2201From Alexander Hamilton to Pierre Charles L’Enfant, 29 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The ideas you have communicated give me pain. I wish you had not adopted the idea of adjourning the hands, unless you had been legally directed so to do. I cannot imagine that the Directors will adopt the change. If you are still in a situation to go on with propriety I wish you by all means to do it. You may be assured I shall not be unmindful of the business. Yrs. truly ALS , Hamilton...
2202From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 25 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In conformity to my proposition accepted by the President Directors & Company of the Bank of the United States as expressed in their resolution of the 8th instant and to the desire of the Board signified in your letter of the 23, I have caused an Agreement to be prepared, which having been first shewn to you and approved, I have executed in two parts and now send them to you to be executed...
2203From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Charles Stewart, 24 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires me to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of yesterday, and thank you for the intelligence contained in it. He hopes you will soon be able to send him a confirmation with more certain particulars. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt ALS , Mrs. Cecily Symington, Cooperstown, New York. Stewart was commissary general of issues from June 18, 1777, to July, 1782.
2204From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Parker, 14 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I take it for granted the requisite ground for the Quarters of the three Regiments heretofore mentioned has been procured. To these a batalion of Artillerists will be added. James Miller Esqr. Ass Qr. Mr General has been required to take such further measures as may be necessary for the completion of the object & to instruct his Agent to communicate with you. The Ninth and Tenth Regiments are...
2205From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 27 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred the petition of Elisha Bennett, by an order of the Senate of the 20th. of November 1792, thereupon Respectfully Reports That the claim of the Petitioner is one, to the adjustment of which the power of the Treasury is competent. That it has been rejected at the Auditors Office for the following reasons— The only paper in that Office relating to...
2206From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 3 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a very disagreeable communica tion from the Secy of War of the 2d. ins of yesterday’s date, respecting Capt White of your Regiment. Delicacy towards the character of an officer induces — me to through you to give Capt White an opportunity for explanation previous to any a more formal proceeding; though I cannot at present discover how it will be possible to supersede the...
2207From Alexander Hamilton to Gulian Verplanck, 30 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
As it will be convenient to you to be apprized of the alterations in the business of the Treasury, which take place from time to time in consequence of arrangements with the Bank of the united States, I think it expedient to inform you, that the receipt and exchange for Specie of the Bank notes and Cash notes of the Institution over which you preside, will be discontinued in the Custom houses...
2208From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 2 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter for Lieutenant Campbell Smith appointing him Paymaster to the troops at Staunton for now under the command of Captain Brock. It is more most consistent with my general plan to appoint on such service an officer who is distinct different from the Corps with which he is to act one who has the command of the party. You will be pleased, before you do business with Lieut...
2209From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 9 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter respecting Lt. Hoffman . The incident gives me great concern. It is a delicate affair and must be treated with very great circumspection. Inclosed is a letter which has been written to me by his accuser Lt. Livingston . Several respectable Characters (among these Doctor Charleton) have spoken to me of the Character of the accused in high terms—They represent him as...
2210From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 3 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
John Dover junr, son of John Dover of this city, enlisted under the name of John Thompson between nine and ten years ago. He reenlisted about two years since in Capn. McClary’s company, and is at present at Detroit, still passing under the name of John Thompson. The Father of this person has procured a substitute for him who has been approved. A letter was written some time since to Niagara...
2211From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel R. Gerry, [3 September 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Treasury Department, September 3, 1790. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Interesting letter to the newly appointed Collector of Customs at Marblehead (Massachusetts) enclosing a communication for the former incumbent of that office, Mr. Burrell Devereux, which will enable Gerry ‘to receive every thing in his hands relative to the duties of your office.’” Letter...
2212From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 26 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you some letters of the Adjutant & Ast A General respecting a cla i m of Lt McComb for compensation for services in that Department. I think 15 Ds. ⅌ Month will be an adequate allowance I request that you will cause the cla i m to be presented to the Accountant & if refused that You will have an appeal made to the Comptroller of the Treasury. The principle is the same as in the case of...
