28851To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 11 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 11, 1791. “The President of the United States having duly considered the subject of building a Light House on Cape Henry in Virginia, as submitted to him on the 5th Instant by the Secretary of the Treasury … it appears to him that the proposal made by John McComb Junr. of New York is most advantageous to the United States, and he is therefore of opinion that the...
28852Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 11 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 11, 1791. On January 26, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton : “Your circular favour of 11 instant is recd.” Circular not found. ]
28853To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you copies of the printed papers you desired: also a letter I recieved last night. This paper I will thank you to return by the bearer when you shall have perused it, as it is yet to be translated & communicated to the President. It is evident that this matter will become serious, & tho’ I am pointedly against admitting the French construction of the Treaty, yet I think it essential...
28854From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [13 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for the printed papers you have been so obliging as to send. I cannot forbear a conjecture that the communications of the Chargé des affaires of France are rather expedients to improve a moment, in which it is perceived questions concerning navigation are to be discussed than the effects of serious instructions from his Court. Be this as it may I really have not thought of any...
28855Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 14 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It is necessary to the adjustment of the public accounts, that the officers of the Treasury should be informed what sums in final settlement certificates were paid over to the several states by the agents for settling the accounts of their respective lines in the late army. The statements of those agents are the only documents on the subject of which the United States are possessed, and it...
28856To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 15 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Contrary winds have prevented any vessel leaving the Texel since the month of November. The several letters therefore which I have had the honor of writing you by that may still remain there. This unexpected delay is the more unfortunate as it is in those letters alone that I have spoken fully on the subjects about which you must be impatient to hear. I preferred making use of this chanel for...
28857Enclosure: Schweizer, Jeanneret and Company to William Short, [14 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Sur la communication qui nous a été donnée par Monsieur swan, de la lettre que vous lui avez fait l’honneur de lui écrire Le 9 de ce mois, nous avons pris la décision de surmonter tous les obstacles raisonnables qui pourront s’élever sur les propositions que nous avons eu l’honneur de vous faire Ministerielment par le canal de Monsieur Le Contrôlleur Général des finances et de Monsieur de...
28858To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Gibbs, 16 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I did myself the honor to address you the 7th. of Novr. last from Boston, and therein mentioned the subject of Mr. Tracy’s affair, which I was informed by Mr. Flint, had been refferred to you by Congress the last session, and that there was a probability of his claim being granted. I do My Freind most earnestly intreat of you to give me one line respecting this business and if Mr. Tracy’s...
28859From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 17, 1791. Encloses “the Presidents commission for Mr. Joseph Greenleaf as keeper of the light house of Portland.” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters and Papers re Lighthouses, Buoys, and Piers, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,”...
28860To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 17 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The ships Vigilant and Hope, belonging and bound to this place from foreign Ports, were by distress of weather obliged, on the 25. & 27 December, to put into New London, where they were admitted to an entry, and the duties secured to be there paid. They have since arrived here with their Cargoes; and I observe, by an estimate of the duties on that of the Vigilant, that none were demanded on...
28861To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 17 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, January 17, 1791. “I have promised the subscribers to the enclosed representation, relative to the value of the Rix dollar of Denmark, that I would lay the matter before you for your opinion and instructions thereon. If their presumption as to the meaning of the Legislature in fixing the rate of that coin is true, I suppose it will be right to refund the duties on their several...
28862To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 17 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 17, 1791. “… Very large returns for the issue of Indents are in hand & will be forwarded as soon as the business of the Office will permit. The subscriptions to the Loan are increasing very rapidly this Month.” LC , RG 53, Pennsylvania State Loan Office, Letter Book, 1790–1794, Vol. “615-P,” National Archives.
28863Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, 18 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Met pursuant to notice: John Adams, Vice President of the United States; Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State; Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury; and Edmund Randolph, Attorney General. The Secretary of the Treasury informed the Board, that the funds of the United States permit the application of the further sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, to the purposes of the act...
28864To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, 18 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 18, 1791. “In compliance with your request, I have directed the Comptroller General to make out a statement of the Sums in final Certificates, which were paid over to this State, by the Agents for settling the Accounts of the Pennsylvania line, in the late Army.… As soon as the Comptroller has compleated the enquiry,… I will chearfully transmit the result.…” LC , Division...
28865From Alexander Hamilton to John Wheelock, 18 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 18, 1791. On the verso of Wheelock’s letter to Hamilton on November 8, 1790, Hamilton wrote : “Answered January 18. 1791.” Letter not found. ]
28866Conversation with George Beckwith, 19[–20] January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Beckwith. I take the liberty of speaking very freely to you on every subject, and upon this principle give me leave to remark, that I was sorry to observe a certain warmth of expression in one paragraph of the address of Your House of Representatives, in reply to The President’s speech, which respected your commerce and navigation. Mr. —— You know perfectly, that we have different opinions...
