51To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 22 October 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Every step I move there Comes upon me a Happy Necessity to Change my plans. The Reception I met with in Boston no Words Can describe—at least it is impossible to Express what I Have felt. Gratitude as well as propriety Conspired With all other inducements to keep me Here Some time longer. Rhode island and New Hampshire I must visit—and intend embarking By the first or second day of next month...
52To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 25 November 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you have bill of Lading for two boxes remaining in my care for Mr Church. I suppose these must contain the several articles wanted by the Ladies as they are the only packages in my possession that does not contain Merchandize directed for Sale. Mr Church informed me that a package would be sent by the same Vessell that brought those, containing things for his use and which he desired...
53To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Steuben, 14 December [1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Mon Ami! J’ai remis Votre lettre a Mr: J. Je le trouve disposé a Seconder mes demandes, Lesquels d’après son opinion je doit presenter au Congres sans perte de tems; quand meme la decision devroit en etre retarde. Ainsi Envoyer moi le Memoire sans delai, je L’attendroi ici a Trenton avant que J’aille a Philadelphie. Il S’agit de nommer un Secretair ou Ministre de Guerre, Le Gros Candidat du...
54To Alexander Hamilton from Augustus Van Cortlandt, 29 December 1784 (Hamilton Papers)
Yonkers [ New York ] December 29, 1784 . Sends a citation from Morris Hazard, and a copy of the proceedings against Rufus Herrick. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Van Cortlandt was a New York landowner.
55To Alexander Hamilton from Hercules Mulligan, 7 January 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 7, 1785. At the bottom of an itemized account of money owed Mulligan by Philip Schuyler, Mulligan signed the following receipt: “Recd payment (by the hands of Col. Hammelton) in full.” ADS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Despite the reliance by H’s biographers on Hercules Mulligan’s narrative of the life of H (written sometime between 1810 and 1815), this receipt and...
56To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Seton, 8 January 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ England, January 8, 1785. On February 2, 1785, Seton wrote to Hamilton : “I also wrote you a few Lines the 8th of this Month.” Since Seton wrote this letter on February 2, he must have been referring to January 8. Letter not found. ]
57To Alexander Hamilton from Neil Jamieson, 10 January 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, January 10, 1785. Itemizes amounts of money paid for a house in New York City during the British occupation. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Jamieson was the head of the dry goods house of Neil Jamieson and Company located at 933 Water Street, New York City. H wrote on the margin of this letter the names of the various British commanders in New York from 1778 to 1783.
58To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 11 January 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Your two favors the one advising me of the Beautrice and the other Covering letters from my Children in Europe I have had the pleasure to receive. Mrs. Schuyler has been much indisposed since my last. We began to be very apprehensive of her situation but our fears are vanished with the untoward Symptoms which occasioned them. She is now so well as to go abroad and we have well grounded hopes...
59To Alexander Hamilton from Abel James, 21 January 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 21, 1785. Apologizes for not answering Hamilton’s letter of December 4, 1783 , and states that he has been ill. Sends part of information requested by Hamilton. ALS , anonymous donor. For the text of this letter and an explanation of its contents, see the discussion of the Otsego Patent of George Croghan in Goebel, Law Practice Julius Goebel, Jr., and Joseph H. Smith,...
60To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 26 January 178[5] (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 26, 178 [ 5 ]. Requests the opinion of Hamilton on “a Transaction in which Mr Church is deeply interested,” and in which the protested bills of John Holker are involved. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Chaloner mistakenly dated this letter January 26, 1784. John B. Church.
61To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Seton, 2 February 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I only trouble you with these few Lines to mention the Earnest Wish I have to hear of your Receipt of mine of 1st. August inclosing all Mr. Wilkes’s Acceptances &c as I am uneasy least they have miscarried & yet Mrs. Laurence of this Place who took the Charge of Sending them out to you tells Me that the Vessell arrived Safe; Present my best respects to Mr Maxwell to whom you recommended Me, I...
