5401From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 20 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
A Commissary of Stores having been appointed, it is necessary to fulfil the main object of that appointment that a very regular system of accountability should be established. As the accounts of the expenditures of money are connected with the subject I submit to you whether it will not be adviseable to instruct Mr. Hodgdon to concert with the Comptroller of the Treasury a plan for regulating...
5402From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas L. Parker, 26 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the sixteenth of this month has been delivered to me. The late Circular to the several Commandants requesting them to select two persons to be appointed as Cadets will enable you to reward the merit and exertions of Mr. Burk and Mr. Tennison. I have written to the Superintendant of Military Stores on the subject of ammunition; and have requested him to forward one hundred rounds...
5403From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The proceedings of a Court-Martial herewith sent present the case of Sergeant Steer of Capt McClary’s company Sentenced to be shot for desertion. The only circumstance of aggravation in this case is the situation of the Offender as being a Non Commissioned officer; which is conceived to enhance the guilt and doubtless adds to the motives for punishment. Considering this circumstance, the...
5404From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [23 November 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President. He regrets extremely that the state of his health does not permit him to attend the President today. He has the honor to enclose a report on two of the letters to Mr. Genet, & would have embraced the third respecting the protested bills, if it had been in his power. But no inconvenience can in this case ensue, as the...
5405From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [4 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Gilliland, the most helpless mortal in the world, and the most ignorant of every thing he ought to know, represents that he has been two years without pay. He begs this line to you to have justice done him and seems even not to know to whom he ought to apply. In pity give him such information and advice as you can and at least enable him to have some idea of his own affairs & to give me...
5406From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
As I flatter myself I may indulge a consciousness that my services have been of some value to the public, at least enough to merit the small compensation I wish, I will make no apology to your Excellency for conveying through you that wish to Congress. You are able to inform them if they wish information, in what degree I may have been useful, and I have intire confidence that you will do me...
5407From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Keyes, 22 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 22, 1791. “I now request that you will endeavour to procure a Map which delineates the North Western parts of your State from actual Survey … and that you will send me a sketch protracted upon a larger scale … of so much of those parts including Alburgh and its vicinity as will serve to give an accurate idea not only of the situation of that Township but of any...
5408From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 6 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to inform the President of the United states of America, that he has received a letter from the Governor of Virginia intimating that it is necessary an election should be made of the particular spot upon which it may be deemed proper to erect the intended Light house on Cape Henry, after which the Cession will be completed. The said Secretary having...
5409From Alexander Hamilton to Staats Morris, 19 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a letter from the Secretary of the Navy which has been transmitted to me to act upon by the Secretary of War. You will be pleased to take measures to carry the Views of the Secretary of the Navy into effect. For this purpose you will employ the detachment of infantry under the immediate command of Lieut. Newman, which it is supposed will be quite sufficiently numerous. If however a...
5410From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [27 October 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
I was made happy My beloved Eliza by the receipt of two letters from you which gave me the delightful intelligence that you & my dear Children were well. I shall be glad to come and receive the assurance in person. This moment I came from Court & I fear I shall not be disengaged from it before Saturday. Judge of my impatience by your own. Adieu My darling Eliza I am quite well ALS , Hamilton...
5411From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [4 May 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last I have received two or three letters from you. The late turn of the Treaty question makes us all very happy. I hope no future embarrassment will arise. I am intirely of opinion that P.H declining Mr. P—— ought to be our man. It is even an idea of which I am fond in various lights. Indeed on latter reflection, I rather wish to be rid of P.H, that we may be at full liberty to take...
5412From Alexander Hamilton to William Lindsay, 21 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 12th instant has been duly received. What you mention about the Ship Scorpion induces me to request that you will inform me particularly, what was the precise position of that vessel, when the intelligence of the embargo arrived, and what were the circumstances subsequent thereto. It has been alleged that something like a forcible extrication of her took place. I wish to be...
5413From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 1 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is proper for you to be informed officially that I have appointed Capt. Church of your Regiment my Aid de Camp. I am sensible that in strict propriety, this ought to have been done previous to his appointment—in order that you might have had an opportunity to state to me if any particular reasons, in respect to the interests of the Regiment stood in the way of the appointment. The Omission...
