51To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 2 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your favour of the 27 of May. The suggestion in my last was an undigested thought begotten by my anxiety. I have no doubt that your view of it is accurate & well founded. It is a great satisfaction to me to ascertain what I had anticipated in hope, that you are not determined in an adequate emergency against affording once more your Military services. There is no one but...
52From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 19 May 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
At the present dangerous crisis of public affairs, I make no apology for troubling you with a political letter. Your impressions of our situation, I am persuaded, are not different from mine. There is certainly great probability that we may have to enter into a very serious struggle with France; and it is more and more evident that the powerful faction which has for years opposed the...
53To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 19 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
At the present dangerous crisis of public affairs, I make no apology for troubling you with a political letter. Your impressions of our situation, I am persuaded, are not different from mine. There is certainly great probability that we may have to enter into a very serious struggle with France; and it is more and more evident that the powerful faction which has for years opposed the...
54From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 August 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The receipt two days since of your letter of the 21 instant gave me sincere pleasure. The token of your regard, which it announces, is very precious to me, and will always be rememberd as it ought to be. Mrs. Hamilton has lately added another boy to our Stock. She and the Child are both well. She desires to be affectionately remembered to Mrs. Washington & yourself. We have nothing new here...
55To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
The receipt two days since of your letter of the 21 instant gave me sincere pleasure. The token of your regard, which it announces, is very precious to me, and will always be remembered as it ought to be. Mrs Hamilton has lately added another boy to our Stock. She and the child are both well—She desires to be affectionately remembered to Mrs Washington & yourself. We have nothing new here more...
56To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, c. January 1797 (Washington Papers)
The sitting of the Court and an uncommon pressure of business have unavoidably delayed an answer to your last favour. I have read with attention Mr Pickerings letter. It is in the main a substantial and satisfactory paper, will in all probability do considerable good in enlightening public opinion at home—and I do not know that it contains any thing which will do harm elsewhere. It wants...
57From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [25–31 January 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The sitting of the Court and an uncommon pressure of business have unavoidably delayed an answer to your last favour. I have read with attention Mr. Pickerings letter. It is in the main a substantial and satisfactory paper, will in all probability do considerable good in enlightening public opinion at home—and I do not know that it contains any thing which will do harm elsewhere. It wants...
58From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [31 January 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
My late situation exposes me to applications which I cannot resist without appearing unkind. It is understood that Mr. Walker is about to resign the place of naval Officer. Mr. Jonathan Burrall Mr. Rogers (Walker’s Deputy) and Col Giles (the present Marshall) have all three mentioned the subject to me and requested me to express my opinion of their qualifications to you. As to Mr. Burrall...
59To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 31 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
My late situation exposes me to applications which I cannot resist without appearing unkind. It is understood that Mr Walker is about to resign the place of naval Officer. Mr Jonathan Burrall Mr Rogers (Walkers Deputy) and Col. Giles (the present Marshall) have all three mentioned the subject to me and requested me to express my opinion of their qualifications to you. As to Mr Burrall there is...
60From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 19 January 179[7] (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. De Neuville widow of Mr. De Neuville formerly of Holland lately passed through this City. On her way she called upon me and announced her intention to make application to Congress on the ground of the political services rendered the UStates by her husband, as in fact a principal cause of his pecuniary misfortunes—and expressed a wish that I would bring her case under your eye. I told her...
61To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 19 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
Mrs De Neuville widow of Mr De Neuville formerly of Holland lately passed through this City. On her way she called upon me and announced her intention to make application to Congress on the grounds of the political services rendered the U. States by her husband, as in fact a principal cause of his pecuniary misfortunes—and expressed a wish that I would bring her case under your eye. I told her...
62From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [19 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 12th. instant. My avocations have not permitted me sooner to comply with your desire. I have looked over the papers & suggested alterations & corrections; and I have also numbered the paragraphs I. II. III &c in the order in which it appears to me eligble they should stand in the Speech. I thought upon full reflection you could not avoid an allusion to your...