62To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Pearsall, 16 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 16, 1785. “I have thy Letter of this date. I recollect thy Application to me with a Copy of Oliver Arnolds Judgment obtained against me in Rhode Island for the Outfit of my Quarter of Sloop Diana. My present Determination is … not to pay it, as … I never gave Orders either in Writing or Verbally for the outfit.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Pearsall was a partner...
63To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas White, 22 March 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 22, 1785. “[I enclose] a statement respecting the Rents (of the different Lotts on the Vineyard in dispute with the Beekmans) that we have received since the Death of my Father, which I hope will be sufficient both to you and the other Gentlemen Arbitrators of this disagreeable Business to conclude upon.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. White was the son of Thomas...
64To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received very unfavorable accounts respecting Isaac Moses & Co House in Holland. As you have the recet for our Monies I wish you inquire of him if our concerns are so involved in his matters that we shall be liable to any loss in case of his ruine by this misfortune in holland. I am Dear Sir Your very Hum Servant Have you any news from Church by ye last Packet? I have not a line. ALS ,...
65To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 13 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Altho I have just now writen to McHenry Requesting him to impart My Gazette to you, a very barren one indeed, I feel within myself a Want to tell you I love you tenderly. Your Brother Church Has sailed for America since which I Had a letter from His lady who is in very good Health. By an old letter from our friend Greene I Have Been delighted to find He consents to send His son to be educated...
66To Alexander Hamilton from David Beekman, 15 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 15, 1785. “I yesterday saw Mr. Cor[neliu]s P. Low & he is not willing to do anything, & now says the money belongs to the state. He alters his opinion often. Will you be so kind, and take this affair in your hands for me & if you think I can recover it, I beg you will.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Beekman, member of a prominent New York merchant family, had been...
67To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 17 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from you of the 7th Instant. Our concern with Moses by his sketch of an account exhibited me at New York was in sundry Vessels. I am so well persuaded that in these concerns we shall loose Money, even if Moses pays all his debts that I would willingly give up 5/ in the pound & ⟨– –⟩ & give discharges for 15/ in the pound. I do not ⟨think⟩ I can be at NYork...
68To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, 19 April 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I was yesterday honored by receipt of your very obliging Letter of the 6th. inclosing Mr. Frederic’s Narrative. A tissue of Lies. During the Seige of Charleston, when he pretends he carried arms & to have acted in the Trenches, he was at my Mepkin Plantation, whence some time after the Town fell, he joined the temporary Conquerors; he also seduced his Wife, she thro’ the persuasion of faithful...
69To Alexander Hamilton from William Cooper and Andrew Craig, 9 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Burlington [ New Jersey ] May 9, 1785 . Ask for information and advice on the progress being made in the sale of 40,000 acres in the Otsego Patent. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Cooper, who later founded Cooperstown, New York, was the father of James Fenimore Cooper. From 1776 to 1786 Cooper and Craig, both of Burlington, New Jersey, purchased the greater part of the Otsego...
70To Alexander Hamilton from John Ross, 17 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 17, 1785. Sends information concerning Ross’s share of ownership of the ship Diligent . ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Ross, a Philadelphia merchant, was an agent for François, Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, the French chargé d’affaires in the United States. H was representing Ross in Bartholomew Terrasson et al . v. Ship Diligent , a case pending before the New York...
71To Alexander Hamilton from Cornelius Glen, 20 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, May 20, 1785. Requests aid in the recovery of money from Daniel Parker and Company. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Glen, an Albany merchant, had been an agent for Daniel Parker during the Revolution.
72To Alexander Hamilton from John D. Coxe and Tench Coxe, 21 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 21, 1785. Request Hamilton to represent them and to provide information on lands in dispute between John and Tench Coxe and Robert Lettis Hooper and James Wilson. Request Hamilton to forward certain legal documents to the commissioners of the Land Office of New York. LS , in writing of John D. Coxe, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. John D. Coxe, a Pennsylvania lawyer,...
73To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen De Lancey, 27 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Scarsdale [ New York ] May 27, 1785 . Asks for information concerning the progress of various legal actions instituted against De Lancey’s debtors. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. De Lancey was the grandson of Stephen De Lancey, founder of the family in the United States.
