Alexander Hamilton Papers

From Alexander Hamilton to Simeon Theus, 8 April 1793

To Simeon Theus1

Treasry Department
April 8. 1793

Sir

I have collected and reviewed the Papers relating to Mr. Prioleaus Petition.2 If you persist in your request, those which came from you will be returned to you; but as I shall certainly report on the case at the next session of Congress, which is the course the business must have—I wish to retain them ’till that is done.

The claim appears to be of a nature, that I should reluctantly feel myself under a necessity of reporting against it and I am therefore desirous of preserving in my possession whatever may throw light upon the final consideration to be bestowed upon it. I am Sir

Your obedient Servt

A Hamilton

Simon Theus Esq

ALS, RG 217, Segregated Documents, “Famous Names,” Hamilton, National Archives.

1During the American Revolution Theus, who was a resident of Charleston, South Carolina, had served as a captain in the First South Carolina Regiment. At the time this letter was written he was the South Carolina agent to present the state’s claims against the United States before the commissioners to settle the accounts between the United States and the individual states.

2Samuel Prioleau, Jr., was a Charleston merchant and a member of a prominent South Carolina family. In the Journal of the House Prioleau’s name is incorrectly given as “Prideau.” The petition is cited as “the petition of Samuel Prideau, Junior, of the city of Charleston, praying to receive compensation for the value of certain wharves and houses which were taken from him, and appropriated to the use of the American Army at the siege of that place.” The petition was referred to H on December 15, 1790 (Journal of the House, I description begins Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States (Washington, 1826), I. description ends , 337). H did not report on it until February 27, 1794, when he gave an opinion favorable to Prioleau’s petition.

Index Entries