2213To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inform you, that the result of my enquiries concerning the character of Capt: Jonathan Maltbee, is, that he is a man of fair character and an experienced & good Seaman, who might be expected to execute his duty faithfully as the Commander of a revenue Cutter. I do not learn however, that either he or Capt. Law are remarkable for their activity. The principal point of...
2214From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter which I have received from Mr. Titcomb Cadet in the second regiment of Artillerists & Engineers. Major Jackson speaks very favorably of this Gentleman, and, I doubt not, you will consider the letter as a handsome not an ill specimen of his abilities. The occasional appointment of Cadets to vacancies that occur is necessary to the end of their establishment. Without it...
2215To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 7 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I found young La Fayette here and delivered him your letter, which much releived him. I fancy you will see him on the first day of April. Mr Livingston’s motion in the House of Representatives concerning the production of papers has attracted much attention —The opinion here of those who think is that if the motion succeeds, it ought not to be complied with—Besides that in a matter of such a...
2216From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 September 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Shortly after I came into Office I remember your having told me that Glauback (whom you represented as a worthless and ungrateful fellow) was indebted to General Greenes estate, I think for money lent him, and that it was your intention to endeavour to effect a purchase of his public claim; allowing him some part of it for his immediate necessities and letting the residue be an indemnification...
2217From Alexander Hamilton to Zebulon M. Pike, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 3, 1799. “The Secretary of War has transmitted me your letter of 23rd April. The practice of drawing rations for the Sons of Soldiers cannot be sanctioned.” Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Pike was a second lieutenant in the Second Regiment of Infantry. In this letter Pike had written to James McHenry: “… I have with me a young lad...
2218From Alexander Hamilton to Francis Dana, 10 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
The last post brought me your letter of the 25th of July, which I transmitted to Colonel Brooks, accompanied by some inquiries that appeared to me necessary. A copy of my letter to him, and of his answer, are enclosed. You will see that he insists positively on your having made the offensive observation before imputed to you; adds several aggravating particulars to his first relation; and...
2219From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 9, 1799. “I have the honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your letter of yesterday with the list of some new appointments, in the 7th, 8 & 9 Regts which will be communicated to the respective commandants.… On this subject of Cadets it may be proper to fix some rule. I doubt the present expediency of appointing more than two to each Regiment of Infantry. But it is believed to be...
2220From Alexander Hamilton to William North, 21 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you some regulations relative to the funeral honors to be paid to our departed chief. They will govern generally in the celebration, altho’ I have not definitively adopted them. The ceremonies will be performed in this city on Thursday next, and I should wish them to be performed in New York at the same time. If this is practicable you will immediately make the necessary...
2221From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I request that You will pay to Messrs Elliot and Williams ten thousand Dollars on the first of January next, on account of their contract with the united States of the 27th September instant, taking duplicate receipts, one of which to be transmitted to the Treasury. You will of course retain money in Your hands for the purpose and in case there should not be a probability of a Sufficient sum...
2222From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 3 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your letter of the 25th of March, which with its inclosures have come duly to hand, I have written to the Pay Master General to repair to the Seat of Government. Your letter to Col Hamtranck goes by the same opportunity. The arrangements for beginning to recruit in the States of Connecticut, New York, Jersey, Pensylvania and Delaware, are so mature that it will be very...
2223From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 19 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday about two oClock, the detachment proceeded on its destination. It consisted of one Captain (Henry) Two Leutenants, Two Musicians, Ninety two Non Commissioned Officers & Privates. They had seventeen Tents with them. I send you a plan for dividing Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania and Delaware into Districts and subdistricts. It appears to me desireable that the recruiting...
2224From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 24 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you duplicate of my letter of the 19th instant, to which I refer you in answer to yours of the 13th. I shall only add, that it interests the merchants as much as the Public to discountenance such a species of evasion. For could it long succeed, it would render credits for the duties inadmissible. It will be well to let this idea get into circulation among the merchants. I am Sir Your...
2225From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Massachusetts Bank, 30 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
With a view to the accommodation of those in your quarter, who may incline to become subscribers to the Bank of the United States, I have concluded on the following arrangement. That for any sums which shall be deposited in the Bank of Massachusetts to the Credit of the United States, to an amount not exceeding in the whole sixty thousand Dollars, I will cause equal sums to be paid in the City...
