151Account with Ezra Weeks, [16 July 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
Dr Genl. Alexander Hamilton in Account with E Weeks Cr 1802 1802 To Balance of Acct. of work & Materials rend. up to 15th. may £158.14. 1 May 27th. By Cash £120. “ Acct. of work & Materials up to July 3d 197.13.11 July 3 Balance 276. 3. 6 “ Danl. Hitchock Bill of Boards 3.13. “ Aymar & Prides
152Campaign Speech, Second Version, [10 April 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
“… General Hamilton at one of the largest & most respectable election meetings ever witnessed here made an election speech that electrified the whole federal mass. It was one of the chef d’ouvres of this great man! For strength of reasoning & at the same time for impressive & sublime eloquence it surpassed what in all probab[il]ty has ever been delivered in this city. He began with the...
153For the Evening Post, [8 February 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
Since the question of Independence, none has occurred more deeply interesting to the United States than the cession of Louisiana to France. This event threatens the early dismemberment of a large portion of our country: more immediately the safety of all the Southern States; and remotely the independence of the whole union. This is the portentous aspect which the affair presents to all men of...
154Statement on Impending Duel with Aaron Burr, [28 June–10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On my expected interview with Col Burr, I think it proper to make some remarks explanatory of my conduct, motives and views. I am certainly desirous of avoiding this interview, for the most cogent reasons. 1 My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of Duelling, and it would even give me pain to be obliged to shed the blood of a fellow creature in a private combat...
155The Examination Number I, [17 December 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
Instead of delivering a speech to the House of Congress, at the opening of the present session, the President has thought fit to transmit a Message . Whether this has proceeded from pride or from humility, from a temperate love of reform, or from a wild spirit of innovation, is submitted to the conjectures of the curious. A single observation shall be indulged—since all agree, that he is...
156The Examination Number III, [24 December 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
Had our laws been less provident than they have been, yet must it give us a very humble idea of the talents of our President as a statesman, to find him embarrassed between an absolute abandonment of revenue, and an inconvenient accumulation of treasure. Pursuing the doctrine professed by his sect , that our public debt is a national curse which cannot too promptly be removed, and adhering to...
157Statement of my Property and Debts July 1, 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Real Estate My share of Townships No. 9. 10. 15. 17 and 21 in Scribas Patent in connection with J B Church and John Lawrance viz ¹⁄₆ of the first purchase the whole being 31528 acres & ¼ of an acre & one third of the residuary purchase upon the suit in chancery being together nearly 20000 acres which now stand me in about } 33000 My ¼ of purchase in Nobleborough together with J Laurance Robert...
158The Examination Number XVI, [19 March 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The President, as a politician, is in one sense particularly unfortunate. He furnishes frequent opportunities of arraying him against himself—of combating his opinions at one period by his opinions at another. Without doubt, a wise and good man may, on proper grounds relinquish an opinion which he has once entertained, and the change may even serve as a proof of candour and integrity. But with...
159The Examination Number IV, [26 December 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
It is a matter of surprise to observe a proposition to diminish the revenue, associated with intimations which appear to contemplate war. The suggestions in the Message respecting the Barbary States, plainly enough imply, that treaties are found to be too feeble cords to bind them; and that a resort to coercive means will probably be requisite to enforce a greater sense of justice towards us....
160Promissory Note to Theodosius Fowler, 21 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 21, 1802. “… Alexander Hamilton … shall pay to … Theodosius Fowler … the sum of One thousand four hundred and fifty one Dollars lawful Money aforesaid on or before the eighteenth day of May next with lawful Interest for the same from the eighteenth day of May last then the Obligation to be Void.…” DS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. For information on the contents...
161The Examination Number VI, [2 January 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to the observations in the last number it may perhaps be said that the Message meant nothing more than to condemn the recent multiplication of Federal Courts, and to bring them back to their original organization: considering it as adequate to all the purposes of the Constitution; to all the ends of justice and policy. Towards forming a right judgment on this subject, it may be...
162Notes for Speech by Samuel Miles Hopkins to the Electors of the Middle District, [17–24 April 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
They call the Navy Useless. They detest it because it protected our Commerce against the depredations of France; because in place of resistance we did not sue for mercy & pay tribute? Has it not protected our Commerce, saved our merchants from ruin & enabled them to send to foreign markets with advantage the productions? Is not a navy the natural safeguard of our Country &c & Standing Army...
163Motion Made at a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On the 4th of July, on motion of Hamilton, the Committee were directed, in case of a favorable report upon claims for admission as a member of right (except where there may have been a previous admission in another State Society), to report specifically the ground upon which they conceive the original right of the applicant to stand, and the reason which may have prevented an earlier...
164Articles of Association of the Merchants’ Bank, [7 April 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
To all to whom these Presents shall come, or in any wise concern. Be it known and made manifest, that we, the Subscribers, have formed a Company or limited Partnership, and do hereby associate and agree with each other, to conduct business in the manner hereinafter specified and described, by and under the name and style of the “Merchants’ Bank,” and we do hereby mutually covenant, declare and...
