3851The Warning No. VI, [27 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
It has been seen that the Governt of France has an indisputable title to the culpable preeminence of having taken the lead in the violation of neutral rights; and that the first instance on the part of the British Government is nearly a month posterior to the commencement of the evil by France. But it was not only posterior—it was also less comprehensive. That of France extended to all...
3852From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 29 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The post of yesterday brought me your letter of the day before. I regret that the idea of a Commission extraordinary appears of doubtful propriety. For after very mature reflection I am intirely convinced of its expediency. I do not understand the passage you cite as excluding the reception of a special extraordinary Minister but of an ordinary resident Minister. It seems impossible that the...
3853To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I believe I mentioned in my last, that I was going to sketch a state of facts relative to Mr. Pinckney’s mission for publication. I now inclose it. That the facts should be known to our citizens was deemed important. I thought it highly important that the Representatives should come together impressed with the sentiments of their constituents on the reprehensible conduct of the French...
3854Enclosure: A Statement of Facts Relative to General Pinckney’s Mission to France, [30 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
General Pinckney, appointed minister plenipotentiary from the United States to the French Republic, left Philadelphia near the end of September, and arrived at Paris the 5th of December last, in the evening. On the 6th, he sent, by his secretary, to Mr. Monroe his letters of recall; and immediately afterwards waited on Mr. Monroe, who shewed him a letter from M. Delacroix, the French Minister...
3855From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [30 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Every one who can properly appreciate the situation of our Affairs at this moment, in all the extent of possible circumstances, must be extremely anxious for such a course of conduct in our Government which will unite the utmost prudence with energy. It has been a considerable time my wish that a Commission extraordinary Madison Pinkney Cabot should be constituted to go to France to explain...
3856To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 31 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your Letter of March 30th. and I consider it as a great acquisition. It developes the origin of a circumstance which came to my knowledge at the close of the last session which filled my mind with inexpressible surprize. To you I will say but in the most perfect confidence that the President had determined on instituting a Commission, but it would not have been composed as you now...
3857To Alexander Hamilton from Francisco de Miranda, 1 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
C’est depuis quatre ans que je reprends la plume pour vous dire que je suis encore au Nombre des vivans qui restent en france depuis la tyrannie. Voici un Livre qui vient de paraitre sur la Révolution française pas Desodoards . Il contient tous les faits principaux, et indique les Causes, avec Connaissances, Impartialité, et modération à mon avis. Et tous Ceux qui Connaissent à fonds la...
3858Enclosure: John B. Prevost to Francisco de Miranda, [27 March 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have called several times at your lodgings in the rue florentin, but have hitherto been so unfortunate as to find you abroad, may I therefore request you to name Some moment when your leisure will permit you to See me in Paris. I am, Sir, your humble servant Two copies, in Miranda’s handwriting, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
3859Enclosure: Francisco de Miranda to John B. Prevost, [1 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Le General Miranda fait bien des Complimens à M. Prevost. Il a reçu Sa note d’hier, et ne trouvant pas Sur celle ci aucun motif qui exige une Entrevue particuliére, Se trouvant d’ailleurs fort occupé, et ne se rappellant pas d’avoir eu l’avantage de Connaitre M. Prevost de New York, il le prie de vouloir bien remettre la Conférence à des mom⟨ents⟩ plus tranquilles. Two copies, in Miranda’s...
3860Enclosure: John B. Prevost to Francisco de Miranda, [1 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
M. Prevost does not conceive a conference to be absolutely necessary and has therefore adopted this mode of Communication as the one most agreable to M. Miranda. The papers alluded to in the within note are those which respect a Negotiation with M. Pitt confided to M. Miranda some time Since by Messieurs hamilton and Knox, the object of which was to adopt Some effectual Measure to liberate...
3861Enclosure: James Monroe to Francisco de Miranda, 17 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I was informed by M. Paine that you had some papers of Importance to our governement which you Sometime Since expressed a wish to deposit in my hands. Being on the point of departing for the U. States, I have thought proper to notify you of it, and to assure you that I Shall be happy to take charge of Such papers. M. Prevost who will have the pleasure to deliver you this, will explain to you...
