1To 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,...
2To 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...
3To 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...
4To 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....
5To 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...
6To 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. ]
7To 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 ,...
8To 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...
9Enclosure: “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...
10To 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...
11To 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 ,...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15To 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 .
16To 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...
17Enclosure: [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...
18To 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...
19To 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...
20To Alexander Hamilton from George Cabot, 10 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 1st. did not reach me until last evening—the inclosure shall be transmitted tomorrow, or the day following by some trusty person who will attend the Levee if one can be found who will engage to deliver it;—otherwise I may perhaps send it in the regular package which goes from the post office. this method wou’d be better than to send a servant who might be obliged to deliver...
21To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 12 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have your favor by Van Ranselear & shall support his Views with my utmost Ingenuity, tho tis a difficult case & our Secty is I fear rather timid. He may however be held on the Rolls on the ground of expediency, until the Legislature meets, & then the glaring propriety, not to say necessity, of the establishment, will certainly give us a remedy even among Demons or Idiots. I am sorry to press...
22To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 18 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I willingly communicate such information as I possess on the subjects of the enquiries contained in the letter you did me the honor to write on the 6 Inst. and which I received the day before yesterday. I had a ten years acquaintance with Doctor Wharton which invariably continued on a footing of intimacy and friendship. I esteemed him a Scholar & a Gentleman. His classical knowledge is...
23To Alexander Hamilton from George Cabot, 21 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
An exposition of the reasons which influence many men of unquestionable patriotism & loyalty to withhold from Mr Adams the confidence he once enjoyed, may be useful by satisfying the intelligent & candid part of the public that those men act, as they have ever done, on genuine national principles; the reasons are strong & require only to be placed in a clear light—but this must be done with...
24To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Do you possess enough of the second sight to tell me what our friends have done and intend doing to the Eastward? God forgive me, if I make false calculations about them or deliver myself up too easily to dreams and reveries. I see nothing ex cathedra in that division of Country from which I can augur a determination adverse to the election of the present chief. Johnson says somewhere, in his...
25To Alexander Hamilton from George Cabot, 23 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have shewn to several of our wisest & best men a copy of what I wrote you on the 21st instant —they all concur in the sentiments it contains, Still it is probably fit & it may be indispensable to expose Mr Adams fully to the public; the countenance & authority given by him & his friends to the vile calumnies against us may strengthen their credit so much as to render them irrefutable without...
26To Alexander Hamilton from John Marshall, 23 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I receivd to day your letter of the 19th inst. accompanying a memorial from the Governor General of the Danish West india islands respecting the conduct of some of our ships of War. This paper shall be immediately communicated ⟨to the⟩ secretary of the Navy. Our dispatches from Paris come no later than the 17th. of may. There is in them nothing on which a positive opinion respecting the result...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 23 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Hartford, August 23, 1800. Requests Hamilton’s advice on the procedure which the executors of Nathanael Greene’s estate should follow in selling lands in New York. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see “Report on the Petition of Catherine Greene,” December 26, 1971 . Wadsworth, a Connecticut Federalist, was deputy commissary general and commissary...
28To Alexander Hamilton from William Bingham, 24 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Adams had 70 & Mr Jefferson 68 Votes at the last Election. In Pennsylvania, Virginia, N Carolina, he had a Vote in each State. From the result of the Enquiries I have made, & the best Calculation I can form, Mr J cannot procure more than 58 Votes, on a presumption that this State will have no agency in the Election, & that he obtains half of those of No Carolina. Great Efforts are making in...
29To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 25 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I was this moment favd. with yours of the 19th Instant; requesting Copies of the Instruction, and of the Letter mentioned in it. I shall without Delay look for these papers. I presume that I have preserved them, but am not certain. When I removed from my House in the Broadway to the Govt. House, all such of my papers as were not in use, or which did not respect Property, were packed up with...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 25 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 13th Instant with the plan of your intended house was delivered me on Thursday last that of the 18th by the mail I received yesterday. I have deliverd Mr Putnam the builder the plan and a paper of which you have a copy on the other side, and Expect his answer to morrow. If the house is boarded on the out side, and then Clap boards put on, and fitted in the inside with brick I...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 18, enclosing papers respecting the conduct of Capt Perry, towards the Danish schooner, William & Mary. The Gentlemen at whose request you transmitted me these papers, may be assured that a strict scrutiny shall be made into this affair—& that no proper step shall be omitted to vindicate the Character of Capt Perry, if innocent, or to punish him, if guilty....
32To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 26 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated your letter, by Mr Coolidge, to Mr Cabot and two or three friends I have desired him and he has promised to write to you on the subject. Since it’s reception I have had a long profoundly sensible and interesting letter from Mr Wolcot. The same friends have also considered that, and we all agree in the result. We understand that at the close of the late session the Feds....
33To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 26 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday I recd. and answd. yours of the 19 Instant. I have found a Copy of the Instructions, made by Wm. T. Franklin who was our Secy. They contain the following, verbatim —vizt. “You are to make the most candid and confidential communications upon all Subjects, to the ministers of our generous ally the King of France, to undertake nothing in the negociation for peace or Truce without their...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 27 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I recd this morning at this place, the country residence of my Son in law Mr. Caton, your letter of the 7th instant. I wish it were in my power to give you pleasing intelligence of the politics in this my State —Our county (Ann Arundel) wh was lately so federal, is at present much divided; in the upper part of it, I suspect, there is a majority for antifederal Delegates to our State Legislate:...
