1111From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 3 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
At length the recruiting for the additional regiments has begun in Connecticut New York New Jersey Pensylvania and Delaware . The enclosed return of cloathing will sufficiently explain to you that it has commenced at least as soon as the preparations by the Department of War would permit. It might now also proceed in Maryland and Massachusettes, and the next post will I trust enable me to add...
1112To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I received on the second instant your two letters of the 29th of October with the inclosures—An answer has been delayed to ascertain the disposition of Mr King, who through the summer has resided in the country and is only occasionally in Town—I am now able to inform you— he would not accept —Circumstances of the moment conspire with the disgust which a virtuous and independent mind feels at...
1113From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 3 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
I have lately received a letter from the Superintendant of Finance inclosing a copy of a circular letter from him to the several states dated 25th of July 81 in which he requests information upon the following important points: “What supplies of every kind money provisions forage transportation &c. have been furnished by this State to the United States since the 18th. of March 1780.” “The...
1114Statement on Impending Duel with Aaron Burr, [28 June–10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On my expected interview with Col Burr, I think it proper to make some remarks explanatory of my conduct, motives and views. I am certainly desirous of avoiding this interview, for the most cogent reasons. 1 My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of Duelling, and it would even give me pain to be obliged to shed the blood of a fellow creature in a private combat...
1115From Alexander Hamilton to Herman LeRoy, William Bayard, and James McEvers, 16 December 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 16, 1796. Discusses the Holland Land Company’s interest in Robert Morris’s proposed negotiations with the Seneca Indians. ALS , Gemeentearchief Amsterdam, Holland Land Company. These documents were transferred in 1964 from the Nederlandsch Economisch-Historisch Archief, Amsterdam. LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers were partners in a New York City mercantile firm which represented...
1116To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 17 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your letter of the 10th instant by the last post. It is certainly very possible, that motives, different from the one avowed, may have produced a certain communication; and in matters of such nature, it is not only allowable, but the dictate of prudence, to receive suggestions with peculiar caution. A British Packet arrived yesterday. The accounts she brings, are...
1117From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, 4 August 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
In my opinion the idea of a personal affair between us ought not to have found a place in your letters or it ought to have assumed a more positive shape. In the state to which our correspondence had brought the question, it lay with you to make the option whether such an issue should take place. If what you have said be intended as an advance towards it, it is incumbent upon me not to decline...
1118To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 6 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to transmit to the President of the United States an account of the cost of a seal for the use of the District Court of Maine, on which he begs leave to remark, that there does not occur any reason to deem it immoderate. The Legislature having by their resolution of the 2nd of August last assigned a part of the fund provided for the...
1119From Alexander Hamilton to William Rawle, 6 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I think you have a paper shewing the manner in which, the tracts to which Judge Sims & his associates are intitled were to be located—put into your hands for the purpose of drawing up a declaration &c concerning it. Be so good as to let Mr. Ludlow, who on behalf of the UStates is preparing a map, have a view of any such paper which may be in your possession. Yrs. with esteem ALS , Historical...
1120From Alexander Hamilton to Lewis Tousard, 22 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to suggestions heretofore made I request that you will forthwith commence in conjunction with Major Hoops the preparation of a system of Regulations for the exercise of Artillery and for the police & service of the Corps of Artillerists in Camp Quarters and Garrisons. I forbear to enter into a particular detail of the course to be pursued relying upon the indications of the Subject...
1121Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Morgan, 13 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am instructed by the President to express to You his wish that every practicable exertion may be made to accelerate the assembling of the Militia at their appointed places of Rendezvous, Winchester and the Vicinity of old Fort Pleasant Alias Moorefield. you are probably informed that a junction of the Virginia and Maryland Troops at Fort Cumberland has been contemplated. You are at liberty...
1122From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 4 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Treasurer has received directions to remit you a draft for six thousand, two hundred and ninety four Dollars to enable you to pay a half years pensions to the Invalids of your State, which according to a notification from the Department of war is to be paid on the fourth day of September ensuing. You are to pay under such regulations as shall have been communicated to you from that...
