6501Draft of an Act Imposing Duties on Carriages and Servants, [n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
An act imposing Duties on Carriages and servants Be it enacted that every Owner or possessor of any of the carriages hereafter specified shall pay a yearly duty for the same according to the rates following viz For every carriage of the kind now called a coach fifteen Dollars For every carriage of the kind now called a Chariot twelve Dollars For every Post Chaise and other close four wheeled...
6502The Defence of the Funding System, [July 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
In speaking of the public debt hereafter, to avoid circumlocution I shall denominate the original debt of the UStates the general Debt & the separate debts of the respective States the particular Debts. As often as these terms occur they are to be understood in this sense. The operation of these circumstances generated a variety of different sects holding different opinions. The parties in and...
6503The Examination Number XVI, [19 March 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The President, as a politician, is in one sense particularly unfortunate. He furnishes frequent opportunities of arraying him against himself—of combating his opinions at one period by his opinions at another. Without doubt, a wise and good man may, on proper grounds relinquish an opinion which he has once entertained, and the change may even serve as a proof of candour and integrity. But with...
6504New York Assembly. Remarks on a Motion that Five Delegates be Appointed to the Constitutional Convention, [16 April … (Hamilton Papers)
I think it proper to apprise the house of the gentlemen on some of whom I wish their choice to fall, and with a view to which I bring forward the present motion. Their abilities and experience in the general affairs of the country cannot but be useful upon such an occasion. I mean Mr. Chancellor [Robert R.] Livingston, Mr. [James] Duane, Mr. [Egbert] Benson, and Mr. [John] Jay. The particular...
6505Pacificus No. VII, [27 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The remaining objection to the Proclamation of Neutrality, still to be discussed, is that it was [out of time and unnecessary.] To give colour to this objection it is asked—why did not the Proclamation appear when the war commenced with Austria & Prussia? Why was it forborne till Great Britain Holland and Spain became engaged? Why did not the Government wait till the arrival at Philadelphia of...
6506Oath of Allegiance, [12 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
I Alexander Hamilton Lieutenant Colonel and Aide De Camp to His Excellency The commander in Chief do acknowledge the United States of America , to be Free, Independent and Sovereign States, and declare that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of Great-Britain; and I renounce, refuse and objure any allegiance or obedience to him; and I do swear that I...
6507The Stand No. IV, [12 April 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
In the pursuit of her plan of universal empire, the two objects which now seem chiefly to occupy the attention of France, are a new organization of Germany favorable to her influence, and the demolition of Great Britain. The subversion and plunder, first of Portugal, next of Spain, will be merely collateral incidents in the great drama of iniquity. In the new distribution of the territories,...
6508Enclosure: [An Act Making Allowances for Certain Services], [25 May 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
An act making allowances for certain services & contingencies in the collection of the Revenue during the year ending on the 30 day of June 1792. Whereas it has been found necessary to provide a compensation for the legal admeasurement of Stills during the year ending on the 30 day of June 1792. it is hereby established & declared, that there may & shall be allowed to the Collectors of the...
6509Catullus No. VI, [22 December 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
For the GAZETTE of the UNITED STATES. If perseverance can supply the want of judgment, Mr. Jefferson has an excellent advocate in the writer of his “ Vindication .” But I mistake, if his last attempt is not found to involve still more deeply the character he wishes to extricate. To repel the imputation on Mr Jefferson, arising from the advice which he gave to Congress respecting the debt to...
6510New York Assembly. Motion for Leave to Bring in a Bill for Dividing the Manor of Livingston, [18 January 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton moved for leave to bring in a bill, for dividing the District of the Manor of Livingston. Ordered , That leave be given accordingly. Mr. Hamilton according to leave brought in the said bill entitled, An act for dividing the district of the Manor of Livingston , which was read the first time, and ordered a second reading. New York Assembly Journal Journal of the Assembly of the...
6511The Stand No. VI, [19 April 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
The inevitable conclusion from the facts which have been presented is, that Revolutionary France has been and continues to be governed by a spirit of proselytism, conquest, domination and rapine. The detail well justifies the position, that we may have to contend at our very doors for our independence and liberty. When the wonders atchieved by the arms of France are duely considered the...
6512Report on the Petition of Ezra Stiles, [12 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to an Order of the House of Representatives of the 5th. of April 1790, referring to him the petition of Ezra Stiles, on behalf of the President and fellows of Yale College in Connecticut, respectfully reports. That the Act making provision for the debt of the United States, exempts, in future, Philosophical Apparatus from the duties on importation. That...
