1From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 26 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Pay to Baron De Steuben or bearer Fifty Dollars. New York October 26th. 1789. ADS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Bank of New York. Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, Baron von Steuben.
2From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 11 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 11, 1790. The dealer’s catalogue gives the following description of this letter: “Mentions that he will soon have occasion to apply to the Bank of NY for a loan of $50,000.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, May 2, 1947, Lot 257.
3From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, [16 November 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
You will oblige me very much if you will have an assay made as speedily as possible by some of the most skilful hands in your City of the Coins gold and silver of England France Spain & Portugal in most general circulation with you. The more I examine the statements and tables which have been published respecting the standards of Coins, the more variances I discover; and the more it appears to...
4From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, [3 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for the attention you are so obligingly paying to the matters I have troubled you with. The interest, which yourself and my other friends in New York are so good as to take in my health is no small compensation for the temporary diminution of it. We are always glad to find that we are not forgotten by those to whom we are much attached. My Complaint has been nothing more than my...
5From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 7 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
If I recollect right my requests have hitherto referred your experiments to the newest dollars. I want however to know the different kinds in common circulation & their average weight and respective dates. Will you be so obliging then as to cause different parcels to be taken promiscuously out of the Mass in bank—say about 100 in each parcel, to cause them to be accurately weighed together,...
6Enclosure: From Ephraim Brasher to William Seton, [24–28 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Car gr 12 Grains of A Spanish Doubloon 1777 Essayed produced 10.¹⁹⁄₂₄ pure gold 1.⁵⁄₂₄ Silver } Worse than Stand ⁵⁄₂₄ 12 Do: Do: 1782 tested 12 parted 1 Silver 11. Standard 12 Do. of A Portugal half Joe
7From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 24 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 24, 1790. On January 3, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “all the purchasers chose to avail themselves of that indulgence, given in your Letter of the 24 Decbr.” Letter not found. ]
8From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 11 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 11, 1791. On February 16, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I am honored with your letter of the 11th.” Letter not found. ]
9From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 21 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 21, 1791. In his letter to Hamilton on March 28, 1791 , Seton referred to “the Bond endorsed in your letter of the 21st.” Letter not found. ]
10From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 31 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 31, 1791. On April 4, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton concerning “the request expressed in your letter of the 31st.” Letter not found. ]
11From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 1 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 1, 1791. On April 11, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I have to acknowledge the honor of your Letter of the 1st. instant.” Letter not found. ]
12From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I am desirous of making a further payment to Mr William Hill, of five thousand Dollars on account of his contract for cloathing for the Troops. The Bank of New York will oblige me by making him a payment of that sum, & taking his receipt for the same, as on that account. This sum will be charged, during the vacancy of the Comptroller’s Office, to the seperate account for the United States, as...
13From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, [17 June 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
A considerable time since Mr. Francis Cashier of the Bank of North America delivered me the inclosed piece of Metal which has Mr. Brasiers stamp and is alleged to be less valuable than the Stampt piece of equal weight to which it was intended to correspond by 8/10 Pa. Currency. This estimate is formed according to the specific gravity of the piece as ascertained by the Hydrostatic Ballance. In...
14From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 23 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 23, 1791. On June 24, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I am this moment favored with your Letter of the 23rd.” Letter not found. ]
15From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 25 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
You will find from my Letter of the 23rd instant that I have extended the sum that may be received by the Bank of New York of persons intending to become subscribers to the Bank of the United States as far as 100,000 Dollars, which supercedes in a degree the requisition with regard to the Notes of your institution. I could not engage in the arrangement proposed by means of that paper because I...
16From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 28 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 28, 1791. On June 30, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I have been honored … with your Letter of the 28th.” Letter not found. ]
17From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 2 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 2, 1791. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, May 2–12, 1947, Lot 257.
18From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 4 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 4, 1791. On August 15, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I am honored with your Letter of the 4th.” Letter not found. ] Seton was cashier of the Bank of New York.
