Alexander Hamilton Papers

From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 June 1794

To Benjamin Lincoln1

Philadelphia June 28. 1794

My Dear Sir

What sail Cloth shall we use for the Frigates that of Domestic or that of Foreign Manufacture? National pride & interest plead for the former if the quality be really good. But is it really good? Objections are made; that which is principally insisted upon is that it shrinks exceedingly.

Let me know with certainty what Experience has decided. I ask your opinion because I rely on your impartiality as well as Judgment. It would be terrible to mistake. The public, & I personally who must provide, are materially interested that there be none. Let me hear from you as soon as may be.

With true esteem & regard   Your Obed ser

B Lincoln Esq

AL[S], RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives.

1For background to this letter, see Henry Knox to H, April 21, 1794.

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