1To Alexander Hamilton from Sarah Alexander, Lady Stirling, 26 June 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 26, 1801. The calendar of this letter reads: “Thanks &c dated at New York.” Letter not found. ] Sarah Livingston Alexander was the daughter of Philip Livingston, second lord of the manor, and the widow of William Alexander, self-styled Lord Stirling, a major general in the American Revolution who died in 1783. Philip Hamilton’s calendar of letters “… taken by my brother Alexr...
2Associates of the Jersey Company to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, [20 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ April 20, 1804. “Probably it will be wholly out of our power to induce Mr. Van Vorst, from whom we purchased, to accept to any other property instead of a mortgage of the premises to secure his annuity, and he will certainly not allow it to be extinguished by accepting any equivalent. We are therefore obliged to provide the best security to purchasers which the case will admit, and we are...
3Associates of the Jersey Company to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 19 April 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ April 19, 1804. “Sometime since Powles Hook was purchased for our mutual benefit from Mr. Van Vorst at a rent charge upon the whole of $6000 per annum forever. We have agreed to lay it out into town lots and dispose of it to purchasers, receiving a rent charge upon each lot. We are desirous to give to each purchaser a good and sufficient deed of conveyance, and also to provide for the...
4To Alexander Hamilton from Simeon Baldwin, 8 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Haven, Connecticut, May 8, 1802. The dealer’s description of this letter reads: “Legal.” Letter not found. ] The Collector: A Magazine for Autograph and Historical Collectors , LIX, No. 1 (January, 1946), 20. Baldwin wrote this letter in reply to H to Baldwin, May 1, 1802 .
5To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 8 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I left Washington the 5th. and arrived here last evening. The letter which you did me the honor to write the 22d Ult. reached me on the 4th when I was occupied in arrangements for leaving the Seat of government. I remained in Washington on the 4th. thro’ necessity tho not without some curiosity to see the inauguration & to hear the speech. The scene was the same as exhibited upon former...
6To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 29 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Washington, December 29. 1801. States that “the cause of Messrs. Graves & Barnwell in which you were so obliging to mention my name as Counsel to the Plaintiffs” was argued in the Supreme Court of the United States and decided in favor of the defendant. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The case of Graves et al. v The Boston Marine Insurance Company was heard before the Supreme Court...
7To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 25 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered with a great deal of Attention the project recommended in your last letter of connected associations in the different States for the support of our Constitution & religion. The plan is marked with great ingenuity, but I am not inclined to think that it is applicable to the state of things in this Country. Such an association must be bottomed upon a stronger & more active...
8To Alexander Hamilton from James A. Bayard, 12 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
The apprehensions you appear to entertain of the effect of the intrigues of a certain person, if you will take my word for it are wholly without ground. I[n] fact little had been attempted & nothing accomplished. I answer only for the time present because I believe the Gentleman is waiting to see the result of the new state of things more completely developed, before he decides upon the Course...
9To Alexander Hamilton from William Bingham, 21 July 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Having a Packet of Papers which by your Desire were deposited with me, & which have long laid dormant in my Possession, & being about embarking in a Short time for Europe, permit me to return them to you. You will gratify me exceedingly, by furnishing me with an opportunity of rendering you any services during my Stay in Europe. I request you to make my respectfull Complements acceptable to...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Cornelius Bogert, 29 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] March 29, 1802. Discusses the facts in the “causes of Vanderheuvel against the Columbian Insurance Company.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Bogert was a New York City lawyer. H made the following entry in his Law Register, 1795–1804: “Columbian Insur: } Of Counsel with Bogert Company Adsm J Vandenheuvel Retainer 100” ( D , partially in H’s handwriting, New York Law...
11To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 18 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I send for your perusal a letter signed Ch. D. Cooper which, though apparently published some time ago, has but very recently come to my knowledge. Mr Van Ness who does me the favor to deliver this, will point out to you that Clause of the letter to which I particularly request your attention. You might perceive, Sir, the necessity of a prompt and unqualified acknowledgment or denial of the...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 22 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. V Ness has this evening reported to me Verbally that you refuse to answer my last letter, that you consider the course I have taken as intemperate and unnecessary and some other conversation which it is improper that I should notice. My request to you was in the first instance proposed in a form the most simple in order that you might give to the affair that course to which you might be...
