2201Alexander Hamilton’s Second Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of January 1790 has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit to the subject of Manufactures and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States, independent on foreign nations, for military and other essential...
2202Alexander Hamilton’s Third Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of January 1790 has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of manufactures; and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States, independent on foreign nations for military and other essential...
2203Alexander Hamilton’s Fourth Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives, of the 15. day of January 1790, has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of manufactures and particularly to the means of promoting such, as will tend to render the United States independent on foreign nations, for military and other essential...
2204Alexander Hamilton’s Final Version of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, [5 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of ye House of Representatives, of the 15th day of January 1790, has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of Manufactures; and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States, independent on foreign nations, for military and other essential...
2205From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 5 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
If the Supervisor of the District of Maryland should apply to you for four hundred Dollars, you will advance him that sum, which he will repay to you out of the duties on Spirits distilled within his district as soon as a sufficient sum shall be received. You will nevertheless take duplicate receipts and transmit one to the Treasury. The state of the business does not permit that this sum...
2206From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 6 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
It is understood that a brig called the Dove formerly of Glocester in Massachusetts and commanded by Josiah Parsons has been sold in Europe, under circumstances that give rise to some apprehensions in regard to the misuse of her certificate of registry. I wish to be informed, if it has been returned to your office and when. I am, Sir, Your obedt. servant LS , Columbia University Libraries.
2207From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, 7 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of powers vested in me by the Agents named in the instrument of Subscription towards the Society for establishing useful Manufactures, I have made Contracts on behalf of the Society with William Hall, as Superintendent of the printing Business; with Joseph Mort, as an Assistant in the Manufactory, in such way as his Services may be thought most useful. This Gentleman I...
2208From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I request that You will pay to Messrs Elliot and Williams ten thousand Dollars on the first of January next, on account of their contract with the united States of the 27th September instant, taking duplicate receipts, one of which to be transmitted to the Treasury. You will of course retain money in Your hands for the purpose and in case there should not be a probability of a Sufficient sum...
2209From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 8 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The monies which shall be deposited by you in the Bank of Providence, pursuant to my direction, will upon your forwarding to the Treasury a duplicate receipt of such deposits, be considered as payments made to the United States, and for which you will receive credit by regular warrants which will issue to cover such payments. I am Sir Your Obedt. Servant LS , Rhode Island Historical Society,...
2210From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 8 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 8, 1791. On December 9, 1791, Washington wrote to Thomas Jefferson: “Yesterday afternoon Colo. Hamilton was desired, as soon as the Tariff was ready, to let it be known. Enclosed is his answer.” Letter not found. ] GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , XXXI, 442.
2211From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Hawkins, 9 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The ground upon which was founded the refusal to receive upon the subscription to the loan in State debt, the Certificates of North Carolina, on account of the Government of that State was simply this. The preamble to the clauses which relate to the assumption and various expressions in those clauses evidently contemplate “a provision for the debts of the respective states.” Now a bond or...
2212From Alexander Hamilton to John Henry, [9 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury not relying entirely on the accuracy of the data upon which the calculations in his Report on the subject of the Mint were founded, as they respect the quantity of fine silver contained in the silver dollar, thought it advisable to embrace the opportunity of the interval between the last and the present sessions of Congress to endeavour to obtain from Europe more...
2213Report on the Petition of George Webb, [12 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred the petition of George Webb, by an order of the House of Representatives, of the 24th. of February 1791, respectfully submits the following report thereupon. The prayer of the said petition has reference to two objects. One, a farther compensation for services rendered, while the petitioner acted in the capacity of Receiver of Continental...
2214From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 10 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a statement of the case of the Brig Trimmer from the Judge of the District Court of Maryland, and have determined to remit the forfeitures and penalties incurred by the vessel, goods and captain, on the repayment of the disbursements of money actually made. As the season of the year is critical, and the vessel may, if detained, be caught by the ice, I request that you will...
2215From 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...
2216From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 12 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 12, 1791. On December 26, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton referring to “your last letter dated Decr. 12th.” Letter not found. ] Ellery was collector of customs at Newport, Rhode Island.
2217From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 14 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I do not think you will be justifiable in making a deduction from the legal rate of duty on Coffee, on account of its being broken, nor on cocoa, because of an inferiority of quality, they being in each instance as I presume the unmixed article, on which the Legislature has imposed an uniform impost, without providing a variation of duty in case of differences of quality. The shells of Coffee...
2218Conversation with George Hammond, [15–16 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Towards the end of last week, I had a very long and confidential conversation with Mr Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, in the course of which the opinion, I had entertained, of that Gentleman’s just and liberal way of thinking was fully confirmed. The late unfortunate expedition under General St Clair naturally engrossed a great portion of our conversation, whence I was induced to...
2219From Alexander Hamilton to James Reynolds, 15 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 15, 1791. In the “Reynolds Pamphlet” Alexander Hamilton, Observations on Certain Documents Contained in No. V and VI of “The History of the United States for the Year 1796,” in which the Charge of Speculation against Alexander Hamilton, Late Secretary of the Treasury, is Fully Refuted. Written by Himself (Philadelphia: Printed for John Fenno, by John Bioren, 1797)....
