3251From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [13 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
It is with pleasure I am able to inform you that you have been appointed Auditor in the Department of the Treasury. The salary of this office is 1500 Dollars. Your friends having expressed a doubt of your acceptance, I cannot forbear saying, that I shall be happy to find the doubt has been ill founded; as from the character I have received of you, I am persuaded you will be an acquisition to...
3252From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 16 June 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears to me material under our present prospects to complete the three frigates without delay. They may be useful with reference to the Algerines—they may be useful to convoy our vessels out of the reach of pickeroon privateers hovering on our Coast. I know you want money but could not the Merchants by secret movements be put in motion to make you a loan. I think something of this kind...
3253From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 27 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I wish the statements requested in my letter of yesterday may contain each particular payment not aggregates for periods. It runs in my mind that once there being no appropriation I procured an informal advance for The President from the bank—if this is so let me know the time & particulars. If the Account has been wound up to an exact adjustment since the period noticed by the calm observer,...
3254From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [15 June 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The post of today brought me a letter from you. From some recent information which I have obtained here, I have scarcely a doubt that the plan of the French is—1 to take all enemy property in our Ships contrary to the Treaty between the two Countries 2 to seize and carry in all our vessels laden with provisions for any English Port. Among this all that they choose to think enemy property will...
3255From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 22 June 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 18th instant. I will reply to one or two points now and to the rest hereafter. With regard to the measure of receiving Dutch bonds here to be exchanged, as is usual, it has different sides. To do it may be in some measure necessary to effectuate the main object; as there may be many individuals who from circumstances might not think themselves safe in...
3256From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [9 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday your letter of the 6th & immediately wrote some additional letters to the Eastward enforcing what I had before written. Pensylvania does not surprise me. I have reconsidered the opinion given to you on the 3d, & see no reason to change it. The reasoning which leads me to the conclusion has not been sufficiently explained. I will therefore be more particular. The articles...
3257From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [23 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you two days ago on the subject of obtaining an instruction from the Bank of the U States to the Direction of the Office here to prevent a speedy repetition of their call on the Bank of New York. This Bank has so large a proportion of its whole Capital in the power of the Office that if it be not tranquillized on the subject of demands from that quarter, it will be driven to such...
3258From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 7 October 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October 7, 1794. On October 11, 1794, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your favour dated 7: & 8: inst.” Letter of October 7 not found. ]
3259From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [3 August 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 1st. I deplore the picture it gives and henceforth wish to forget there is a Bank or a Treasury in the U States, though I shall not forget my regard to individuals. I do not see one argument in any possible shape of the thing for the sale of Bank Stock or against that of the other stock, which does not apply vice versa & I shall consider it as one of the most...
3260From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [26 June 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I learn from a Gentleman of character that a prize brought into Boston by a French Privateer is about to be sold. This being in direct breach of our Treaty with G Britain how does it happen? Though no particular law passed, the Treaty being the law of the land, Our custom houses can & ought to prevent the entry & sale of prizes, upon Executive instruction. If any thing is wanting to this end...
3261From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 2 July 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 2, 1795. On July 10, 1795, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “I have recd. your several Letters dated June 22d. 26th. 30th. & the 2nd. current.” Letter of July 2 not found. ]
3262From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [17 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I groan My Dr. Sir at the disgraceful course of our affairs. I pity all those who are officially in their vortex. The behaviour of Congress in the present crisis is a new political phœnomenon. They must be severally arraigned before the Bar of the Public. How unfortunate that our friends suffer themselves by their passiveness to be confounded in the guilt. Yrs. truly ALS , Connecticut...
3263From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 20 September 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
A slight indisposition prevented my meeting you at E Town which I should otherwise have done with great pleasure. It is wished for a particular purpose to know who are the Writers of Valerius Hancock Bellisarius Atticus . If any thing about them is known in a manner that can be depended upon I will thank you for it in confidence. The fever in this Town has become serious. The alarm however...