5414From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [1 December 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
I have lately received a line from you. I had been apprised of the machination to cheat us into Mr Burr but I have no apprehension of its success. My chief fear is that the attachment of our Eastern friends to Mr. Adams may prevent their voting for Pinckney likewise, & that some irregularity or accident may deprive us of Adams & let in Jefferson. Judge Tichener in passing through informed me...
5415To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have recieved 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, appears...
5416From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [27 November 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General desires you will have the boats removed from Doddes to Pompton as speedily as you can & from thence as soon as possible to Kings ferry. The Officer of the Jersey light infantry will take your orders. He will remain in the neighbourhood of Pompton till the Jersey Brigade arrives. ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous Records, National Archives. The expedition for which these boats had been...
5417From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, James Lovell, and Thomas Melville, 20 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 20, 1794. “I am to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, respecting the Petition of the Inspectors and to assure you that early and proper attention will be paid to the subject.” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston,...
5418From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 6 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, July 6, 1799. Quotes from Colonel Thomas Parker’s letter of June 30 concerning lack of clothing for recruits and states: “If any thing remains to be done to accelerate the arrival of the Cloathing I pray that it may be done and that inferior considerations may give way to the necessity of preserving contentment among the troops and maintaining in their eyes the justice and...
5419From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [9 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
We wish to know the number of heavy cannon we might bring into an operation against New York—already in the possession of The Continental distinguishing the Iron from the Brass. We are writing to The French General. Yr most Obed also the Mortars their different sizes. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. These cannons were to be used for an attack on New York City, which Washington...
5420From Alexander Hamilton to Charles François Bournonville, 10 December 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this moment received your Letter of the 8th instant, and have instructed the Comptroller of the Treasury to proceed in cooperation with you, as speedily as possible, in the adjustment of the Account between France and the united States. Any question arising in the course of the business which may require my special attention will immediately receive it. With consideration and esteem I...
5421To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
Mr Hamilton presents his respects to The President. Mr Talleyrand De Perigord formerly Bishop D’Autun, who the President is probably informed, lately arrived here informs Mr Hamilton that he has a letter of Introduction to The President from Lord Landsdown and asks how & when he can present it. Mr Hamilton promised him to enquire to day—but on account of the President’s deafness this morning...
5422To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 25 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will see by the enclosed we are too late—Arnold went by water to the Vulture —I shall write to General Greene advising him without making a bustle to be in readiness to march and even to detach a Brigade this way, for though I do not believe the project will go on, it is possible Arnold has made such dispositions with the Garrison as may tempt the enemy in its present weakness to make the...
5423From Alexander Hamilton to William North, 16 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Captain Woodward on the Major Bewell relative to a Deserter. If no Court Martial is now sitting in the district which Major Bewell superintends you will give direction issue an order for one to convene at Bennington. for the trial of this Deserter and of such other offenders as may be brought before it. Captain McClary will be constituted President The Court will...
5424From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel John Lamb, [6 August 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General had just mounted his horse when your note arrived and did not see it. But if he had seen it, I do not believe he would have consented to the attendance of Lt Col Stevens. ’Tis his plan, that as some of the parties are at a distance and cannot appear in person to support their claims, the affair should be taken up intirely from the written representations and documents of all...
5425Memorandum from Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Randolph, [ca. 13–15 May 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
A Perhaps the Secretary of State, revising the expression of this member of the sentence, will find terms to express his idea still more clearly and may avoid the use of a word of doubtful propriety “Contraventions” B “but be attentive” C “mere” to be omitted D Considering that this Letter will probably become a matter of publicity to the world is it necessary to be so strong? Would not the...
5426From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [5 June 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
The answer from The President to the Commander in Chief &c of New Jersey contains in the close a very indiscreet passage. The sentiment is intemperate & revolutionary. It is not for us, particularly for the Government, to breathe an irregular or violent spirit. Hitherto I have much liked the Presidents answers, as in the main within proper bounds & calculated to animate and raise the public...
