1Alexander Hamilton’s Account with the Government of the United States, 7 March 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I A March 7th. 1789 Army in old Emissions Dr. To John Pierce Pay Master General, his account old emissions For Five thousand six hundred and twenty nine dollars 30/90 old Emissions that Lieut Col: Hamilton late aid de Camp to General Washington, credits on the settlement of his account at the Treasury the 2nd instant the specie value of which deducted from the amount in Specie 5.629.30 O.E....
2From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, [14 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed was delivered me by Doctr. Schuyler with a request to transmit it to one of the delegates of the state for patronage. He assures me that what he asks has been done in similar cases; particularly for some Hospital surgeons belonging to the State of Pensylvania. If so there will prob⟨ably⟩ be no difficulty in the case. I beg l⟨eave⟩ to recommend it to your attention. Doctor Schuyler...
3From Alexander Hamilton to John Dickinson, [25–30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Having always entertained an esteem for you personally I could not without reluctance yield to impressions that might weaken that sentiment, and it is with pain I find myself drawn by circumstances to animadvert upon the late message from the Executive Council to the Assembly of Pensylvania relative to the mutiny in a manner which may seem to impeach the candor of those who were the authors of...
4From Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, 26 September 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I received last night your letter of the 8th. instant, accompanied by one from Mr. L’hommedieu and yourself to Mr. Floyd and myself. I shall in consequence write to the Governor on the subject; though if I recollect right, I did in an official letter to him mention all that I can now say though perhaps at greater length—to wit that the resolutions of the senate & Assembly were committed for...
5From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I think I may address the subject of this letter to Your Excellency with more propriety than to any other person, as it is purely of a military nature, as you are best acquainted with my services as an officer, and as you are now engaged in assisting to form the arrangements for the future peace establishment. Your Excellency knows that in March 82, I relinquished all claim to any future...
6From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
As I flatter myself I may indulge a consciousness that my services have been of some value to the public, at least enough to merit the small compensation I wish, I will make no apology to your Excellency for conveying through you that wish to Congress. You are able to inform them if they wish information, in what degree I may have been useful, and I have intire confidence that you will do me...
7From 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...
8From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 3 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
I have lately received from Messrs. Duane and Lhommedieu an extract of a letter from Your Excellency to the Delegates of the 23d. of August last requesting “a particular detail of the motives which influenced the determination of Congress” respecting the application of the legislature to have their state troops released from Continental pay, for the purpose of garrisoning the frontier posts....
9Oath of Allegiance, 20 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, October 20, 1783. On this date Hamilton signed an oath of allegiance to the State of New York. The oath, signed by six other lawyers, reads as follows: “I do solemnly without any mental reservation or Equivocation whatsoever swear and declare and call God to witness That I renounce and adjure all allegiance to the King of Great Britain; and that I will bear true faith & allegiance to...
10Oath for the Faithful Execution of Office, 20 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, October 20, 1783. On this date Hamilton signed an oath for the faithful execution of his office. The oath, signed by five other lawyers, reads as follows: “I AB. chosen or appointed [as the Case may be] to the office of [here insert the officer’s Title of Office] Do solemnly in the presence of almighty God before whom I expect to answer for my conduct promise and swear, that I will in...
11From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 1 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 1, 1783. Writes as the legal representative of “Mrs. Chamier, widow and Administratrix of Daniel Chamier deceased.” Asks that George Birks, who owed money to Daniel Chamier, be “apprehended” and compelled to appear in court. ADS , Chicago Historical Society. This memorial was sent to the governor because of the absence of proper officers of government in New York City which...
12Alexander Hamilton, John Laurance, Morgan Lewis, and Richard Varick to Thomas Mifflin, [10 December 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Being concerned as Council for a number of persons, who, since the annunciation of the provisional treaty have been indicted under the confiscation laws of this state for the part they are supposed to have taken in the late war, we are induced at the desire of our clients and in their behalf, to apply to Congress through your Excellency for an exemplification of the definitive treaty. We take...
13From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 11 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 11, 1783. On December 18, 1783 , Chaloner wrote to Hamilton: “I have consulted the president of the Bank respectg the information you required in your Letter of the 11th. Instant.” Letter not found. ]
14From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 12 December 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 12, 1783. On February 7, 1784 , Church wrote to Hamilton: “I received a few Days since my Dear Sir your Favor of the 12th Decemr.” Letter not found. ]
15From 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,...