6513New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Newspaper Account), [12 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday morning, Mr. Jay opened the business by representing the unfairness of the proceedings in the informal Committee. He complained that when met for mutual discussion, they had been insulted by a complete set of propositions presented in a dictatorial manner for their passive acquiescence. He was soon followed by Mr. Hamilton, who in a most argumentative and impassioned address,...
6514The Examination Number IV, [26 December 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
It is a matter of surprise to observe a proposition to diminish the revenue, associated with intimations which appear to contemplate war. The suggestions in the Message respecting the Barbary States, plainly enough imply, that treaties are found to be too feeble cords to bind them; and that a resort to coercive means will probably be requisite to enforce a greater sense of justice towards us....
6515Fact No. I, [11 September 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
For the National Gazette. Much declamation has been indulged against certain characters, who are charged with advocating the pernicious doctrine, that “public debts are public blessings,” and with being friends to a perpetuation of the public debt of the country. Among these characters, if the secretary of the treasury has not been named, he has been pretty plainly alluded to. It is proper to...
6516The Warning No. III, [21 February 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The Paris Accounts inform us that France has lately exercised towards Genoa an act of atrocious oppression, which is an additional and a striking indication of the domineering and predatory Spirit by which she is governed. This little Republic, whose territory scarcely extends beyond the walls of her metropolis, has been compelled, it seems, to ransom herself from the talons of France by a...
6517On the Rise of a War Party, [1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Every new political occurrence renders it more and more apparent, that there is a description of men in this country, continually on the Watch to defame and if possible to convulse the Government of the UStates. No important measure of that government from whatever quarter it proceeds, can escape their malevolent vigilance. Tis a consolation, however, that by overacting their part, they betray...
6518Enclosure F: Comparative View of Annual Current Revenue & Expenditure, January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Permanent Revenue. Dollars. Dollars. Nett Duties on Imports & Tonnage as ascertained for the year 1793 ⅌ Account of Receipts & Expenditures for that Year 6,087,546.26 Interest on Foreign Debt as stated 678,102 80 deduct interest on installment of Foreign debt for 1795 to be paid out of proceeds of Foreign Loans 39,622.22 638,480 58 Add product of additional duties on Imports laid by the Acts...
6519Cabinet Opinions on the Debt to France, 25 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 25. 1793. The President desires the opinions of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney General on the following question, to wit. Mr. Ternant having applied for money equivalent to three millions of livres to be furnished on account of our debt to France at the request of the Executive of that country, which sum is to be laid out in provisions within the US. to be sent to...
6520Report on Foreign Loans, [13 February 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
In obedience to an Order of the President of the United States, founded upon the requests contained in two resolutions of the House of Representatives, of the 23d of January last, I have the honor to lay before the House— I. The several papers, numbered I, II, III, IV, being copies of the authorities, under which, loans have been negociated, pursuant to the Acts of the 4th. and 12th. of August...
6521Enclosure I: [Statement of the Several Sums which Have Been Borrowed for the Use of the United States], 3 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Statement of the Several Sums Which Have Been Borrowed for the Use of the United States by Virtue of the Acts of the Fourth and Twelfth of August 1790, Shewing the Particular Application of the Monies, to the First of January 1793, Inclusively, and the Balance Remaining Unapplied. Loans (A) Florins. Sts. d. First Loan, made at Amsterdam, commencing on the 1st of February 1790, at 5 per cent...
6522Tully No. IV, [2 September 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
For the American Daily Advertiser. To the People of the United States Letter IV. The prediction mentioned in my first letter begins to be fulfilled. Fresh symptoms every moment appear of a dark conspiracy, hostile to your government, to your peace abroad, to your tranquility at home. One of its orators dares to prostitute the name of Franklin , by annexing it to a publication as insidious as...
6523Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 17 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It appears probable that the public interests would be promoted by my receiving the earliest information when breaches of the Revenue Laws take place. I therefore request; that whenever a seizure shall be made within the sphere of your duty, you will transmit me by the first opportunity an account of the transaction, containing such particulars as will enable me fully to understand the case. I...
6524Enclosure: Points to be Considered in the Instructions to Mr. Jay, Envoy Extraordinary to G B, [23 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I Indemnification for the depredations upon our Commerce according to a rule to be settled. The desireable rule is—that which theoretical Writers lay down as the rule of the law of Nations (to wit) that none but articles by general usage deemed contraband shall be liable to confiscation and that the carrying of such articles shall not infect other parts of a cargo, nor even a vessel carrying...
