1The Continentalist No. I, [12 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you the first number of a series of papers which I intend to publish on matters of the greatest importance to these States; I hope they will be read with as much candour and attention as the object of them deserve, and that no conclusions will be drawn till these are fully developed. I am, Sir , Your most obedient humble servant, A.B. The Continentalist. No. I . It would be the...
2[A Correspondent], [4 June 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia] Gazette of the United States , June 4, 1792. Part of the column devoted to correspondence in the June 4, 1792, issue of the Gazette of the United States is attributed to H by Philip Marsh (“Further Attributions to Hamilton’s Pen,” The New-York Historical Society Quarterly , XL [October, 1956], 353–54). No other evidence, however, of H’s authorship has been found.
3Report of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, 25 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
In pursuance of a resolution of the House of Representatives, bearing date of the 19th of this instant, we lay before them a copy of the journal of our Board, and a statement of the purchases made since our last report to Congress. We have the honor, sir, to be, your most obedient servants, ASP American State Papers, Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States...
4Address to the Public Creditors, [1 September 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
It is probable that many of you are not sufficiently apprised of the advantages of your own situation, and that for want of judging rightly of it, and of your future prospects, you may be tempted to part with your securities much below their true value, and considerably below what it is probable they will sell for in eight or nine months from this time. To guard you against an unnecessary...
5Americanus No. II, [7 February 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Let us now turn to the other side of the medal. To be struck with it, it is not necessary to exaggerate. All who are not wilfully blind must see and acknowlege that this Country at present enjoys an unexampled state of prosperity. That war would interrupt it need not be affirmed. We should then by war lose the advantage of that astonishing progress in strength wealth and improvement, which we...
6The Warning No. VI, [27 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
It has been seen that the Governt of France has an indisputable title to the culpable preeminence of having taken the lead in the violation of neutral rights; and that the first instance on the part of the British Government is nearly a month posterior to the commencement of the evil by France. But it was not only posterior—it was also less comprehensive. That of France extended to all...
7The Warning No. II, [7 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Independent of the commands of honor, the coolest calculations of interest forbid our becoming the instruments of the Ambition of France, by associating with her in the War. The question is no longer the establishment of liberty on the basis of Republican Government. This point, the enemies of France have ceased to dispute. The question now is whether she shall be aggrandized by new...
8The Warning No. III, [21 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The Paris Accounts inform us that France has lately exercised towards Genoa an act of atrocious oppression, which is an additional and a striking indication of the domineering and predatory Spirit by which she is governed. This little Republic, whose territory scarcely extends beyond the walls of her metropolis, has been compelled, it seems, to ransom herself from the talons of France by a...
9The Answer, [8 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
For The Minerva. The French republic have, at various times, during the present war, complained of certain principles, and decisions of the American government, as being violations of its neutrality, or infractions of the treaty made with France in the year 1778. These complaints were principally made in the year 1793, and explanations, which, till now, were deemed satisfactory, were made by...
10The Warning No. V, [13 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have asserted, that the conduct of Great-Britain towards us and other neutral powers has been at no period so exceptionable, as that of France at the present juncture. A more distinct view of this truth may be useful, which will be assisted by a retrospect of the principal acts of violation on both sides. Tho the circumstance was cotemporarily disclosed in all of our newspapers, yet so blind...
11The Warning No. I, [27 January 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
There are appearances too strong not to excite apprehension that the affairs of this Country are drawing fast to an eventful crisis. Various circumstances dayly unfolding themselves authorise a conclusion that France has adopted a system of conduct towards the neutral maritime nations generally which amount to little less than actual hostility. I mean the total interruption of their Trade with...
12The Warning No. IV, [27 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The emissaries of France when driven from every other expedient for extenuating her depredations have a last refuge in the example of Great Britain. The Treatment which we receive from France (say they) is not worse than that which was received from Great Britain. If this apology were founded in fact it would still be a miserable subterfuge. For what excuse is it to France, or what consolation...
13Amicus, [11 September 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
For the National Gazette. A writer in the Gazette of Saturday last, after several observations, with regard to certain charges, which have lately been brought forward against the Secretary of State, proceeds to make or insinuate several charges against another public character. As to the observations which are designed to exculpate the Secretary of State, I shall do nothing more than refer to...
14An American No. I, [4 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
For the Gazette of the United States Mr. Fenno It was easy to foresee, when the hint appeared in your Gazette of [25th July] that the Editor of the National Gazette received a salary from the General Government, advantage would be taken of its want of explicitness and particularity to make the circumstance matter of merit in Mr. Freneau and an argument of his independent disinterestedness....
