91From Alexander Hamilton to William Floyd, [7 July 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
Received of William Floyd Esquire Fifty seven pound and ten shillings being the amount of a note of hand with Interest from him to John Carter alias John Church for Fifty pound New York Currency dated in Philadelphia sometime about the last of April in the year One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three and which note has been mislaid in my hands. New York July 7th 1785 ADS , Mrs. J. T....
92From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 4 August 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 4, 1784. On October 18, 1784, Forman wrote to Hamilton : “I am favored with your Letter of the 20th past and … one written the 4th. August.” Letter of August 4 not found. ]
93From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 20 September 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 20, 1784. On October 18, 1784, Forman wrote to Hamilton : “I am favored with your Letter of the 20th past.” Letter not found. ]
94From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 22 March 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 22, 1786. Encloses a bond and requests Forman to send “a receipt for it as a payment on account of the legacy in which you are interested.” Copy, in writing of Pierre Van Cortlandt, Jr., Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
95From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 17 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 17, 1785. On the back of a letter that Forman wrote to Hamilton on May 31, 1785, Hamilton wrote : “Answered June 17th. 1785.” Letter not found. ]
96From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, August 28, 1788. On the envelope of the letter that Forman wrote to Hamilton on August 23, 1788 , Hamilton wrote: “Ansd. Aug 28. 88.” Letter not found. ]
97From Alexander Hamilton to Elbridge Gerry, [6 September 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I am a member of a Committee, to whom the Baron De Steuben’s application to Congress founded upon a certain statement supported among other testimonials by a certificate from you, has been referred. Among the papers committed to us is the copy of a written report made by the Committee appointed to confer with the Baron at York Town. As this report is of a nature to create difficulties in the...
98From Alexander Hamilton to Isaac Gouverneur, Junior, [March 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Bremar last evening delivered me your Letter inclosing a Copy of your Correspondence with Mr Lewis. In a personal Altercation between two Gentlemen where their passions have evidently become pritty warmly engaged, and for both whom I always had Esteem, I should not be willing to give my Opinion on the conduct of one of them, especially when the appeal was not made to me by both. On this...
99From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [1 October 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
By this time I presume My Dear General you have returned to your ancient residence. I had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Greene at New York; and was induced by her to hope you would be prevailed upon to become a fellow citizen of ours. I know you have long had a partiality for our state; but I have been afraid, and have not yet banished my apprehensions, that your new Mistress would detach you...
100From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [28–31 July 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
I arrived here My beloved Betsey the fifth day after we set out, the three first days with every favourable circumstance but the two last through very bad weather. I am however as well as I can be absent from you and my darling boy —nor was I ever more impatient to be at home. I can have little pleasure elsewhere. I hope and persuade myself My Betsey is not less desirous for my return....
101From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My beloved for your letter by the Post. I have time only to tell you that I am well and to request to be remembered to your sister & to Mrs. Mitchell Adieu My beloved. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found. Ann Venton Mitchell, H’s cousin, had been known to him during his boyhood on St. Croix in the West Indies.
102From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [8 September 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you My beloved Betsey at Philadelphia; but through mistake brought off the letter with me; which I did not discover till my arrival here. I was not very well on the first part of the journey; but my health has been improved by travelling and is now as good as I could wish. Happy, however I cannot be, absent from you and my darling little ones. I feel that nothing can ever compensate...
103From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 17 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Chester, New York, March 17, 1785. Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “I have just written to you My beloved by the person who will probably be the bearer of this.” Letter not found. ]
104From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [17 March 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
I have just written to you My beloved by the person who will probably be the bearer of this. Col Burr just tells me, that the house we live in is offered for sale at £2100. I am to request you to agree for the purchase for me, if at that price. If you cannot do better, you may engage that the whole shall be paid in three months; but I could wish to pay half in a short time and the other half...