6525Report on the Petition of David M. Randolph, [21 November 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred the petition of David M. Randolph, respectfully makes the following report thereupon. The said petition seeks compensation for a quantity of flour, taken by the then enemy, in the year 1776; founding the claim upon the following suggestions. 1st. That Richard Randolph, the petitioner’s testator, some time early in the year 1776, contracted to...
6526Report Relative to the Additional Supplies for the Ensuing Year, 16 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to a Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 8th instant directing the said Secretary to report to the House his opinion of the best mode of raising the Additional Supplies requisite for the ensuing year, respectfully submits the following report. The sum which is estimated to be necessary for carrying into effect the purposes of the Act for...
6527Report on the Petition of Edward Darrell, [27 February 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred by the House of Representatives the Memorial of Edward Darrel of Charleston, respectfully makes thereupon the following Report— The Memorial seeks compensation for a Cargo of Rice, Lumber, Tobacco and Naval Stores alleged to have been delivered to the Garrison of Charleston for their Use in April 1780, and for a Vessel stated to have been...
6528Continental Congress Motion on Instructions to Francis Dana, [21 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved that Mr. Dana be informed that the treaties lately entered into for restoring peace have caused such an alteration in the affairs of these states as to have removed the primary object of his mission to the Court of Russia, the acquisition of new supports to their independence; that though Congress approve the principles of the armed neutrality founded on the liberal basis of a...
6529Report on the Petition of Thomas Wickes, [21 November 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Wickes, by an order of the House of Representatives, of the 13th of April 1790, thereupon respectfully reports: That the case, in which the petitioner seeks relief, is one of those provided for in the Act of Congress, passed the 12th of August 1790. That the claim, appearing to have been included in a return made to the...
6530Report on the Petition of Hugh Ferguson, [27 February 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred by an Order of the House of Representatives of the 3d. of February 1792, the petition of Hugh Ferguson, thereupon respectfully Reports as follows— It appears from the documents of the Treasury, that the petitioners Accounts have been regularly and finally settled by the Commissioner for settling the Accounts of the Commissary Department; that...
6531Continental Congress Motion on Officers Holding Brevet Commissions, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved That the officers at present holding brevet commissions in the army be intitled to the pay and emoluments of the ranks which they respectively hold. AD , Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. The motion is undated, but it is printed in the Journals under date of May 26, 1783.
6532The Defence No. XV, [12 and 14 September 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
[ It is the business of the seventh article of the treaty, to provide for two objects: one, compensation to our citizens for injuries to their property, by irregular or illegal captures or condemnations; the other, compensation to British citizens for captures of their property within the limits and jurisdiction of the United States, or elsewhere, by vessels originally armed in our ports, in...
6533Philo Pacificus, [5 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Dunlap Your correspondent the old Soldier has given us a long string of quotations from Vatel & Burlamqui —to prove what? Why, that the keeping of promises is of great importance to Nations and to Individuals . That real Treaties are binding upon Nations notwithstanding changes in the form of Government. And this parade of authorities is offered against something that Pacificus is...
6534The Defence No. I, [22 July 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
IT was to have been foreseen, that the treaty which Mr. Jay was charged to negociate with Great Britain, whenever it should appear, would have to contend with many perverse dispositions and some honest prejudices. That there was no measure in which the government could engage so little likely to be viewed according to its intrinsic merits—so very likely to encountre misconception, jealousy,...
6535Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 7 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
It is necessary to inform you that the late Loan Officers Certificates for Interest due on the public Debt are to be received only at the New Loan Office for the State wherein such Interest Certificates were issued. The Certificates contemplated, are those given in lieu of the Indents or facilities signed by M. Hillegas Josh. Hardy or Henry Kuhl. As there will probably be presented to you...
6536Remarks on the Quebec Bill: Part One, [15 June 1775] (Hamilton Papers)
In compliance with my promise to the public, See page 78 of the Farmer Refuted, a pamphlet published last winter by James Rivington. and in order to rescue truth from the specious disguise, with which it has been cloathed, I shall now offer a few remarks on the act, intitled, “An Act for making more effectual provision, for the government of the province of Quebec, In North-America” whereby, I...
6537New York Assembly. Report on the Petition of Joanna Morris, 24 February 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 24, 1787. As chairman of a committee, Hamilton reported on a petition of Joanna Morris “on behalf of herself and the other Children of Roger Morris, and Mary his wife, setting forth, that the said Roger and Mary have been attainted, and their Estates sold and … praying a law to restore to them the remainder of the said estate.” Hamilton reported that it was unnecessary for...
6538The Federalist No. 67, [11 March 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. THE Constitution of the executive department of the proposed government claims next our attention. There is hardly any part of the system which could have been attended with greater difficulty in the arrangement of it than this; and there is perhaps none, which has been inveighed against with less candor, or criticised with less judgment. Here the...