3264From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [11 November 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
At length I am able to send you the explanation I mentioned to you. The papers upon which it is founded are returned that you may compare & if necessary correct. You may by altering the body or by a note rectify any inaccuracy . You will observe marks in the margin which will require particular attention. A Let the distance if not so now be rightly stated. B insert the most usual sum or sums....
3265From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 27 May 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
The Patterson manufactory being defunct, the persons heretofore employed are thrown out of business and among them Mr. Marshall who erected & directed the Cotton Mill. As this man has proved that he understands himself & is a discreet well-moralled man I am loth that he should be under the necessity of leaving the Country. He is a man of some education. Besides a considerable knowlege of...
3266From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 22 November 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your Note sending me Adet’s letter. The present is in my opinion as critical a situation as our Government has been in—requiring all its prudence all its wisdom all its moderation, all its firmness. Though the thing is now passed, I do not think it useless to say to you that I was not well pleased with the Secretary of State’s answer to Adets note communicating the order...
3267From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [7 July 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have had some conversation with some influential Members of the Bank of New York who are disposed to do all that shall be found possible. But I wish to know without exaggeration the least sum that will be a material relief to you & when & how the payments will be desired. Yrs. ALS , Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. For an explanation of the contents of this letter, see H to Wolcott,...
3268From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 28 July 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
We have some cause to suspect though not enough to believe that our Jacobins medidate serious mischief to certain Individuals. It happens that the Militia of this City, from the complexion of its officers in general, cannot be depended on and it will be difficult for some time to organise a competent armed substitute. In this situation our eyes turn as a resource in a sudden emergency upon the...
3269From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 10 April 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a few lines by the last Post. I sit down to fulfil my promise then made. The fulfilment of our foreign engagements under the existing circumstances is no doubt a perplexing task—But I hope it will not be found impracticable to effect enough to preserve character and credit. Every thing must be done to this end, though with considerable sacrifices, provided you do not go so far as...
3270From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 25 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 25, 1794. On July 7, 1794, Wolcott wrote to Hamilton : “In obedience to your Letter of June 25.” Letter not found. ]
3271From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [May–August 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May–August, 1796. ] “I have been applied to for an opinion concerning the Georgia Claim.… I will thank you for the Report of the Attorney General on that subject, to Congress.…” Copy, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. This is a reference to the claims of the Georgia Yazoo land companies which were organized in 1795. For information on these land grants and their revocation,...
3272From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 13 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 6 instant. I am of opinion that the Commissioners to be appointed under the 7th article are competent to grant relief, in all cases of captures or condemnations of our property, during the present war and antecedent to the Treaty, which were contrary to the laws of Nations and in which there is adequate evidence (of which they are to judge bona fide ) that...
3273From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [1 November 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote you a line from Albany expressing an opinion from Memory , that our Treaty with G B prohibitted the sale of prizes made by French National Ships. Being just returned to Town I have looked into the article which relates to the point & I fear that opinion was wrong. In a day or two I will write you more particularly. Adets late communication demands a very careful & well managed answer....
3274From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [6 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the Bank of New York called upon me yesterday and manifested considerable anxiety about the State of the Bank. It seems the course of things lately, and their large accommodation to the Government, have produced a heavy ballance against them in favor of the Office of Discount at this place, which has lately called for 100000 Ds in specie & it is apprehended may speedily call...
3275From Alexander Hamilton to David Wolfe, 12 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 16th. Ultimo, on the subject of the certificates of the late Quartermaster general. The observations you make have been duly communicated to the Comptroller and will receive a proper consideration, but you will perceive that in adjusting the affairs of the Quartermaster Generals department, under the late Government, the information of the gentleman who was...
3276From Alexander Hamilton to George Wray, 23 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I find so considerable a difference in favor of the United States will arise from building at Hampton the Revenue Cutter which it was desired to have built at Baltimore, that it is probable you will be applied to by the Collector of that district to assist him in getting another suitable Vessel in your Port. I shall enclose this letter to him with instructions to endeavor to procure a Vessel...
3277From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Wylly, 9 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The acting Paymaster General of the Treasury has reported to me the circumstances under which the certificate of the late Paymaster General, for $123, 283 70/90, mentioned in your letter of the 1st ultimo, was issued. I find that it is already passed to the credit of the State of Georgia, in the books of the Pay Office, and that it will be included in the statement of the general board of...