105From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [May 1786–April 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Three or four days since I wrote to My angel by the Post, since which I have received a letter from her. I am very unhappy to hear that my beloved is out of health. Heaven grant it may soon be restored. I entreat her to take care of herself & keep up her spirits. I cannot yet determine what will be our stay here and consequently I can make no determinations about my love; but I feel that it...
106From Alexander Hamilton to James Hamilton, 22 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 31st of May last, which, and one other, are the only letters I have received from you in many years. I am a little surprised you did not receive one which I wrote to you about six months ago. The situation you describe yourself to be in gives me much pain, and nothing will make me happier than, as far as may be in my power, to contribute to your relief. I...
107From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Hazard, 1 September 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 1, 1786. Answers questions concerning a government contract for carrying the mail which Hazard had sent to Hamilton on August 1, 1786. Copy, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Hazard enclosed H’s answers in a letter to Nathaniel Gorham, September 25, 1786.
108From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Hazard, [24 April 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 21st. was only delivered me this morning. The good opinion of liberal men I hold in too high estimation not to be flatterd by that part of your letter which relates to me personally. The other part I have communicated to General Schuyler, and he assures me he will see all his friends this afternoon upon the subject; so that I have no doubt as far as his influence extends it...
109From Alexander Hamilton to Cornelius Hendrickson, [1786] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, 1786. ] “Mr. Laurence Kortright of this City has requested me to write to you concerning a suit in Chancery which has been depending between Mr Cornelius P. Lowe and himself on a matter in which the estate of his brother to which You are an Executor is concerned; and in which suit Mr. B Livingston of this place and myself were employed as Council for Mr. Kortright. I send you...
110From Alexander Hamilton to John Holker, [29 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that I am willing and do hereby accept the brief reposed in me as a Commissioner by virtue of a certain instrument bearing date the thirty first day of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Eight made between Daniel Parker by his Attorney Andrew Craigie John Holker William Duer Samuel Rogers by the said Andrew Craigie Royal Flint and divers Creditors of the...
111Constitutional Convention. Nomination of William Jackson as Secretary of the Constitutional Convention, 25 May 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 25, 1787. On this date Hamilton nominated Major William Jackson as secretary of the Constitutional Convention. Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America. Reported by James Madison (New York, 1920), 18. Of the many editions of Madison’s notes of debates in the...
112From Alexander Hamilton to Abel James, 4 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1783. Reports on the progress of James’s case involving lands in the Otsego Patent. Copy, in the handwriting of Abel James, anonymous donor. For the text of this letter and an explanation of its contents, see the discussion of the Otsego Patent of George Croghan in Goebel, Law Practice Julius Goebel, Jr., and Joseph H. Smith, eds., The Law Practice of Alexander Hamilton:...
113From Alexander Hamilton to Neil Jamieson, 3 November 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] November 3, 1785 . Encloses a document relating to the case of Samuel Griffin adsm. John Cottringer and asks Jamieson to provide bail for Mr. Griffin. Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
114From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [3 May 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I this morning received your letter of yesterday. I have seen with pain the progress of the transactions, which have excited irritations between Mr. Livingston and yourself, and as my dispositions to both, in whatever I have had to do with the matter, have been friendly, I should with reluctance do any thing, that might affect either, further than a regard to truth and propriety should make it...
115From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [7 December 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
The Baron De Steuben has informed me that he is about to set out for Trenton, where he expects to make application to Congress for a final settlement of his pretensions. I feel myself so much interested in the success of his intended application, that I cannot forbear taking the liberty to recommend his case to your particular patronage. I have been an eye-witness to the services he has...
116To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 7 December 1784 (Jay Papers)
The Baron De Steuben has informed me that he is about to set out for Trenton, where he expects to make application to Congress for a final settlement of his pretensions. I feel myself so much interested in the success of his intended application, that I cannot forbear taking the liberty to recommend his case to your particular patronage. I have been an eye-witness to the services he has...