1123From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [18 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President. The enclosed permit has been prepared on the intimation of the Secretary of State, for the Spanish Commissioners. The Secretary is not informed whether the doubt on the subject of mr Hammond’s application was removed. The return of the enclosed will be considered as the evidence that it was. LC , George Washington Papers,...
1124From Alexander Hamilton to Brockholst Livingston, 30 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have made an agreement with Robert Morris Esquire to convey to him one hundred shares of stock in the Bank of North America upon the following terms. That he engage to pay to me or my order in London in one year from the time the transfer be made at the rate of one hundred pounds Sterling money of Great Britain for each share of the said bank stock which shall be transferred to him together...
1125From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 1 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I wait for your instructions concerning the regulations proposed to you with respect to objects of extra expence. As soon as I receive your direction I shall issue orders for having the regulations carried into effect. With great respect I am, Sir If it shall be agreeable to General Pinckney to whom I have written on the subject, it is my wish to employ Major Tousard during the winter, in...
1126From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, 2 February 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, February 2, 1785. On the back of a letter that Chaloner wrote to Hamilton on January 26, 1785, Hamilton wrote : “Answered Feby. 2d.” Letter not found. ]
1127From Alexander Hamilton to Trueman Mosley, 18 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Through mistake I opened the letters herewith sent for you. One of them contains money. You will of course pursue the directions given. I have concluded to put them under cover to Lieut: Coll. Taylor, the better to insure a safe conveyance— I am with great consideration Sir Your Obed Servt. (Copy, in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
1128Enclosure: Commission to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, [28 August … (Hamilton Papers)
To all to whom these Presents shall come: Whereas by an Act passed the fourth day of August, in this present year, entitled “An Act making provision for the debt of the United States,” it is, among other things, enacted, That the President of the United States be authorized to cause to be borrowed, on behalf of the United States, a sum or sums, not exceeding in the whole, twelve millions of...
1129From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [1–20 October 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
If I understand the statements rightly the money paid by the Collector of Baltimore namely 30000 Dollars is still an advance; but as nothing more is now asked, and as it is presumeable the expences of the expedition and supplies to the end of the year will exceed the sum advanced all is well. I have only conjecture as to what will be the situation of the troops after the termination of the...
1130To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
Major Fairly is just setting out on a visit to You I believe on some business relating to the Cincinnati—The society of this state met some short time since and took into consideration the proposed alterations in the original frame of the Institution— Some were strenuous for adhering to the old constitution a few for adopting the new and many for a middle line—This disagreement of opinion and...
1131From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 4 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
A press of business has prevented my replying sooner to your late letter on the subject of certain concerns between Mr. Church & yourself. Your arrangement with Governor Mifflin appears to me in every sense prudent and proper. It certainly will be adviseable by the additional loan you mention to Mr. Seymour to secure the debt he now owes to Mr. Church & yourself by a mortgage if one cannot be...
1132"Circular to the Officers of the Second Regiment of Infantry," 20 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Forthwith after the receipt of this letter you will repair to Bennington in the State of Vermont to be employed in the recruiting Service—When there, you will immediately report yourself to me, and to Major Bewell as soon as he shall arrive, putting yourself under his Command. You will there find Mr. ——— Contractor, who is instructed to furnish you with Quarters and Rations. With consideration...
1133To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 11 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have already written to you to go by this Post. This is barely to inform you, that I have made the communication you desired to Mr Kean, who promises every possible exertion—and that Mr Langdon has been here about a fortnight. With perfect respect & attachment I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient servant P.S. I have made progress in certain answers; but shall scarcely be ready to send...
1134From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 13 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 13, 1792. On January 30, 1792, Ellery wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your letter of the 13th. of this month.” Letter not found. ]
1135From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 29 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States, a contract made by the Collector of the District of Washington in North Carolina, for the stakage of all the shoals & channels of the State to the Northward of the District of Wilmington, which have been heretofore thus designated. The former stakes having generally to decay, or being...
