1From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [26 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, July 26, 1779. On September 18, 1779, Jay wrote to Hamilton : “Your favors of the 25, 26, & 30 July & 12 Inst have thus long remained unanswered.” Letter of July 26 not found. ]
2From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 10 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor duely to receive Your Excellency’s letter of the 4th instant. I did not immediately answer it from an indistinct and confused recollection that a state of things existed in reference to the opposite party which did not permit my being concerned for the State. It now appears that I was not mistaken, and that I cannot with propriety execute Your Excellency’s desire. With perfect...
3From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 18 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 18, 1798. “You may remember that I have heretofore recommended to you Mr. Inglis, who studied the law with me, for the Office of Notary. He entertains an idea that a vacancy for such an appointment now exists, and has reminded me of my promise to be useful to him—I with pleasure reiterate my recommendation.…” ALS , Columbia University Libraries. Space left blank in MS. James...
4From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 9 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have already written you by this Post. A further Question occurs. Would not a proclamation prohibitting our citizens from taking Comns. &c on either side be proper? Would it be well that it should include a declaration of Neutrality? If you think the measure prudent could you draft such a thing as you would deem proper? I wish much you could. Truly as Ever ALS , Columbia University Libraries.
5From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 30 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, July 30, 1779. On September 18, 1779, Jay wrote to Hamilton : “Your favors of the 25, 26, & 30 July & 12 Inst have thus long remained unanswered.” Letter of July 30 not found .]
6From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 12 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point, September 12, 1779. On September 18, 1779, Jay wrote to Hamilton : “Your favors of the 25, 26, & 30 July & 12 Inst have thus long remained unanswered.” Letter of September 12 not found .]
7From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [17 September 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, September 17, 1792. On September 27, 1792, Rufus King wrote to Hamilton : “Mr Jay … sent me your Letter of the 17th.” Letter not found. ]
8From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [30–31 October 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
It is an awkward thing now to tell you that it was early my intention to send you the inclosed. But it is nevertheless true that the idea was repeatedly in my mind with the design of executing it & was as often driven out by the distractions of business &c. Always very truly Dr Sir yr Obed ser ALS , sold by Forest H. Sweet, Battle Creek, Michigan, January, 1958, Lot No. 141. Jay endorsed...
9From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 12 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
After a plan for fortifying our port shall have been settled, the execution of it with energy & dispatch will demand a very great portion of the time and attention of a competent character as Superintendant. This task I cannot undertake consistently with my other occupations. Col Burr will be very equal to it and will I believe undertake it, if an adequate compensation be annexed. He would...
10From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [9 July 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Certain Circumstances of a delicate nature have occurred, concerning which The President would wish to consult you. They press. Can you consistently with the Governor’s situation afford us your presence here? I cannot say the President directly asks it, lest you should be embarrassed; but he has expressed a strong wish for it. I remain yr. Affect & Obed ALS , Columbia University Libraries....
11From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 4 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The session of Congress is about to close much better than I expected. All mischievous measures have been prevented and several good ones have been established. Among these additional provisions of revenue & some of force are not the least important. But as more immediately connected with the objects of your mission you will learn with satisfaction that the bill which had passed the senate...
12From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 8 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The Attorney General has shewn me, in confidence, a late letter of yours to him and has asked my good offices as far as may consist with my judgment. These I always readily yield to misfortune. I have had a full and minute explanation with him of the money subject, and in my mind, there results a full conviction that there is no cause of reproach from that source, whatever may have been...
13From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 29 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The completion of the works in the vicinity of our City proceeds heavily. Some embarrassment is understood to arise in the War Department from the Question of Appropriations. I beg to be informed whether the sum appropriated by the Legislature of this State will come in aid of the Operation. Limited as that sum is, nothing upon a large scale can be undertaken in reference to it. Its Agency in...
14From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 19 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have occasion for a public purpose to allude to the reprobated instructions to our commissioners for making peace with Great Britain obliging them to act under the direction of the French Assembly. But though I have a general recollection of their tenor it is not precise enough for my object. I take it for granted your papers can afford the exact information. You will much oblige me by...
15To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 9 July 1790 (Jay Papers)
Certain Circumstances of a delicate nature have occurred, concerning which the President would wish to consult you. They press. Can you consistently with the Governor’s situation afford us your presence here? I cannot say the President directly asks it, lest you should be embarrassed; but he has expressed a strong wish for it— I remain Y r . Affect & Obed ALS , NNC ( EJ : 05618 ). Addressed:...
