1051New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for Regulating the Fees of Officers and Ministers of the Court, [21 February 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
On the different paragraphs which determined the allowance for certain services—much debate ensued. Col. Hamilton expressed a hope that the house would not carry matters to an extreme; It would, he thought, be as improper to make the fees of the profession too low as to make them too high. Gentlemen who practised the law, if they were men of ability, would be paid for the services required of...
1052New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for the Relief of Persons Holding or Possessing State Agent’s Certificates, [22 … (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton was against having the words struck out. The state had received the same advantage from the certificates issued by the deputies of the state agent or his assistant, as of those issued by the state agent only. There was no propriety in making the relief partial. Justice should be alike administered to all. Mr. Hamilton was of opinion, the state should give all the relief possible,...
1053New 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...
1054New York Assembly. Report on a Petition of William Gilbert, 24 February 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 24, 1787. On this date Hamilton, as chairman of a committee on a petition of “William Gilbert, and others, Collectors of Tax in the City and County of New-York,” reported that the request of the petitioners for an allowance of six pence in the pound on the proportion of New York City and County of the state quota for 1787 not be granted. New York Assembly Journal Journal of...
1055New York Assembly. Motion for Leave to Bring in a Bill on Bankrupts and Their Estates, [26 February 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton moved for leave to bring in a bill respecting bankrupts and their estates. Ordered , That leave be given accordingly. Mr. Hamilton, according to leave, brought in the said bill, entitled An act respecting Bankrupts and their Estates . New York Assembly Journal Journal of the Assembly of the State of New York (Publisher and place vary, 1782–1788). , 1787, 67–68. The bill introduced...
1056New York Assembly. Resolution on the Appointment of Delegates to the Constitutional Convention, [26 February 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved (If the Honorable the Senate concur herein) that Five Delegates be appointed on the part of this State, to meet such Delegates as may be appointed on the part of the other States respectively, on the second Monday in May next, at Philadelphia, for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, and reporting to Congress and to the several Legislatures, such...
1057Subscription to the Ohio Company for Education and Worship in the Territory Northwest of the River Ohio, March 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] March, 1788 . Subscribes ten pounds to the Ohio Company for “the Education of Youth, and the Promotion of Public Worship, among the first Settlers.” DS , Princeton University Library. The other subscribers were Richard C. Platt, William Edgar, Alexander Macomb, William Constable, and William Duer, all New York City merchants. H owned five and one-half shares in the Ohio Company....
1058New 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...
1059New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for Raising Certain Yearly Taxes Within This State, [2 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Hamilton said, he did not believe it would be of much importance whether the word batchelor was out or not. It was known, however, that there were a great number of rich batchelors, who had no families to maintain, and as the lawyers had been taxed for the support of the judges, the house could, if they thought proper, raise a revenue from the batchelors, to give a bounty on old maids....
1060New York Assembly. Motion for Leave to Bring in a Bill for Vesting the Estate of Richard Maitland in Trustees, [5 March … (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton pursuant to concurrent resolutions of both Houses of the Legislature, on the 24th of March last, and the publication thereof in news-papers printed in the city of New-York, moved for leave to bring in a bill to vest the real and personal estate of Richard Maitland, Esq. deceased, in trustees for the payment of his debts, and the maintenance and education of his children. Ordered ,...
1061New York Assembly. Remarks on Several Petitions from Columbia County, [5 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
On motion of Mr. Sickles, the house went into a committee of the whole on the different petitions from Columbia county, respecting the place of holding courts, &c. Mr. Bancker in the chair. After reading several petitions and affidavits, Mr. James Livingston moved that the committee should rise, he did not see, he said, what the committee could do with the petitions. Mr. Jones thought it was...
1062New York Assembly. Appointment as Delegate to the Constitutional Convention, [6 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved , that the Honorable Robert Yates, John Lansing, junior, and Alexander Hamilton, Esquires, be, and they are hereby declared duly nominated and appointed Delegates on the part of this State, to meet such Delegates as may be appointed on the part of the other States respectively, on the second Tuesday in May next, at Philadelphia, for the sole and express purpose of revising the...
1063New York Assembly. Remarks on an Amendment to an Act to Empower Justices of the Peace to Try Causes to the Value of Ten … (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Harpur moved for a clause to be added to the bill, in substance, that no freeholder or citizen shall hereafter be imprisoned for any sum less than ten pounds, but that execution shall issue and remain in force against the debtor, till from time to time by different seizures of his effects, the creditor shall be satisfied and fully paid. Col. Hamilton confessed that his own judgment was not...