165Debts Owed for Services Not Rendered, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
These sums having been received since my engagement & no services rendered I consider them as forming part of my debts. Franklin & Robinson 50 James Amory 20 D Ludlow & Co 50 Wilmerding 30 Murdock Masterson & Co 20 Steven Ray & David Dill 25 Scott & Tremaine 20 ADS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. This document is the tenth and final item on the
166Remarks on the Repeal of the Judiciary Act, Second Version, [11 February 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
He [Hamilton] confessed with seeming sincerity, he felt little zeal on the present occasion. He could prove that to repeal the judiciary law and to with-hold the salaries of the judges, would be an infringement of the constitution. He did not intend, however, to dwell on the constitutionality of the question. He allowed that gentlemen might have different opinions concerning it. His primary...
167The Examination Number X, [19 January 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The same Subject continued. As to Holland being the second power which acknowledged our Independence, and made a treaty with us, a step which involved her in war with Great Britain, it was deemed proper to treat her with a marked respect. Besides this, from the time of our revolution to the present, we have had large money concerns with her people. A trusty and skilful public agent was for a...
168The Examination Number XI, [3 February 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The Message observes that “in our care of the public contributions entrusted to our direction, it would be prudent to multiply barriers against the dissipation of public money, appropriating specific sums to every specific purpose, susceptible of definition; by disallowing all applications of money varying from the appropriation in object, or transcending it in amount by reducing the undefined...
169Account with Louis Le Guen, [6 June 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
Dr. Louis Le Guen To Alexander Hamilton one of the Trustees &c Cr. 1802 To Cash paid Mr. Bruerton amount of two Bills of Cost } 331 1802 By Cash received of Manhattan Bank being the Ballance of the Trustees account } 175 June 4. To Cash (Check on Office of D & Deposit) } 800 Ballance due Louis Le Guen 427.72 June 4 do. received of N Prime for interest of 7000 Dollars to the 13 of May last }
170Speech at a Meeting of Federalists in Albany, [10 February 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Reasons why it is desirable that Mr. Lansing rather than Col. Burr should succeed. 1. Col Burr has steadily pursued the ⟨track⟩ of democratic policies. This he has done either from principle or from calculation . If the former he is not likely now to change his plan, when the fœderalists are prostrate and their enemies predominent. If the latter, he will certainly not at this time relinquish...
171Draft of a Resolution for the Legislature of New York for the Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, [29 … (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved , as the sense of the Legislature, that the following amendments ought to be incorporated into the Constitution of the United States as a necessary safeguard in the choice of a President and Vice President against pernicious dissensions as the most eligible mode of obtaining a full and fair expression of the public will in such election. 1st. That Congress shall from time to time...
172First Version: Speech to Federalist Nominating Convention for the City of New York, [20 April 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
He took a brief view of the disgraceful measures of the general government, and then descended to notice some of the acts of the petty tyrants of our own state. He concluded his address by exhorting his fellow-citizens to lay hold of the present occasion, and wrest the dominion from hands so unfit to retain it. Speaking of the success of elections in New England, he observed, that the “Wise...
173Campaign Speech, First Version, [10 April 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
After which General Hamilton addressed the meeting in one of those eloquent and impressive speeches which distinguish this superior man. He took a general review of the state of the country since the revolution—examined the conduct of the two parties which have existed in it—shewed that it was to the Federal party exclusively that we owe the unexampled prosperity which we have hitherto...
174Remarks on the Letter of June 27, 1804, [28 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Whether the observations in this letter are designed merely to justify the result, which is indicated in the close of the letter, or may be intended to give an opening for rendering any thing explicit which may have been deemed vague heretofore can only be judged of by the sequel. At any rate it appears to me necessary not to be misunderstood. Mr. Pendleton is therefore authorised to say that...
175The Examination Number XV, [3 March 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
It is generally understood that the Essays under the Title of the Federalist, which were published at New York, while the plan of our present Federal Constitution was under the consideration of the people, were principally written by two persons James Madison, now Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton, formerly Secretary of the Treasury. who had been members of the Convention which devised...
176The Examination Number II, [21 December 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
The next most prominent feature in the Message, is the proposal to abandon at once all the internal revenue of the country. The motives avowed for this astonishing scheme, are that “there is reasonable ground of confidence that this part of the revenue may now be safely dispensed with—that the remaining sources will be sufficient to provide for the support of government, to pay the interest of...
177Account with John McComb, Junior, [10 February 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
Dr. Alexander Hamilton Esquire in acct. with John McComb Junr. Cr 1802 To amt. for finishing House at Bloomingdale 1801 By Cash receiv’d on Ac⟨ct – –⟩ as p Contract $1875 July “ Cash “ ⟨–⟩ 750 days board as p. agreement 3/ 281.25 Sep 18 “ Cash ⟨–⟩ Securing Cellar floor agt. Rats 25.
178An Address to the Electors of the State of New-York, [21 March 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
To the Electors of the State of New-York Fellow-Citizens! We lately addressed you on the subject of the ensuing election for Governor and Lieutenant-Governor—recommending to your support Stephen Van Rensselaer and James Watson . Since that we have seen the address of our opponents, urging your preference of George Clinton and Jeremiah Van Rensselaer. The whole tenor of our address carries with...