28867To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, [19 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I omitted writing to you last Evening in Expectation of Communicating more agreable Intelligence, than this Post will Convey you, for you will undoubtedly hear from Mr. Renslaer, that Mr. Burr was this day Elected by both houses, to succeed General Schuyler, by a large Majority in the Senate, and of five in the House of Representatives. This is the fruit of the Chancllor’s Coalition with the...
28868To Alexander Hamilton from John M. Pintard, 19 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The foregoing is Copy of what I had the Honor of writing you on the 7th Ultimo via New York. Being directed by Major Butler and Some other freinds to Ship them Some choice Madeira wine for their own drinking and thinking that you might wish for a pipe also I have taken the liberty to Ship one for you by this conveance to address of my freind Mr George Meade of Philadelphia who will deliver it...
28869To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, [19 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
About an hour ago the election of Senator was brought on in the assembly. Burr succeeded by a decided majority. He has a decided Majority also in the Senate. The thing therefore may be considered as settled. The twistings, combinations, and maneuvers to accomplish this object are incredible. I was this moment attending a court of Chancery. The Chancellor is singularly happy. It would take a...
28870From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16th. of October from which I find that a cutter of near 64 Tons is thought of for your coast. The terms of 22½ Drs. per ton are very satisfactory, but unless the construction of the Vessel is so far advanced as to prevent a diminution of the size, I request that she may be confined to the smallest dimensions that are deemed consistent with safety on your...
28871From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 22 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 22, 1791. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Authorizing a cutter to be built for the Delaware station under the supervision of Captain Montgomery.” Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Parke-Bernet Galleries, March 28, 1940, Lot 302. James Montgomery of Pennsylvania.
28872From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 22 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It being deemed necessary to proceed in the building of the Cutter for the Maryland station I have now to request that you will immediately proceed in the business. It may be well that you should be informed that the Massachusetts Cutter has been contracted for at Newburyport at about 22½ Dollars per Ton fitted completely as a vessel with sails, rigging, anchors &ca. including two Boats, one...
28873From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 23 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It being deemed necessary to proceed in the building of the Cutter intended for the Connecticut and Rhode Island station, I have to request that on the receipt of this the business may be pursued. The cutter for Boston is to be built at Newbury port & fitted as a Vessel with all requisite masts, spars, sails, cables, cordage, anchors, a Boat &ca. for about 22½ Dollars per Ton. At that rate you...
28874From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 23 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 23, 1791. On February 15, 1791, Whipple wrote to Hamilton : “Your letter of the 23rd Ulto. I have received.” Letter not found. ]
28875From Alexander Hamilton to George Wray, 23 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I find so considerable a difference in favor of the United States will arise from building at Hampton the Revenue Cutter which it was desired to have built at Baltimore, that it is probable you will be applied to by the Collector of that district to assist him in getting another suitable Vessel in your Port. I shall enclose this letter to him with instructions to endeavor to procure a Vessel...
28876To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 24 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 24, 1791. Proposes that two beacon boats on the Delaware River, both of which are “far advanced in a state of decay,” be replaced. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives. H’s endorsement reads: “The within proposition appears eligible but Mr [Tench] Coxe will consider it & give me his opinion.”
28877To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Anspach, 24 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 24, 1791 “In consequence of yours of the 20th. Ulto. I did on the first of this month commence the business you wished me to undertake, and agreeable to request have now for the first time made a Return, comprehending a number of the specie claims against the late Quartermaster general’s department. All of which are herewith inclosed for the inspection of the Auditor & his...
28878To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [24 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I return you the report on the mint which I have read over with a great deal of satisfaction. I concur with you in thinking that the mint must stand on both metals, that the alloy should be the same in both, also in the proportion you establish between the value of the two metals. As to the question on whom the expense of coinage is to fall, I have been so little able to make up an opinion...
28879To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 25 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I observe in Fenno’s paper of the 12th. Inst. that a motion was made by Mr Ames “to take into consideration whether any, & what provision shall be made to the Commissioners of Loans in the respective States to defray their extra expences.” It was your opinion when I had the pleasure of seeing you last, that, the Collectors ought at least , to have a Salary eql. to the expences of their...
28880To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 25 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor of addressing you this letter by the way of the English Packet because contrary winds still prevent any vessel leaving the Texel. All the letters I have written to you by American vessels since my arrival here are still there. Their several dates are Dec. 2. 18. 30. Jan. 15. These letters were exceedingly prolix as I thought it necessary to enter into very particular details...
28881To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 25 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, January 25, 1791. Encloses “quarterly Accounts to the 31st. Ultimo.” Requests information on the implementation of the “53rd Section of Collection Act,” which provides that “the Commission for Collecting … be charged on the amount of all monies received on account of duties .” Asks how weighmasters should be compensated “for weighing including tare of packages.” Asks...
28882To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your circular favour of 11 instant is recd. I don’t remember to have ever seen any Bills of the Old Emissions dated 2d July 1777; the person to whom I intrust counting the paper money thinks he never admitted a Bill of that date, as I have proof Sheets of evry denomination. This serves to inclose a second receipt of 12th. instant. & a first Receipt 22d. instant for certificate Recd. from the...
