1To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have just been honoured by the receipt of your favor of the 8 th. instant— I have not time, as I must soon leave town, to observe now on that part of it which is in answer to a sentiment of mine on which we seem to differ— There is no proposition, to which I can more fully accede than to the one which affirms how important it is to People that the President, the vice President, the Senate...
2To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure a few days since of receiving your kind favor of the 19 th. ult o — When I first saw the new constitution I was very apprehensive that the President would not be able to maintain his ground and preserve such a stand, on the stage of our political theater, as to keep up that equilibrum essential to our enjoying all those blessings which are derived from a constitution in...
3To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
The exertions of disappointment & of antifederalism have had little effect I congratulate you My dear sir most sincerely on the happy event— When you left us no arrangment was made for the return of the few dollars you received of me—As I do not know what would be most convenient for you whether to forward the money or for me to draw on you I take the liberty to say now that when ever it shall...
4To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 11 September 1793 (Adams Papers)
Before this can reach you, you will be informed that our attempts to establish a peace with the hostiles tribes of Indians North of the Ohio has been ineffectual; and lest you should be perplexed with vague and uncertain accounts of the state of the business I have now taken up my pen to give you a short detail of the matter.— On my arrival at Niagra the 25th. of May I was informed by the...
5To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 September 1795 (Adams Papers)
I return your letters with my most cordial thanks for the sight of them—In the perusal I have been highly gratified and informed and have been confirmed in the idea that if our Jacobins intend to sap the foundation of our present constitution and thereby bring on a serious contest now is the momint for them to attempt their mad pursuit while the powers of Europe have full employ at home and...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I had too little time with you when in Philadelphia. Your particular engagments forbid my calling on you as often as under different circumstances I should have called. One question in particular was left unsettled the application of Mr. Joseph Blake respecting the quallity of some wines he imported. The Comptroller was in opinion that there could not any consideration be made for its being of...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I reported to you that I had contracted for the Cutter to be built in this State I mentioned that she was to be compleated fit for the sea that is with riging sails boats &c for 1440 dollars. After Captain Williams was appointed master he suggested to me his wishes that there might be some deviation from the plan I had given and on which the agreement was founded. On this I wrote to the...
8To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 27 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 27, 1790. “Your circular letter of the 17th. instant on the importance of your receiving the earliest information when breaches of the revenue law should take place came to hand by the tuesday post.… About five weeks since information was given that two trunks of merchandise had been in the night landed from on board the Ship Neptune Capt James Scott from London. On search the two...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Notwithstanding our wishes to the contrary, we are too often impelled to call your attention from the more important duties of your Office to circumstances trivial indeed compared therewith. However painful the measure we cannot avoid it & preserve that uniformity in the different Offices so much to be desired, as thereby the general interest is promoted & the minds of the People kept in a...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 16 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
A few days since the Brig revolution Captain Coffin entered here from Amsterdam with an intention to unlode part of his Cargo here & part at New York. Part is landed here & the Captain has a Copy of his Manifest given him in which I have distinguished the articles landed here & he has given bonds for the due landing the remainder in New York. By law I am empowered to put an inspector on board...
11To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I first received your orders for supplying the Cutter I attempted to bring the men to the established ration fixed by Congress. The moment our design was known a good Crew left the vessel. I was therefore obliged to supply as the Merchants supply or suffer the Cutter to remain in port. The latter I thought would be more difficult for me to justify than given the men the supply generally...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [3 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, August 3, 1792. On August 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln and acknowledged receipt “of your letter of the 3rd instant.” Letter not found. ]
13To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, [November–December 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
At our last interview you expressed a wish that I would make such remarks on the impost laws as in my opinion would have a tendency to increase the revenue in a way as little burdensome and as conformable to the wishes of the people as possible. The cheerfulness discovered by the merchants in general doing business at this Port in paying the established duties on merchandise evinces to me that...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 29 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been honoured with the receipt of your circular letter of the 8th. instant. I will aim at that discharge of the duties therein required which shall give satisfaction. A few days since I had a hint that a vessel from the Bahama Islands had touched into tarpaulin cove, in one of the Elizabeth Islands, and had there landed a few bags of Cotton. The same vessel came into this port and...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The post last evening brought me your letter of the 26th. Ulto. The copy of a letter from the Collector of Ba[r]nstable said to be inclosed has not come to hand. You mention that the letter relates to a request from him for a boat for the use of the inspector at Tarpentine Cove. I cannot find such a place within the district of Barnstable. There are now in the Office two Masters of vessels...
16To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 12 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 12, 1792. “I have received your Letter of the 2d. instant. The manner in which you have directed the lodgment of the money will obviate all the difficulties which I supposed might take place under your first order.… I wish to know how I shall settle the price of goods imported from France. Their paper seems to be in a depreciated state and the goods charged proportionately high.…”...