2226From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [November 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I am vexed My Dear Betsey that the blunder of a servant prevented the inclosed from going by the Post of yesterday. I am well aware how much in my absence your affectionate and anxious heart needs the consolation of frequently hearing from me; and there is no consolation which I am not very much disposed to administer to it. It deserves every thing from me. I am much more in debt to you than I...
2227From Alexander Hamilton to William MacRae, 16 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the sixth instant, and have taken measures for having you supplied with camp utensils for a full company. As the recruiting service has been put under my direction it is regular to address your letters to me, to be retd for further directions— you ough and you ought not to be surprised that your letter s to the War Department have remained without an answer— I...
2228From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Purviance, 22 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter of the 19th Instant, with the inclosures therein mentioned, excepting the Copy of the letter from the Grand Jury to you. I am pleased with your compliance with the request of the Grand Jury as to Stationing the Cutter and I shall be so with every other practicable co-operation on the part of the Custom House in a case, in which consideration of...
2229From Alexander Hamilton to James Triplett, 30 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the nineteenth of this month. It is a delicate point to determine, in a case of this nature how far to give credit to the testimony of a non commissioned against a commissioned officer is entitled to credit —It will be of importance to know whether the money has been applied to any particular purpose proper object— how the money may have been disposed of by Major...
2230From Alexander Hamilton to Louis Le Guen, [1800] (Hamilton Papers)
In announcing to you Mrs. Hamilton’s acceptance of your obliging present and conveying to you the acknowlegements which she charges me to make to you I abandon the reluctance which I might otherwise feel to my sensibility at a mark of your attention so delicately conveyed. The discharge of my professional duty towards you with all the zeal which the nature of the case demands has no ⟨claim...
2231From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Henry Jackson, [9 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires you will put a stop, by every mean in your power to the above practice. Any officer who shall be found impressing this man’s horses without proper authority will be most severely dealt with. I am Sir Yr. Most Obedt ALS , Coburn Library, Colorado College, Colorado Springs. No addressee is given in the MS, but this letter was presumably addressed to Colonel Henry...
2232From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Cass, 17 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fourteenth instant. It would have been proper, when the difficulty you mention occurred, to have made a representation of it to Col Ogden himself instead of applying to Col. OHara who is at so great a distance— I have written to Col. Ogden on the subject, and he will no doubt devise some arrangement for obviating the difficulty. You will therefore put...
2233From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 28 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The best reply that I can make to your letter on the subject of the Eliza’s Cargo is, to furnish you with an Abstract of Mr. Elders statement to the Judge and a copy of your certificate subjoined thereto. These documents will go to shew, that the opinion expressed in my letter to you of the 22d. instant was not loosely founded. I am with consideration Sir Your Most Obedt. Servt. Copy,...
2234From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [11 November 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed in a letter which I have just received from poor Fenno. It speaks for itself. If you can without delay raise 1000 Dollars in New York, I will endeavor to raise another Thousand at Philadelphia. If this cannot be done we must lose his services & he will be the victim of his honest public spirit. Yrs. truly If may either be in the form of gift or loan. ALS , New-York Historical Society,...
2235From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 3 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are discharges for Nine Soldiers unfit for service. You will be pleased to examine them yourself and take a note of their situations. Five of them appear to me to be in a state, which could not have escaped the recruiting officer. Tis with a view to this that I have made a personal examination & that I desire another examination by you. when you have made this examination you will...
2236From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, [17 April 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Treasury Department, April 17, 1790. The description in the dealer’s catalogue of this letter reads: “At his request, Hamilton has issued a warrant in his favor on Samuel Meredith for $20,000. ‘I wish you had indicated to me what sum would be requisite to execute the object of exchanging the certificates of your State.’” Letter not found. ] LS , sold by Kenneth W. Rendell, Inc., Catalogue...
2237From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 11 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for the consideration of the Board of Directors, the draft of an Agreement, for carrying into execution the Eleventh Section of the Act, which incorporates the subscribers to the Bank of the united States. They will perceive that it is substantially in conformity to the suggestions, contained in your letter of the 29th of last month. As far as there may be any...