1064New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for Raising Certain Yearly Taxes Within This State, [9 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton said that much time had been already spent in the discussion of this bill. He perceived there now was objections, why were they not made before. The bill be believed was perfectly understood by the committee, he wished therefore that a serious question might be taken, if it was to be rejected. he wished it to be done at once, the session was far advanced, and if this system was...
1065Lease of College Lots, 10 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 10, 1787. On this date Hamilton and six others signed a lease to Frederick Rhinelander for “eleven water lotts adjacent to those he now occupies.” DS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In 1787 Columbia College held ninety-one lots of which seventy-eight were leased.
1066New York Assembly. Report on a Letter from the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, [10 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton from the Committee to whom was referred the letter from the Honorable John Jay, Esquire, Secretary for foreign affairs, reported, that it is the opinion of the said Committee, that so much of the act, entitled, An act for granting a more effectual relief in cases of certain Trespasses , as makes all actions to be brought upon the said act transitory, and as declares that no...
1067New York Assembly. Motion for Leave to Bring in a Bill on the Independence of Vermont, [14 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton moved for leave to bring in a bill, to authorise the delegates of this State in Congress, to accede to, ratify and confirm, the independence and Sovereignty of the people inhabiting the district of country, commonly called Vermont. Ordered , That leave be given accordingly. Mr. Hamilton according to leave, brought in the said bill entitled, An act to authorise the Delegates of [ t...
1068Draft of an Act Acknowledging the Independence of Vermont, [14 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
An act to empower and direct the Delegates of this State in Congress to accede to ratify and confirm the Sovereignty and Independence of the People of the Territory commonly called and known by the name of the State of Vermont. Be it enacted by the People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the Authority of the same that the Delegates of...
1069New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act Acknowledging the Independence of Vermont, [14 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
The public have reason to regret your indisposition, as it deprives them of the satisfaction they would otherwise have received from reading verbatim , the judicious speech of that zealous patriot Col. Hamilton, on his bill for recommending to Congress to admit into the union the assumed state of Vermont. As there has and still continues to be much contrariety of opinion on this interesting...
1070New York Assembly. Report on a Letter from the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, [16 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton, from the Committee appointed to consider of and report on the letter from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, to his Excellency the Governor, and the papers accompanying the same, together with the act of the Legislature, entitled, An act relative to Debts due to Persons within the Enemies Lines , reported, that it is the opinion of the Committee, that the said act ought to be...
1071New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for the Relief of Merchants in the City of New York, [20 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton supposed that it was agreed on all hands, that some relief should be granted—there was, he said two questions before the committee, one, if they would put them on a footing with the other citizens; and the other, if they did not merit something more. If said he, you receive their certificates, and grant them your own, you extend to them only that relief which you have already...
1072Petition to the Corporation of the City of New York in Common Council, 21 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 21, 1787. Hamilton was one of eighteen petitioners who, on this date, requested the New York City Common Council to remove a statute of William Pitt located “in the most central Part” of Wall and Smith Streets. The statue, the petition stated, “greatly obstructs the free Passage of Carriages &c., through both Wall & Smith Streets.” DS , Municipal Archives and Records Center,...
1073Petition to the Corporation of the City of New York in Common Council, 21 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 21, 1787. Hamilton and several other residents of Wall Street on this date petitioned the New York City Common Council to raise “the Pavements of the said Street in the middle thereof, so as to throw the Water on each side of the Street.” DS , Municipal Archives and Records Center, New York City.
1074New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act for Repealing Part of the Trespass Act, [21 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
On motion of Col. Hamilton, the house went into a committee on the bill for repealing part of the trespass act. Mr. Hedges in the chair. Col. Hamilton said that this amendment to the trespass law, was only to repeal that part which was in violation of the public treaty. The courts of justice were at present in a delicate dilemma, obliged either to explain away a positive law of the state or...
1075New York Assembly. Remarks on the Quotas to be Assigned the Several Counties of New York, [22 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton did not suppose that any arguments would have much influence on the decision of this question. There is no criterion to go by and we fall into the greatest uncertainty—a gentleman has told us plainly, that he has been intriguing, and making the best bargain he could for his county. He would not say that New-York had made any conditions—he hoped that the intrigues might not have...
