To Alexander Hamilton from Morgan Lewis, 9 August 1790
From Morgan Lewis
Rhinebeck [New York] 9th. August 1790.
Dr sir,
I observe that by the funding Plan adopted by Congress, certain Commissioners are to be appointed for the purpose of receiving Subscriptions to the Loan &ca.1 I do not know if I shall have your good offices for the Appointment to be made in this State. I will not ask them, because as those Officers are to be immediately under your Direction, I think you ought to be at perfect Liberty to procure appointments for whomsoever you wish. The Design of this Letter is principally to acquaint you, that I have Reason to believe Applications have been made to Mr. Morris2 & some Other Gentlemen of supposed Influence with the President for their Interest in favor of a Connection of mine.3
I am with Esteem your Friend & Servt.
M Lewis
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. “An Act making provision for the (payment of the) Debt of the United States” ( 138–44 [August 4, 1790]). On August 6, 1790, Washington submitted his nominations for commissioners of loans to the Senate.
2. Presumably Robert Morris, who at this time was a Senator from Pennsylvania
3. This may be a reference to Peter R. Livingston. Lewis had married Gertrude Livingston, a cousin of Peter R. Livingston. When Dr. John Cochran resigned as commissioner of loans in New York in 1793, Livingston applied for the post.