63To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 19 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 12th instant. My avocations have not permitted me sooner to comply with your desire. I have looked over the papers & suggested alterations & corrections; and I have also numbered the paragraphs I. II. III &c. in the order in which it appears to me eligible they should stand in the Speech. I thought upon full reflection you could not avoid an allusion to your...
64From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [11 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
My anxiety for such a course of things as will most promise a continuance of peace to the country, & in the contrary event a full justification of the President, has kept my mind dwelling on the late Reply to Mr. Adet & though it is a thing that cannot be undone, yet if my ideas are right the communication of them may not be wholly useless for the future. The more I have considered that paper...
65To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 11 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
My anxiety for such a cou[r]se of things as will most promise a continuance of peace to the country, & in the contrary event a full justification of the President; has kept my mind dwelling on the late Reply to Mr Adet & though it is a thing that cannot be undone, yet if my ideas are right the communication of them may not be wholly useless for the future. The more I have considered that paper...
66From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [10 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have been employed in making and have actually completed a rough draft on the following heads “ National University, Military Academy, Board of Agriculture, Establishment of such manufactories on public account as are relative to the equipment of army & navy, to the extent of the public demand for supply , & excluding all the branches already well established in the country.—The gradual &...
67To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 10 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have been employed in makg and have actually completed a rough draft on the followg heads “ National University, Military Academy, Board of Agriculture, Establishment of such manufactories on public account as are relative to the equipment of Army & navy, to the extent of the public demand for supply , & excludg all the branches already well established in the country—The gradual &...
68From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [5 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday after the departure of the Post I received your letter of the 3d. I have since seen the answer to Adet . I perceive in it nothing intrinsically exceptionable—but something in the manner a little epigrammatical and sharp . I make this remark freely, because the Card now to be played is perhaps the most delicate that has occurred in your administration. And nations like Individuals...
69To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday after the departure of the Post I received your letter of the 3d. I have since seen the answer to Adet. I perceive in it nothing intrinsically exceptionable but something in the manner a little epigrammatical and sharp. I make this remark freely, because the Card now to be played is perhaps the most delicate that has occurred in your administration—And nations like Individuals...
70From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [4 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have lately been honored with two letters from you, one from Mount Vernon the other from Philadelphia, which came to hand yesterday. I immediately sent the last to Mr. Jay & conferred with him last night. We settled our opinion on one point—(viz) That whether Mr Adet acted with or without instruction from his Government in publishing his communication, he committed a disrespect towards our...
71To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been honored with two letters from you, one from Mount Vernon the other from Philadelphia, which came to hand yesterday. I immediately sent the last to Mr Jay & conferred with him last night. We settled our opinion on one point—(viz.) That whether Mr Adet acted with or without instructi[o]n from his Government in publishing his communication, he committed a disrespect towards our...
72From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 8 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 6th. by the bearer. The draft was sent forward by Post on Tuesday. I shall prepare a paragraph with respect to the University & some others for consideration respecting other points which have occured. With true respect & attachment I have the honor to be Sir Yr. very obed serv ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. For background to this letter, see...
73From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 5 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I return the draft corrected agreeably to your intimations. You will observe a short paragraph added respecting Education . As to the establishment of a University, it is a point which in connection with military schools, & some other things, I meant, agreeably to your desire to suggest to you, as parts of your Speech at the opening of the session. There will several things come there much...
74To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
I return the draft corrected agreeably to your intimations. You will observe a short paragraph added respecting Education. As to the establishment of a University, it is a point which in connection with military schools, & some other things, I meant, agreeably to your desire to suggest to you, as parts of your Speech at the opening of the session. There will several things come there much...
75From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 4 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two late letters, the last but one transmitting me a certain draft. It will be corrected & altered with attention to your suggestions & returned by Monday’s or Tuesday’s post. The idea of the university is one of those which I think will be most properly reserved for your speech at the opening of the session. A general suggestion respecting education will very fitly come...