3862Enclosure: Francisco de Miranda to John B. Prevost, 2 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Le général Miranda S’empresse d’envoyer à monsieur Prevost la résponse à la lettre de M. Monroe, que M. Prevost lui a adressée—en le priant de vouloir bien la lui faire parvenir. Two copies, in Miranda’s handwriting, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
3863Enclosure: Francisco de Miranda to James Monroe, 2 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Ce n’est que dans le moment que je reçois Votre lettre du 17 mars. Mr. Prévost qui me l’envoie m’explique ainsi l’objet de Votre sollicitude: “the papers alluded to in the within note (votre lettre) are those which respect a negotiation with Mr. Pitt; confided to Mr. Miranda Some time Since by Messieurs hamilton and Knox, the object of which was to adopt Some effectual measure to liberate...
3864From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [1 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 30th. with the statement inclosed. I do not believe that its publication would have any influence upon the question of a rupture with France; but yet, as it seems that those who surround the President are not agreed in the matter—as an opinion is industriously circulated that too much fuel has been added by the publications of the Government—as it is...
3865From Alexander Hamilton to Uriah Tracy, 1 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 1, 1797. On April 6, 1797, Tracy wrote to Hamilton : “I thank you for your Letter of the 1st. inst.” Letter not found. ] Tracy was United States Senator from Connecticut and the state’s attorney for Litchfield County.
3866To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 2 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
As Mr. Church is the bearer, I refer you to him for what it would take many Pages to relate, and will only say that notwithstanding the injuries we continue to receive from France I still hope, the same policy that has hitherto kept us out of the war, will continue to influence and decide our Government. How the new President will conduct himself in a situation thorny and embarrassing remains...
3867To Alexander Hamilton from William Loughton Smith, [2 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, April 2, 1797. On April 5, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Smith : “I have received … Your letter of the 2d April (97).” Letter not found. ] Smith was a Federalist member of the House of Representatives from South Carolina, a close friend of H, and one of the leading advocates in the House of the policies which H had introduced as Secretary of the Treasury.
3868To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 3 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I took my leave of the senate on friday, And as Mr. Abm. V. Vechten has consented to be nominated a candidate for a seat in senate and will probably be Elected, I am more at ease than I should have been, If a less able man than he had been proposed, for Spencer, Gold and Tillotson have already combined to divest Mr. Jones of his seal under pretence that the comptroller ought not to be of the...
3869Deed from Peter Goelet, Robert Morris, and William Popham, [4 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Peter Goelet Robert Morris & William Popham Trustees for all the Creditors of Peter Hassenclever and others under an Attachment &c To Alexander Hamilton } Deed dated the fourth day of April An: Dom 1797. in Consideration of two thousand four hundred and twenty two pounds thirteen shillings and ten pence for a Tract of Land situate lying and being in the Manor of Cosby, on the North side of...
3870From Alexander Hamilton to Barent Bleecker, [5 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The fourth & last installment of the purchase money of the Cosby Manor Lands has become due. It is 1655 Dollars & 50 Cents of which your ¼ is 413. Dollars & 87 Cents. I beg the favour of you to lose no time in forwarding this Sum to me. With esteem Yr very hum ser ALS , Detroit Public Library. For an explanation of the contents of this letter, see the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to...
3871To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the and accord with your opinion that the proposed publication of the intelligence from Genl. Pinckney should be omitted. The “emigrant” we conclude to be Perigord, formerly bishop of Autun. Sometime since, I was informed that he left this country with signs of enmity towards it; and the Directory would naturally place great confidence in his opinion: and yet it is so...
3872From Alexander Hamilton to William Loughton Smith, 5 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received My Dear Sir Your letter of the with your little work accompanying it, which I shall read with the interest I take in the author, the first leisure hour. I have cast my eye over it and like very much the plan. Our affairs are indeed very critical. But I am sorry to find that I do not agree with several of my friends. I am clearly of opinion for an extraordinary mission and as...
3873From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [5 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of March 31. I hope nothing in my last was misunderstood. Could it be necessary I would assure you that no one has a stronger convinction than myself of the purity of the motives which direct your public Conduct or of the good sense and judgment by which it is guided. If I have a fear (you will excuse my frankness), it is lest the strength of your feelings, the...
3874To Alexander Hamilton from Uriah Tracy, 6 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your Letter of the 1st inst. —but as Johnson of Salisbury teazes to purchase for him the Land, which lies in that Town, in your care, I will thank you to write me or him, whether you mean he should have it. Your plan you say respecting our public affairs is to move together till common danger rouse to common Action. I am perfectly in sentiment with you—provided we can rouse...