17To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The time will soon arrive when we may expect that large quantities of pickled & dryed fish will be imported here from Nova Scotia. Upon their arrival they are charged with a duty, on the pickled fish seventy five Cents ⅌ barrel & on the dryed fish fifty cents ⅌ Quintal. These fish are not consumed in the United States and are entitled to a draw back upon their being exported to a foreign...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston ] July 26, 1792 . “A few days since the Brig Sally arrived here from Amsterdam with a quantity of Ginn on board part of which was in Keggs or Anchors as they are called. This was such an open violation of the Law, after full time had passed for the interested to have know their duty & interest if proper attention had been paid to them, that I could not persuade my self that I should...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your instructions of the 18th ulto and the copy of a letter to Mr Appleton came by the last Post. I shall with the utmost cheerfulness attend to his applications and he may always depend on my best aid. You have I hope before you several letters from me, one of Feby 23rd one of Feby 25th one of March 9th & one 18th. I wish to receive an answer to that of the 23rd Feby as early as it shall be...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 13 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A short time since we had a vessel entered here with about one hundred quarter chests of tea. It was entered by the importer as Camphu. H since informs me that his papers also describe it as Bohea Congo . As it was entered as a black tea other than Bohea, tho~ it appears to me to be of the same kind, and the importer says it cannot be sold for more, I hardly know what to do with it. If I...
21To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, August 5, 1790. “I have been honoured with the receipt of your favor of the 30th. Ulto. by this evenings post. Immediately on knowing that the Act of this State making a Cession of the lighthouses &c had not been forwarded, I applied to the secretary for a copy of it which I obtained and have the pleasure to inclose.…” ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favours of the 17th & 18th were received last evening by post. The one referred to in your letter to Capt williams did not come to hand. I wish my opinion had not been asked relative to the present allowance made the keeper of the Light House at Portland as the sum given was named by me and thought to be as much as the public ought to give for keeping it in the best manner. I did not...
23To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is our tonnage Abstract commencing with July and ending with September. By a late instruction from the Treasury department we are called upon to make return to what port the several vessels entered here are destined, in what Kingdom State or Islands such ports are situated. All are in our return which are not in port have left it for places unknown to us. From the peculiar situation...
24To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have completed the business you assigned me and purchased up so much of the public debt as could be bought for the fifty thousand dollars Bank Bills which you put into my hands for that purpose. I have carefully attended to your instructions & have I presume neither lowered or raised the price. I have received a number of six per cents and other paper, all nearly on the same principles, 6...
25To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, December 1, 1789. “I have been honoured with the receipt of your favor of the 20th Ulto.… The plan which you have adopted of receiving the bills of the Bank aforesaid, is, in my opinion judicious & important as it relates to all the ports saving those in the county of Lincoln as it will accomodate the people, and have a tendency to leave the circulating cash so dispursed as best to...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 20 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Our Cutter proves to be a very dull sailer, after various experiments by altering the Standing of the masts the bowsprit and altering the Sails to make her sail better, is consequently a very improper Vessel for the business assigned her. We have now an opportunity to Sell her for a Sum, with the Saving of the pay & rations for the hands, which would build one of fifty odd tons, a Size large...
27To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 6 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, June 6, 1792. “I mentioned to you under the 15 Feby last that we had put our hands on four hogs. N E Rum in old we[s]t India Casks. The matter came to trial yesterday. It was admitted that the rum was distilled in Portland but contended that the duties were duly paid. This being proved the spirits were acquitted. If these things can be practised with impunity a wide door will be opened...
28To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your circular letter came to hand by the last post. Very particular attention will be paid to the certificates of Registers you mention. In a few day will be forwarded all the papers due from this office. Inclosed is a copy of the table of fees set up in this office, an exact copy from the law, which is literally followed here as explained by Messrs: Jones and Harison excepting for the entery...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
By the 7th. section in the act for registering vessels &c it is provided that when an owner resides out of the district where the ship may be at the time a register is required that such owner may take and subscribe the oath before the collector of the district in which he resides. A Gentleman from Baltimore came here a few months since and purchased a vessel, loaded her and wished her to sail...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, September 8, 1790. “I find in the 36 page of the new collection act that no drawback of the duties paid on any goods wares & merchandize imported shall be received on the exportation of such goods unless they shall be reshipped in the same casks, cases, chests, boxes or other packages in which they were originally imported.… Among goods wares & Merchandises there are some articles...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, January 26, 1790. Discusses the problems involved in the re-exportation of imported wines. Suggests placing imported raisins, lemons, pepper, and pimento on the enumerated list, and states that the additional levies would produce a “handsome” sum. ADf , RG 36, Letters from the Treasury and Others, 1789–1818, Vol. 11, National Archives.
32To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 15 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, November 15, 1792. “Your Circular letter to the Collectors of the Customs under the date of Octr 25 has been received by me. In that letter I am requested to furnish you as early as possible with an estimate of the amount of bounties payable in this district on fishing vessels. It is out of my power to comply with the request with any degree of Exactness as we have not more than ten or...
33To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 July 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the pleasure to forward the enclosed letter from our Treasurer which will give the best Light I can obtain on the question you submitted to me. Are the people mad! With the highest esteem and the warmest affection I am your friend & ob servant ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See Lincoln to H, July 10, 1795 .
