The President of the United States wishes to avail himself of your sentiments on the following points— 1 st Whether a line of Conduct, equally distant from an association with all kinds of Company on the one hand, and from a total seclusion from Society on the other ought to be adopted by him?— and in that case how it is to be done? 2 d: What will be the least exceptionable Method of bringing...
2To John Adams from George Washington, 27 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
Being very desireous of obtaining such aids and information as will enable me to form a just opinion upon the subject of the enclosed paper, in case the events therein mentioned should take place; I have taken the liberty to submit it to you for your consideration, requesting that you will favor me with an opinion thereon. With very great esteem & regard / I am / Sir, / Your most Obed t: H be....
3To John Adams from George Washington, 1 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Friday the 4th Instant, I have desired their attendance, as I do yours by these Presents, at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such Communications as shall be made to you on my part.— DLC : Papers of George Washington.
4To John Adams from George Washington, 2 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed a resolution, which originated in the Senate, requesting that the President of the United States would cause to be communicated to the National Assembly of France the sense which Congress have of the tribute paid to the memory of Benjamin Franklin.” Printed Source--Senate Journal.
5To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed the following acts: “An act to amend an act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the government of the United States;” and “An act making an appropriation for the purpose therein mentioned.” Printed Source--Senate Journal.
6To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed “the resolve for establishing the mint;” and “the resolve requesting the President of the United States to cause an estimate to be laid before Congress of the lands not claimed by the Indians.” Printed Source--Senate Journal.
7To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed the following acts which originated in the Senate: “An act to continue in force the act therein mentioned, and to make further provision for the payment of pensions to invalids, and for the support of light-houses, beacons, buoys, and public piers;” and “An act for granting lands to the inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes,...
8To John Adams from George Washington, 8 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
I would thank you for giving the papers herewith sent a perusal—and for the result of it.— I am now deliberating on the measure proper & necessary to be taken with respect to Mr. G——t and wish for aid in so doing; the critical state of things making me more than usually anxious to decide right in the present case.— None but the heads of departments are privy to these papers, which I pray may...
9To John Adams from George Washington, 15 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have not been able to give the papers herewith enclosed, more than a hasty reading;—returning them, with out delay, that you may offer the perusal of them to whomsoever you shall think proper.— The picture drawn in them, of the Genevese, is realy interesting & affecting.—The proposition of transplanting the members, entire, of the University of that place, to America, with the requisition of...
10To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of State does himself the honor of requesting the favor of an acknowledgment that the enclosed summons has got safe to hand. United States March 3. 1795. The President of the United States to the Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 8th of June next; you...
11To John Adams from George Washington, 20 August 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 10th. inst. with its enclosures.—They contain a great deal of interesting matter;—and No. 9 discloses much important information, and political foresight.—For the proof of your kindness, and confidence, I pray you to accept my best, & most cordial thanks.— Mr. J. Adams, your son, must not think of retiring from the walk he is now in:—his prospects, if he...
12To John Adams from George Washington, 23 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed.—The details are interesting.—The Picture is well drawn;—and it is to be feared, too well founded in facts.—With very sincere esteem and regard / I am Your Obedt & / Affecte. NjP : DeCoppet Collection.
13To John Adams from George Washington, 16 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
Compliments to the Vice-President Enclosed is the curious and Insulting Letter mentioned yesterday Evening MHi : Adams Papers.
14To John Adams from George Washington, 20 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed.—The sentiments do honor to the head & heart of the writer;—and if my wishes would be of any avail, they shd. go to you in a strong hope that you will not withhold merited promotion from Mr. Jno. Adams because he is your son.—For with out intending to compliment the father or the mother, or to censure any others: I give it as my decided...
15To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 5 May 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg you to accept my unfeigned thanks for your friendly communications of this date—and that you will permit me to entreat a continuation of them as occasions may arise. The manner chosen for doing it, is most agreeable to me. It is my wish to act right; if I err; the head & not the heart, shall, with justice , be chargeable. With sentiments of sincere esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your...
16Alexander Hamilton’s Nomination by George Washington for the Office of Secretary of the Treasury of the United States … (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 11, 1789. On this date Washington submitted to the Senate the following nominations for the Treasury Department: “Alexander Hamilton (of New York) Secretary. Nicholas Eveleigh (of So. Carolina) Comptroller. Samuel Meredith (of Pensylvania) Treasurer. Oliver Wolcott Junr: (of Connecticut) Auditor. Joseph Nourse (in Office) Register.” LS , RG 46, First Congress, 1789–1791,...
17To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
From a great variety of characters who have made a tender of their services for suitable Offices , I have selected the following. If Mr. Jay & you will take the further trouble of running them over to see if among them there can be found one, who, under all circumstances is more eligable for the Post Office than Col O I shall be obliged to you both for your opinion thereon by Eleven ‘Oclock....