74To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Forman, 31 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 31, 1785. Asks Hamilton to return John Philips’s bond. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
75To Alexander Hamilton from James Hamilton, 31 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ St. Croix, May 31, 1785. On June 22, 1785, Hamilton wrote to James Hamilton : “I have received your letter of the 31st of May last.” Letter not found. ] James Hamilton was H’s older brother. See H to James Hamilton, June 22, 1785, note 1 .
76To Alexander Hamilton from Jarvis Coles, 7 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ June 7, 1785. According to the catalogue description of this letter, Coles, on Hamilton’s orders, had occupied a house for military purposes. Coles, who after the war was sued by the owner for rent, requested Hamilton to defend him. Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Swann Galleries, March 5, 1943, Lot 37.
77From James Duane, John Jay, and Robert R. Livingston to Alexander Hamilton and Samuel Jones, 9 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the agents appointed by the state of New York to manage their controversy with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts —it is agreed that a general retaining fee be given to Alexander Hamilton and Samuel Jones Esqrs. as Counsellors and Solicitors on the part of this State that the brief already prepared together with the necessary papers be put in their hands—That they compleat the...
78To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Livingston, 13 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Your kind & interesting letter of the 25th. April did not come to my hands before the 23 May, when I was at my Iron works endeavouring to git them repaird & to Sett the Furnace going which gave me much trouble & realy exercised my patience & from whence I return’d last Saterday, much fateagu’d, this troublesome Job, am persuaded will appologise for my not answering your polite letter Sooner....
79To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Hardenbergh, 14 July 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Raritan [ New Jersey ] July 14, 1785 . Hopes that his father will be given a new trial. Asks for Hamilton’s assistance. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Hardenbergh was the son of Johannes Hardenbergh of Ulster County, New York. See “Cash Book,” March 1, 1782–1791, note 29 .
80Power of Attorney from John B. Church, 3 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, August 3, 1785. Appoints Hamilton “attorney at law, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to my use to ask, demand, sue for, recover, and receive of and from all and every person and persons whatsoever, whom it doth shall or may concern, All and every such sum and sums of money, debts and demands whatsoever which now are due and owing and hereafter may grow due and owing...
81To Alexander Hamilton from Andrew P. Skene, 10 August 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Montreal, August 10, 1785. Asks about the possibility of recovering property seized under the New York confiscation laws. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Philip Skene, the founder of Skenesborough, Vermont, and his son Andrew were Loyalists. They were both attainted and their lands confiscated. Early in the war Andrew P. Skene was captured and imprisoned in Connecticut.
82To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 3 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 3, 1785. “… the House of De Lande and Fynje of Amsterdam have stopt Payment with a Considerable Sum in their hands belonging to the United States. I shall be glad of Your Opinion as Counsel what legal measures I can pursue for securing any Property belonging to that House, which may be in the Hands of Persons in this State.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress....
83To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen De Lancey, 12 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Scarsdale [ New York ] September 12, 1785 . Renews request made on May 27, 1785, for information on various legal actions taken to recover numerous debts. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
84Conveyance from James Barclay and Others, [17 September 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 17, 1785 ]. James Barclay and others convey “All that certain messuage or dwelling house and the store house thereunto adjoining, as also the lott of ground whereon the said dwelling house and store house do stand and which is thereunto belonging situate lying and being in the South Ward of the City of New York Fronting to a certain street called Wall Street.…” Certified...
85To Alexander Hamilton from Cleland Kinloch, 20 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Belvoir near Charlottesville, Virginia, September 20, 1785. Discusses measures taken to pay John B. Church the amount of a bond given by the executors of Kinloch’s father’s estate. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Cleland Kinloch was the brother of Francis Kinloch, a South Carolina planter and member of the Continental Congress.
86To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Silvester, 24 September 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
September 24, 1785. Discusses pending litigation between Captain Phillips and Colonel Van Rensselaer concerning a debt contracted by Phillips in 1776. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Silvester was a lawyer who practiced in the area which, in 1786, became Columbia County.
