51To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 23, 1804. In describing the events of this day in his narrative, Van Ness wrote: “I sent a Note to Genl Hamilton’s Office and also to his house.” Notes not found. ] “Van Ness’s Narrative,” AD , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York; ADf , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York.
52To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 28 March 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
In a letter from Mrs. Church of tuesday last she mentions that my dear Eliza had been very much indisposed, but was better. as no mention is made of the disorder with which she has been afflicted, we apprehend that she has miscarryed, we are extremely anxious for further Accounts and pray they may be such as shall do away our apprehensions. The Regents of the university have directed their...
53To Alexander Hamilton from John Nicholas, 4 August 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Although we have no personal acquaintance with each other; yet, as we have long had the same principles & cause, I believe, equally at heart, I take the liberty to address you on what ought to be dear to every virtuous and honest man—to every real and hearty well-wisher to the true interests & prosperity of this country. Sir, it is a melancholy & undeniable truth, that the principles, the...
54To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Walker, 3 September 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Utica [ New York ], September 3, 1803 . “It unfortunately falls to my Lot to have the principal charge of the Estate of the late Mrs. Francis Bainbridge who in right of her Mother, Agatha Evans, was entitled to ⅔ of the Bradstreet Estate. From some of the papers and from some information I have reced it would appear that you have in your hands some Deeds or property belonging to this Estate....
55To 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 ,...
56To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Truxtun, 15 December 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
In a conversation we had at new York on the Subject of the threatened invasion of England by Bonaparte—you expressed a wish that oppertunity had offered So that you could have had the map of England and France &c before you. I now do myself the honor of transmitting my opinion as then Stated to you in a letter to Mr Pickering and after you have examined it with the map, I shall be greatly...
57To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 31 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed you have a Letter for you I have this Instant received from Leray. I must add a word respecting that same Bill of Exchange. I have agreed to pay to Mr. Tillier whatever the Company shall owe him and Thereby confirm what I have said to you upon that Subject but it is upon the express Condition that the Bill in Question be deposited, in your Hands if you please, so that I may be possest...
58To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
In the afternoon of yesterday I reported to Col. Burr the result of my last interveiw with you, and appointed the evening to receive his further instructions. Some private engagements however prevented me from calling on him ’till this morning. On my return to the City I found upon enquiry both at your office and house, that you had returned to your residence in the Country. Least an interveiw...
59To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Williams, 11 September 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Hudson [ New York ], September 11, 1803 . “I took the liberty of Stating a Case & inclosing it to you about the 20th of August for your opinion. Not hearing from you I fear the Letter has been intercepted. You will oblige me by informing whether you received that Letter and if you have by forwarding your Answer.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found.
60To 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...
61To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Both as a friend and a father I do most unfeignibly participate and condole with you in the heavy affliction that has fallen upon your family. It would be altogether vain for me to have recourse to the usual Topics of consolation, in so severe a Calamity: it must be sought for among the treasures of your own Mind, which nature has so eminently endowed; and after a while, it will likewise be...
62To Alexander Hamilton from Ambrose Spencer, 21 April 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Hudson [ New York ] April 21, 1801 . “I enclose you the case, in the cause of Staats & others vs Cary.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Spencer, a Hudson, New York, lawyer, was appointed district attorney for the third district in 1796, and in 1797 he was a member of the Council of Appointment of New York. From 1796 to 1802 he was a member of the New York Senate. The case of...
63To 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. ]
64To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
The assertion of the Jacobins, that you are an aristocrat & a Monarchist, is not new: But at a late meeting of the sect in this town, one of their leaders declared “That General Hamilton proposed (&, it was understood, advocated) in the general Convention, That the President of the United States, and the Senators, should be chosen for life: That this was intended as an introduction to...
65To 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 .