3278From Alexander Hamilton to William Wynne, 18 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Justin Foote has delivered at this Office a Commission from the President of the United States, vesting you with the office of Surveyor of the Port of Winton in North Carolina. This Gentleman informed me that he was not charged with any letter of resignation from you, but stated the substance of your verbal communication to him at the time. Passing over the obligation of every good...
3279From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Yates, Junior, 26 September 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
General Schuyler shewed me yesterday a letter which he had received from you. It was then for the first time, I understood, that I had come to this place upon conditions; which General Schuylers paternal anxiety led him to submit to, but which are of a nature too derogatory to my rights, as a citizen of this State, to be permitted by me to continue in force. I feel that by doing it I should...
3280From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Yates, Junior, 12 June 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, June 12, 1795. Gives legal opinion on the “advantages of Anchorage and Wharfage in the Port & Harbour of Albany.” ALS , in extra-illustrated edition of Washington Irving’s Life of George Washington [New York, 1857], II, 2; copy, “Minutes of the Albany Common Council,” from the original in the New York State Library, Albany. This letter is addressed to the mayor, recorder, and...
3281From Alexander Hamilton to Jasper Yeates, [11 October 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October 11, 1794. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “Regarding a young Lieutenant James Renshaw of the corps of dragoons, who was being recommended as a proper person for some service needed by Judge Yeates.” Letter not found. ] The Collector: A Magazine for Autograph and Historical Collectors , LVIII, No. 3 (April-May, 1945), 84. Yeates...
3282Catullus No. IV, [17 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Attempts in different shapes have been made to repel the charges which have been brought against the Secretary of State. The defence of him however in the quarter in which he has been principally assailed, has hitherto gone no further than a mere shew of defending him. I speak as to his improper connection with the Editor of the National Gazette. But a more serious and more plausible effort...
3283Treasury Department Circular, 13 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Some investigations in which I am engaged induce a wish to be able to form as accurate an idea as can be obtained of the usual product in proportion to the value of cultivated lands in different parts of the United States. As I am persuaded no person can better assist me in this object than yourself, I take the liberty to ask the favor of your assistance. It has occurred to me that if the...
3284Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Submission of Thomas Pinckney’s Letters to Congress, [24 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of state submits to the Secretaries of the treasury and war, whether the inclosed letters from Mr. Pinckney or either of them shall be sent to congress. E. R. is of opinion, that the letter of the 28th. of Jany, and not the other ought to be sent. April 24, 1794. I am [of] opinion that it is not adviseable to send either. That of the 28th of January contains no new substantive...
3285Conversation with Comte de Moustier, [13 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Projet de M. hamilton, pour liquider les arrérages de la dette tant domestique qu’Etrangére des Etats Unis. Observations de M. de Moustier à ce sujet. Le 13. de ce mois, M. Hamilton à qui j’avois été faire la veille mon compliment sur sa nomination à la place de Secretaire du Departement des Finances, vint chés moi et m’entretint du projet qu’il avoit de proposer que le Congrès fit un emprunt...
3286Report on the Petition of Robert Oliver and Hugh Thompson, [2 February 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the President of the Senate] The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred by the Senate, the Memorial of Oliver and Thompson respectfully makes thereupon the following report. It is the object of this Memorial to obtain restitution for a sum of duties alleged to have been overpaid in the district of Baltimore in consequence of certain mistakes. The business of rectifying mistakes in...
3287From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
I request the favour of you to present for me the inclosed Bill & when paid to remit the amount in bills of the Bank of the UStates. Yrs. ALS , Yale University Library. This letter is undated but is endorsed “April, 1793” in an unidentified handwriting.
3288Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 26 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed you will find a resolution of Congress for laying an embargo on all vessels in the ports of the United States bound to any foreign port or place, for the term of thirty days. It is understood that this is not to interfere with any of the usual proceedings in the cases of vessels employed in the coasting trade or Fisheries except that the surrender of a license in order to the...