34To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Sometime since, a Cargo of Sugars were imported into this Town, among them, were two or three tons of the worst kind, indeed it could hardly be called Sugar; it sold for about 2/5ths of what the remainder of the Cargo sold for, can any allowance be made on account of the duty? The British Consul arrived here a few days since, with his family, he has brought a quantity of household furniture....
35To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
On my return from Georgia I met on file in our office your questions concerning the navigations of the several States and foreign nations. An answer to those questions has been delayed from various causes. No one however has contributed more to produce it than a want of information in me, respecting some of them at the time I first saw them. I have since had an opportunity of knowing many...
36To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
At the request of Mr. Foster a merchant in this town I in-close his letter to me stating his situation relative to the draw back of some duties due on a quantity of Coffe exported. His confidence that you will direct the payment on the evidence offered makes it necessary that I should lay the matter before you for your decision thereon. I am &c LC , Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston; LC...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 19 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter under the 7th instant just now arrived by post. I hasten to answer it hoping that the conduct of the officers will not appear to you in the same point of light, after an explanation of the business is had, as it did when you received the information to which you refer. By the enclosed Copy you will perceive that you had nearly a state of facts. On the 16th. Ulto. Captain Williams...
38To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I now take up my pen to give you an account of the seizure of the Schooner Bee of about 30 Tons from Nova-Scotia and to relate the circumstances which led to & have taken place in consequence thereof. On Wednesday last I had information that a Schooner of about Thirty five tons from Nova-Scotia had been for some days in the offing but had run in at night; that lighters had taken out of her a...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, James Lovell, and Thomas Melville, 31 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, January 31, 1794. On February 20, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln, Lovell, and Melville : “I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo.” Letter not found. ] Lincoln was the collector, Lovell the naval officer, and Melville the surveyor of the port of Boston.
40To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In your letter of 22 Ulto you refer to several letters which I had written but do not mention the one on the subject of a cutter I am apprehensive therefore that you have not received it. If you have not, I will hereafter repeat the Ideas. I hardlay think Captain Tucker would serve as a Lieutenant under Captain Williams as he is the senior officer. He wishes to command. The boat I mentioned...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 25, 1791. “By an act made to explain and amend ‘an act making farther provision for the payment of the Debts of the United States’ It is enacted that the duty of 7½ ⅌ Ct ad valorem laid by the act aforesaid on chintses and coloured calicoes shall be deemed and taken to extend to all printed stained & coloured goods, or manufactures of cotton, or of linen, or of both, which...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the pleasure of enclosing a return of all the vessels built within this District from March 4th 1789 to March 4th 1791 collected & made agreeably to your wishes communicated by Mr Coxe your assistant the 10th ult. You will find the number exceedingly small and is not I think, more than one third of what was built in the years 1784 and 1785. I will attempt to assign some reasons why the...
43To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, July 8, 1794. On August 19, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln and referred to “your favor of the 8th July last.” Letter not found. ]
44To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 July 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I early received your favour respecting the debts paid by this State and immediately applied to the Treasurer of the State as the only person from whom I could receive that information you wished. He has been engaged in settling his acct & paying off the interest now due on our State debt. As soon as that shall be over he will make every exertion to gratify my wishes. With great esteem I am ...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 17 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
By the new collection law it is enacted that there shall be an allowance for leakage for two pr cent on the quantity which shall appear by the guage to be contained in any cask of liquor subject to duty by the gallon. A question has arisen whether molasses be a liquor in the meaning of the law; the same practice doth not govern the whole it is important that one system should operate in the...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 27 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, August 27, 1794. “I called a few days since for the settlement of a number of Bonds a collection of the money due on which had been suspended as the duties arose on goods which afterwards were exported. Many of the people come and say that they have not yet received their certificates of the landing of the Goods in a foreign port the reason of which arises from the detention the...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 7[–8] October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I was very unhappy the last evening on the receipt of your letter by the post to find that the papers I forwarded in April last respecting my purchase of the public securtes had not answered your wishes. Before I forwarded them I examined the law & your instructions and intended fully to comply with both. I therefore was induced in the statement of my account of my transactions in the business...
48To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your orders I here send you a description of the Cutter Massachusetts built at Newbury port in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year 1791. She has on deck two masts her length is sixty feet above her upper deck her depth is seven feet Eight inches her breadth seventeen feet Eight inches she measures seventy tons ⁴³⁄₉₅. She is a square sterned schooner has quarter badges &...
49To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
My knowledge of your wishes to support the manufactures of your Country will apologize I hope for the trouble of this Letter on the subject of tipes. Mr. Thomas of this State has it in contemplation to print the bible in two different small sizes. To do it on terms which will give him a profit among the importers he is under the [necessity] of importing tipes sufficient for the whole work...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 July 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, July 1, 1790. States that the lighthouses on Thacher and Plum Islands need to be repaired and that the cost of the work will be $137.83⅓. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire and Massachusetts, National Archives; LC , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letter Book, 1790–1797, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Boston, National...