1To Alexander Hamilton from Anthony Wayne, 6 April 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Brigr General James Jackson, (a representative from Georgia to Congress) he is my particular friend, who in the Campaign of 1782 Commanded the State Legion which composed my Vanguard. I know him to be A Valuable Citizen a good soldier & an honest man, & as such I wish you to introduce him to your Military & other acquaintances, & whatever Civilities...
2To Alexander Hamilton from John Wynkoop, 25 March 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Conduct having always evinced, not only a fervent and enlightened Zeal for the Rights and Liberties of the People but a Capacity of deciding justly on great constitutional Questions; I make no apology for addressing you on this Occasion. The 25th. Article of the Constitution of this State declares “that the Chancellor and Judges of the Supreme Court, shall not at the same Time hold any...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Phineas Howell, 24 March 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Newburgh [ New York ] March 24, 1789 . States that a meeting of freeholders of Newburgh “by a very great majority” had nominated Robert Yates for governor and Pierre Van Cortlandt for lieutenant governor. The [New York] Daily Advertiser , March 30, 1789. Howell was chairman of a meeting to consider a circular letter from “a committee of the citizens of the city and county of New-York, of the...
4Marinus Willett to H. G., [23 March 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Marinus Willett informs H___ G___, that it is not his wish to divert him from the pursuit of his plan of defamation. M. Willett, is no letter writer, he had it only in view by a plain and candid relation to detect a false representation of a transaction in which he was a principal. It is by no means his intention to intrude on the public by investigating the causes which led to the...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, [5–28] February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 25 Jany came in good time. Our Votes were given agreeably to your wishes Washington 7—Adams 5. Governor Huntington 2. By letters from Carrington I learn that Clinton is the antifederal Vice President but I think we have nothing to fear. I believe N Hampshire will give Adams 4. Massachusetts 6—Georgia 6 as letters from Georgia say he will have at least so many—which with ours...
6To Alexander Hamilton from the Electors of Queens County, 19 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Jamaica [ New York ] February 19, 1789 . Several “electors and freeholders” of the County of Queens on this date informed “the Committee of Correspondence of New-York” that they had received a letter “from some members of your committee.” As recommended by the New York Committee, the “electors and freeholders from Flushing, North Hempstead, Jamaica, and Newtown” had nominated Robert Yates for...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Turnbull, 10 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Petersburg, Virginia, February 10, 1789. “I am possessed of a Bill on you … dated the 10th May 1788 for £57 Virga. money, being endorsed … to me.… You will be so obliging as to give me Information, how this matter stands and what probability there is, of any recovery being made.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Turnbull was a merchant of Petersburg, Virginia.
8To Alexander Hamilton from George Webb, 28 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond, January 28, 1789. “Some discoveries which I have made since my return from New York respecting the conduct of Mr. Simon Nathan, in the Business confided to his management by Mr. Foster Webb junr and myself, enduces me to trouble you.… The discoveries … fully evince the fraudulent Intentions and Practices of Mr. Nathan, and at the same time afford evidence which will substantiate a...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, [23 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Our city are about applying to the legislature for an incorporation, and among other lights have availed themselves of the corporation act of your city. As experience points out many defects, wch. do not at first strike the observation, you will very much oblige me by noting such things as you would advise us to avoid. If there are any matters which have been omitted, or if there are any...
10To Alexander Hamilton from William Constable, 22 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] January 22, 1789 . “… I called at your House to see You but found you surrounded with so many people on Business that I would not interrupt you. I hand you Gouverneur’s power of attorney which authorizes me to mortgage his Estate.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Isaac Gouverneur.
11To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 7 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ January 7, 1789. On January 29, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Sedgwick : “I thank you for your two letters of the 4th and 7th instant.” Letter of January 7 not found. ]
12To Alexander Hamilton from Moses Hazen, 6 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 6, 1789. Solicits Hamilton’s aid as an attorney in a controversy with one of the officers who served under Hazen during the Revolution and who was trying to collect a “Note of hand” from Hazen. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hazen was brevetted a brigadier general during the Revolution. He settled in Vermont where he owned land.