13To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 15 November 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I have paid to Mr Thompson Seventeen hundred and fifty dollars, taken up the Leases of Ross & Duzenbury and left the Titles to the house in Chapel & Murray St. It was my intention now to have paid the Whole—But having ordered this house (cor. of Chap. & Murray) to be sold which has not been effected the balance of about 2000 Ds. is left to be discharged by Sale of the house. James Clapp who is...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 21 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. inst. has been this day received. Having Considered it attentively I regret to find in it nothing of that sincerity and delicacy which you profess to Value. Political opposition can never absolve Gentlemen from the necessity of a rigid adherence to the laws of honor and the rules of decorum: I neither claim such priviledge nor indulge it in others. The Common sense of...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Madame de Caradeux Lecaye, 6 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Qu’il m’est peinible d’avoir à vous apprendre par Cette lettre, Monsieur le Général, que je N’ai plus l’éspoire de revoir mes Amis de l’Amérique comme je m’en flattois pour ce Printems; Vous qui avez été témoins de mes regrets en les quittant, Vous jugerez aisement de mon Chagrin d’être obligée de renoncer au doux espoire de ma réunion avec eux, je ne Croyois pas pouvoir le Sentir aussi...
16To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 19 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Annapolis [ Maryland ] December 19, 1801 . Encloses three drafts of eight thousand dollars each payable to Isaac Bronson. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Carroll paid Isaac Bronson, a New York City businessman, twenty-four thousand dollars for discharging a lien against twelve thousand acres of land which Carroll had purchased from Robert C. Johnson. For information concerning the...
17To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 29 February 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
This is the first moments leisure I have had to answer your Letter of the 27th Instant which was handed to me yesterday. I have carefully perused the Papers it inclosed under the signature of Mr. James Kane and find the statement of the transaction aluded to as admitted by Judge Purdy to be correct as far as my Name is implicated, and I believe it contains as reduced by Judge Purdy the...
18To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 6 March 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your Letter of the 2d. Instant. I cannot conceive it possible that Inferences can be drawn from any Circumstance attending the transaction alluded to repugnant to the explicit declaration contained in my Letter to you of the 29th. of last Month without calling in question the truth of them, and this I trust will not be attempted. It was not to be expected that I...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Chevalier de Colbert, 4 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Paris, January 4, 1802. Expresses condolences on the death of Philip Hamilton. Requests Hamilton, as his attorney, to take action to secure for him the lands in Georgia granted to Comte d’Estaing. Also requests Hamilton to settle his accounts with Robert Morris to whom he had advanced money that was secured by some of Morris’s holdings in the Genesee country. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
20To Alexander Hamilton from William Constable, 23 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Our Government is doubtless informed of the Treaty between this Republic and Spain for the cession of Louisiana of which Collaud is to be Governor. I am told it is concluded. Copy, in H’s handwriting, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Constable was a New York City merchant and speculator in, among other things, lands in western New York State. In...
21To Alexander Hamilton from William Constable, 30 November 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I have conversed with Mr G M since I had the Pleasure of seeing you relative to my being authorized to settle the Lands contained in the Deed of Trust. He sees no possible Objection to my having such Authority, the Money & Bonds received being paid over for the Use of the Lenders & will execute any Thing that you will order made out for the Purpose. May I request that you will direct Mr Ogden...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas H. Cushing, 1 July 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has directed me to enquire whether Lieut. Patrick McCarty of the third Regt. of infantry obeyed the order of the War department of the 2nd. of Sepr. 1799, directing all absent Officers of the 1st. Regt. of Artillerists & Engineers and of the first, second, third & fourth Regiments of Infantry to Report themselves to you within four months, and if so, whether any particular...
23To Alexander Hamilton from George W. P. Custis, 5 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
With the utmost sorrow have I lately perused the unhappy fate of your son, and among the many that have come forward to condole with you on so afflicting an event, I beg I may be permitted, to make one of the number. We were brought up as it were, together in our earlier years and that mutual friendship which then existed between us, would I have no doubt have at a future time ripened into...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Lawrence and Jonathan Dayton, 4 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 4, 1803. “The foregoing are Copies of our letters to Meeker Denman & Co on the subject of Insurance.…” AL , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Lawrence and Dayton were partners in a mercantile firm at 94 Greenwich Street, New York City. Copies, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter and its enclosures, which concern the case of Lawrence and Dayton v Columbian...