76To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two late letters, the last but one transmitting me a certain draft. It will be corrected & altered with attention to your suggestions & returned by Monday’s or Tuesday’s post —The idea of the university is one of those which I think will be most properly reserved for your speech at the opening of the session. A general suggestion respecting education will very fitly come...
77From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [10 August 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
About a fortnight since, I sent you a certain draft. I now send you another on the plan of incorporating. Whichever you may prefer, if there be any part you wish to transfer from one to another any part to be changed—or if there be any material idea in your own draft which has happened to be omitted and which you wish introduced—in short if there be any thing further in the matter in which I...
78To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 10 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
About a fortnight since, I sent you a certain draft. I now send you another on the plan of incorporating. Whichever you may prefer, if there be any part you wish to transfer from one to another any part to be changed—or if there be any material idea in your own draft which has happened to be omitted and which you wish introduced—in short if there be any thing further in the matter in which I...
79From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 30 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the pleasure to send you herewith a certain draft which I have endeavoured to make as perfect as my time and engagements would permit. It has been my object to render this act importantly and lastingly useful, and avoiding all just cause of present exception, to embrace such reflections and sentiments as will wear well, progress in approbation with time, & redound to future reputation....
80To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 30 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to send you herewith a certan draft which I have endeavoured to make as perfect as my time and engagements would permit—It has been my object to render this act importantly and lastingly useful, and avoiding all just cause of present exception, to embrace such reflections and sentiments as will wear well, progress in approbation with time, & redound to future reputation—How...
81From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 5 July 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I was in due time favoured with your letter of the 26 June & consulted the Gentleman you name on the subjects of it. We are both of opinion there is no power in the President to appoint an Envoy Extraordinary, without the concurrence of the senate, & that the information in question is not a sufficient ground for extraordinarily convening the senate. If however the President from his...
82To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
I was in due time favoured with your letter of the 26 June & consulted the Gentleman you name on the subjects of it. We are both of opinion there is no power in the President to appoint an Envoy Extraordinary, without the concurrence of the senate, & that the information in question is not a sufficient ground for extraordinarily convening the senate—If however the President from his...
83From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [16 June 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received information this morning of a nature which I think you ought to receive without delay. A Mr. Le Guen , a Frenchman, a client of mine and in whom I have inspired confidence, and who is apparently a discreet and decent man, called on me this morning to consult me on the expediency of his becoming naturalized, in order that certain events between France and the U States might not...
84To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, c.16 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I have received information this morning of a nature which I think you ought to receive without delay—A Mr Le Guen , a Frenchman, a client of mine and in whom I have inspired confidence, and who is apparently a discreet and decent man, called on me this morning to consult me on the expediency of his becoming naturalized, in order that certain events between France and the U. States might not...
85From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 1 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 29th was delivered me by Mr. King yesterday afternoon. I thought I had acknowleged the Receipt of the paper inquired for in a letter written speedily after it—or in one which transmitted you a draft of a certain letter by Mr. Jay. I hope this came to hand. I am almost afraid to appear officious in what I am going to say; but the matter presses so deeply on my mind that...
86To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 1 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 29th was delivered me by Mr King yesterday afternoon. I thought I had acknowleged the Receipt of the paper inquired for in a letter written speedily after it—or in one which transmitted you a draft of a certain letter by Mr Jay. I hope this came to hand. I am almost afraid to appear officious in what I am going to say; but the matter presses so deeply on my mind that fearing...
87From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 20 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
A belief that the occasion to which they may be applicable is not likely to occur, whatever may have been once intended, or pretended in terrorem , has delayed the following observations in compliance with your desire —and which are now the result of conferences with the Gentleman you named. The precise form of any proposition or demand which may be made to or of this Government must so...
88To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 20 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
A belief that the occasion to which they may be applicable is not likely to occur, whatever may have been once intended, or pretended in terrorem , has delayed the following observations in compliance with your desire—and which are now the result of conferences with the Gentleman you named. The precise form of any proposition or demand which may be made to or of the Government must so...