2238To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 23 June [1790] (Adams Papers)
M r. Hamilton will have the honor of Dineing with the Vice President on the 30 th. of June agreeably to his Obliging invitation RC ( MHi :Adams-Hull Coll.); addressed: “The Vice President of the United States”; endorsed by CA : “Mr Hamilton.”; notation by CA : “Van Berckel Sen / Van Berckel Jun / Gen Knox / Viar / Jefferson / Hamilton / Otto / Andriani / Cazenove / Izard / Butler / Smith /...
2239From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have written to the Secretary of War on the subject of a military Academy. Two reasons have prevented me from communicating it to you at an earlier day. My avocations rendered it imposible for me to complete the letter till very lately, and I had had opportunities of knowing your opinion on the subject generally. Any alterations in the plan which you may...
2240From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [5 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to The President & encloses the draft of a passport for the vessel of Mr. Fitzsimons which he understands the President had agreed to give. Mr Fitzsimons states that there will be on board, 8 barrels bread, 3 bbls Beef, 1 bbl pork & 1 barrel hams. All the articles but the last are understood to be intended for the subsistence of such of our...
2241From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the seventh instant has been received. I have upon reflection, thought it expedient to order all the recruiting Officers of the additional regiments, with the men they may have enlisted, to their regimental rendezvouses; as it would be impossible to adopt any arrangements which would effectually prevent the enlistment of more men than are wanted to complete the old...
2242From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed by the Secretary of War that there are, at Albany, five eight inch Brass Howitzers; two of them are wanted for a particular purpose which you will cause to be transported to this place without Delay— With great consideration I am Sir yr. obedt. servant P.S. I request as soon as possible an estimate of the ammunition of every kind requisite for a six month seige for the following...
2243From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [16 June 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson. He has perused with much satisfaction the draft of his report on the subject of weights and measures. There is no view which Mr. H has yet taken of the matter which stands opposed to the alteration of the money-unit as at present contemplated by the regulations of Congress either in the way suggested in the report or in that mentioned in...
2244From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 4 August 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
The only letter I have received from you in a considerable time is one introducing Lt Col Hastings to whom I have paid the attention which your recommendation will always give title to. The following remittances made by me remain unacknowleged by you. A bill of Exchange drawn by Constable & Rucker for £400 Sterling Currency Specie ⅌ the Tankerville Packet £1057.17.8 Ditto per the Carteret...
2245From Alexander Hamilton to Winthrop Sargent, 31 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 24th of October. An extreme press of business has prevented me, hitherto, from making a Report on your petition; but you may rely upon the promise which I now make you, that one will be very shortly made. I am, Sir, with consideration, Your Obedt Servant LS , Ontario County Historical Society, Canandaigua, New York. Letter not found. See Sargent to H, October...
2246From Alexander Hamilton to Barent Bleecker, [5 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The fourth & last installment of the purchase money of the Cosby Manor Lands has become due. It is 1655 Dollars & 50 Cents of which your ¼ is 413. Dollars & 87 Cents. I beg the favour of you to lose no time in forwarding this Sum to me. With esteem Yr very hum ser ALS , Detroit Public Library. For an explanation of the contents of this letter, see the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to...
2247From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 3 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I am favored by with your letter of the 2d. Inst. From what I have heard of the character of Major Stevenson I have reason to think as well as from the character you have received of him I am under fully persuaded that the choice would be well bestowed—but as he at present belongs to a Regiment destined to form a part of General Pinckney’s command, I would ad suggest to you, the propriety of a...
2248From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [5 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I am directed by The General to inform you in confidence, that the army will march from its present ground as soon as the weather permits. You will make your arrangements accordingly. When the weather clears, if you will call at Head Quarters, you will be informed of the particular disposition. I am D Sir Yr. Obed ser ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Pickering had succeeded Major...
2249From 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....
2250To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to Your Excellency a day or two ago by express—Since that a Committee appointed on the communications from you have had a meeting, and find themselves embarrassed. They have requested me to communicate our embarrassments to you in confidence and to ask your private opinion. The army by their resolutions express an expectation that Congress will not disband them previous to a settlement...