3875From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [8 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you, My Dear Sir, for your letter of the 6th. of February. The intelligence that the Directory have ordered away our Minister is every way unpleasant. It portends too much a formal Rupture as the only alternative to an ignominious submission. Much public feeling has been excited. But the Government, I trust and believe, will continue prudent and do every thing that honor permits...
3876To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 10 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
New Ark [ New Jersey ] April 10, 1797 . “I have considered your propositions in the business of Col. Fays and reflected on the situation of his partner, and would rather sacrifice what is my right—then bare hard on him.… If he will take up two Notes which I have given, and are lodged in Mr. Seatons hands the one for two hundred & thirty four dollars payble 10 May—the other for seven hundred &...
3877To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 10 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The Governor left this on the day of the date of your letter covering one for him —which as it is now useless I do not return to you. I am so much in disposed that I apprehend I shall not be able to attend Congress at the opening of the session, If it all. In the present posture of our affairs, France seems to have left us no Alternative but a mean and Ignominous submission to her despotic...
3878From Alexander Hamilton to William Loughton Smith, [10 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last to you I have perused with great satisfaction your little work on our Governments. I like the execution no less than the plan. If my health & leisure should permit, I would make some notes, but you cannot depend on it, as I am not only extremely occupied but in feeble health. I send you My ideas of the course of Conduct proper in our present situation. It is unpleasant to me to...
3879Enclosure: [Notes on Conduct with Great Britain], [10 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
It must be acknowleged by all who can comprehend the subject that the present situation of the UStates is in an extreme degree critical, demanding in our public councils a union of the greatest prudence with the greatest firmness. To appreciate rightly the course which ought to be pursued it is an essential preliminary to take an accurate view of the situation. That the preservation of peace...
3880To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [12 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your Letter of April 5th. & enclose Mr. Kings Letter. I presume that the British Comrs. under the 6th. Article (for Debts) will contend for a similar construction respecting cases determined in our Courts. Is there any ground on which the principle can be opposed? Are we to consider the British Credit as at an end, if so what effects, will it probably produce here? Your further...
3881To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Romayne, [13 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you, my dear Sir, the letter I mentioned to you last evening that I had recd. from the other side of the Ocean on the subject of our conversation. I presume it may eventually be necessary for me to go over, but there is much reason to apprehend that I hazard more in going than most ordinary persons, and which merits some consideration on my part as well as my friends. I know what I...
3882From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [13 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The post of today brought me a letter from you. I am just informed that an order is come to the Custom House not to clear out any Vessel if armed , unless destined for the East Indies. Under the present circumstances I very much doubt the expediency of this measure. The excesses of France justify passiveness in the Government and its inability to protect the Merchants required that it should...
3883To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter you sent me has been confined to myself; but the other letters you have written on the same subject, has in your successor at least created some unpleasant feelings. Where opinions clash, and where superiority is made too apparent something a little like envy will come into play especially should a suspicion take place that pains are used to gain proselites. I have this moment...
3884From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [16 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
We arrived here last Evening well and shall proceed immediately on our journey. I forgot my brief in the cause of Le Guen against Gouverneur which is in a bundle of papers in my armed Chair in the Office. Request one of the Gentlemen to look for it and send it up to me by the post of Tuesday. Beg them not to fail. Adieu My beloved. Kiss all the Children for me. Yrs. ALS , Mr. George T....
3885To Alexander Hamilton from John Girard, 17 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, April 17, 1797. “As I wish to have the Suit against Armstrong & Barnwall Brought to an end, I wrote to Capn Briggs at New London to be ready for this next court. I received: Last saturday his answer was that tho’, he was just from Sea, that he was forced to Sett off immediately for Jeremie.… Pray what and how Shall I do? It is indispensable for you to take the properest means So...
3886From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [19 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I informed you My Darling by a letter which will go by post of my arrival here in good health and finding your family well. But this morning your papa has an attack of the Gout, not particularly severe, one indeed which in a different situation would give no uneasiness—but as his strength has been of late somewhat diminished, it is impossible not to feel anxiety about him. On the whole I...
3887To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a further request on the subject of the paper communicated to you in my last, that you may have the whole before you and that you may aid me with your talents and experience. It strikes me that, it will be proper for the Pres. to state to Congress the species of defensive force necessary for the occasion, and consider it an essential attribute of negociations I had given him in...
