From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [14 January 1795]
To George Washington
[Philadelphia, January 14, 1795]
Mr Hamilton presents his respects to the President. He has written the Letter to Mr Clarkeson1 which the President desired, & which if not countermanded will go by post. But in the course of writting it, the following reflection has pressed upon his mind with so much force that he thinks it his duty to submit it to The President.
Clarkeson held the office of Marshal, a troublesome & unprofitable place. He resigned it (as is believed) in a short time.2 Giles has taken & kept it for a considerable time & during a period when disagreeable things were to be done, no doubt looking forward to something better.3 Clarkson is a man of considerably better fortune, & smaller family than Giles. Giles is as capable & trustworthy as Clarkson. Will he not have some cause to be dissatisfied if he sees an opportunity of doing something for him turn to the benefit of his predecessor?
No answer is expected unless the President should change his view of the subject.4
LC, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2. Clarkson had served as marshall of the District of New York from November 7, 1791, until early in 1792.
3. On May 4, 1792, Aquila Giles had been appointed marshal of the District of New York to succeed Clarkson (, 122).
4. On February 2, 1795, Washington nominated Clarkson commissioner of loans for the state of New York to succeed John Cochran, who had resigned; on February 3, 1795, the Senate confirmed the nomination (, 170–71). See also H to Washington, January 12, 1795.