16A Letter from Phocion to the Considerate Citizens of New York, [1–27 January 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
While not only every personal artifice is employed by a few heated and inconsiderate spirits, to practise upon the passions of the people, but the public papers are made the channel of the most inflammatory and pernicious doctrines, tending to the subversion of all private security and genuine liberty; it would be culpable in those who understand and value the true interests of the community...
17From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 8 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 8, 1784. On January 21, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “I have before me yours of the 8th. & 15th Instt.” Letter of January 8 not found. ]
18From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 15 January 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, January 15, 1784. On January 21, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “I have before me yours of the 8th. & 15th Instt.” Letter of January 15 not found. ]
19From Alexander Hamilton to Francisco de Miranda, [January–July 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Hamiltons Compliments to Col Miranda; is much obliged to him for the paper. AD , Academia Nacional de la Historia, Caracas, Venezuela. Miranda, Spanish-American adventurer and soldier, served with the French during the American Revolution. After the war, when his attempts to achieve the independence of Spanish America were discovered, he fled first to the United States and then to England....
20Petition to the New York Legislature, [4 February 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
To The Honorable The Representatives of the State of New York In Senate and Assembly The Memorial and Petition of Alexander Hamilton humbly sheweth That Your Memorialist early in the year 1776 entered into the service of this State having been previously a resident therein, in the command of a company of Artillery raised for its particular defence, and continued in the command of that company...
21From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 5 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 5, 1784. On February 12, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Your two favours of the fifth & Eighth Instant are both reced.” Letter of February 5 not found. ]
22From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 7 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 7, 1784. On May 2, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th and 18th Feby. and 6th March.” Letter of February 7 not found. ]
23From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 8 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 8, 1784. On February 12, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Your two favours of the fifth & Eighth Instant are both reced.” Letter of February 8 not found. ]
24From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 12 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 12, 1784. On February 17, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 12th. Instant I have just reced.” Letter not found. ]
25From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, 18 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] February 18, 1784 . “I am engaged in several causes depending on the Trespass law on the side of the defendants. Three of my Clients who are British Merchants are anxious to have your assistance.… The actions are brought in the Mayor’s Court; so that I suppose the argument will come on in about five weeks. Will it be convenient for you to be here?” ALS , Lloyd W. Smith Collection,...
26From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 18 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 18, 1784. On May 2, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th and 18th Feby. and 6th March.” Letter of February 18 not found. ]
27From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 21 February 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received my dear Sir your letter of the 27th: of January and I would have sooner told you how much pleasure it gave me, if I had had time; but legislative folly has afforded so plentiful a harvest to us lawyers that we have scarcely a moment to spare from the substantial business of reaping. Today being sunday I have resolved to give an hour to friendship and to you. Good people would...
28Constitution of the Bank of New York, [23 February–15 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Constitution Article 1st. That the Bank shall be called by the Name and Title of the Bank of New York. –2– That the Capital Stock consist of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars in Gold or Silver, divided into One Thousand Shares of Five Hundred Dollars each Share and that a Majority of all the Directors may at their discretion open new Subscriptions for encreasing the Capital Stock, when they shall...
29Outline of a Charter for the Bank of New York, [23 February–15 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Plan for the Incorporation of a Bank 1st: The Stile of the Bank to be “The Bank of New-York.” 2. The Capital Stock not to Exceed 1,000,000 Dollars; each Share consisting of 500 Dollars. 3. The Subscribers to Elect on the 2d. Monday of May, in each year thirteen Directors to Conduct the Affairs of the Bank, who shall be authorised to Chuse a President; the Mode of Election to be determined by a...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Bayard, 6 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 6, 1784. “Mrs. Naomi Dunbar widow of Daniel Dunbar has retained me as Council in a suit which she expects will shortly be brought in behalf of the state for a house and lot in this city sold by you to her husband.… Mrs. Dunbar therefore wishes … that you would procure and send over to her a proper conveyance for the house and lot.” ALS , Mr. Justin G. Turner, Los Angeles,...
31From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 6 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 6, 1784. On May 2, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “I have within a few Days Received your Favors of the 7th and 18th Feby. and 6th March.” Letter of March 6 not found. ]
32From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 10 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last to you I informed you that a project for a land bank had been set on foot by Mr. Sayre as the ostensible Parent; but that I had reason to suspect the Chancellor was the true father. The fact has turned out as I supposed; and the Chancellor with a number of others have since petitioned the Legislature for an exclusive charter for the proposed bank. I thought it necessary not only...
33From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [21 March 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me to introduce to Your acquaintance and attention Mr Seaton Cashier of the Bank of New York. He is just setting out for Philadelphia to procure materials, and information in the forms of business. I recommend him to you, because I am persuaded you will with pleasure facilitate his object. Personally I dare say you will be pleased with him. He will tell you of our embarrassments and...