6539New York Ratifying Convention. Sixth Speech of July 22, [22 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—wishes to know what objectn gent. have to Congss. arranging the militia. Gilbert Livingston MS Notes, MS Division, New York Public Library. H was discussing the following amendment concerning the militia: “That the power to organize arm and discipline the Militia shall only extend so far as to prescribe the Mode of officering arming & disciplining ⟨– – – – –⟩. (John McKesson Papers,...
6540Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Time, Place, and Manner of the President-Elect Taking the Oath of Office, [28 February … (Hamilton Papers)
If the qualification is to be in private, T.J, A.H H.K and E.R, are of opinion, that Mr. Cushing should administer the oath to the President at his own house, where such officers, or others, as he may notify, will attend. T.J. and A.H. think, that it ought to be in private. H.K. and E.R. on the other hand think, that the qualification ought to be in public: and that the Marshal of the district...
6541New York Assembly. Motion for Leave to Bring in a Bill for the Speedy Trial and Punishment of Grand Larceny, [1 March … (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton moved for leave to bring in a bill for the speedy trial and punishment of such persons as shall commit any offence under the degree of Grand Larceny. Ordered , That leave be given accordingly. Mr. Hamilton according to leave, brought in the said bill, entitled, An act for the speedy Trial and Punishment of such persons as shall commit any offence, under the degree of Grand Larceny...
6542Report on the Petitions of William Mumford, Samuel Armstrong, and the Weighers, Measurers, and Gaugers of Portland and … (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, on the petitions of William Mumford, and Samuel Armstrong, and of the Weighers, Measurers and Gaugers of the District of Portland and Falmouth in the State of Massachusetts, referred to him by an Order of the House of Representatives of the twenty sixth of February past, Respectfully Reports, That the claim of...
6543Enclosure: Candidates for Army Appointments from New York, [21 August 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 1 Nathaniel Paulding West Chester would prefer Artillery Mr . Hale refers to me speaks hyhly A probably a good Lieutantnt AH 2 John Treat Irving would prefer Artillery B Mr. Hale 3 Timothy Shalor Albany County
6544The Federalist No. 70, [15 March 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. THERE is an idea, which is not without its advocates, that a vigorous executive is inconsistent with the genius of republican government. The enlightened well wishers to this species of government must at least hope that the supposition is destitute of foundation; since they can never admit its truth, without at the same time admitting the condemnation...
6545Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Proclamation Against Forces to Be Enlisted in Kentucky for the Invasion of Spanish … (Hamilton Papers)
A Proclamation. Whereas I have received information that certain persons in violation of the Laws, have presumed under colour of a foreign authority to enlist, within the state of Kentuckey, citizens of the United States, and have there assembled an armed force for the purpose of invading and plundering the territories of a nation at peace with the said United States: And Whereas such...
6546New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [24 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
We all Aim at the best Govt. We should mix the Happy Ingredients, and not go into Extremes or we shall build Utopia upon Utopia— It was a time of Jealo[u]sy—We seemed to have attended only to tie the Representat Another Prin. To have in our Govt. some Stable Body that will pursue a System— Guard agt. Innovations and know and direct public Affairs— The People of every Country desire the...
6547H. G. Letter VI, 27 February 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In my last I stated a number of facts tending to prove that Mr. Clinton is not a friend to the UNION. I would not be understood, that either of these facts singly would authorise such a conclusion, but that it is the result of them collectively. Many men, of whose good intentions, I have no doubt, have entertained similar sentiments with him on several of the points stated; but I am mistaken...
6548Continental Congress Motion that Requisitions on the States Be Revised, [20 December 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
That the Committee appointed to consider and report what further or different provision may be made for discharging the interest that is or may be due on loan office certificates & other liquidated debts of the United states be also directed to revise the requisitions for the service of the preceding and present year and to report whether the same ought to be continued or altered. AD , Papers...
6549Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 20 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It is with great satisfaction I have it in my power to acknowledge the zeal and good disposition, with which the Officers of the Customs generally have executed the instructions which have, from time to time, proceeded from the Treasury Department. I am happy to be able to say, that the instances of exception are few, and I ascribe such as have happened rather to an inaccurate view of the...
6550Pacificus No. I, [29 June 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
As attempts are making very dangerous to the peace, and it is to be feared not very friendly to the constitution of the UStates—it becomes the duty of those who wish well to both to endeavour to prevent their success. The objections which have been raised against the Proclamation of Neutrality lately issued by the President have been urged in a spirit of acrimony and invective, which...