18To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 17 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As I am uncertain of the condition & even the Office in which the papers containing accounts of our disbursments for subsistence of British prisoners remain; and as it is not improbable that some negotiations may (whenever our Union under the General Government shall be completed) take place between the United States & Great Britain, in which an accurate understanding of those Accots. will...
19To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [4 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I feel myself very much obliged by what you sent me yesterday. The letter from Governor Johnston I return—much pleased to find so authentic an acct. of the adoption by No Carolina of the Constitution. Yrs. sincerely & affectly Monday Morng 4th. Jany. } 1789 ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Samuel Johnston, governor of North Carolina. North Carolina ratified the Constitution on...
20To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [31 March 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorised to negotiate and agree for a Loan to the United States to an amount not exceeding one hundred thousand Dollars, bearing an Interest not exceeding six ⅌. Cent ⅌ annum to be applied towards carrying into effect the appropriation made by the Act Entitled, “An Act making appropriations for the support of Government for the year one thousand seven...
21To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 13 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The sessions of Congress having closed, and it being my intention to go to Virginia as soon as the public business will permit, and wishing to have my mind as free from public cares during my absence from the seat of government, as circumstances will allow, I am desirous of having such matters as may, by Law, or otherwise, require the Agency or sanction of the President of the United States,...
22To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 27 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant and inconclusive, but very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans and the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississippi will be among the first attempts of the former, and that the reduction of them...
23To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [28 August 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
By virtue of the several Acts, the one entitled, “An Act making provision for the Debt of the U. States.” and the other entitled, “An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt.” I do hereby authorise and empower you, by yourself, or any other person or persons, to borrow on behalf of the United States, within the said States or elsewhere, a sum or sums, not exceeding in the...
24To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [28 August 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Having thought fit to commit to you the charge of borrowing on behalf of the United States a sum or sums not exceeding in the whole Fourteen Millions of Dollars pursuant to the several Acts, the one entitled, “An act making provision for the Debt of the United States,” the other entitled, “An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt.” I do hereby make known to you, that in the...
25To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 18 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter dated the 3d. inst. inclosing a Copy of the instructions you have forwarded to Mr. Short, came to my hands by the mail of Wednesday. The appointment of that gentleman to negotiate the Loans in Holland, and the Instructions you have given for his government, meet my approbation. The first as no inconvenience it is conceived will result from his absence from Paris, is a measure of...
26To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 20 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 10th. instt. relative to the establishment of the boats or Cutters for the protection of the revenue, I have to observe, That, if there appears to exist a necessity for equipping the whole number therein mentioned, the arrangement for building and stationing them, seems judicious, and is to me perfectly satisfactory. It is my wish that your Enquiries, respecting...
27To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 27 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. John Cogdell having resigned his appointment as Collector of the port of George town in south Carolina, I have to request that you will make enquiry respecting a proper person to succeed him. Mr. Corbin Braxton having also resigned his appointment as Surveyor of the ports of Richmond and Manchester—Colonel Heth informs me that he has nominated Mr. Z. Rowland to do the duties of the office...
28To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 3 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 18th and 21st Ulto. and thank you for the intelligence therein communicated; of which I have not as yet received any confirmation. I shall be oblig’d by your continueing to give me such information on public affairs as you may think sufficiently interesting to be imparted. I am, Sir, Your mo: obt. Servt. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 3 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last to you, your letter dated the 15th Ulto containing your sentiments on the questions I had proposed for your opinion and advice, is come duly to hand. I feel myself much obliged by the full and able consideration you have given to the subject. From present appearances, however, it does not seam as if there would be occasion for any decision on either point which gave birth to my...
30To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 6 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 29th. ulto: The papers concerning Capt. Lyde, put into your hands by the Vice President, which you say were enclosed to me, have not been transmitted—but from the recommendations in favor of Captain Williams, I think him entitled to a preference. Not being possessed of any commissions, I have to request (unless your farther enquiry should point to more proper...
31To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 30th. Ulto came duly to hand with its enclosures. For the information contained in it I thank you, as I shall do for all others of a similar nature. The motives, however, by which the Author of the communication to you was actuated, although they may have been pure and in that case praiseworthy, do also (but it may be uncharitable to harbour the suspicion) admit of a...
32To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 12 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 5th instant. The public service requiring the arrangements, which you have made, relative to the Light Houses of Newport and Portland, they are perfectly agreeable to me, and receive my approbation. I am, Sir Your most obedient Servant LS , United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut; LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
33To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 13 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed letter, addressed to me by the Baron Perin, treating of a subject to which I am a stranger, and the means of information not being within my reach; I have to request that you will cause such enquiry to be made into the Circumstances therein stated as may enable you to give him an answer. And I wish you to transmit my letter to him with yours. I am sir Yr. most Obt. servt. LC ,...