1076New York Assembly. Report on the Petitions of Samuel Thompson, Josiah Gale, and Lemuel Conckling, 24 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 24, 1787. Hamilton, as chairman of a committee on “petitions of Samuel Thompson, Josiah Gale and others, and Lemuel Conckling,” recommended that “the said petitions ought to be taken into consideration, when the House shall proceed upon a report of Mr. Attorney general, on the cases of Elijah Hunter and others.” New York Assembly Journal Journal of the Assembly of the State of...
1077New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act to Institute an University Within This State, [24 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton hoped the house would not recommit the bill. There was no doubt he said but the legislature possessed the right to give this power. There were frequent examples of the kind in Great Britain, where this power has been granted. No disadvantage he said could arise from it; on the contrary, many would be the benefits. He therefore wished the bill might be finished—as no doubt existed...
1078New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act Directing a Mode of Trial and Allowing of Divorces in Cases of Adultery, [28 March … (Hamilton Papers)
The house then went into the consideration of the objections of the council of revision to the divorce bill . The said objections being read. Col. Hamilton moved that, the bill pass into a law, notwithstanding the objections of the council. He did not he said like the clause which had been introduced by the senate, and on which the objections of the council were founded, but he would remedy...
1079New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act Acknowledging the Independence of Vermont, [28 March 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Chairman, The counsel for the petitioners has entered into a large field of argument against the present bill. He has endeavoured to shew that it is contrary to the constitution, to the maxims of sound policy and to the rights of property. His observations have not been destitute of weight. They appear to have the more force, as they are to a certain degree founded in truth. But it is the...
1080New York Assembly. Report on the Petition of Margaret Livingston, 31 March 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 31, 1787. On this date Hamilton, as chairman of a committee on the petition of Margaret Livingston, brought in a bill entitled “An act for dividing the township of New Stamford in Ulster county.” New York Assembly Journal Journal of the Assembly of the State of New York (Publisher and place vary, 1782–1788). , 1787, 129. The bill introduced by H was incorporated in “AN ACT for...
1081From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Breese, William Malcom, and Aaron Burr, April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April, 1787 ] “Mrs. Bayard Widow of Mr Samuel Bayard deceased has applied to me to arrange with you some provision for her in persuance of the Will of her husband representing her situation as distressed in the extreme, and assuring me that she is willing to do whatever I shall advise towards a fair adjustment of matters between you and her.…” Copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of...
1082New York Assembly. Remarks on an Amendment to an Act Relative to Debts Due Persons Within the Enemy’s Lines, [12 April … (Hamilton Papers)
Went into a committee on the bill to repeal the citation acts.… Mr. Hamilton advocated the bill with great ability and candor; he mentioned the bad effects of the present laws; the difficulties that the courts of justice threw in the way of them—and the impossibility ever to amend them is such a manner as to have them acted upon. He urged the influence the opinion of our courts ought to have...
1083New York Assembly. Report on the Petition of Henry Ludenton, 14 April 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 14, 1787. In his petition, Ludenton asserted that “certain depreciation certificates” had been stolen from him and, after passing through several hands, used for the purchase of a forfeited estate. Ludenton then asked that these certificates be returned. Hamilton, as chairman of a committee, recommended “as an act of generosity in the State,” that the treasurer be instructed to...
1084New York Assembly. Motion for Leave to Bring in a Bill on Places at Which the Legislature Shall Meet, [16 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton moved for leave to bring in a bill to establish the places at which the ordinary sessions of the Legislature shall be holden. Ordered , That leave be given accordingly. Mr. Hamilton, according to leave, brought in the said bill, entitled An act to establish the places at which the ordinary sessions of the Legislature shall be holden , which was read the first time, and ordered a...
1085New York Assembly. Motion that Five Delegates be Appointed to the Constitutional Convention, [16 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton made a motion that the House would agree to a resolution in the words following, viz . Resolved , (if the Honorable the Senate concur herein) That two Delegates be appointed, in addition to those already appointed to represent this State at the Convention proposed to be holden at Philadelphia, on the second Monday of May next; and that any three of the persons heretofore appointed...
1086New 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...
1087New York Assembly. Remarks on the Petition of Robert Henry, Robert McClellan, and Robert Henry, Junior, [16 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton expressed great regret that he was obliged to oppose this bill; he knew the gentlemen; he knew their peculiarly unfortunate situation, and felt as much for their distresses as any member of the committee. But his objection to the bill, arose from his aversion to any discriminations; there were others, and he was sorry for it, in equally unfortunate circumstances. But he would...
