To Alexander Hamilton from Ebenezer Stevens, 18 December 1798
From Ebenezer Stevens1
New york 18th Decemr: 1798
Dear General
I have seen Mr. Furman, and we calculate that what is unpaid by him, and myself, for account of Gun Carriages, shot, Blacksmiths Work, and Laboratory expences, for the state, will amount to about Fourteen thousand Dollars2
I wish you to recommend me, to be the Agent for laying out the Money that is appropriated by this State for our defence.3 I have always had the labouring part, and if any other person is appointed, or I am not allowed a salary, I must quit. I can obtain any security that may be required
You must be sensible that my time is altogether taken up with military business, and that I have been essentially useful to this State; but I have a large family to provide for, and must say, I wish to know the Compensation I am to receive.
I am Dear General Yours sincerely
Eben Stevens.
Major Genl Hamilton
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. For background to this document, see the introductory note to H to James McHenry, June 1, 1798.
2. See Stevens to H, November 17, 23, 29, 1798; H to Stevens, November 19, 1798.
3. On November 5, 1798, John Jay wrote to Matthew Clarkson: “I hope it will not be inconvenient to you to keep settle and pay all the accounts of the expenditures that shall be made of the monies appropriated by the State for fortifying the Port of New York” (ALS, New York Society Library, New York City). See Jay to H, November 5, 1798, note 1.