5427From Alexander Hamilton to John Hancock, 22 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
I left camp last evening and came to this city to superintend the collection of blankets and cloathing for the army. Mr. Lovel sends to inform me there is an express going off to Congress, and I do myself the honor to communicate a brief state of things, when I left camp. The enemy moved yesterday from where they lay opposite to valley forge &c. higher up the river on their old scheme of...
5428From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 4 September 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two late letters, the last but one transmitting me a certain draft. It will be corrected & altered with attention to your suggestions & returned by Monday’s or Tuesday’s post. The idea of the university is one of those which I think will be most properly reserved for your speech at the opening of the session. A general suggestion respecting education will very fitly come...
5429From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [21 August 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Your last letter, My beloved Eliza, gave me inexpressible pleasure. It tells me that my precious boy was fast recovering. Heaven Grant that the favourable appearances may have continued. If you have not already left Albany write to me the precise day you will certainly leave it; so that I may meet you at New Ark . When you get to New York apply to Col Fish to make an arrangement for carrying...
5430From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, 26 December 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The post of yesterday gave me the pleasure of a letter from you. I thank you for the communication. I trust that a letter which I wrote you the day before the receipt of yours will have duly reached you as it contains some very free & confidential observations ending in two results—1 That The Convention with France ought to be ratified as the least of two evils 2 That on the same ground...
5431From Alexander Hamilton to Abijah Hammond, 1 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Please to pay to Jonathan Burrall Esquire or order on demand One Thousand Eight hundred and Eleven Dollars and ten cents for so much due me by the Society for establishing useful manufactures. Your obedient servant ALS , City of Paterson, New Jersey, Plant Management Commission, Successors to the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures. For background to this letter, see Peter Colt to H,...
5432From Alexander Hamilton to William Maxwell, 26 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 27 of March was duly received and has been communicated to the President. The information and the observations it contains prove that you have not forgotten your old Trade. They have been well received by the President. With great esteem and regard I remain Dear sir Your obed. Ser’t Copy, New Jersey Historical Society, Newark. Letter not found. Maxwell’s “old Trade” was...
5433From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 18 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Beware, my Dear Sir, of magnifying a riot into an insurrection, by employing in the first instance an inadequate force. Tis better far to err on the other side. Whenever the Government appears in arms it ought to appear like a Hercules , and inspire respect by the display of strength. The consideration of expence is of no moment compared with the advantages of energy. Tis true this is always a...
5434To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 30 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to send you the translation of a letter from Mr Fauchet, of the 21st instant. The arrangements of the Treasury have been taken so as to correspond with the epochs of promised payment. But I entertain no doubt that I can facilitate an arrangement between the Bank & Mr Fauchet which will accomplish in substance the object of his letter. I did not think it proper,...
5435From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 30 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
It is with regret I perceive by your return of yesterday that there is still a considerable deficiency of some essential articles for the Militia Army Knapsacks Canteens Musket Cartridges Blankets and shoes. I am to request that you will press forward additional supplies of these articles as fast as possible to Fort Cumberland and Carlisle proportioned to the number of Militia to assemble at...
5436From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 21 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The duties upon Hemp and cotton which took place the 1st. instant being included in the same clause —and there having been no duty before upon cotton it appears probable that it was not the intention of the legislature to make the 60 cents an additional duty. It is also observable that although Hemp was left among the articles subject to five per centum, this is not termed a further or...
5437From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To the circumstances already mentioned in my letter of Yesterday it must be ascribed that certain communications of the 27th of August last from the Deputy collector have not received an earlier attention. My opinion on the case in question is, that the drawback claimed by Mr. Foster cannot be allowed unless the oath of the master and mate be procured, as prescribed by law, in addition to the...
5438To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 2 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your favour of the 27 of May. The suggestion in my last was an undigested thought begotten by my anxiety. I have no doubt that your view of it is accurate & well founded. It is a great satisfaction to me to ascertain what I had anticipated in hope, that you are not determined in an adequate emergency against affording once more your Military services. There is no one but...