1136From Alexander Hamilton to the County Treasurers of the State of New York, 5 August 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
It will be of great utility to the state and is essential to the execution of my instructions from the Superintendant of Finance, that I should be able to ascertain as speedily as possible, the expense attending the collection of taxes within this state. In order to this I shall be much obliged to you to send me without delay an account of what you have received in your county since the...
1137From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 28 December 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I received yesterday your’s by Post, which I communicated immediately to the Directors of both Banks, that is, so much as concerned each party. It has been very consolatory to the Bank of New York & will do good. All will be well. Mr. Alexander McComb applied, while I was in Office, respecting some land he & Edgar had purchased of the Public and on which they had made a partial payment which...
1138From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, October 3, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of Davidson’s “letter of the 24th of last month.” Sends directions for filing of surety bond. States that privileges to ships of the United States are to be extended to Rhode Island and North Carolina vessels until January 15, 1790. Copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to...
1139From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Brock, 7 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty fourth of December with it’s enclosure. It belongs to General Pinckney to order Courts Martial in the District which he commands. To that Officer therefore you will address yourself— The deficiency of Clothing has not failed to be supplied from the want of frequent and pressing remonstrances— I trust, in the your — distress, I trust, have has, before...
1140From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 11 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 11, 1799. Quotes from Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Parker’s “letter of the 3d Inst.” concerning the shortage of clothing and states: “You see how the delay works & how necessary it is to apply an instant remedy.” Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1141From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 10 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 10, 1793. On January 12, 1793, Coxe wrote to Hamilton : “Agreeably to your Note of the 10th instant, I have the honor to inclose to you a draught of an Act.” Letter not found. ]
1142From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Nourse, 18 March 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
You will oblige me by sending me as soon as may be (first obtaining the consent of Mr Wolcott) a statement of the respective amounts of the several Items, of the Domestic Debt as they originally stood distributed among the several states. You once made out such a paper for me. Yours with regard LC , RG 53, Register of the Treasury, Estimates and Statements for 1795, Vol. “137-T,” National...
1143From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
As the tea mentioned in your letter of the 13th of July is confessedly not simply Bohea but a different kind of black tea and was entered under a different denomination, I see not how it can be exempted from the duty laid on the second class of teas namely “Souchong and other black teas.” I cannot find that Bohea Congo is a species of tea known in the China Market, tho the Bohea of the...
1144From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 18 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my desire that you proceed immediately in the plan of purchasing, for the account of the United States, Spirits lawfully distilled in the western Surveys of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and in Kentucky, in the manner which was directed upon the last occasion. A fund of Ten Thousand Dollars in addition to the former sum of ten thousand Dollars may be applied to the purchases at proper...
1145From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 30 March 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have delivered to Brockholst Livingston Esquire, who will present you this, One Hundred Shares of Bank Stock, for a purpose which he will explain to you. Should Mr. Livingston desire it, you will please to transfer the said Bank Stock or so much thereof as he may require, to Robert Morris Esqr. on his Order. I remain with great respect Sir Your Obedient Servant Copy, Hamilton Papers,...
1146From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [14 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
On our present plan, It appears to me the quantity of ammunition proposed by General Knox for the Artillery is insufficient. A larger consumption may be necessary. The Stone house, in which the enemy may attempt to defend themselves may be obstinate and we should have it in our power by the severity and duration of our fire to bring them to reason. I take the liberty to suggest these matters,...
1147From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, [6 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Dr. W. Mendy is one of those characters that for its honesty, simplicity, and helplessness interests my humanity. He is exceedingly anxious to be in the Service and I believe has been forced out of it not altogether by fair play. He is just what I should like for a military parson except that he does not whore or drink. He will fight and he will not insist upon your going to heaven whether you...
1148From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [6 April 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to promote the election of Judge Yates as Governor have requested Mr. John Jackson a Merchant of this City to proceed into your County for the purpose of making such communications to the inhabitants of it as may be necessary to inform them of the reasons which influence this City & County in desiring a change in the person of the Chief Magistrate. From the opinion we...