89From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [10 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
When last in Philadelphia you mentioned to me your wish that I should re dress a certain paper which you had prepared. As it is important that a thing of this kind should be done with great care and much at leisure touched & retouched, I submit a wish that as soon as you have given it the body you mean it to have that it may be sent to me. A few days since I transmitted you the copy of a...
90To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 10 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
When last in Philadelphia you mentioned to me your wish that I should re dress a certain paper which you had prepared—As it is important that a thing of this kind should be done with great care and much at leisure touched & retouched, I submit a wish that as soon as you have given it the body you mean it to have that it may be sent to me. A few days since I transmitted you the copy of a letter...
91From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [5 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The letter of which the inclosed is a copy contains such extraordinary matter that I could not hesitate to send it to you. The writer is Mr. G—— M——. I trust the information it conveys cannot be true; yet in these wild times every thing is possible. Your official information may serve as a comment. Very respectfully & affectly I have the honor to be Sir Yr Obed ser ALS , George Washington...
92From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 9 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity of announcing to you one whom I know to be so interesting to You as the bearer of this Mr. Motier La Fayette. I allow myself to share by anticipation the satisfaction which the Meeting will afford to all the parties—the more, as I am persuased, that time will confirm the favourable representation I have made of the person & justify the...
93To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity of announcing to you one whom I know to be so interesting to You as the bearer of this Mr Motier La Fayette. I allow myself to share by anticipation the satisfaction which the Meeting will afford to all the parties—the more, as I am persuased, that time will confirm the favourable representation I have made of the person & justify the interest...
94From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [8 April 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have done something but not what I intended. The sitting of two Courts & my professional engagements there prevent the execution of my plan. I no longer withold the paper lest circumstances should render it of any use. Most Affecy & resp ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The New York Court of Chancery met in New York City on the last Tuesday in March; the New York Supreme Court...
95From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 April 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
The express is this morning gone off with your letter to Young LaFayette. I foresaw when in Philadelphia certain machinations on this subject. I rejoice in the decision you have come to, in regard to the papers. Whatever may happen, it is right in itself—will elevate the character of the President—and inspire confidence abroad. The contrary would have encouraged a spirit of usurpation the...
96To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 2 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
The express is this morning gone off with your letter to Young La Fayette. I foresaw when in Philadelphia certain machinations on this subject. I rejoice in the decision you have come to, in regard to the papers. Whatever may happen, it is right in itself—will elevate the character of the President—and inspire confidence abroad. The contrary would have encouraged a spirit of usurpation the...
97From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 29 March [1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I wish the inclosed could have been sent in a more perfect State. But it was impossible. I hope however it can be made out & may be useful. It required more time to say all that was proper in a more condensed form. In considering the course to be pursued by the President it may be well he should be reminded that the same description of men who call for the papers have heretofore maintained...
98Enclosure: [Draft of a Response to Concerns about the Jay Treaty], [29 March 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your resolution and have considered it with the attention always due to a request of the House of Representatives. I feel a consciousness (not contradicted I trust by any part of my conduct) of a sincere disposition to respect the rights privileges and authorities of Congress collectively and in its separate branches—to pay just deference to their opinions and wishes—to avoid...
99To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 29 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I wish the enclosed could have been sent in a more perfect State. But it was impossible—I hope however it can be made out & may be useful. It required more time to say all that was proper in a more condensed form. In considering the course to be pursued by the President it may be well he should be reminded that the same description of men who call for the papers have heretofore maintained that...
100From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 March 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I am mortified at not being able to send you by this post a certain draft. But the opinion that reasons ought to be given & pretty fully has extended it to considerable length & a desire to make it accurate as to idea & expression keeps it still upon the anvil. But it is so far prepared that I can assure it by tomorrow’s Post. Delay is always unpleasant. But the case is delicate & important...