35To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 27 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I recd. and answered your Letter of the 19 Inst: on Monday. Yesterday I found the Instructions, & immediately wrote to you a Letter containing a Copy of the Paragraph in question. My search for the Letter of which I made the use you mention, was fruitless until this morning, when I found it, and now enclose a Copy —It does not quite answer your Expectation as to the opinion—But I know and am...
36To Alexander Hamilton from Herman Le Roy and William Bayard, 27 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 27, 1800. Requests opinion on the “Compensation … proper for us to claim against the Directors of the Holland Land Company, by reason of our having acted as Co-Trustees and Agents in relation to their Genesee Lands.…” Copy, Gemeentearchief Amsterdam, Holland Land Company. In 1964 the Holland Land Company documents were transferred to their present location from the...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 30 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your friendly and confidential letter of the 7th. Inst. and am much obliged by your information as to the state of public opinion in the Eastern & Middle states in regard to the approaching presidential election. In return I will give you such as I possess Southwardly; yours however must be far the most perfect, as to particular circumstances, from your late tour through the...
38To Alexander Hamilton from “Hambden”, [30 August 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
A young Man, who, from his Situation in Life has some Leisure; and who wishes to devote it, to, what he most conscientiously considers, the true Interests of his Country, incloses you a paper, which is intended as the first of a series of the like Tendency & Style. Unknown to, and by, You, it will hardly be considered even a Compliment, when I profess to view your person as the most regularly...
39Receipt from Isaac McComb and Company, [2 September 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Isaac McComb & Co for Genll. Hambleton By Van Geld S. Septb 2 1800 To 3 Cask Lime @ 14 ⅌ Cask To Carting 2 £ 2.4. 0 DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. McComb was a stucco plasterer in New York City. For background to this document, see the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to H, July 17, 1800 . Abraham Van Gelder was a lime dealer and lime inspector in New York City.
40To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 3 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favoured with your Letters of the 3d. & 19th. instant. You will have thought it strange that the first has not been acknwledged—it has been out of my power: the effects of a new Climate want of exercise and too much application to official business, produced a serious indisposition, which disabled me from writing for a forth-night; I am now recovering, though I remain weak. I had...
41To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 4 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I recd. this morning your letter dated the 27 Ulto. with the one at first intended for Major Jackson. I sincerely beleive that there is not one of your friends who have paid the least attention to the insinuations attempted to be cast on the legitimacy of your birth, or who would care or respect you less were all that your enemies say or impute on this head true. I think it will be most...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Francis A. Vanderkemp, 15 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Oldenbarneveld [ New York ] September 15, 1800 . Recalls Hamilton’s kindness to him on his arrival in the United States. Proposes that the Society of the Cincinnati establish archives for “all what might be of any worth to Posterity” and that the archives include “all Orations Eulogys Sermons on Solemn occasions—all remarkable incidents anecdotes &c.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
43Receipt from John Scott, 18 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr & Hamelton to John Scott Dr 1 Load of Brick Lime & Bords £ 1 12 0 Recvd payment John Scott DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this document, see the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to H, July 17, 1800 .
44To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 22 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
On my Return to this place on Friday last, I was favored with yours of the 3d. Instant. It seems that contradictory Reports still prevail respecting our negociations at Paris. I am not yet persuaded that Buonaparte has adopted in all its Extent, the System of Domination which the preceding Rulers of France attempted to execute; and therefore I presume that a Treaty of peace with America on...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Wilkes, 24 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 24, 1800. Requests Hamilton to act as counsel for his brother-in-law, who as the guarantor of a large debt may lose twenty thousand dollars. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Wilkes was cashier of the Bank of New York. Lewis Simond, Wilkes’s brother-in-law, was a New York City merchant. This is a reference to the case of Daniel Ludlow and Gulian Ludlow v Augier...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed Capt Dale to repair to New Port, to act as President of a Court of enquiry on the conduct of Capt Perry as well in relation to the Danish Schooner, captured through his means, as some other matters. Had it been practicable to have Spared a sufficient number of officers to have formed a Court Martial, this course would have been pursued in preference. Perhaps some of the persons...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 29 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday Mr Van Vechtnen Advised me that no Notice had been given by Mr Ogden to Jacob R Van Rensselaer that Special bail had been filed in the Suit of John R. V. Rensselaer Against Stephen Schuyler & Henry J V Rensselaer. in Conformity to Mr Ogdens directions to My Brother, I became Special Bail, and immediately Advised Mr Ogden thereof and that the bail price was filed. on Saturday last,...
48Receipt from William Barton, [September 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
1800 Genl. Alexander Hammelton To William Barton Sept. 2d. To an arch Bar & Crain eye for a fire place Wt 40 lb. .. £ 2. 00 10 To a Crain for Ditto Wt 36½ lb .. 1. 16.0 £ 3. 16.0 DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Barton was a blacksmith in New York City. For background to this document, see the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to H, July 17, 1800 .
49To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 1 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your favour of September 26th. and have made a few notes, which I will revise and send to you to morrow. The style & temper is excellent, no observations occur to me upon the first part of the Draught. You will judge of the expediency of sending the Letter, from the information which you possess of the public opinion. I have no lights beyond those which I suggested as from...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Dexter, 2 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to enclose a Letter from General La Fayette, and one from the Widow of the late Colonel Fleury, which came to this Office with a number of others on the same subject under cover from Mr. Murray. I have not formally requested your assistance to Mr. Puzy, respecting the fortifications in the Harbor of New York, because, as the Law of your state is construed by me, the whole...