87To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 19 October 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
At the Instance of Mr. Hartley in behalf of his Friend Mr Francis Upton, I advised Mr Upton to apply to some Councillor in New York and particularly to Mr Hamilton, whose Reputation was known to me although his Person was not. Mr Hartley now requests for Mr Upton a Letter of Introduction. As a total Stranger but by Character, it would be very difficult to find a Pretence to excuse the Liberty...
88To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, 19 October 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, October 19, 1785. On October 30, 1785, Hamilton wrote to Lowell : “Mr. Lowe has delivered me your letter of the 19th. Instant.” Letter not found. ] Lowell, a judge of the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, was serving as a member of the New York-Massachusetts commission to settle the boundary dispute between those states.
89To Alexander Hamilton from John Auldjo, November 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November, 1785. “You have herewith the papers relating to the dispute with Mr. Rhinelander, but lest the business should still be treated with the same trifling attention it has hitherto had, I beg you to press for an explicit answer whether Mr. Rhinelander is seriously disposed to bring it to a hearing.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Auldjo was a partner of the house...
90To Alexander Hamilton from John De Ponthieu Wilkes, 8 November 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I received just now a Note from Mr. Atkinson which you had written to him for Mr. Hearts obligations to Mr. Mc.Cauley and which I suppose was occasioned by my Message to you yesterday. I am very glad at any rate that the creditors are likely to obtain some settlement But I think at the same time that you have adopted a strange and injurious line of Conduct to me. It is now near six months...
91To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, 9 November 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, November 9, 1785. States that there is no bankruptcy act in Massachusetts and sends information concerning the transfer of property by a citizen of Massachusetts to a New York creditor. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is in reply to H to Lowell, October 30, 1785 .
92To Alexander Hamilton from John De Ponthieu Wilkes, 9 November 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
The moment I received yours I perceived the precipitancy of my own Conduct and was very sorry I had so far mistaken both our Characters to act in the manner I have done. I flatter myself that the same Candor which has dictated yours will be exerted towards mine and that you will only view it as the act of a Man who conceived himself injured. As you have never experienced the cruel reverses of...
93To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 11 November 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your favor of the 29th ulto. Thursday. I have been very uneasy about my stock in the Bank of North America and long before the repeal of the Pensilvania act of Incorporation, I had determined to take the first favorable opportunity to withdraw it. When I was last at New York it was pretty certain the state of Pensilvania would repeal their Act. I then wrote a letter to Mr Pettit of...
94To Alexander Hamilton from Francis Upton, 6 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
London, December 6, 1785. “… you will perceive that a considerable tract of land in the province of New York has been long since given in trust by My late Father for the use of myself Brother & Sister. As they are both Minors & Myself but just come of Age, it prevented our making a More early Application to take possession of these Lands; but I am now having the proper writings prepared … to...
95To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Howe, 8 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
December 8, 1785. “Mr. & Mrs. Wilson … are in very embarassed Circumstances. As I know you have the direction of Baron Polnitz’s House now Empty, if you could acommodate them with a few Rooms thro’ the winter it would be of espestial service to them.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Howe, who had been a major general during the Revolutionary War, resigned in 1783 and returned to...
96To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 11 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 25th. of November by Major Farlie. Sincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would, adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens,...
97From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 11 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 25th of November by Major Farlie. Sincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would; adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens,...
98To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 21 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ December 21, 1785. On the back of a letter that Church wrote to Hamilton on April 5, 1786 , Hamilton wrote: “Letters from J B Church December 21 April 5. 1786.” Letter of December 21 not found. ]
99To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Sarly, 24 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] December 24, 1785 . Asks Hamilton “the date of the protest for non payment” of a bill of exchange. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Sarly was a member of the New York merchant firm known as Sarly and Barnewell.
100To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 25 December 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
December 25, 1785. “I recd your notes with Mr. Hoffmans Letter. I have no objections to waving any formalities with respect to the return of the writ of error. I should be extremly sorry if any part of my letter strikes you disagreeably. The passage you allude to was inserted as well to contradict an assertion that I had treated Mr. Hoffmans memory with severity, as to express my resentment at...