25To Alexander Hamilton from John Dickinson, [30 November 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
A sense of thy services to our Country, and the satisfaction I have received from our acquaintance, cause me to take an Interest in every Thing that importantly concerns thy Happiness. This Disposition compells me with a heart-felt love, most deeply to sympathize with thee and thy family in your present affliction. Could I add to this regretful Testimony any Arguments to soothe your Minds,...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Du Buc de Marentille, 23 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Si, comme je l’espère, vous avez trouvé mon manuscrit, Je vous Serai obligé de vouloir bien le remettre à la personne qui vous délivrera cette lettre Sous mon couvert. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec les Sentimens les plus distingués, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Du Buc de Marentille had served in the French army during the...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Ellery, 25 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I snatch the few moments allowed me by a Gentleman, who is going directly to New York, to transmit one of the charts I promised you. The others are not yet completed, as Mr. E who is my Hydrographer Genl. has been obliged to suspend his employment in that line. My intention is, to collect & copy the different charts of the river, that have any character for correctness, to check one by...
28To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Ellery, 7 January 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Deer Park, near Natchez [ Mississippi Territory ], January 7, 1804 . “Having it in contemplation to establish myself in the law line at New Orleans, I conceive that it would very much assist me in my debut to be made known to the Governor of that province. I have already written for letters of recommendation to him to … some others of my friends in the Atlantic States—will you suffer me, Sir,...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Ellery, 10 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Dear Park , near Natchez [ Mississippi Territory ], October 10, 1803 . Requests Hamilton’s assistance in securing a clear title to lands in upstate New York which his wife, Charlotte Weissenfels Ellery, had inherited from her father, Charles F. Weissenfels. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Ellery, a native of Newport, Rhode Island, and a lawyer, had been a captain in the Sixteenth...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Evertson, 12 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 12, 1802. “The within case is considered … as noticed for the next Term.… As no order has been obtained to stay proceedings in the cause… would it not be prudent to procure one? …” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Evertson was a New York City attorney. The enclosure was Richard S. Hallett v William Burrell, William Houstoun, Paul Skidmore, and Gamaliel Skidmore ,...
31To Alexander Hamilton from John Foncin, 28 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Having been favored by General Lafayette with a letter for you, I greatly desired to present you my respects; and indeed I was very much disapointed, when I did hear at your country house that you were absent. however as I come again in this country, with a firm resolution never to return to Europa, I hope that I Shall have the honor to be once introduced to you; and as I have Served with zeal...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Albert Gallatin, 13 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 6th instt., and have directed the documents therein enclosed to be filed with the other papers relative to the French prize “Peggy.” The enclosed papers will show, however, that the President does not intend that any further payments should be made, out of the Treasury, on account of that vessel; and that, even in case of such payment being made,...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Barent Gardenier, 6 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Kingston [ New York ], October 6, 1803 . “In the course of our political wr⟨angling⟩ I have engaged in a Controversy with Gen. Ar⟨mstrong.⟩ Perhaps I have touched a little too hard on ⟨the judge⟩ who presided at Lt. Croswells Trial.… I enclose ‘a View of the whole ground’, confident that in a Case of this Kind you will give us all Aid in your power.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Barent Gardenier, 24 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Kingston [ New York ] March 24, 1801 . Requests Hamilton’s opinion on the will of Cornelius Newkirk. States: “mr. Clinton will have nothing to boast of in the County of Ulster. We may give Mr. V.R. from one to two hundred Majority.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Gardenier was a Federalist and a lawyer in Kingston, New York. Newkirk, a resident of Hurley, New York, died in...
35To Alexander Hamilton from David Gelston, 14 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 14, 1802. Directs Hamilton to proceed on behalf of the United States attorney for the District of New York against the Brig Triton , which had arrived in the port of New York from Bristol, England, “with a Cargo of Porter in cases of less capacity than forty gallons beer measure contrary to the laws of the United States.” ALS , RG 21, District Court for the Southern District of...
36To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Phelps and Robert Gilchrist, 28 April 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 28, 1801. Encloses “a Deed of conveyance bearing equal date with this Letter, made by Oliver Phelps to Robert Gilchrist for three equal undivided Eighth parts of a tract of Land containing nine thousand and Six hundred acres, by the award or appointment of Alexander Hamilton, David A. Ogden and Thomas Cooper.” States: “This conveyance you will hold as Escrow to be returned to...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Glen, 21 March 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, March 21, 1801. Repeats earlier requests to Hamilton. States: “I wrote you twice from the City of Washington but mist you going to Alby. & yesterday I came down to this City on purpose But you had Saild. about 2-Hours.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Glen to H, January 27, 1801 . The other letter from Glen has not been found. H had been in Albany attending the New York...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Archibald Gracie, [23 March 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose a newspaper in which you will find a Copy of the Bill before the Legislature for restraining unincorporated Institutions from Banking. It has occured to me & several Gentlemen with whom I have conversed upon the subject of this bill that it goes much farther than probably the Committee intended it should, and if pass’d into a Law, will prevent Individuals or Partnerships receiving...