5439From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 31 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Through the Secretary of War, I have received a Copy of the Arrest of Capt. Britt. As Commandant of that Place the Western Army in the absence of General Wilkinson you have a right to order a General Court Martial for the trial of Offenders; & to decide upon the sentence— and If you deem my sanction of the measure necessary, you will consider it as hereby granted. With great consideration I am...
5440From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White, [23 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of orders received from His Excellency General Washington, I desire you will press all the horses in this city & neighbourhood in order to be conveyed thence to some place more remote from the present seat of the war, except such as come under the following description: Those which are the property of poor needy persons, whose livelihood depends upon them, and those which belong...
5441From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 21 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War contemplated the sending about this time two months pay to the troops & mounted volunteers under General Scott. A law directs that the payments to the troops may be so regulated as that there shall be at no time in arrears more than two months pay. The requisite Treasury arrangements are made & every thing is ready for making the contemplated remittance to the army. But a...
5442From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, 22 March 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you on Wednesday evening, respecting the circumstances attending the suppression of a certain proclamation issued by the Council for the temporary Government of the Southern district, on account of the conduct of Sears Lamb and Willet in stopping Rivington’s press. It runs in my mind very strongly, that I was informed by Mr. Benson & yourself that the Governor had stayed the...
5443From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 21 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I am here, my beloved, & tomorrow shall leave it for Boston where I hope to arrive on Monday Evening. The next morning I intend to proceed for Providence & New Port where I shall take passage by water for New York. If I am fortunate in the passage I may hope to embrace you in Eight days from this time. Most tenderly yrs. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For H’s itinerary on his trip...
5444From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [7–11 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On Sunday Bonaparte & wife with the Judges will dine with you. We shall be 16 in number if Morris will come. Send him the enclosed note on horseback, this Evening, that James may bring me an answer in the morning. He is promised the little horse to return. If not prevented by the cleaning of your house I hope the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow. Let the waggon as well as the Coachee come in on...
5445To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
We arrived here this afternoon. A very heavy rain has rendered the march extremely arduous and distressing; but we find here much better shelter than was foreseen. Our baggage & stores are just beginning to arrive—The Jersey line & Brigade of Cavalry took the right hand road about five miles back. Tomorrow we shall continue our march & I hope that we shall conform to the general arrangement...
5446From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Trumbull, 22 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to transmit, herewith, a certain statement, which was intended to have accompanied my late communications to the House, but was by accident mislaid. With perfect respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient, and humble servant. Copy, RG 233, Reports of the Secretary of the Treasury, 1784–1795, Vol. IV, National Archives. At the bottom of this letter is written:...
5447From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [2 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Two persons have been mentioned to me as qualified & probably willing to go—one Mr. Ralston, merchant; the other Mr. Higginson, Lawyer. The latter is supposed to be the most competent, & would probably be in all respects acceptable. I mentioned them half an hour ago to the Secy. of State. Upon an enquiry of his he prefers the latter. Respectfully &c. LC , George Washington Papers, Library of...
5448From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 14 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, September 14, 1799. “… Information from different Regiments gives me to understand that my recommendations as to an advance of pay have not succeeded. As the troops are much discontented at the delay, it is my duty to renew the subject. And I must take the liberty to urge that by your interposition forms may be dispensed with so at least as to effectuate an advance of two months pay...
5449From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Chastellux, [14 June 1784] (Hamilton Papers)
Colonel Clarkeson, who will have the honor of delivering you this, being already known to you, I give him this letter more for the sake of renewing to you the assurances of my attachment and esteem, than from a supposition that he will stand in need of any new title to your attention. I will therefore only say of him that his excellent qualities cannot be known without interesting those to...
5450From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, [19 March 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I find that I cannot answer as soon as I expected. The absence of a Gentleman, who has taken a ride out of town, will probably postpone my decision till afternoon. The moment I am ready, you shall hear from me. Yrs. sincerely ALS (facsimile), sold by Charles Hamilton Autographs, Inc., April 23, 1970, Item 94. When this letter was written, Morris was a member of the United States Senate from...