13To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Rush [5 January 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
A worthy friend of mine, & formerly my pupil Dr Rodgers has lately removed from our city to New York. Permit me to solicit a small share of your extensive influence in his favor. I do not expect that former medical connections should be given up to serve him. It will be eno’ from you—if when his name is mentioned in company you bear a testimony from his old preceptor that he is a gentleman of...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 4 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ January 4, 1789. On January 29, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Sedgwick : “I thank you for your two letters of the 4th and 7th instant.” Letter of January 4 not found. ]
15To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Banks, 1 January 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond, January 1, 1789. “I recd. your letter of the 12 Ulto.… I suppose I shall be entitled to Costs of Suit with Foltz & Lorenz for the recovery of which ’tis my wish that you either take or cause measures to be taken.… Mr. Constable has a mercantile Reputation.… I shall at present leave him cloak’d under that Reputation until I see a fit oppy to attack him and it more seriously than to...
16To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia, 1788.] Discusses proposals for the settlement of John Holker’s “protested Bills the property of Mr. Church— amt—£1500 Stg.” LC , Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. This letter concerns the complicated affairs of Daniel Parker and Company in which both John Holker and John B. Church were involved. As the negotiations and litigations for the settlement of Parker’s...
17To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 28 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
As you are going to Albany I beg your assistance in arranging the following business for me. I am a purchaser with you and others in certain Lands on the St Laurence, the patents for which have been taken out of the Land office in the name of Alexr Macomb Esqr. Independent of the purchase of the state, there were certain locations made by Genl Schuyler and others, which were to be paid for by...
18To Alexander Hamilton from William Livingston, 22 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabethtown [ New Jersey ] December 22, 1788 . Discusses the settlement of the estate of Philip Livingston. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
19Conveyance. Isaac Roosevelt and Robert C. Livingston to Thomas Jones, John H. Livingston, Alexander Hamilton, and … (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1788. “… By an act of the Legislature of the State of New York Entitled ‘An act for vesting the Estate of Philip Livingston late of the City of New York Esquire deceased in Trustees for the payment of his Debts and other purposes therein mentioned’” the heirs of Philip Livingston convey his entire estate to the trustees “for one whole year bearing date the day before the...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas McKean, 2 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 2, 1788. On February 10, 1789, Hamilton wrote to McKean : “I duly received the letter which you did me the honor to write me of the 2d of Decr. last.” Letter not found. ] McKean was chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and a member of that state’s Ratifying Convention.
21To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 1 December 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 1, 1788. “It is with reluctance I give you the trouble of this Letter, and were it not, that you had promised me every assistance in your power, relative to my Claim upon the Estate of the Late Mr. Livingston, consistant with the trust you had taken upon you, I should have immediate recourse to the Law, without any further or other trial for an amicable Settlement.…” ALS...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 21 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, November 21, 1788. Encloses the “papers” which he had “promised to prepare” concerning his financial transactions with and for John Bradstreet. ADf , Schuyler Papers, MS Division, New York Public Library. For information concerning this letter, see Benjamin Walker to H, September 3, 1803 (printed in this volume). See also Schuyler to H, September 2, 1788 (printed in this volume).
23To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 20 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 20, 1788. On November 23, 1788, Hamilton wrote to Madison : “I thank you My Dear Sir for yours of the 20th.” Letter not found. ]
24From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 20 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 November 1788. Acknowledged in Hamilton to JM, 23 Nov. 1788 . Mentioned in Duer to JM, ca. 25 Nov. 1788 . Clinton may be a candidate for vice-president. The political prospects in Virginia are not favorable for JM’s election to the new Congress.
25To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, [12 November 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, November 12, 1788. Letter not found. ] “Letters from T. S. [Theodore Sedgwick] to Genl. A. Hamilton,” William Livingston Papers, Book 3, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. Sedgwick, a lawyer in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, was a member of the state legislature in 1780, 1782, 1783, 1787, and 1788, a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1785 to 1788, and speaker of the...