16From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [4 January 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed was intended by the last post, but I was disappointed in sending it. You will find by the papers, that a proclamation has been issued for dissolving the old Assembly; writs are making out for the election of a new. The tories seem to give out that there will be no opposition, but I suspect this as an artifice to throw the people off their guard. I doubt not however the whig...
17From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [26–30 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 25th. Various circumstances have prevented my being ready to make the Report you desire. The Survey of the Port made while I was at Philadelphia was but partial; not extending beyond the Narrows. A survey of the lower part of the Bay, which presents some objects worthy of Consideration, was effected by some of the Commanders of the British Army—And is in the...
18From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
We are all here very anxious for the success of Mr Coleman. We know his abilities and we believe in his integrity. Your good disposition towards him is well understood—Yet it is feared that his pecuniary situation may prove an obstacle. It is undoubtedly a good rule to avoid embarrassed men in appointments—yet this like every other general rule may admit of exceptions in special cases. If I...
19To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 13 July 1777 (Jay Papers)
I received your favour and one from Mr. Morris last night from by Express.— The Stroke at Ticonderoga is heavy, unexpected and unaccountable— If the place was untenable why not discovered ^ to be so ^ before the Cantonment had been put to such an amazing expence in furnishing it with the means of defence?— If it was tenable, what, in the name of God common sense could have induced the...
I have already written you by this Post. A further Question occurs— Would not a proclamation prohibitting our own citizens from taking Com[missio] ns . &c a . on either Side be proper? Would it be well that it should include a declaration of Neutrality? If you think the measure prudent could you draft such a thing as you deem proper? I wish much you could Truly as Ever, ALS , NNC ( EJ : 05624...
21From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 2 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Wolcott the auditor of the Treasury. The information which he wishes to obtain being essential to the proper settlement of several accounts of considerable moment, as they affect both the character and interest of the United States; I request the favour of you, Sir, if there be any document in the office of...
22From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 8 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg your pardon for having omitted to attend earlier to the suggestion in your letter of the 30th. of August respecting the defence of our ports. I am sincere in saying that a charge of this kind would on various accounts be unpleasant to me among the rest as likely to involve ill natured & foolish criticism. But I shall not decline the trust if you think proper to repose it provided the...
23From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 25 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Col Fleury is just setting out for Philadelphia to make some arrangements with the Minister which will probably terminate in his departure from this country. He brings you a very handsome letter from the General to Congress which however he will not deliver ’till he is finally determined to go. This letter you will perceive, from the moderation and caution with which the General usually...
24From 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...
25To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 31 December 1775 (Jay Papers)
It is hardly necessary to inform you that I received your favour in answer to my letter on the subject of Capt. Sear’s Expedition; and that I shall be at all times ready to comply with your request of information concerning the state of the province; or any matters of importance that may arise. Any thing that may conduce to the public service or may serve as a testimony of my respect to you...
26From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 11 June 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Davies, who appreciates your character as he ought, having expressed a desire to be personally acquainted with you, I promised him a letter of introduction. I comply with this promise with the greater pleasure, as the impressions which this Gentleman has made upon me induce me to believe that you will be glad of the opportunity of making his acquaintance. He is Attorney of the UStates for...
27From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 29 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I received this day a letter from the President of the United States, requesting me to concert with you the plan, & to superintend the execution of it, for giving effect to the Act of the Legislature of this state for the further Defence of this state and for other purposes. This I am accordingly ready to do, whenever you shall be pleased to require it. With very great respect & esteem I have...
28From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 12 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The survey of this port to the narrows inclusively has been executed and the expence defrayed out of the funds of the Corporation. But it is interesting to the question of the defence of our port to have a survey of the bay below the narrows to Sandy Hook. There are sand banks critically situated which merit consideration as proper sites for fortification. Such a survey was made under the...
29From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 18 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favours of the 26 of November & 16 instant have duly come to hand. I am ashamed that the former has remained so long unacknowleged; though I am persuaded my friends would readily excuse my delinquencies could they appreciate my situation. Tis not the load of proper official business that alone engrosses me; though this would be enough to occupy any man. Tis not the extra attentions I am...
30From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 3 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your three letters in compliance with my request. They contain what I desired. But as they mingle the fact, respecting the communication of my letter to you to Lord Grenville, which I always understood to be confidential, I will thank you to send me a certificate of the sentiment which you recollect to have been given by me, and I will beg you to let it be as full and as...