66To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 6–9 September 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Cap-Français [ Santo Domingo ], September 6–9, 1802 . States that he has returned to General Charles Victor Emmanuel Leclerc’s staff in Santo Domingo. Describes Leclerc’s campaign to restore French rule on the island and replies to criticism in the United States of Leclerc’s conduct. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Tousard, a former captain of artillery in the French army, was an...
67From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 26 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th. enclosing one from Paris of March 23d. The Cession of Louisiana by Spain to the French Republic, referred to in the latter, had been previously signified to this Department from several sources, as an event believed to have taken place. Supposing you might wish to repossess the letter from Mr. C I herein return it. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your...
68To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 8 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
By Dr. Romayne I send you a pamphlet lately written upon the interesting subject of the public credit of this Country. The author is a member of parliament an old & practical Banker, Brother to the president of the Bank of England, and for many years much conversant with the great money operations of the Country. When you have read it I wish the favour of you to send it together with the other...
69To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 2 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morrisville, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1804. On July 12, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai … La quelle m’accuse reception de la Mienne du 2.” Letter not found. ]
70To 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...
71To 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...
72To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 26 May 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th enclosing one from Paris of March 23d. The Cession of Louisiana by Spain to the French Republic, referred to in the letter, had been previously signified to this Department from several sources, as an event believed to have taken place. Supposing you might wish to repossess the letter from Mr. C I herein return it. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your...
73To 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,...
74To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 10 October 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment recd. you favour of Septr. 25th. but being oblidged to set out on my Tour to Vermont in a few Hours, I cannot consult my papers, nor reply as particularly as would otherwise be in my power. I do not know Campbell & till after the publication of Colo. Pickerings accounts in the Aurora, I did not know that such a person was employed in the Treasury. I have since been informed...
75To 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...
76To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Van Vechten, [30 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of a Letter from Mr. Jac. R. Van Rensselaer I have been with the Chancellor in order to have a guardian appointed for ⟨Mr.⟩ Kane’s Daughter, but on acct. of Mr. Kanes absence nothing can be done. The Chancellor requires a Petition from himself or an Atty in fact regularly constituted by him. He however suggests that as there are two Children you may procure a petition including...
77To 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...
78To Alexander Hamilton from Pierre Jean François Turpin, 22 September 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Profitant, monsieur, de la permission que vous m’avez donnée, et encouragé par vos bontés, je vais vous instruire de ce qui s’est passé depuis mon arrivée. j’ai vu monsieur Stevens à la quarantaine, il m’a parlé du désir qu’avait monsieur william hamilton de m’employer d’abord à faire la flore de Son jardin Celle des environs de philadelphie, et Successivement celle des états-unis en Générale...
79To 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...
80To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 16 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Every letter of yours affords a mean of consolation, and I am well aware that nothing lends so much [to] the alleviation of distress, as the personal intercourse with a sincere friend, and the endearing Attentions of children. I shall therefore delay no longer than is indispensibly necessary my visit to you—my trial has been severe. I have attempted to sustain it with fortitude. I have I hope...
81To Alexander Hamilton from Louis André Pichon, 21 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Washington, May 21, 1802. The endorsement on Hamilton to Pichon, May 10, 1802 , reads: “Repue Le 21 mai.” Letter not found. ]
82To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Smith, 20 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Your application to me in favor of Capt Du Buisson was highly acceptable and required no kind of apology. His case has had all the attention which under existing Circumstances could consistently be given to it. I have given him a sum of Money which will accomodate him for the present. Be persuaded, sir, I shall at all times be happy in receiving from you any Communications with which you may...
83To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 22 February 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
You Must pardon me for telling you I am sorry that you opposed sending a Petition to Congress against the Repeal of the Law of last Session for amending the judicial System. It will stop I suppose any such actions which might have come on from the Eastward and thus leave our Enemies to conclude against us from the Silence of our friends. Moreover it will enable your personal Enemies to say...