2220From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 16 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I wish you to ascertain who is the present owner of the Brig Lydia commanded by Captain Vancise, of what place he is a resident, whether he is a Citizen of the United States, when he became owner of that vessel, and where he purchased her. Should application be made for a new register for that Vessel, I wish to receive immediate information, and that you suspend the issuing of it until you...
2221From Alexander Hamilton to ———, [18 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I am this moment going to a rendezvous which I suspect may involve a most serious plot against me, but various reasons, and among others a desire to ascertain the truth induce me to hazard the consequence. As any disastrous event might interest my fame; I drop you this line, that from my impressions may be inferred the truth of the matter. Yrs. sincerely ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
2222From Alexander Hamilton to Melancton Smith, 18 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 18, 1791. On December 23, 1791, Smith wrote to Hamilton : “I am favored with yours of the 18th Instant.” Letter not found. ] Smith was a New York City merchant who had a contract in partnership with Hendrick Wykoff with the United States Government for supplying West Point. He had been H’s principal opponent at the New York Ratifying Convention in 1788 and was among...
2223From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 20 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 20, 1791. On January 12, 1792, Whipple wrote to Hamilton : “I had the honor to receive your letter of the 20th. of last Month.” Letter not found. ]
2224From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Low, 21 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have learnt with no small pain the animosities which seem to be kindling between the adherents to the Bank of New York and the Stockholders of the Bank of the United States; though you will recollect it corresponds with what I expected. The little unpleasant incidents which have attended you personally are not you may be sure indifferent to me; at the same time that I have the consolation of...
2225From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 21 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 21, 1791. Writes to Mifflin concerning Pennsylvania creditors. Copy, Division of Public Records, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg; copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Mifflin was governor of Pennsylvania. With the exception of the last paragraph and the insertion of the name of the state, this letter is exactly the same as H’s...
2226Report on the Petition of Catharine Greene, 26 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred a petition of Catharine Greene, of the 4th of March 1790, respectfully submits the following report thereupon. The said petition seeks to obtain an indemnification from the United States, against the effects of certain engagements which were entered into by the now deceased husband of the petitioner, the late Major General Nathaniel Greene,...
2227From Alexander Hamilton to Melancton Smith, 27 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I accept your proposals for Supplying the post of West point for the ensuing Year, at nine and one half cents per ration, pursuant to your letter of the 23rd. instant. I am Sir Your Obt. Sert. Copy, RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, 1790–1894, Account No. 2052, National Archives; LS , sold at Swann Galleries, November 3, 1949, Lot 52.
2228Conversation with George Hammond, [1–8 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my conversation with the Secretary of the Treasury, of which I had the honor of giving your Lordship an account in my dispatch No 13, I have lately had another interview with that Gentleman, in the course of which we entered into a loose and general discussion of some of the questions that are likely to become subjects of negociation between our two countries. After some comments upon...
2229From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [1 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his Compliments to Mr. Jefferson. Being engaged in making a comparative statement of the Trade between the U S & France & between the U S & G Britain; and being desirous of rendering it as candid as possible Mr. H will be obliged to Mr. Jefferson to point out to him the instances, in which the Regulations of France have made discriminations in favour of the U States, as...
2230Conversation with George Hammond, [2–9 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from Lieutenant Governor Clarke, in which he intimates to me his apprehensions that much inconvenience might arise, if any attempt should be made to enforce an act of the last sessions of Congress for “giving effect to the laws of the United States within the State of Vermont.” By this act the residence of a Collector of the customs is established at Alburgh, within...
2231Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 2 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It will prevent injury from accidents if the Collectors of the Customs, in all cases of the delivery of a Register to be cancelled, shall cut a hole in the like manner as is directed in the circular letter of the 21st of September last, in regard to the Registers therein mentioned. All certificates of Registry delivered up at any office, wherever issued, are hereafter to be transmitted to the...
2232From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 4 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
It is the intention of the President of the United States, verbally communicated to me that the salary [of the keeper of the Light House Cape Henry] shall be equal to the keeper of the light House on the Delaware. In communicating this you will explain that the first salary proceeded from mistake. I am with much Consideration sir Your Obed Servt [PS Inclosed are the papers concerning the...
2233Report on Dried and Pickled Fish Exported and Entitled to Drawback, 5 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the Senate of the 28th. Ultimo. Respectfully Reports. That it appears, as in the statement No. 1 herewith transmitted, that the allowance in lieu of a drawback on dried and pickled fish, which was exported prior to the 31st. December 1790, amounts to 10,582 dollars, that the quantum of bounty actually paid on the exportation of dried...
2234From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 8 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter relative to the case of the Brig Polly from Cape Francois and Charleston. There is no doubt that under the existing collection law, goods of the growth and manufacture of the United States can be relanded after exportation and they are not chargeable with duty on their importation into the United States as you will perceive by the 24th Section of the Act. I...
