From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, 30 August 1790
To Alexander Hamilton
New York Aug. 30. 1790.
Dear Sir
During my absence from the seat of government, which will be for about two months, the removal of my office, and other circumstances will call for advances of money which I am absolutely unable to calculate before hand. The following heads may give some idea what they will be.
Dollars | |||
Sep. 30. | for a quarter’s salaries | 1504.16 | |
Arrearage account | about | 325. | |
debts due here | about | 25.1 | |
expences of removal |
Thus unable to fix a precise sum, and having perfect confidence in the discretion of Mr. Remsen, I must beg the favor of you to have his draughts for the above purposes answered at the treasury, on account, and I hereby render myself responsible for the due application of the money, of which an account shall be rendered, on my return.
The collection of the acts of the last sessions are to be sent to the members of Congress by post, and ought to be franked; but I shall not be present to perform that duty. If you would be so good as to frank the packets, I shall be much obliged to you. I know of no other official papers to be dispatched in my absence. Yet if any such should occur, I would venture to ask your extending the same favor to them also, on Mr. Remsen’s explaining to you the nature of the occasion. I have the honor to be with the most perfect esteem & respect Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC).
The ACTS sent to members of Congress were evidently not accompanied by a covering letter signed by the Secretary of State, but on this same day TJ sent to each of the governors of the states “a collection of the Acts passed by the Congress of the United States at their second session, to which are annexed all the Treaties which have been already made and promulged under the authority of the United States” (FC in DNA: RG 59, PCC No. 120; RCs in hand of Benjamin Bankson, signed by TJ, and addressed to governors of North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Virginia, are in NN, RPA, and Vi respectively).
1. MS torn; there may be three digits.