26To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Count de Moustier affording a very favourable conveyance for Captn. Cochrans Watch, I have requested the favor of him to take charge of it—and he will deliver it to you accordingly with Mrs. Washington’s & my best wishes for you & Mrs. Hamilton I am Dr Sir Your Obedt. & affe Servt AL[S] , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The Comte de Moustier, French Minister to the United States,...
27From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 November 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Count de Moustier affording a very favourable Conveyance for Captn Cochrans Watch, I have requested the favor of him to take charge of it—and he will deliver it to you accordingly with Mrs Washington’s & my best wishes for you & Mrs Hamilton. I am Dr Sir Your Obedt & Affe. Servt AL[S] , DLC : Hamilton Papers. See Hamilton to GW, September 1788 , and GW to Hamilton, 3 and 18 Oct. 1788 .
28To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 3 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr. of 6th. Ulto. was duly Received. I thought proper to postpone Replying to it (till after the Session of the Genl. Assembly Should be over which Terminated on Saturday night last) in order that I might have it in my power to give you with more Certainty the proceedings of the Legislature on the Subject of the New Constitution; the Minority both in & out of the House took unwearied...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 2 November 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last hasty letter, I engaged to write you soon after my arrival in this town. Various questions will be agitated in the legislature (of considerable magnitude) which respect the orginization of the government. There is a party of federalists, who are of opinion that the electors should ⟨be chosen⟩ by the people, and the rep⟨resentatives⟩ not in districts but at large. These ⟨will⟩ be...
30To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 20 October 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 20, 1788. On November 26 Hamilton wrote to Chaloner : “Hurry of business has prevented my complying with the desire of your letter of the 20th. Ulto.” Letter not found ].
31Account with James Robinson, 22 February 1788–October 19, 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 22, 1788–October 19, 1790. An account of carpentry work done by Robinson for Hamilton. The bill totals £51.4.1. D , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
32To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [18 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
A day or two ago the enclosed letters came to my hands. The watch of Genl. Morgan you have for what it cost him, what he expects for it is also signified. It is a repeater with a chaced outer case with open work in parts. The Inner case is open, nearly in the whole. It is of an old fraction make, and appears to have seen better days; perhaps its chief merits lay in being a family piece,...
33From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 18 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
A day or two ago the enclosed letters came to my hands. The watch of Genl Morgan you have for what it cost him—what he expects for it is also signified. It is a repeater with a chaced outer case with open work in parts—The Inner case is open, nearly in the whole—It is of an old fraction make, and appears to have seen better days—perhaps its chief merits lay in being a family piece, perhaps I...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, 16 October 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. I have this moment recd. and detain the post while, that I may make a very few observations on a subject I conceive highly interesting to the efficient operations of the future government. Mr. Adams was formerly infinitely more democratical than at present and possessing that jealousy which always accompanies such a character, he was averse to repose such unlimited...
35To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [3 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your candid and kind letter by the last Post; little more is incumbent upon me, than to thank you sincerely for the frankness with which you communicated your sentiments, and to assure you that the same manly tone of intercourse will always be more than barely wellcome, Indeed it, will be highly acceptable to me. I am particularly glad, in the present instance,...
36From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 3 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your canded and kind letter by the last Post; little more is incumbent upon me, than to thank you sincerely for the frankness with which you communicated your sentiments, and to assure you that the same manly tone of intercourse will always be more than barely wellcome, Indeed it will be highly acceptable to me. I am particularly glad, in the present instance;...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Callohill Minnes, 17 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Fairfield, Virginia, September 17, 1788. Writes concerning “the settlement of Col. Wm. Aylett’s public accounts as deputy commissary general.” Asks Hamilton to block any resolution in Congress that would prevent the settlement of these accounts. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Minnes, who had served as an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, was taken...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 10 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I am Sorry to inform you that Mr. H. Cannot be prevailed on to attend Congress till after the Octr. Session of our Genl. Assembly which will be the last of the month, & which he means to attend, as he has been appointed a Representative for Charleston, Since his Return from New York. Mr. H’s Determination I have from a Gentleman in his Neighbourhood & well acquainted with his Politicks. I am...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Elbridge Gerry, [8 September 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter requesting “any explanation which may serve to throw further light on the subject” of the Baron de Steuben’s claims, & inclosing an extract of a report lately made thereon. In answer thereto, I must observe, that the distance of the period at which the Baron arrived at York Town is such, as to make it difficult if not impossible for a person to be very particular or...