19From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 15 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a resolution of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund appropriating a certain sum for the purchase of public Debt within certain limits therein specified. In consequence of that resolution I have concluded to apply One hundred and fifty thousand dollars towards purchases in the city of New York and to ask you to undertake the execution of the business. In thus forbearing to employ some...
20From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 16 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you herewith an official letter. This private one I write as explanatory of it. I hardly expect that you will be able to procure the debt within the limits prescribed—And yet I do not know what effect the imprudent speculations in Bank Script may produce. A principal object with me is to keep the Stock from falling too low in case the embarrassments of the dealers should lead to...
21From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 20 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 20, 1791. On August 25, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 20 & 22d.” Letter of August 20 not found. ]
22From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 22 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of Yours of the 18th instant. The Transfers of the stock, which You have purchased on account of the united states, must be made to the vice President, the Chief Justice, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General for the time being . In all future purchases, it will be most convenient to have the stock in the first...
23From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 7 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I write herewith to the Directors of the Bank of New York to advance you a further sum of fifty thousand Dollars, towards purchases of the public Debt ⟨on⟩ account of the United States, on the ⟨sa⟩me principles with the sum heretofore advanced to you for the like purpose. With great consideration I am Sir Your Obed servt ALS , Bank of New York, New York City; LS , Bank of New York; copy,...
24From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 7 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I regret though I am not surprised at what you disclose in your private letter of the 5th. I have for sometime foreseen the effects of a too sanguine disposition in the dealers of your City; particularly in relation to Bank Script; and have anticipated that it would lead to a necessity of sacrifices injurious to the funds. We got beyond the force of our own capital & beyond the point to which...
25From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 8 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a private letter last Evening which went by a private opportunity. Its principal object was to inform you— That I could not exceed the sum now directed to be advanced for want of authority—the present 50000 completing the sum heretofore appropriated by the Trustees & there not being here a sufficient number for a board. That purchases by the Treasurer were going on here. That there...
26From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 30 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, September 30, 1791. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, May 12, 1947, Lot 261.
27From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 3 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not find among the papers of the office any return of the investment of the last fifty thousand dollars in purchases of the debt; though I have a confused recollection of having received it. I therefore request that it may be forwarded, if not yet sent, or a duplicate, if a return has already been made. I request also, that you will cause the requisite steps to be taken, for effecting a...
28From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 8 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It is necessary to inform you that the Treasurers check or order for thirty thousand dollars of the first instant in favor of John Cochran Esq the Commissioner of loans for New York was intended to include your payment of Twenty thousand Dollars on the 1st instant, and the further sum of ten thousand Dollars. I think it proper to apprize you of this lest you may suppose that the Thirty...
29From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 10 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The duplicate return of your last purchases has come to hand. The Commissioner of loans might have issued the requisite Certificate in order to a Transfer to the books of the Treasury, upon the strength of your original Agency; especially as the Transfer was to be in the same names. But as a different idea has struck him I have written to him the enclosed to obviate difficulty. With very great...
30From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 11 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 11, 1791. On November 17, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I am honoured with your Letters of the 11th & 14th.” Letter of November 11 not found. ]
31From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 14 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 14, 1791. On November 17, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I am honoured with your Letters of the 11th & 14th.” Letter of November 14 not found. ]
32From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 25 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I seize the first moment of leisure to answer your letter of the 21st. Strange as it may appear to you, it is not more strange than true, that the whole affair of branches was begun, continued and ended; not only without my participation but against my judgment . When I say against my judgment, you will not understand that my opinion was given and overruled, for I never was consulted, but that...
33From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 18 January 179[2] (Hamilton Papers)
I have learnt with infinite pain the circumstance of a new Bank having started up in your City. Its effects cannot but be in every view pernicious. These extravagant sallies of speculation do injury to the Government and to the whole system of public Credit, by disgusting all sober Citizens and giving a wild air to every thing. It is impossible but that three great banks in one City must raise...
34From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 24 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I feel great satisfaction in knowing from yourself, that your institution rejects the idea of coalition with the new project, or rather Hydra of projects. I shall labour to give what has taken place a turn favourable to another Union; the propriety of which is as you say clearly illustrated by the present state of things. It is my wish that the Bank of New York may, by all means, continue to...