3888To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 20 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
New Ark [ New Jersey ] April 20, 1797 . “I wrote you a few days ago relative to my business with F. … and as I have not heard any thing from you on the subject, I take it for granted they have shuffled as usual, if so, please to order the writ to be issued at once—and in order to give you no further trouble of negociating with persons so little disposed to the common rules of equity—I have...
3889To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Hamilton, 21 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I just now received the enclosed letter from grandpapa, in answer to a letter I wrote to him, in which he has enclosed to me three receipts for shares in the Tontine Tavern, amounting to £100. I have given the receipts to mama. I delivered my speech to Dr. Johnson to examine. He has no objection to my speaking; but he has blotted out that sentence which appears to be the best and most animated...
3890From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [22 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The consideration for the candidates in the better part of the community stands nearly thus. Clarkeson , ver Plank , Fish = Walker , Burrall , Giles ,
3891From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [23 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Lest my Dear Eliza any circumstance should have prevented your departure before this reaches you, I conclude to drop you a line to tell you your Father is considerably better at the same time considering the delicate state of his health generally I am very desirous you should come up as he is. Yrs. Most Affec ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see H to...
3892To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, [24 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Les Evênements inatandue qui ont Empeschés Mr. Burr de se réndre issy à temps de Vous Seconder dans mon Affaire, ont Parue Vous désobliger, sa présance est peu m’estre favorable. Néamoints, Monsieur, Vos talens, Votre Zélle, et L’integrités de Ceux qui doivent Estre mes Juges, ne me Laisse pas le Moindre doute que Vos Efforts ne me feront Obtenir un Jugement favorable. Enconcequ’ence Sy Vous...
3893Petition to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the City of New York, [24 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 24, 1797 ] “The Memorial of Sundry Inhabitants of the City of New York and the vicinity thereof Respectfully Sheweth That your Memorialists have learnt … that the Corporation of the City of New York have purchased a lot of Ground situate in the Seventh Ward … which they intend to Convert into a Potters Field for the interment of the bodies of such persons as may die of...
3894From Alexander Hamilton to Brockholst Livingston, 28 April [1797] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany ] April 28 [ 1797 ]. “The situation of General Schuyler & other family circumstances do not permit me to attend Court this day. Will you do me the favour to argue the motion for setting aside the Non suit & granting a new trial on the inclosed case? …” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Philip Schuyler, H’s father-in-law, was ill. See H to Elizabeth Hamilton, April 19 , 23,...
3895To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 29 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
Unless greater attention is given to the procuring of the requisite evidence in the Cases of Capture than has yet been done, we shall ultimately meet with serious Losses, and give occasion to much Complaint. The Sufferers depend on the Government, and the Government on the Sufferers, and thus that wh. shd. be done is omitted. I inclose to you a copy of notes wh. Mr. Gore & I made this morning...
3896From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I now send you a cursory answer to certain questions. They are imperfect & probably will come too late. But court avocations and distress in the family have prevented any thing better. General Schuyler has been critically ill though now as I hope out of danger. My Brother in law Mr. Rensselaer has just lost a favourite Daughter one & the Eldest of two Children without a prospect of more. The...
3897Enclosure: Answer to Questions Proposed by the President of the U States, [29 April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
To The first. It is difficult to fix the precise point at which indignity or affront from one state to another ceases to be negotiable without absolute humiliation and disgrace. It is for the most part a relative question—relative to the comparitive strength of the parties—the motives for peace or war—the antecedent relations—the circumstances of the moment as well with regard to other...
3898To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 29 April 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
In contemplating the idea suggested by you, of arming the merchant vessels of the United States for Defence only , a difficulty at once presented. This measure is incompatible with the right of a belligerent power to visit and examine neutral vessels, to ascertain whether they have on board contraband goods—&, where a treaty does not alter the law of nations, whether they are laden with...
3899From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [April 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
Situated as I am at this moment I am obliged to confine myself to very general hints respecting the paper of the 15 of April. As to the first head—I think it will be adviseable that the Speech should be confined to the foreign Affairs of the Country giving the primary & prominent place to those with France. This will make the main business the more striking. Domestic matters may follow in...
3900To Alexander Hamilton from William Loughton Smith, 1 May 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
I shod. sooner have acknowledged the receipt of your interesting communication, had I not been informed of your Journey to Albany. I coincide perfectly in opinion with you as to the expediency of measures of defence, & an extraordy. mission. But I see very considerable difficulty in the measure of a Commission, & still greater in its’ including Jefferson & Madison. From the former plan I...