84To Alexander Hamilton from Ernst Frederich von Walterstorff, 20 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
When I received Your favr. of the 5th August I certainly did not think that I should postpone so long answering it and returning You my thanks for this proof of Your kind remembrance. I shall offer You no appology for it because there is none that would be satisfactory to myself. I beg You only to be assured, dear General, that there is not a character in America for whom I feel a greater...
85To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Read, 19 May 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been applied to by some friends whom I very much regard, to give a few Letters of Introduction to Jas. Hume Esqr; now of this City and who intends in the Course of the summer to Visit the Northern & Eastern States, and I have had the Freedom to give him a Letter to yourself. The Wish I know Mr Hume entertained to be made acquainted with a Gentleman so justly intitled to Celebrity, as...
86To 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...
87To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 24 February 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. D. Ogdon called upon me a few minutes past, and as I understood from him that he purposes writing to you by the mail of this Evening, I think it proper, in order to avoid any misconception of the tenour of our conversation to repeat to you the purport of what I said to him. viz. “Whether it will be expedient to offer a federal candidate for the Govr. is a point upon wh, from the want of...
88To Alexander Hamilton from Bushrod Washington, 21 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter dated in September came lately to my hands after having made a circuitous rout through many distant post offices as appears from the endorsements on it. I sent to Richmond about four months ago all the trunks of papers which I received from Mount Vernon except two. I have had so little leisure for examining the contents of those trunks, that it would be impossible for me at the...
89To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 4 December 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, December 4, 1801. On Sunday, December 6, 1801, Schuyler wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton and referred to “a letter of Friday last to my Dear Hamilton.” Letter not found. ] ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
90To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Jones, 21 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] May 21, 1804 . Asks Hamilton to answer questions concerning David Lydig’s “rights to the Bronx River, and how far those rights are affected by the Lease to Doctor J. Brown.…” ALS , anonymous donor; LS , New York State Library, Albany. Jones, who lived in Oyster Bay, New York, was comptroller of New York State from 1797 to 1800. He had been a member of the Continental Congress, the...
91To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Higginson, 10 October 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, October 10, 1803. “I wrote to you several months since, & inclosed to you a State of facts &c relative to the seizure of the Diana at Lima, & requested your Opinion as to the validity of our Insurance. to that letter I have no answer, & am now apprehensive it never reached you; but if you have received it, & have had leisure to form a deliberate opinion on this Subject, I wish to have...
92To 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...
93To 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...
94To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 12 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai timbree du 10 , La quelle m’accuse reception de la Mienne du 2. ainssy que de L’Extrait de La Conssultation, des deux avocats de Bordeaux, Sur mon Afaire Contre Bouchereau, Et dépuis ai remis L’original avec deux autres Pieces importantes à Mr. harison, Le quel ma mandé avoir obtenue Le renvois de la Cause à la Court qui doit le tenir en Octobre, Ce qui me...
95To 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...
96To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 2 July 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
My Brother is desirous that his son who in the late Army was one of my Aids should qualify himself for the profession of the Law: for this purpose he has been some time studying with Mr: De Saussure of this State. Our City has been for several years past fatal to many strangers who have attempted to spend their summer in it; my nephew has not been here in that season since his return from...
97To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott Junior, [February 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
By Letters lately recd. from Albany, by Gentlemen interested in the Merchants Bank, we are informed, that a meeting of political characters connected with the Legislature, has been held, and that it has been resolved at all events to suppress this Company. This violent decision was altogether unexpected, as from prior intelligence, it appeared that several influential characters of the ruling...
98To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Rush, 26 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit a whole family to mingle their tears with yours upon the late distressing event that has taken place in your family. It may perhaps help to sooth your grief when I add to that united expression of Sympathy, that your Son had made himself very dear to my family during his late visit to Philadelphia, by the most engaging deportment. His visits to us were daily, and after each of them he...
99To 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...
100To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, [24 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Stockbridge, Massachusetts, May 24, 1804. On July 10, 1804, Hamilton wrote to Sedgwick : “I have received two letters from you … that of the latest date being the 24 of May.” Letter not found. ]