3289Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the French Consul at Boston, [31 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st. day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mr Gore to mr Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by process from...
3290Suggestions for a Commercial Treaty, [April-May 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
To follow the specification of Objects on a Commercial Treaty This enumeration presents generally the objects which it is desireable to comprise in a Commercial Treaty; not that it is expected that one can be effected with so great a latitude of advantages. If to the actual footing of our commerce and Navigation in the British European dominions could be added the privilege of carrying...
3291Opinion on Compensation for Captured Vessels, [22 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I am not willing to give a pretext for not doing us justice by the appearance of carelessness or indifference as to the fulfilment of our engagements. I continue to think that the idea of a special instruction to Mr: Jay is proper, because it is an evidence of our being in earnest, because as Mr: Jay’s mission was produced by circumstances subsequent to the communication to Congress, that...
3292[From Alexander Hamilton to the Citizens of New-York], [13 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
The [New York] Argus. Greenleaf’s New Daily Advertiser , December 27, 1796. In reprinting this handbill signed by “A True American,” the Argus stated that on December 13, 1796, “three thousand of the following hand-bill were slily pushed under the knockers and doors of the citizens under cover of the darkness of the night.” The Argus suggests, but does not categorically state, that H wrote...
3293The Defence No. X, [26 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
The object of the third article is connected with that of the second. The surrender of the posts naturally drew with it an arrangement with regard to inland Trade and navigation. Such an arrangement convenient in several respects appears to be in some respects necessary. To restrain the Indians on either side of the line from trading with the one party or the other at discretion, besides the...
3294Cabinet Meeting. Proposed Rules Governing Belligerents, [3 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a Meeting of the Secretary of State The Secretary of the Treasury The Secretary at War and the Attorney General at the . The following rules were agreed to— I The original arming and equipping of vessels in the Ports of the UStates, by any of the belligerent parties, for Military service offensive or defensive, is deemed unlawful. II Equipments of Merchant vessels by either of the...
3295Report on the Petition of the Executors of Edward Carnes, 28 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to an Order of the House of Representatives, of the 5th. of February 1790, referring to him a Memorial of the Executors of Edward Carnes, respectfully submits the following Report. The object of the said Memorial is, to obtain payment of a sum of five hundred and forty four pounds nineteen shillings and...
3296Report on the Petition of Francis Bailey, 23 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 23, 1790. On this date the Speaker laid before the House of Representatives “a letter and report from the Secretary of the Treasury, on the petition of Francis Bailey.” Letter and report to the House of Representatives not found. ] Journal of the House , I Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States (Washington, 1826). , 162. See H’s “Report on the...
3297Conversation with George Beckwith, 12[–30] July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith. The gazette of the United States, published this morning gives us a detailed account of certain recent proceedings in the Western territory and at Detroit, communicated at Pittsburgh, by a person of the name of Ray, who had been made prisoner by the Savages, and having, as it is stated been purchased by an officer in The King’s Service, obtained his freedom, was...
3298Enclosure: Schedule E, [9 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
SCHEDULE E Abstract of the Public Debt of the States Undermentioned, Agreeably to Statements Transmitted in Pursuance of the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 21st of September, 1789. Massachusetts Dollars. Cents. Principal with interest to the 1st day of Nov. 1789. £. 1,548,040 7 9 Lawful. Due to sundries for which no certificates have yet been issued, 20,000 Total,...
3299Enclosure A: [Emoluments of Surveyors of the Customs for the Year 1790], [5 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Ports Amount received. Clerk hire charged Rent, Fuel, Stationery &c Nett amount of Emoluments. Salary allowed by the Collection law. Additional Salaries proposed. Portsmouth 344.96 60.
3300[Speech by William Loughton Smith], [13 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Annals of Congress The Debates and Proceedings of the Congress of the United States; with an Appendix, Containing Important State Papers and Public Documents, and All the Laws of a Public Nature (Washington, 1834–1849). , IV, 174–209. John C. Hamilton states that Smith’s speech “was from the pen of Hamilton as appears from his autographed draft” ( Hamilton, History John C. Hamilton, Life of...