40To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Chipman, 6 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received by Capt. Ville your favour of the 22d of July. Since I wrote you I have had an opportunity of conversing with his Excellency the governor and most of the council on the Subject of Vermonts accession to the confederacy. They generally agree that the terms suggested are good; that it will be highly the interest of Vermont to accede, and that the present is likely to be a...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 5 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
La lettre cy joint de Mr: R: Petters, contienne une preuve, non Equivoque, que dans mes prémieres application & immediatement après la Paix, j’ai appuyer mes pretentions aux E. U. sur une stipulation ou Contract fait en Entrent dans Leurs Service. Comme Vous etiez de cette Même Committe à Philadelphie; je m’en rapporte a Votre Memoire. Dans tout les Committees subsequentes j’ai toujours...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 2 September 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, September 2, 1788. Sends information for his defense against a bill filed in Chancery by Charles John Evans and Agatha Evans. ADfS , Schuyler Papers, MS Division, New York Public Library. For information concerning this document, see Benjamin Walker to H, September 3, 1803 (printed in this volume).
43To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 28 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th.—accompanied by one addressed to General Morgan. I will forward the letter to Gener[a]l Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the Watch of a British Officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands...
44From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter dated the 13th—accompanied by one addressed to General Morgan. I will forward the letter to Generl Morgan by the first conveyance, and add my particular wishes that he would comply with the request contained in it. Although I can scarcely imagine how the Watch of a British Officer, killed within their lines, should have fallen into his hands (who...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Since I had the Honor to address you 23rd. Inst. on the Subject of——; I have had the pleasure of a Full Conversation with Mr. A. He is Zealous in the matter and assures me he will go forward in one of the New York Packets by the last of this Week. I have wrote Mr. H. on the Subject and Warmly urged the Necessity of his going on with his Colleague Mr. A. and have made him an offer of a Draught...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 23 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 23, 1788. Requests information respecting Forman’s claim against the estate of Philip Livingston. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Forman was a former New Jersey Loyalist and at this time was practicing law in Philadelphia.
47To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favr. of 12th. Inst. I Recd. not ’till yesterday haveing Just then Returned from the Country where I have been attending a Niece of mine who lays Dangerously ill. As your Communications are of a Delicate Nature, be assured Sr. I will hold them in the Fullest Confidence. Mr. A. Will be with you in the Question; Mr. H. I have not Seen. The principle Characters here are not So anxious about...
48To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 20 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 20, 1788. Sends Hamilton an abstract of John Holker’s “title to lands in N York State offered by him as a substitute to Mr Church & others who have commenced suits against him for protested bills in place of his bail in said suits.” Asks Hamilton about the validity of this title. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Chaloner wrote to H in the latter’s capacity as...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Broome, 13 August 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed Congress have appointed a Committee to examine into the situation of their Contract made with Mr James Jarvis for the Loan of a quantity of Coined Copper and that said Committee had reported that said Contract Was Void should an action be Commenced against Mr Jarvis for damages. I hope you will be pleased to Consider yourself as his attorney in the suit provided there...
50To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [20 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of yesterday is this instant come to hand & I have but a few minutes to answer it. I am sorry that your situation obliges you to listen to propositions of the nature you describe. My opinion is that a reservation of a right to withdraw if amendments be not decided on under the form of the Constitution within a certain time, is a conditional ratification, that it does not make N. York a...