15An American No. III, [18 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
For the Gazette of the United States . The charges which have been brought against “the EDITOR of the NATIONAL GAZETTE,” as he himself states them to be, are no otherwise personal charges, than as they designate the persons , against whom they are made. In their application to Mr. Freneau, they affect him solely in his capacity of Editor of a public paper (which may justly be considered as a...
16An American No. II, [11 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
For the Gazette of the United States Facts, Mr. Fenno, speak louder than words, and, under certain circumstances, louder even than oaths. The Editor of the National Gazette must not think to swear away their efficacy. If he be, truly, as they announce, the pensioned tool of the public character, who has been named, no violation of truth, in any shape, ought to astonish. Equivocations and...
17Annapolis Convention. Address of the Annapolis Convention, [14 September 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
To the Honorable the Legislatures of Virginia, Delaware Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The Commissioners from the said states, respectively assembled at Annapolis, humbly beg leave to report. That, pursuant to their several appointments, they met, at Annapolis in the State of Maryland, on the eleventh day of September Instant, and having proceeded to a Communication of their powers;...
18Anti-Defamer, [19 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
For the Fœderal Gazette Russel under an affected moderation veils the most insidious and malignant designs & slily propagates the basest slanders. This is evident from the following passage of his second paper. After stating a visionary and impracticable scheme for avoiding a war with the Indians —he proceeds thus—“But then, how many offices had been wanting, how many lucrative contracts would...
19Alexander Hamilton and John Armstrong, Jr., to Tobias Lear, 23 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Do me the favor to learn from the President, & inform me by the bearer, whether mister Lee’s resignation was purely voluntary on his part, or was occasioned by any circumstance dissatisfactory to the President. The reason to the enquiry is that I may regulate my expressions to him accordingly. I presume no such circumstance has occured; but for greater caution I ask. Yrs &c. LB , DLC:GW . For...
20Speech at a Political Meeting, 27 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 27, 1789. A newspaper writer who signed himself “A Spectator” reported that Hamilton stated at a political meeting in New York City: “that as the residence of Congress would doubtless be esteemed a matter of some import to the city of NewYork, and as it would certainly be contended for— Our representative should be a man well qualified in oratory to prove, that this city is...
21[From Alexander Hamilton to the Citizens of New-York], [13 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The [New York] Argus. Greenleaf’s New Daily Advertiser , December 27, 1796. In reprinting this handbill signed by “A True American,” the Argus stated that on December 13, 1796, “three thousand of the following hand-bill were slily pushed under the knockers and doors of the citizens under cover of the darkness of the night.” The Argus suggests, but does not categorically state, that H wrote...
22Enclosure: Schedule E, [9 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
SCHEDULE E Abstract of the Public Debt of the States Undermentioned, Agreeably to Statements Transmitted in Pursuance of the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 21st of September, 1789. Massachusetts Dollars. Cents. Principal with interest to the 1st day of Nov. 1789. £. 1,548,040 7 9 Lawful. Due to sundries for which no certificates have yet been issued, 20,000 Total,...
23Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, Tobias Lear, Alexander Macomb, Dominick Lynch, John Watts, and Samuel Bard to Patrick … (Hamilton Papers)
As the removal of the residence of Congress from this city will necessarily dissolve our association for the education of our children under your care, and as those of us who remain, do not see a probability of immediately filling up our former number, we take this method of unitedly expressing the entire confidence we have in your talents, and our approbation of your method of tuition. We...
24Conversation with George Beckwith, 12[–30] July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith. The gazette of the United States, published this morning gives us a detailed account of certain recent proceedings in the Western territory and at Detroit, communicated at Pittsburgh, by a person of the name of Ray, who had been made prisoner by the Savages, and having, as it is stated been purchased by an officer in The King’s Service, obtained his freedom, was...
25Conversation with George Beckwith, [16 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Colonel Beckwith. The newspapers of yesterday and of this day mention communications to the two Houses, from The President, on the subject of a commercial treaty with us, and although no particulars are stated, yet enough is expressed to convey an impression to the public mind, that we are not disposed to form any such treaty. I have in former conversations had the honor of declaring my...
26Conversation with George Beckwith, 19[–20] January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Beckwith. I take the liberty of speaking very freely to you on every subject, and upon this principle give me leave to remark, that I was sorry to observe a certain warmth of expression in one paragraph of the address of Your House of Representatives, in reply to The President’s speech, which respected your commerce and navigation. Mr. —— You know perfectly, that we have different opinions...