1149From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your letter of the 6th instant. I refer you to the 45th Section of the Act, commonly called the Excise law, where you will find a penalty of five hundred Dollars, for making use of untrue certificates. This Section would be applicable in the case you state, as the certificate accompanying the Rum must be deemed untrue relatively to the article. I am of opinion that, though...
1150From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Lutterloh, [26 September 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, September 26, 1792. On the back of a letter which Lutterloh wrote to Hamilton on September 9, 1792 , Hamilton wrote: “Answered Sep. 26. 1792.” Letter not found. ]
1151From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 10 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been represented to me by Mr. Kearney Wharton of Philadelphia, that some hardship has fallen on him in consequence of the want of proper instruments to ascertain the strength of a parcel of Rum belonging to him and lately imported by Messrs. Oliver and Thompson from Antigua. Though I have not yet decided how far it may be proper to make these revisions, I wish that measures may be taken...
1152From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
I expected with certainty my beloved Betsey to have left this place to day. Our business has consumed more time than was necessary. But that is not my fault. I cannot make every body else as rapid as myself. This you know by experience. Tis a consolation however that we cannot be detained much longer. It is difficult for Sloth itself to spin it out beyond this day & I shall fly to you the...
1153From Alexander Hamilton to William Skinner, 15 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
As the blank draughts already in your possession, are much more than sufficient to discharge the interest which will become due the 30th. of September next on the several species of Stock standing on your books; it will supersede the necessity of making you any further remittance at this time. I have therefore to request, that upon the receipt of this letter, you will immediately proceed to...
1154From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, [20 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Duryee has applied to The General to have a Barn of his released, taken up for the use of the hospital, representing that from its situation relatively to his dwelling house it will produce greater inconvience to him than the taking some other barn in the neighbourhood will produce to its proprietor. The General would wish to avoid every thing that would look like discrimenation without...
1155From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Cross, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the fifth instant, and would thank you to send me a copy of your furlough— With consideration I am Sir yr ob. srt (L, in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). A note on the cover reads: "unsigned."
1156From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 6 October 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received from Nathl. Gilman Esquire the Commissioner of Loans for New-Hampshire, a letter of the 27th. September informing me, that he has transmitted his commission to you, with a resignation of his Office. I beg leave on this occasion to call to your mind the name of Woodbury Langdon Esquire, who from my recollection of circumstances, and from the result of my enquiries to day,...
1157From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 10 January 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you, My Dear Sir, for your letter of the 5 instant. The scruples you express about the ratification of the Convention are very respectable. No well informed man can doubt that it is an exceptionable instrument; but I continue of the opinion that it is best upon the whole to ratify it unconditionally. It does not appear to me that on fair construction the existence of the old treaties...
1158Account with the State of New York, [14 April 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
State of N.Y. to Alexander Hamilton for services as Member of Congress from 21 Feby–5 May 73 days “ 26 May–14 June 19 “ 30 July–18 Oct 79 171 “ deduct from attendance 43 128 @ 24 £153.12 audited 14 April 1789 D , New York State Library, Albany. H was elected to the Continental Congress on January 22, 1788. He served from February 25 to October 10, 1788.
1159From Alexander Hamilton to William Macpherson, 22 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 22, 1799. “… It will be satisfactory to me, as far as may be convenient, to receive from you, from time to time, statements of the situation & progress of the Insurrection in Pennsylvania.…” ALS , Columbia University Libraries. For background to this letter, see James McHenry to H, March 13 , 15, 1799 ; H to McHenry, March 18 , 19, 1799 .
1160To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity of announcing to you one whom I know to be so interesting to You as the bearer of this Mr Motier La Fayette. I allow myself to share by anticipation the satisfaction which the Meeting will afford to all the parties—the more, as I am persuased, that time will confirm the favourable representation I have made of the person & justify the interest...