34To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 15 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
You will perceive by the letter which is enclosed for your transmission of it to Mr. Woodbury Langdon, that I have appointed him Commissioner of Loans in the room of Mr. Gilman, whose resignation I received by the last post. I am, Sir, Your Obt. Servant LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Nathaniel Gilman. See H to Washington, October 6, 1790 .
35To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 26 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 8th inst. I received yesterday on my return from an excursion up the Potowmack. I acquainted you on the 15th. instant that I had appointed Mr. Woodbury Langdon Commissioner of Loans for the State of New-Hampshire; but as it is probable from his brothers letter to you, that he will decline the appointment, I have now to inform you that I have no objection to Mr. Keith Spence...
36To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 28th. ultimo. The measures which you have taken to forward the building and equipment of the revenue Cutters, and to procure information respecting proper characters to be appointed inferior Officers, meet my approbation. You will please to inform Captain Law of his appointment, and furnish him with instructions similar to those you have given to the other...
37To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 8 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 26th. Ult: & 1st. Inst. The objection stated by you to the appointment of Mr. Spence being conclusive, I now enclose a letter from Mr. Wingate to me recommendatory of another Candidate, with my answer occasioned by the previous appointment of Mr. Woodbury Langdon, but should that Gentleman finally determine not to accept, and you learn, on enquiring, that...
38To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 10 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Mount Vernon, November 10, 1790. On November 11, 1790, Washington wrote to Hamilton : “Since writing to you yesterday.…” Letter not found. ]
39To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 11 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Since writing to you yesterday I have received your letter of the 6th. inst: enclosing the copy of one from Mr. Skinner to you, wherein he expresses his intention to continue in Office, which in conformity to your opinion, I am willing he should do. You will therefore destroy the letter, which I enclosed to you in my last, for Colo. Thomas. The person recommended by Capt. Taylor to be his...
40To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [2–6 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Your indisposition has prevented me from giving you as much trouble in making my communications to Congress as otherwise, I might have done. The article of your notes which respect the loan in Holland, I am somewhat at a loss to frame into a paragraph for the Speech, and therefore pray your assistance. I had got it as pr. the enclosed, but upon a revision, it does not appear right. Be so good...
41George Washington to the President of the National Assembly of France, [27 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I received, with particular satisfaction, and took an early opportunity of imparting to Congress, the communication made by your letter of the 20th of June last, in the name of the National Assembly of France. So peculiar and so signal an expresssion of the esteem of that respectable body for a citizen of the United States, whose eminent and patriotic services are indelibly engraved on the...
42To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 31, 1791 . Approves contract for supplying the lighthouse at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. LS , RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National Archives. See Tobias Lear to H, January 31, 1791 .
43To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 16 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
“An Act to incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of the United States” is now before me for consideration. The constitutionality of it is objected to. It therefore becomes more particularly my duty to examine the ground on wch. the objection is built. As a mean of investigation I have called upon the Attorney General of the United States in whose line it seemed more particularly to be for...
44To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 23 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received your sentiments with respect to the constitutionality of the Bill “to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States.” This bill was presented to me by the joint Commee. of Congress at 12 o’Clock on Monday the 14th. instant. To what precise period, by legal interpretation of the constitution, can the president retain it in his possession, before it...
45To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [15 March 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
By Virtue of the several Acts, the one entitled “An Act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers,” and the other entitled “An Act making an appropriation for the purpose therein mentioned,” I do hereby authorise and empower you by yourself or any other person or persons to...
46To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [15 March 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Having thought fit, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Act intitled “An Act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their stead, & also upon spirits distilled within the United States and for appropriating the same” to divide the United States into the following fourteen districts, namely one...
47To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [19 March 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Pay or cause to be paid to the Secretary of State Forty thousand Dollars to be applied to the purposes of the Act, intitled “An Act providing the means of Intercourse between the United States and foreign Nations,” for which this shall be your warrant. Given under my hand at Philadelphia the nineteenth day of March, in the year one thousand seven hundred & ninety one. LC , George Washington...
48To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 27th. Ult. came duly to hand. For the information contained in it and for the notes which accompanied the same, I thank you. Every expedient, as I believe you know, is in operation to avert a War with the hostile Indian tribes and to keep those who are in treaty with us in good temper; but I am nearly thoroughly convinced that neither will be effected, or, if effected, will...
49George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
50To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 7 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 11 & 14 of last month. Concluding from Mr. Shorts statement of his negotiation in Amsterdam, and from the opinions offered in your letters of the 11th., that the loan has been obtained on the best terms practicable, and that its application in the manner you propose will be the most advantageous to the United States, I do hereby signify my approbation of...