From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 26 October 1790
To Richard Harison
Philadelphia October 26. 1790
My Dear Sir
I called on you before I left Town to mention to you the case of a seizure in which (if I recollect right) the House of Murray Mumford and Bowen1 are interested. It was for landing goods after sunset, without license from the Collector but with the presence & consent of an inspector.2
I expect an application will be made to the judge of the district, in order to a remission of the forfieture.3
As this is the form in which smuggling is apt to make its most dangerous approaches; I request your very particular attention to sifting the affair with a critical & jealous eye. The informant was one Franklin of whom Col. W Smith4 can give you information. He must of course be examined. Any objection to his being interested will be inadmissible in the case of an application for favour. I remain with very great regard & esteem Dr Sir Your Obed ser
Alex Hamilton
R Harrison Esqr.
ALS, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
1. This New York City firm, which had been founded by John B. Murray and John P. Mumford, was in the East India trade.
2. See Section 27 of “An Act to provide more effectually for the collection of the duties imposed by law on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels” ( 163 [August 4, 1790]).
3. See “An Act to provide for mitigating or remitting the forfeitures and penalties accruing under the revenue laws, in certain cases therein mentioned” ( 122–23 [May 26, 1790]).
4. William S. Smith was United States marshal for New York.