28883To Alexander Hamilton from Catharine Greene, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I Should have written You some time Since, but a dangerous fit of Illness has prevented Me and I am Still too weak to write more than Just to intimate my Wishes, that You may loose no time in bringing my affair before Congress. Were I well enough to write much, I would give you a detail of my prospects in settling my affairs, but since that is not the Case I will only say that my independance,...
28884To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, January 26, 1791. Acknowledges receipt of Hamilton’s circular letter of December 18, 1790 . Returns a “broken thermometer with the expectation of being furnished with one that may be more safely conveyed.” ADfS , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives.
28885To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, January 26, 1791. “… there is an expedient (which I have some reason to suspect has been practised in this District) to elude the necessity of navigating ships by Masters Citizens of the United States , in order to entitle them to the privileges of American Bottoms, against which I do not discover any provision. It is thus. A Citizen, Owner of a ship, has her registered in due form,...
28886George 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...
28887To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Ledyard, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I am afraid that my parting words with you yesterday might possibly convey a meaning wch. I did not wish, my tongue allways serving me as a faulty interpreter. It forces me to trouble you with following explanation. It had been suggested to me that the controul of our finances was wished for by a person named yesterday (I believe now without foundation) & that attempts would be made to mislead...
28888To Alexander Hamilton from Beverley Randolph, 28 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Richmond, January 28, 1791. “Your favour of the 14th. instant has been duly received and I now do myself the honour to inclose you the amount of final settlement Certificates delivered to the state of Virginia, by the Continental Agent.…” LC , Archives Division, Virginia State Library, Richmond. “Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States,” January 14, 1791 .
28889Introductory Note: Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Precedents for Hamilton’s “Report on the Establishment of a Mint,” can be found in the writings of various Europeans and in the American proposals for a national system of coinage that had been submitted to Congress under the Articles of Confederation. During the autumn of 1790 Hamilton made repeated efforts to obtain information concerning practices and policies in other countries, and there...
28890First Draft of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having maturely considered the subject referred to him by the order of the House of Representatives of the day of last relatively to the establishment of a Mint begs leave respectfully to submit the result of his reflections. A plan for an establishment of this nature must not only contemplate the principles of a coinage of the United States; but must extend its...
28891Second Draft of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury having maturely considered the subject referred to him by the order of the House of Representatives of the day of last relatively to the establishment of a Mint most respectfully submits the result of his inquiries investigation and reflections. A plan for an establishment of this nature involves a great prodigious vast variety of considerations intricate nice and...
28892Final Version of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury having attentively considered the subject referred to him by the Order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of April last, relatively to the establishment of a Mint most respectfully submits the result of his enquiries and reflections. A plan for an establishment of this nature involves a great...
28893From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 29 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I request your speedy opinion on the following point. A citizen of the United States obtains under the Registring act a register for a vessel belonging to him. He afterwards goes to reside in a foreign country. Does the vessel lose the benefit of her register during such residence? The answer to this question depends essentially on the construction of the fifth section of that act. There are...
28894From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
There is no proof of my affection which I would not willingly give you. How far it will be practicable to accomplish your wish respecting your father is however very uncertain. Our republican ideas stand much in the way of accumulating offices in one family. Indeed I doubt much whether your father could be prevailed upon to accept. I do not however urge this point till I can better ascertain...
28895Conversation with George Beckwith and William Macomb, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A Conversation: Mr. Hamilton, Mr. William Macomb of Detroit, and Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith. Lt. Colo. B. Mr. Macomb, I think it for the honor of the King’s government, for its interests, and I really believe it for the interests of this country also, that the true state of things in the western Country should be known, and if there are any misconceptions, or errors arising from...
28896To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] January 31, 1791 . Transmits a “Contract (which has been submitted to the President and received his approbation) between Joseph Whipple, for the Secretary of the Treasury and, Titus Salter, to provide for the keeping and supply of the Light House at the entrance of Piscatiqua River in the State of New Hampshire.…” LS , RG 26, “Segregated” Lighthouse Records, National...
28897From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 31 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 31, 1791. “The President of the United States being about to appoint the 1st. 2d. & 3d. Mates of the revenue Cutters, it will be of public service to obtain the names of some persons of your State suitable for those duties.…” Copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Providence, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National...
28898To 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 .
28899To Alexander Hamilton from John Lamb, January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January, 1791. “Prompted by a sense of duty, to the Public, and Friendship to you, I am induced to acquaint you, that, from my own observation, and the best information, I can possibly obtain, I find the Merchants here, are much disgusted, at the additional Duties, which Congress, mean to impose on Spirituous liquors; and from hints, which have been dropped, it appears to me, that...
28900To Alexander Hamilton from James Tillary, [January 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I have several times within these few weeks been almost tempted to break in a Moment on your time to give you a hint of the present complexion of our City politics, & I believe I may add those which will soon become prevalent in our State. I should indeed be nothing solicitious about the little party Jugglings which prevail among us, if it did not appear to me, that the Head of Wild misrule in...