117From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Johnson, 27 March 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer of this is a Mr. Claxton, who is desirous of being a messenger or something equivalent. I feel an interest in his success, as he is a man of qualifications superior to his present aims. His memorial, which he will deliver you, is of his own drafting, by which you will perceive that he has some literary pretension. He has followed the Printing business; but from the ill effect of it...
118From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Jones, [9 June 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
The above is a copy of a paper transmitted me this day by Mr. Duane. You will perceive much is expected from us; and unfortunately in the situation of my business little is in my power. I wish to see you in Town as soon AL , The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. The letter is undated. It was written, as the first line states, on the date on which H received his commission from James...
119From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Jones, [21 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
As in our conversations on the important subject of a representation in the ensuing Congress I had the pleasure to perceive that you were inclined to pursue a moderate and accommodating line of conduct; and as I have reason to believe that representations will be made of the sense of this city calculated to nourish a spirit of pertinacity in the Majority of the Assembly which may counteract...
120From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [28 August 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you some days since, that to request you to inform me when there was a prospect of your finishing as I intended to be with you, for certain reasons, before the conclusion. It is whispered here that some late changes in your scheme have taken place which give it a higher tone. Is this the case? I leave town today, to attend a circuit in a neighbouring County, from which I shall...
121From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [20 August 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my arrival here, I have written to my colleagues, informing them, that if either of them would come down I would accompany him to Philadelphia. So much for the sake of propriety and public opinion. In the mean time if any material alteration should happen to be made in the plan now before the Convention, I will be obliged to you for a communication of it. I will also be obliged to you to...
122From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Knox, 17 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 17, 1784. On July 28, 1784, Knox wrote to Hamilton : “After a long long Chasm in Our Epistolary Intercourse, I received your favour of the 17th. of May last.” Letter not found. ]
123Alexander Hamilton and Egbert Benson to John Lansing, Junior, 1 September 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
Newark [ New Jersey ] September 1, 1786 . “We set out this afternoon on a journey to Anapolis in obedience to the appointment of the Legislature respecting the proposed commercial arrangements and are thus far on our journey. This of course renders it impossible for either of us to be at the intended trials in which Mr. Rensselaaer is concerned.” ALS , in writing of H, New-York Historical...
124From Alexander Hamilton to John Lansing, Junior, 22 October 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 22, 1785. Requests information concerning several cases in which Hamilton was serving as an attorney. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
125From Alexander Hamilton to John Laurance, 23 March 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] March 23, 1786 . Plans to bring the cause of Benjamin Paine, et al. v. Peter Mesier, Jr. and Jacob Van Voorhees to trial at the next term of the Supreme Court. Copy, Mr. Otto Madlener, Hubbard Woods, Illinois.
126From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Laurens, 6 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 6, 1785. On April 19, 1785, Laurens wrote to Hamilton : “I was yesterday honored by receipt of your very obliging Letter of the 6th.” Letter not found. ]
127From Alexander Hamilton to Isaac Ledyard, [18 February 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I understand you are to have a meeting at this place to morrow on the subject of the ensuing elections and accordingly inclose you to be laid before the meeting an address to the Inhabitants of your Township in regard to the appointment of a Governor. It is much to be wished the meeting may agree with their fellow citizens in New York and come to a resolution on the subject—For in Politics as...
128Inhabitants of the City of New York to the Legislature of New York State, [January–March 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
To The Honorable The Legislature of the State of New York The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the City of New York respectfully sheweth That Your Petitioners anxious for the welfare of the community of which they are members have seen with peculiar regret the delay which has hitherto attended the adoption of the Revenue system recommended by Congress in their resolutions of the That...
129Memorial to Abolish the Slave Trade, 13 March 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 13, 1786. On this date, H and other memorialists signed a petition to the New York legislature urging the end of the slave trade, “a commerce so repugnant to humanity, and so inconsistent with the liberality and justice which should distinguish a free and enlightened people.” New-York Packet , March 13, 1786. For information on H’s membership in the Manumission Society, see...