2235From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 9 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recieved your letter of the 27th ultimo inclosing four paid draughts of the Treasurer No 1662 1663, 1664 and 1665, amounting together one thousand eight hundred Dollars. These draughts being directed to Tench Francis Cashier of the Bank of North America, they been taken up by you in an informal way, which being a deviation from the rules of the Treasury must be avoided in future. My...
2236From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 11 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, January 11, 1792. “I think it proper that you make an immediate demand of the difference between foreign Tonnage and foreign Impost and those duties of Tonnage & impost which have been paid at the several entries of the Brig Lydia, which have taken place since the 8th of October 1790.… It is my intention to write to Richd. Carrington Esquire of Richmond in Virginia upon...
2237From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 12 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The charges on the canvas intended for the Maryland Cutter appear to be proper objects of debit to that vessel. The sum of one dollar and fourteen Cents may therefore be charged in her disbursements. You will perceive that my Circular letter of the 2d instant will prevent future expence of postage to the Collectors in receiving Registers from one another. I am, Sir, Your Most Obed Servant. LS...
2238From 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. ]
2239From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In a conference with you, some time ago, I took occasion to mention the detention of the certificate of registry of a vessel of the United States in one of the French offices on occasion of a sale of the vessel. Several new instances having since occurred, I find it necessary to trouble you more particularly upon the subject. As the detention of these papers has taken place, as well in a port...
2240From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Arnold, 14 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 14, 1792. The dealer’s catalogue description of this letter reads: “Arnold’s annual allowance as Surveyor.” Letter not found. ] LS , sold by Stan V. Henkels, Jr., May 17, 1932, Lot 166. Arnold was the surveyor of the customs at East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
2241From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 14 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed that a Brig which frequents Your port, and was, or is now the Hope, of Baltimore, is owned by a Mr Gernon. It is my wish to be informed whether it appears, and how, that Mr Gernon is a Citizen of the United States, how long he appears, by the Register, to have owned the Hope, and whether she goes and comes between Your District and any one particular foreign port or island. There...
2242From Alexander Hamilton to Roger Alden, Brockholst Livingston, Carlile Pollock, Guilian Verplanck, and Joshua … (Hamilton Papers)
The mark of esteem, on the part of fellow Citizens, to whom I am attached by so many ties, which is announced in your letter of the 29 of December, is intitled to my affectionate acknowlegements. I shall chearfully obey their wish as far as respects the taking of my Portrait; but I ask that they will permit it to appear unconnected with any incident of my political life. The simple...
2243From Alexander Hamilton to John Nicholson, [16 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his Compliments to the Comptroller of the State of Pensylvania, & requests to see him at the Treasury Office tomorrow Morning at Nine oClock on a subject which the Governor has referred to a conference with the Comptroller. AL , Glassboro State Teachers College, Glassboro, New Jersey. For background to this letter, see H to Thomas Mifflin, December 21,...
2244From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, [16 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I certify that Mr. Mort and Mr. Hall who have been engaged on behalf of the Society for establishing useful Manufactures, informed me, while the Subscriptions were pending, that they wished to become Subscribers, the One in the sum of Eight, the other of six thousand Dollars; but that it would probably not be convenient to advance the first payment, at the time required: To which I answered,...
2245From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [17 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to communicate to the President a letter of the 7th. of January 1792. from the Collector of Alexandria, in answer to one written at the direction of the President; and also the Answer of the Collector of Boston to an enquiry in relation to the Keeper of the Lighthouse at Portland. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Letter from...
2246From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, 18 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
There are various arrangements necessary to be made between the Government and the Bank of the United States, which will better be treated of in a personal conference than by writing. I request therefore that such proceeding as may appear proper to the Direction, for that purpose, may be adopted. With great consideration I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your obedient servant ALS , Historical...
2247[From Alexander Hamilton to the Gazette of the United States], [18 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[Philadelphia] Gazette of the United States , January 18, 1792. According to Philip Marsh (“Hamilton’s Neglected Essays, 1791–1793,” The New-York Historical Society Quarterly , XXXII [October, 1948], 289), “The writer … [of this unsigned communication to the Gazette of the United States ] sounds very like Hamilton.” No conclusive evidence, however, that H was its author has been found.
2248From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 18 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Sufficient time having been given to the owners and commanders of vessels to provide regular manifests, according to the last collection law, I am of opinion that the clauses you refer to should now be enforced. You will do well to let this idea be communicated immediately among the Gentlemen in Trade, as the season admits of their taking measures to make it known. Their possessing the Pilots...
2249From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 18 January 179[2] (Hamilton Papers)
I have learnt with infinite pain the circumstance of a new Bank having started up in your City. Its effects cannot but be in every view pernicious. These extravagant sallies of speculation do injury to the Government and to the whole system of public Credit, by disgusting all sober Citizens and giving a wild air to every thing. It is impossible but that three great banks in one City must raise...
2250From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 21 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Treasury Department, January 21, 1792. Letter listed in dealer’s catalogue. Letter not found. ] LS , sold by Stan V. Henkels, Jr., October 11, 1927, Lot 170.