35From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 9 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It appearing from documents in the Treasury, that there remain at this time a number of draughts unpaid, which were drawn by the Treasurer upon the Collector of Norfolk and others, in the months of April, May, June, July &ca last, and lodged in the Bank of New York for sale; I request that you will cause a statement to be transmitted to this office, of all the Treasurers draughts, which may...
36From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 10 February 179[2] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 6th instant. The full and confidential communication you make is equally acceptable and necessary. I sincerely hope the Petitioners for a New Bank may be frustrated; but I fear more than I hope. General Schuyler will do every thing in his power against them. Every day unfolds the mischievous tendency of this mad scheme. The enemies to Banks & Credit are in a...
37From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 19 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It is strongly represented here, that you have restricted your operations so as absolutely to afford no accommodation in the present distress of the City. Knowing the disposition of the Directors, I am persuaded, that every thing is done which is prudent. And I dare say, there is much exaggeration. This is therefore barely to observe, That as far as you may have been influenced by any...
38From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 22 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia, March 22, 1792. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “On financial matters.” Letter not found .] ALS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, February 10, 1959, Lot 69.
39From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 25 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
If six per Cents should sink below par, you may purchase on account of the United States at par to the extent of Fifty thousand Dollars. You will not however declare on whose account you act, because tho there is, as to a purchase on that principle, no difference of opinion among the Trustees, the thing is not formally aranged and this is Sunday. It will be very probably conjectured that you...
40From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 26 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an Official Order for 50 000 Dollars subject to the directions in my private letter of yesterday. Yrs. sincerely You will only present the inclosed when necessary. ALS , Mr. Pierce Gaines, Fairfield, Connecticut; copy, in the writing of Seton, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H to Gulian Verplanck, March 26, 1792 .
41From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 30 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, March 30, 1792 . Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found .] LS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, May 12, 1947, Lot 258.
42From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 4 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The post of this day brought me a letter from you. I am pained, beyond expression, at the picture you and others give me of the situation of my fellow Citizens—especially as an ignorance of the extent of the disorder renders it impossible to judge whether any adequate remedy can be applied. You may apply another 50 000 Dollars to purchases at such time as you judge it can be rendered most...
43From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 12 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have your letters of the 10th & 11th and more to my distress than surprise I learn by other letters a confirmation of what you apprehended namely Mr. Macombs failure. This misfortune has I fear a long tail to it. The inclosed you will perceive gives you additional latitude. The terms as heretofore, for six ⅌ Cents 20/ three per Cents 12/ & deferred 12/6. You must judge of the best mode &...
44From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 25 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 25, 1792 . On April 29, 1792, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I received your official Letter of the 25th.” Letter not found .]
45From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 5 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 5, 1792 . On May 28, 1792, Seton acknowledged the receipt of Hamilton’s “orders on the 5th May instant.” Letter not found. ]
46From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 10 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 7th instant, covering an account of Stock purchased by you for the United States. I observe that you have exceeded the sum which was limitted by me to the amount of one thousand and ninety eight Dollars, eighty nine Cents. But so small a difference is not very material, and I am willing that the whole should remain on account of the United States. In order to a...
47From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 23 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 23, 1792 . On May 28, 1792, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “Your kind letter of the 23d, I did not receive till after the last post for the week was gone out.” Letter not found. ]
48From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 24 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 24, 1792. On May 28, 1792, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I am honourd with your Letter of the 24th.” Letter not found. ]
49From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 25 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Society for establishing useful manufactures, at their last meeting, resolved to borrow a sum of 5000 Dollars upon a pledge of deferred Stock. Mr. Walker is impowered to negotiate the loan and I expect application will be made to the Bank of New York for it. I have a strong wish that the Directors of that Bank may be disposed to give facilities to this institution upon terms of perfect...
50From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 30 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 30, 1792. On June 3, 1792, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 24th & 30th. May.” Letter of May 30 not found. ]