6551From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor of forwarding to you the definitive arrangement of the relative ranks of the officers of 16 Uni States Infantry which has been approved of by me. with great respect &c Df , in the handwriting of Philip Church, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. On February 26, 1800, in a letter listed in the appendix to this volume, H wrote to Lieutenant Colonel Rufus Graves, commanding...
6552From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 10 July 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 10, 1795. On July 13, 1795, Washington wrote to Hamilton : “I have … been duly favored with your letters of the 9th, accompanying your observations on the several articles of the treaty with Great Britain, and the 10th. supplimentary thereto.” Letter of July 10 not found. ] This letter, which was written in reply to Washington to H, July 3, 1795 , was one of three letters...
6553From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 21 January 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I herewith enclose you a letter directed to Thos. Pinckney Esquire London. It covers one to Messers Willink and Van Staphorst, Bankers in Amsterdam. I request that you will forward the letter by the first opportunity to London, if no immediate conveyance offers for Amsterdam; but if there should be a vessel in your port for Amsterdam you will please to open the outside cover addressed to Mr....
6554From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 13 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you some extracts from Col. Bentleys letter of the twenty-sixth of August. I would recommend that the request of Col. Bentley be complied with as far as may be practicable unless they should be opposed by considerations of which I am ignorant. I enclose to you likewise the copy of a circular letter to the several Commandants—You will see from this that the authority given did not...
6555Memorial to Abolish the Slave Trade, 13 March 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 13, 1786. On this date, H and other memorialists signed a petition to the New York legislature urging the end of the slave trade, “a commerce so repugnant to humanity, and so inconsistent with the liberality and justice which should distinguish a free and enlightened people.” New-York Packet , March 13, 1786. For information on H’s membership in the Manumission Society, see...
6556To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 29 May 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President of the United states and submits to his consideration some remarks on the Resolutions, which have passed the two Houses respecting the Lines of Virginia and North Carolina. The Secretary has taken this method of communication as the one best calculated to place the subject under the eye of the President with least trouble to...
6557From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [May–August 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May–August, 1796. ] “I have been applied to for an opinion concerning the Georgia Claim.… I will thank you for the Report of the Attorney General on that subject, to Congress.…” Copy, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. This is a reference to the claims of the Georgia Yazoo land companies which were organized in 1795. For information on these land grants and their revocation,...
6558From 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...
6559To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 22 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to transmit to The President of the U: States a communication of the 18 of April, from the Commissioner of the Revenue; & respectfully submits it as his opinion—that the public service will be promoted by the acceptance of the resignation offered, and the appointment of the person recommended as a substitute. With regard to what concerns the...
6560Circular to the Artillery Field Officers, 15 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you for your information the arrangement which has been adopted for the organisation and disposition of the Regt. of Artillerists. You will perceive that the batalion which you are to command is to be stationed in You will do well to apprise without delay the officers who are to compose this batalion of the arrangement—so that such of them who may not at present be with their companies...
6561From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [20 January 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I received your late letter in due time. You seem to be of opinion to defer to a future period the commencement of direct taxation. I acknowlege I am inclined to lay gently hold of it now. Leaders of the opposite party favour it now, perhaps with no good design. But it will be well to take them while in the humour and make them share the responsibility. This will be the more easy as they are...
6562From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [17–18 October 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I have reached this place, my dear Eliza, after a very pensive ride, and not a little pain at the State in which I left you. I trust you will exert yourself to vanquish it & will only look forward to our reunion which I shall try to make as speedy as possible. While I [am] about I shall think certainly of you and my dear children and with the tenderest sentiments. Adieu best of women Yrs....
6563Enclosure: Additions to the Recruiting Instructions, [15 March 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
To Section III No foreigner by birth shall be enlisted unless he shall have become a citizen of the UStates and shall have resided at least one year in the County where he shall be enlisted. To Section VI These attestations must always be taken in the presence of and certified by a Commissioned officer and must be forwarded to the Inspector General (through the Commanding Officer of the...
6564From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 6 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 6, 1789. “I have this day drawn on you in favor of Mr James Watson the sum of One Thousand Dollars in a sole Bill of Exchange. You will be pleased to pay the said sum, and transmit the Bill in Lieu of Specie to the Treasurer of the united states.…” ALS , New London County Historical Society, New London, Connecticut. Watson, a New York merchant and financier and a...
6565From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 17 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The death of Mr. Remsen presents a vacancy of Notary which will be sought. Two applications are made to me—one by James Inglis Junr. who has just finished a Clerkship with me & taken a license as Atty in the Supreme Court—the other William Coleman lately connected in law business with Col Burr. Inglis is a young man of handsome abilities, of application & of irreproacheable conduct. He is a...