27Second Conversation of August 8–12 with George Beckwith, [8–12 August 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[Beckwith] “Having heard that Governor St. Clair had asserted since his arrival in this place, that the Indians in the Western Territory are induced to continue their hostilities by traders under the protection of Detroit purchasing their prisoners for a sum of money, who compel such prisoners into indentures of a limited servitude for the purposes of repayment and on disadvantageous terms, I...
28Conversation with George Beckwith, [March-April 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March-April, 1791. “… the Vice-president, Secretaries of the Treasury & War & myself met on the 11th.… I mentioned to the gentlemen the idea of suggesting thro’ Colo. Beckwith, our knowlege of the conduct of the British officers in furnishing the Indians with arms & ammunition, & our dissatisfaction. Colo. Hamilton said that Beckwith had been with him on the subject, and had...
29Conversation with George Beckwith, 15 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. —— I believe I told you during the winter, that Colonel Smith went to England on private business altogether, in part for his Father in Law the Vice President, and he had other personal objects in respect to our funds. Whether it was conceived in London that Mr. Smith had political objects there or not, I cannot say, but after certain explanations, he had a conversation of some length with...
30Conversation with George Beckwith, [15–20 October 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. _____ I have read the determination of the National Assembly of France of the 25th. of August, respecting the Family Compact, their cordial support of Spain seems at present very questionable. I cannot help thinking that the friendship of this country is not unimportant to you, even at present, and it will become infinitely more so; the resources of France and of Spain if well administered...
31Conversation with George Beckwith, [22 March–April 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
7. [Beckwith] I am directed by Lord Dorchester to thank You for those expressions of civility, which You were pleased to use with respect to him, when I had the pleasure of seeing You in autumn, and for the confidence You reposed in His Lordship, in the communications made by me upon that occasion; they have been transmitted home, and although the delays incident to the season of the year...
32Conversation with George Backwith, [15 May 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
7 “If the United States were at war with a great or respectable nation, the case would be different, a foreign mediation under certain circumstances might be desirable; in that case, the manner of the application would be official, and of course not to any public officer of that country abroad, but to the administration at home; on the present occasion, the thing in its existing shape is...
33Conversation with George Beckwith, [October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Seventh. I have requested to see you on this occasion from a Wish to Explain Certain points, relative to our situation, and from a desire to suggest a measure, which I conceive to be both for the interest of Great Britain, and of this Country to adopt. We have lately Established a Government upon principles, that in my opinion render it safe for any Nation to Enter into Treaties with us,...
34Conversation with George Beckwith, [7–12 August 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[Beckwith] “As our packet is to sail to morrow I wish to know, whether any thing has occurred to occasion an addition to the communications, which you were pleased to make to me on the 15th. of last month.” Supposed 7. No, nothing at all. I at the same time think myself warranted to acquaint you, that Mr. Morris’s letters by your June packet mark an alteration in the disposition of your...
35Conversation with George Beckwith, [25–30 September 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
… 7. 23. is a man of capacity, but apt at particular times to give himself up too much to the impressions of his own mind. From the Duke of Leed’s reply to 23.’s first application I confess I did not think favorably of the prospect, although it was far from being conclusive. The June packet brought us accounts of his interviews with Mr. Pitt, and from 23.’s own detail of what passed, there...
36First Conversation of August 8–12 with George Beckwith, [8–12 August 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
… Supposed 7. I have mentioned Your application with all the circumstances attending it; there will be no sort of difficulty in Your seeing Mr. Mc.Gillivray whenever you please; General Knox, at whose house he resides, is apprized of it, and will introduce You to him. I cannot think it probable, that any of the attempts to sound Your ideas or dispositions during our negotiations with the...
37Conversation with George Beckwith and William Macomb, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A Conversation: Mr. Hamilton, Mr. William Macomb of Detroit, and Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith. Lt. Colo. B. Mr. Macomb, I think it for the honor of the King’s government, for its interests, and I really believe it for the interests of this country also, that the true state of things in the western Country should be known, and if there are any misconceptions, or errors arising from...
38Conversation with George Beckwith, [15 July 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
… supposed 7. There is one thing more which I wish to mention to You; I do it altogether as from one gentleman to an other, and I trust it will be so considered. I have decided on doing it at this time from the possibility of my not having it in my power to come to such an explanation hereafter. If it shall be judged proper to proceed in this business by the sending or appointing a proper...