1088New York Assembly. Remarks on the Claim of New York City to Fort George, [16 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton proposed a resolution, which would set aside the order of the day, and answer the purposes much better, in his opinion; it was to direct the attorney general to enquire into the claim of the corporation to the Fort St. James, and its dependencies, now called fort George; and that the commissioners of the land office have a survey made of the property of the state therein; and that...
1089New York Assembly. Remarks on an Act Repealing Laws Inconsistent With the Treaty of Peace, [17 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton in a very animated and powerful speech, expressed great uneasiness that any opposition should be made to this bill, particularly as this state was individually interested therein. He felt greater regret from a conviction in his own mind, on this occasion, that the bill should be objected to, as there was not a single law in existence in this state, in direct contravention of the...
1090Declination of Candidacy for Seat in the New York Legislature, [23 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton observing his name in several nominations thinks it his duty to inform such of his fellow citizens as might incline to honor him with their choice at the approaching election, that the adjournment of the legislature to meet at Poughkepsie, which happened on Saturday last renders it impracticable for him to serve them as a member of that body for the ensuing year. The [New York]...
1091From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [3 May 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I this morning received your letter of yesterday. I have seen with pain the progress of the transactions, which have excited irritations between Mr. Livingston and yourself, and as my dispositions to both, in whatever I have had to do with the matter, have been friendly, I should with reluctance do any thing, that might affect either, further than a regard to truth and propriety should make it...
1092Statement of Expenses Incurred by Alexander Hamilton and Egbert Benson in Attending the Annapolis Convention, [8 May … (Hamilton Papers)
The People of the State of New York To Egbert and Alexander Hamilton Drs. For our expences in attending the Convention at Annapolis in September last £113 . . 1.4 including the journey thither and back New York to Wit. Egbert Benson and Alexander Hamilton severally make oath and first the said Egbert Benson saith that of the above mentioned sum he did disburse Thirty six pounds three shillings...
1093Credentials as Delegate to the General Society of the Cincinnati, 18 May 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 18, 1787. On this date Hamilton filed his credentials and instructions as a delegate from New York to the general meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati held in Philadelphia. Proceedings of the General Society of the Cincinnati, 1784–1884 (Philadelphia, 1887), 31.
1094Constitutional Convention. Nomination of William Jackson as Secretary of the Constitutional Convention, 25 May 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 25, 1787. On this date Hamilton nominated Major William Jackson as secretary of the Constitutional Convention. Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America. Reported by James Madison (New York, 1920), 18. Of the many editions of Madison’s notes of debates in the...
1095From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [2 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 2, 1787. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “… autograph postscript in which … [Hamilton] suggests that if his correspondent breaks his journey at Elizabethtown he should go to the house either of Mr. Bondinot or Governor Livingstone.” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold at Sotheby’s of London, Ltd., June 11–12, 1973, Lot 602. Elias Boudinot. William...
1096Constitutional Convention. Second of a Motion by James Wilson and Remarks Thereon, 4 June 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 4, 1787. James Wilson on this date made a motion, which Hamilton seconded, that a motion by Elbridge Gerry stating “that the National Executive shall have a right to negative any Legislative act which shall not be afterwards passed by parts of each branch of the national Legislature” be replaced by a provision “so as to give the Executive an absolute negative on the laws....
1097Constitutional Convention. Objection of Order, 4 June 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 4, 1787. To a motion by James Wilson, seconded by James Madison, that “a convenient number of the National Judiciary” act with the executive in vetoing acts of the national legislature, Hamilton made “an objection of order … to the introduction of the last amendment at this time.” Hunt and Scott, Debates Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal...
1098Constitutional Convention. Remarks on the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, [15 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Hamilton cannot say he is in sentiment with either plan— supposes both might again be considered as federal plans, and by this means they will be fairly in committee, and be contrasted so as to make a comparative estimate of the two. Yates, Secret Proceedings and Debates Robert Yates, Secret Proceedings and Debates of the Convention Assembled at Philadelphia, in the Year 1787, For the...
1099Alexander Hamilton’s Notes, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Introduction I Importance of the occasion II Solid plan without regard to temporary opinion . III If an ineffectual plan be again proposed it will beget despair & no government will grow out of consent IV There seem to be but three lines of conduct I A league offensive and defensive, treaty of commerce, & apportionment of the public debt.
1100Constitutional Convention. Plan of Government, [18 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
A I The Supreme Legislative Power of the United States of America to be vested in two distinct bodies of men—the one to be called the Assembly the other the senate; who together shall form the Legislature of the United States, with power to pass all laws whatsoever , subject to the negative hereafter mentioned. B II The Assembly to consist of persons elected by the People to serve for...