6566From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 27 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Indeed, My Dear Mac, I have not enough the gift of second sight to foresee what N England will do. The mass of the people there are attached to Adams and the leaders of the second class pretty generally. The leaders of the first class pretty generally promote the joint support of Adams & Pinckney either because they dislike Adams or hate & fear Jefferson. Upon the whole I believe though not...
6567Pacificus No. III, [6 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
France at the time of issuing the proclamation was engaged & likely to be engaged in war, with all or almost all Europe; without a single ally in that quarter of the Globe. In such a state of things, it is evident, that however she may be able to defend herself at home (a thing probably still practicable if her factions can be appeased, and system and order introduced) she cannot make any...
6568From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Chipman, [September–December 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your favour of the 6th of September has been duly handed to me, and I receive great pleasure from the hopes you appear to entertain of a favourable turn of affairs in Vermont in regard to the new Government. It is certainly an object of mutual importance to yourselves and to the Union and well deserves the best endeavours of every discerning and good man. I observe with satisfaction your...
6569From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 12 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Capt. Coleman delivered me your two letters of the 5th & 6th, instant. The pleasure, I have, in corresponding with you, will dispose me, whenever I have any thing to communicate, that may be worth your attention, or that appears to me so, to trouble you with my sentiments: But I shall not expect you to make an equal return either in quantity or frequency. You will, in this, intirely consult...
6570From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, 7 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The fund appropriated for the contingent expences of this Department being exhausted, I have to request, that you will give a credit to the Register of the Treasury for fifteen hundred Dollars, to be by him applied on that account. A temporary account will be to be opened for the purpose, which will be discharged by the Treasurer as soon as an appropriation shall be made by law. With...
6571From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 18 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I stand extremely in need of a capable prudent and trust worthy man to aid me in capacity of Secretary. He must possess a clear comprehension and a perspicuous correct and neat Style. I wish the emoluments which the law allows me to offer were a more adequate inducement to such a character. They are only the pay and emoluments of a Captain in the Army—in other words forty dollars per month and...
6572From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 17 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
You will forward as speedily as may be to Winchester two Marquees, 1000 pair shoes, and two medicine chests; to Carlisle 1000 blankets, 1000 shoes, 200 rifles, 800 muskets with accoutrements proportioned, & Pistol & Musket flints—also two medicine chests. Doctor Brewster will take charge of the medicine chests for Winchester. I am informed that one of the medicine chests contains a double...
6573From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Gilman, 19 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 19, 1790. “Before I had the honor to receive your letter relative to Captain Hall, the President of the United States had appointed Captain Hopley Yeaton to the Command of the Revenue Cutter which is to be built in New Hampshire. As it has happened in other instances it is possible Captain Hall, tho’ recommended as Master may accept the Station of first Mate whose...
6574From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Marchant, 10 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
You will find under this cover an act remitting the forfeiture in the case of the Schooner Fly, on the petition prefered to your court by Wm. Brightman. This vessel being under thirty tons cannot be employed in the importation of goods from foreign ports. Nor can she pursue the coasting trade without the burden of the foreign tonnage duty. She may, however, with any papers that she may have...
6575From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 12 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to ask the favour of your aid in respect to the inclosed notice from the Supreme Court of the UStates in the affair of the Schooner Peggy. It is to be delivered to the Agents of the Ship Trumball, who are Messieurs Howland and Allen and upon a copy of it an affidavit must be made before the District Judge of the UStates (who I am told resides at New London) that the original...
6576From Alexander Hamilton to Josias Carvel Hall, 8 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Jany. 6th. with the enclosed arrangement of the Officers of your Regiment, which is approved and returned to you. Levi Hillary is placed as fifth 2d. Lieutenant, that being the grade to which he was appointed, in case of his acceptance, by an arrangement of the War Department— With— ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
6577From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 27 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to request, that you will retain Sufficient funds in your hands to discharge the Allowances to fishing Vessels, which will become due in your District on the 31st of the ensuing Month. You will therefore pay these allowances agreeably to the instructions heretofore given for that purpose. I request however, that you will immediately furnish me with an estimate of the sum, which will be...
6578From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 28 July 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I last Evening had the honor of receiving your letter of the 25 instant, announcing to me my appointment as Inspector and Major General. At a crisis like the present I esteem it my duty to obey the call of the Government. Feeling too, as I ought, the value of the high confidence which is reposed in me, I beg you to convey to The President my most cordial acknowlegements and the assurance of my...
6579From Alexander Hamilton to Charles W. Hare, 5 March 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col Moore having named you to me to act as Court Marti Judge Advocate at a General Court Martial, of which he is appointed President, and which is to convene at Philadelphia on the 14th instant—I have appointed you accordingly by a General Order of which the inclosed is a copy. Capt Vance now in Philadelphia and Doctor Samn Samuel Osborne now in this City are to be tried. If there are any...