130From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Livingston, [25 April 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. W. Livingston mentioned to me lately in New York, that you would wish to have measures speedily taken concerning the controversy between the Chancellor and yourself. Though I am upon the maturest reflection of opinion that the law is with you; yet you know my sentiments as to the uncertainty of the event. Much will depend on the whim of a jury; and therefore previous to entering upon a...
131Receipt to Robert Cambridge Livingston, [8 June 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 8, 1786. On June 17, 1796, Walter Livingston wrote to Hamilton : “In examining my fathers papers yesterday I found a receipt of yours in the following words Viz. Received New York June 8. 1786 of Robert C. Livingston Esquire Twenty five Dollars as a retainer for the Manor of Livingston. Alex Hamilton.” Receipt not found. ] Robert Cambridge Livingston, a merchant, was the...
132From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, [23 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
We have talked over the Question. Who of the Commissioners are to go to the Southward? And it seems to be decided that you and myself are to be of the number and that a third must be either Mr. R. C. Livingston or Mr Ganseevort, as they may arrange it between themselves. I understand the meeting is to be sometime in September. I remain with sincere esteem Sir Your obed & hum ser ALS ,...
133From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, 22 March 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you on Wednesday evening, respecting the circumstances attending the suppression of a certain proclamation issued by the Council for the temporary Government of the Southern district, on account of the conduct of Sears Lamb and Willet in stopping Rivington’s press. It runs in my mind very strongly, that I was informed by Mr. Benson & yourself that the Governor had stayed the...
134From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, [18 March 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Some short time after the evacuation of this City, on the occasion of certain irregularities committed (I think by Sears and others in regard to Rivington) The Council for the temporary government came to some resolution, or agreed upon some proclamation of a spirited nature for discountenan[c]ing such proceedings which was delivered to the Governor to publish. He kept it in his hands and did...
135From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Livingston, [18 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton requests the favour of Mr W Livingston to lend his name to the enclosed. AL , New-York Historical Society, New York City. Livingston, a New York City lawyer, served as Commissioner of the Treasury from 1785 to 1789. The enclosure has not been found, but at the bottom of H’s letter Livingston wrote: “Nov. 18–88 The note enclosed was for £300 payable in 30 days drawn by himself in...
136Promissory Note to Walter Livingston, 20 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 20, 1788. On the letter from Hamilton of November 18, 1788 , Livingston made the following notation: “Nov. 20 Col. A. Hamilton sent a note of his to me by Mr. Duer for 3000 Dolls. Specie to endorse which I did and sent the same to the Bank to be discounted for him—W.L.” Document not found. ] William Duer.
137From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, 15 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 15, 1788. On December 22, 1788, Livingston wrote to Hamilton : “Being favoured with your letter of the 15th instant.” Letter not found. ]
138From Alexander Hamilton to William Livingston, [29 August 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Baron De Steuben informs me that he expects to set out this day on a visit to your legislature to endeavour to procure some arrangement respecting the place at Hackensack some time since granted to him by your state upon certain conditions. My anxiety for the Baron’s situation induces me to take the liberty of asking your friendship to him as far as may consist with considerations of...
139From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Loudon, [27 December 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I Observe in Mr. Holt’s paper of this day, a nomination for the ensuing election, in which my name is included. I thank the authors of it for the honour they intended me; but being determined to decline public office, I think it proper to declare my determination, to avoid in any degree distracting the votes of my fellow citizens. The New-York Packet. And the American Advertiser , December 29,...
140From Alexander Hamilton to John Lowell, 30 October 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 30, 1785. States that “Mr. Lowe has delivered me your letter of the 19th. Instant.” Discusses the laws governing the attachment of property in New York State and the applicability of Massachusetts bankruptcy laws in New York. ALS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey. This letter was enclosed in H to Nicholas Low, October 30,...