34From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 22 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, March 22, 1784. On March 25, 1784, Chaloner wrote to Hamilton : “Yours of the 22d Instant I have just now reced.” Letter not found. ]
35From Alexander Hamilton to ———, 31 March 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 31, 1784. “I have considered the Patent to Mr. Woolley and am in doubt whether it is valid or not so far as it gives an exclusive right of ferriage; as this may be construed into a monopoly.” ALS , Bank of New York, New York City.
36From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [7 April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Pardon me My Dr. Sir for not sooner having obeyed your orders with respect to the inclosed. I part with it reluctantly; for that is so rare an article, that when we get so much of it in so small a compass we can not easily consent to be dispossessed of it. I am very happy to hear of the union of your two banks; for you will believe me when I tell you, that on more deliberate consideration, I...
37Second Letter from Phocion, [April 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
The little hasty production, under the signature of Phocion , has met with a more favourable reception from the public, than was expected. The force of plain truth has carried it along against the stream of prejudice; and the principles, it holds out, have gained ground, in spite of the opposition of those, who were either too angry, or too much interested to be convinced. Men of this...
38From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 16 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 16, 1784. On the envelope of a letter that Church wrote to Hamilton on February 7, 1784 , Hamilton wrote: “From & to Mr. Carter May 16, 1784.” Letter not found. ]
39From 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. ]
40From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [17–]18 May 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
By this post will come to you a letter from General Schuyler, in which you will perceive he has desired me to draw upon you for a sum of money. The object is to pay for a lot purchased for Mr Carter. The amount of the sum wanted is £2800 this Currency. A bill upon Philadelphia cannot be sold here ⟨without⟩ considerable discount. I am therefore to request you will forward it by trusty persons...
41From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, 8 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 8, 1784. The catalogue description of a letter to Benson from Hamilton reads: “Mainly on legal business, concluding: ‘No thing new here except that the Whigs by way of eminence (as they distinguish themselves) are degenerating fast into a very peaceable set of people.’” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Anderson Galleries, May 9, 1912, Lot 65.
42From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Chastellux, [14 June 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Clarkeson, who will have the honor of delivering you this, being already known to you, I give him this letter more for the sake of renewing to you the assurances of my attachment and esteem, than from a supposition that he will stand in need of any new title to your attention. I will therefore only say of him that his excellent qualities cannot be known without interesting those to...
43From Alexander Hamilton to James Bowne, 17 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 17, 1784. Requests that Bowne “Let me know if you please Whether Philip Palmer and Joseph Palmer are both alive or not, and whether Mr. Leonard Lawrence is Executor or Administrator to his father.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at American Art Association Galleries, November 24, 1924, Lot 329. Bowne was a member of the firm of Bowne and Company of New York City, stationers...
44From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 18 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 18, 1784. On July 24, 1784, Church wrote to Hamilton : “Two Days since Coll Clarkson arrived and brought me your Favor of the 18th June.” Letter not found. ]
45From Alexander Hamilton to Hugh Seton, 18 June 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been duely honored with your letter of the 30th of March; and am much flattered by the confidence you have reposed in me. I should with pleasure have undertaken to execute your wishes had I been in a situation that left me at liberty to do it; but it has happened that Mr. Wilkes sometime since applied to me on the same subject; and though I was not absolutely retained by him, yet as I...
46From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 23 July 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] July 23, 1784 . “Mr. Laurance & myself who have been retained by Mr. R. Smith being about to leave Town, I have recommended Mr. Smith to you in our absence.” ALS , Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas. Varick was recorder for New York City. John Laurance, a New York lawyer.
47From 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....
48From 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. ]
49From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Blachley Webb, [7 August 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton requests the pleasure of General Webbes Company at dinner on Monday at four oClock. AL , Yale University Library. Webb was a native of Connecticut who before his retirement from the Army in 1783 had been made a brigadier general. Webb settled in New York City after the war. This letter is undated but the endorsement reads: “7th. August 1784.”
50From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [14 August 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
I received in due time your letter of 14 of July. The bills sent by you which have been paid and will be paid are on James & Alex Stewart £ 600 ditto 300 on Delafield 149. 4 James Buchanan & Co 400 on Cap G. Geddes 23. 9.2 William Bowne 30 1502.13.2 The Drafts on Lowe and Woodward I return by Mr. Mc.Cartys desire who will have explained to you. The ballance due on the lot will...