39Conversation with George Beckwith, 12 August [1791] (Hamilton Papers)
An Officer at the Head of an Executive Department Mr. —— Since I saw you, we have got Mr. Ternant, the minister pleniopotentiary from France; I have seen him for a few minutes only. You will find him a man of easy, pleasing manners, and very fit for the objects of his appointment. There has been a sort of alarm in France, and a degree of jealousy of your having lately turned your attention...
40Alexander 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...
41Egbert Benson, Richard Harison, and Alexander Hamilton to Charles Williamson, 6 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 6, 1802. Propose that Williamson go to England to settle his dispute with William Hornby and Patrick Colquhoun. Copy, Rochester Historical Society, Rochester, New York. Benson, Harison, and H were Williamson’s attorneys. See William Hornby to H, September 15, 1801 . Benson, a Federalist, was attorney general of New York from 1777 to 1788, a member of the New York Assembly from...
42Certificate by Ezra L’Hommedieu, Egbert Benson, and Alexander Hamilton of a Statement by Abraham Yates, Junior … (Hamilton Papers)
We do certify that Mr Yates has delivered to us a Paper subscribed by him (of which the preceeding is a Copy) as declaritive of his Principles on which he will vote in Congress in the affirmative on the final Question on the Ordinance for putting the new Constitution for the United States into Operation. DS , in the handwriting of Ezra L’Hommedieu, Abraham Yates Papers, MS Division, New York...
43Pieter Johan Van Berckel, William Edgar, Sampson Fleming, William Denning, and Alexander Hamilton (for John Barker … (Hamilton Papers)
The step lately taken by the Legislature of Pensylvania in repealing the act by which the government of that state had incorporated the Bank of North America has given rise to questions of a delicate and important nature. We observe with regret that the very existence of the Institution as a corporate body has by this proceeding been drawn into controversy: a circumstance which we consider in...
44Certificate on John Hanson by Anthony L. Bleecker, Peter S. Curentius, Alexander Hamilton, John Lamb, and Hercules … (Hamilton Papers)
We the Subscribers do certify that we were acquainted with Capt John Hanson deceased in his life time, and at an early period of the Revolution of the United States, and have satisfactory grounds to believe that he was firmly attached to the cause of the Revolution and to the liberties of this Country. We also certify, that we particularly recollect as eye Witnesses his conduct on a certain...
45Indenture: Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Hamilton to Catherine Bleecker, John R. Bleecker, Elizabeth Brinckerhoff … (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, March 10, 1804. Convey to the heirs of Rutger Bleecker the land in Cosby Manor which Hamilton had purchased in trust for them in 1797. DS , Oneida County Clerk’s Office, Utica, New York. Bleecker had been an Albany merchant. See “Deed from Peter Goelet, Robert Morris, and William Popham,” April 4, 1797 . See also the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to H, August 31, 1795 , and...
46Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to … (Hamilton Papers)
The Commissioners, appointed by His Excellency General Washington, “to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention, for the exchange of prisoners of war, and for all matters whatsoever, that may be properly contained therein,” are inexpressibly concerned, to find, that the Commissioners on the part of General Sir William Howe should think it necessary to make the objections stated...
47Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to George … (Hamilton Papers)
To His Excellency George Washington Esquire General and Commander in chief of the Forces of the United States of America. We the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency, “to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention for the exchange of Prisoners of War, and for all matters whatsoever which may be properly contained therein,” beg leave to report— That, agreeable to Your...
48Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to … (Hamilton Papers)
We have the honor of your favor per flag; Having inform’d General Washington of the message delivered yesterday from Sir W. Howe, & of our intentions to return to camp immediately, in consequence of it; we do not think ourselves at liberty, to use so much delay, as would afford us the pleasure of the interview proposed. We are Gentlemen with due respect yr. Very hble servts. Df , or copy,...
49Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to George … (Hamilton Papers)
To His Excellency George Washington Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America. We, the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency, “to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention, for the exchange of Prisoners of War, and for all matters whatsoever, which may be properly contained therein” beg leave to report— That in pursuance of Your...
50Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot to … (Hamilton Papers)
The Commissioners appointed by His Excellency General Washington to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention for the Exchange of Prisoners of War, and for all matters whatsoever, that may be properly contained therein— Having examined the powers on the part of General Sir William Howe to his Commissioners and compared them with their own, observe a difference, which, in their...