39To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Graves, 8 June 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 8, 1802. Requests Hamilton’s opinion concerning his claim for reimbursement on a premium that he had paid to insure his cargo aboard the schooner Alert . ALS , Montague Collection, MS Division, New York Public Library. Graves was a New York City merchant. For the full text of this letter, related documents, and an explanation of their contents, see Goebel, Law Practice Julius...
40To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Graves, 31 May 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, May 31, 1803. States that he is acting on behalf of George Scriba who wishes to procure a mortgage in Europe on land in New York State. Requests Hamilton’s opinion on “whether European citizens can hold in their own right a mortgage on real Estate and likewise in case of purchase, if they can hold real Estate in their own name and dispose of it.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Vincent Gray, 26 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
The Ship Aspasia being about to depart for new york, I take leave to present to you this my friend Mr. Walden a small Turtle which I beg your acceptance as a small memento of my grateful recollection of your politeness while acting at the head of the Treasury Department. I have resided here some time as agent of the United States, and shall in consequence of having many debts to collect for...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Vincent Gray, [28 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Baron Humboldt Supreme counseller of Mines in the service of His Prussian Majesty and Member of the Royal Academy of Science at Berlin, Travelling for the purpose of Advancing the progress of Natural History, being on his return from South America and New Spain, to the Dominions of his Prussian Majesty, by way of the United States, I take leave to recommend him to your particular friendship...
43To Alexander Hamilton from John Guillemard, 22 February 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance and recommending to your attentions the Earl of Selkirk a young Nobleman whose merits you will soon be able to appreciate and respect. I shall be excused for my motive’s sake, which is not only to render him Service but to assure you that neither time nor distance have diminished the high sense I entertain of the attentions with which you...
44To Alexander Hamilton from Elizabeth Hamilton, 19 October 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 19, 1801. On Sunday, October 25, 1801 , Hamilton wrote to his wife: “I was much relieved, My Dear Eliza, by the receipt yesterday morning of your letter of Monday last.” Letter not found. ] See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, October 17–18, 1801 .
45To Alexander Hamilton from John Hamilton, 16 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to introduce to your acquaintance, personally, the Honourable Captain John Murray of His Majesty’s Navy, third Son of the Earl of Dunmore, in whose favour I beg leave to request your particular Civilities; assuring you that you will find him perfectly to merit whatever attention and good Offices you may have the kindness to render him during his visit to New York. I remain...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Charles W. Hare, 14 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 14, 1802. Describes the arrangement he “made with Col. Burr on the subject of Mr Angersteins debt.” States: “I have paid 20 Dlls 67 to the keeper of the city tavern on account of your son’s bill and have taken a receipt in full. I enquired for other bills, but could not find any, and I believe he owed nothing more.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hare, the...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Robert G. Harper, 19 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me, my dear Genl. to present to you Mr. Keene of this place, a friend of mine and a man of Character & honour, who visits new York for a few days; during which your acquaintence and notice cannot fail to be very gratifying to him. So far as you may find it convenient to bestow them, they will confer an obligation on me. With high respect I have the pleasure to be, my dear sir Your...
48To Alexander Hamilton from William Henderson, 15 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee which has been appointed here, to act on behalf of the Sufferrers by French Captures , have requested me to write to you, for the draft of such a memorial as you think would be proper to present to Congress on the subject of their claims. it is probable that similar applications for relief, will be made from all the trading Towns in the Union; & perhaps from an united effort some...
49To Alexander Hamilton from John V. Henry, 29 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, March 29, 1803. Henry’s endorsement on Hamilton’s letter to him of March 20, 1803 , reads: “Recd 26 ⟨ansd⟩ 29 ⅌ mail.” Letter not found. ]
50To Alexander Hamilton from John V. Henry, [17 December 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
I have paid the taxes & charges upon ⟨the⟩ lands in which you are interested described in the Comps certificate which you lately enclosed to me. As the tax of 1802 was unpaid I thought it best to discharge it also. The necessary voucher of these payments is herewith transmitted. After crediting the Bank dft. of $950 I am according to the preceding statement in advance for you $174.69 for which...