hamilton to serve as counsel for Samuel and Miers Fisher in a suit in the Circuit Court of the United States. Discusses the presidential campaign in New Jersey and asserts that despite the strong Republican campaign in that state, the Federalists will be able to choose...