179The Examination Number V, [29 December 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
In the rage for change, or under the stimulus of a deep-rooted animosity against the former administrations, or for the sake of gaining popular favor by a profuse display of extraordinary zeal for economy, even our judiciary system has not passed unassailed. The attack here is not so open as that on the revenue; but when we are told that the states individually have “ principal care of our...
180The Examination Number XVII, [20 March 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
It was intended to have concluded the argument respecting the Judiciary Department with the last number. But a speech lately delivered By Mr. Giles in the House of Representatives, having since appeared, which brings forward one new position, and reiterates some others in a form well calculated to excite prejudice, it may not be useless to devote some further attention to the subject. The new...
181The Examination Number VII, [7 January 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The next exceptionable feature in the Message, is the proposal to abolish all restriction on naturalization, arising from a previous residence. In this the President is not more at variance with the concurrent maxims of all commentators on popular governments, than he is with himself. The Notes on Virginia are in direct contradiction to the Message, and furnish us with strong reasons against...
182The Examination Number VIII, [12 January 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
Resuming the subject of our last paper we proceed to trace still farther, the consequences that must result from a too unqualified admission of foreigners, to an equal participation in our civil, and political rights. The safety of a republic depends essentially on the energy of a common National sentiment; on a uniformity of principles and habits; on the exemption of the citizens from foreign...
183Campaign Speech, [21 April 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
The general commenced by observing—That it had all along been his most sincere and ardent wish, that the two parties should meet amicably together, and discuss the merits of their respective claims to the public support and approbation—That the friends of Mr. Clinton, and those of Mr. Van Rensselaer should each agree to appoint a certain number of men of talents, and in presence of their...
184The Examination (concluded) Number XVIII, [8 April 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
In order to cajole the people, the Message abounds with all the common-place of popular harrangue, and prefers claims of merit, for circumstances of equivocal or of trivial value. With pompous absurdity are we told of the “ multiplication of men, susceptible of happiness ,” (as if this susceptibility were a privilege peculiar to our climate) “ habituated to self-government, and valuing its...
185Remarks on the Repeal of the Judiciary Act, First Version, [11 February 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
After some pause, Gen. Hamilton rose. He began with stating his own decided opinion, that the contemplated repeal of the late act, taken in connexion with the known and avowed object of that repeal , was an unequivocal violation of the constitution in a most vital part. However, he did expect that on that point, the gentlemen present would be unanimous. Neither had he any hope that any...
186Plan for a Garden, [1803] (Hamilton Papers)
1. Transplant fruit trees from the other side of the stable. 2. Fences repaired. repaired behind stable. The cross fence at the foot of the hill? Potatoes Bradhursts? Ground may be removed and used for this purpose. Cows no longer to be permitted to range. 3. The Sod and earth which were removed in making the walks where it is good may be thrown upon the grounds in front of the House, and a...
187Enclosure: [Thesis on Discretion], [June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The celebrated Dean Swift calls discretion an Aldermanly virtue. With all his great and estimable qualities he possessed very little of it himself; and thus was disposed to turn it into derision. But his own experience should have taught him, that if not a splendid it is at least a very useful virtue, and ought on that account to be cultivated and cherished. Sayings of ⟨this⟩ kind by...
188Speech on Congressional Election in New York City, [21 April 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
General Hamilton has again appeared on the election ground. He found it necessary to harrangue the merchants at the Coffee House on Wednesday last, who view the little General as a God, on the prospect of success in the Second District . He expatiated largely we are told on the persecution , as the General was pleased to term it, sustained by Mr. Sands, the federal candidate of the Second...
189The Examination Number IX, [18 January 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The leading points of the Message have been sufficiently canvassed, and it is believed to have been fully demonstrated, that this communication is chargeable with all the faults which were imputed to it on the outset of the Examination. We have shewn that it has made or attempted to make prodigal sacrifices of constitutional energy, of sound principle, and of public interest. In the doctrine...
190Remarks on the Repeal of the Judiciary Act, Third Version, [11 February 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
To these remarks General Hamilton rose again to reply—he remarked in substance that he had fostered the hope, that on this occasion, by cautiously avoiding to say any thing on the point of the constitutionality of the proposed repeal, and stating only the opinion of the New-York bar on that of its inexpediency , there would have been but one sentiment—He regretted, deeply regretted, that on...
191Description of Account with Louis Le Guen, [8 June 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
I acknowlege to have received of Louis Le Guen Esquire in deposit for the purposes of his marriage contract with his present wife Mary Le Guen the sum of Twenty Five thousand Dollars which with his consent have been disposed of as follows say Five thousand Dollars in the Stock of the New York Insurance Company standing in the name of the Trustees Five thousand Dollars in a loan to Richard...
192The Examination Number XII, [23 February 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
From the manner in which the subject was treated in the fifth and sixth numbers of The Examination, it has been doubted, whether the writer did or did not entertain a decided opinion as to the power of Congress to abolish the offices and compensations of Judges, once instituted and appointed pursuant to a law of the United States. In a matter of such high constitutional moment, it is a sacred...