Alexander Hamilton Papers
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From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [1–20 October 1790]

To Tench Coxe

[New York, October 1–20, 1790]

Dr Sir

If I understand the statements rightly the money paid by the Collector of Baltimore1 namely 30000 Dollars is still an advance; but as nothing more is now asked, and as it is presumeable the expences of the expedition2 and supplies to the end of the year will exceed the sum advanced all is well.

I have only conjecture as to what will be the situation of the troops after the termination of the expedition; but I presume it will be for the Winter pretty much as before the movements commenced. When the Secretary at War3 returns, I will request him to transmit more particular information.

I recollect nothing in particular about which I wish to see Mr. Williams;4 but if there be any thing about which he may have expressed a desire to see me I shall be glad to see him at any time before he goes.

To avoid the noise of our confused house I am now at the Baron De Steubens.5 I shall be all the afternoon at home.

Yrs. very truly

A Hamilton

In the letter to the President I will thank you to let the ⟨– – – –⟩

ALS, Papers of Tench Coxe in the Coxe Family Papers at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

1Otho H. Williams, collector of customs at Baltimore.

2H is referring to a campaign by the United States Army and the Kentucky militia under the command of Brigadier General Josiah Harmar in September and October, 1790, against several Indian tribes in the West. See “Conversation with George Beckwith and William Macomb,” January 31, 1791 (PAH description begins Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). description ends , VII, 608–13). See also ASP description begins American State Papers, Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States (Washington, 1832–1861). description ends , Indian Affairs, I, 96, 97–98, 101, 104–06.

3On September 15, 1790, Secretary of War Henry Knox left New York for Boston to attend to his own business affairs (Knox to George Washington, September 15, 1790 [ALS, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress]). Knox did not return to New York until after October 20 (Henry Jackson to Knox, October 24, 1790 [ALS, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston]).

4Elie Williams, brother of Otho H. Williams, was the partner of Robert Elliot in the Maryland firm of Elliot and Williams, which had contracted to supply the western posts. See Elie Williams to H, October 10, 1789 (PAH description begins Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). description ends , V, 435–47); H to Williams, October 17, 1789 (PAH description begins Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). description ends , V, 450–51).

5Baron von Steuben lived in New York City at 89 Broadway.

The Hamilton family was preparing to move to Philadelphia. See “Notice of Removal from New York City,” October 7, 1790 (PAH description begins Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). description ends , VII, 100). H rented a house in Philadelphia which was owned by Benjamin Rush (Rush to Tench Coxe, September 13, 23, 1790 [ALS, Papers of Tench Coxe in the Coxe Family Papers at the Pennsylvania Historical Society, Philadelphia]). See also H to Thomas FitzSimons, September 1, 15, 1790 (PAH description begins Harold C. Syrett, ed., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (New York and London, 1961– ). description ends , V, 34–35).

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