6580From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Not finding at present any conveyance by Water from this place to Charleston, I take the liberty request you will forward the inclosed to General Pinckney by the first conveyance oppor tunity of the kind from your City With great respect &c ( Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
6581From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [9 October 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dr. Sir for your obliging congratulations on the event towards effecting which your aid as a joint labourer was so essential. I hope experience may show that while it promotes the interest of this place it will not be incompatible with public good. We are making efforts to prepare handsome accommodations for the session of the new Congress. On the subject of Vice President, my...
6582From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 18 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Captain Ashmun requesting permission of absence. Applications of the kind should always come thro’ the commanding officer accompanied with his opinion. You are at libery to grant Captain Ashmun a furlough till some time in May. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Phineas Ashmun’s letter has not been found. See “Circular to...
6583From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [April 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
You will think me a sad delinquent and You will have reason. I plead guilty & crave the mercy of the Court. The two Credits of July 31. 1786 stand in my book as different 3500 } Dollars. This renders it less probable that they should sums— 3000 be one payment as you appear by your letter of the 24 of April 1791 to think possible. I have not on examination found any additional light. If none...
6584From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Williamson, 2 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
You will ascertain the sum due to Major Bewell for pay, subsistence and forage, and take immediate measures for having it paid delivered to him. Lieutenant Richmond acts as Pay and Quarter Master to the Detachment at Benington, and you can will employ him as your agent in the payment of the money— W— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
6585From Alexander Hamilton to Israel Ludlow, 20 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 20, 1790. Letter listed in “A list of 51 Papers Relative to Contract Between the United States and John C. Symmes.” Letter not found. ] Clarence E. Carter, ed., The Territorial Papers of the United States (Washington, 1934), II, 390. Ludlow was a New Jersey surveyor and land speculator. Symmes, who had served as a member of the Continental Congress in 1785 and 1786,...
6586From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 10 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A petition from Mr John Hollins, of Baltimore, to the House of representatives has been refered to me on which I shall report that in my opinion the existing law admits of the relief desired by the petitioner. Annexed to the petition are legal Testimonies that the Schooner John was before the first of January 1791. within the Capes of Chessapeak bay, whence it follows that the Cargo on board...
6587From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an extract from Col. Parker’s letter of the sixteenth of this month. "No officer has yet been appointed to fill the vacancy of John C. Williams, nor have I heard anything of Richard Taylor who was appointed vice wells—The companies suffer considerable inconvenience from the want of their compliment of officers." He has been directed to write to Mr. Taylor if he can discover his...
6588From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
I acknowlege myself to have been unpardonably delinquent in not having written to you before; but my matrimonial occupations have scarcely left me leisure or inclination for any other. I must now be brief as the post is just setting out. I shall shortly write you at large. I have not been much in the way of knowing sentiments out of the army; but as far as I am acquainted with them either in...
6589From Alexander Hamilton to William North, 2 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Yr. presence here, by the first of October, to enter permanently upon your functions will be necessary. I request to see you accordingly. With great consideration &c— (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
6590Enclosure: [Declaration of Messrs. Monroe Mughlenburgh and Venable], [5 July 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
“That they regretted the trouble and uneasiness which they had occasionned to me in consequence of the Representations made to them—That they were perfectly satisfied with the explanation I had given and that there was nothing in the transaction which ought to affect my character as a public Officer or lessen the public Confidence in my Integrity.” AD , The Library, Lehigh University,...
6591From Alexander Hamilton to the New York Committee of Correspondence, 28 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Extreme hurry of business puts it out of my power to say but very little. Your information concerning a piece of ordnance lately constructed at Philadelphia is true. There is such a piece at Head Quarters, weighs 227 ld, carries a three pound ball. The iron is wraught hooped and welded together. The General and others esteem it a great acquisi[ti]on. It has been fired twenty times as fast as...
6592From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 2 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, July 2, 1792. “It appears to be requisite that the sum of one thousand Dollars, which was advanced by the Collector of New York to the late Supervisor, should be refunded by the present Supervisor, in order that it may be carried into the proper account.…” LS , from a typescript furnished by Mr. Herman K. Crofoot, Moravia, New York. Coxe was commissioner of the revenue....
6593From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a copy of a letter from Col. Hamtramck to G. Wilkinson which contains the enclosed paragraph—It is sent to you for your information. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
6594Report on the Petition of Christopher Saddler, 19 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] In obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the eleventh Instant. referring to the Secretary of the Treasury, the petition of Christopher Sadler, The said Secretary Most respectfully reports: That except the letter from the Collector of the District of Boston and Charlestown accompanying the petition, there is no evidence...
6595From Alexander Hamilton to John Dickinson, [25–30 September 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
Having always entertained an esteem for you personally I could not without reluctance yield to impressions that might weaken that sentiment, and it is with pain I find myself drawn by circumstances to animadvert upon the late message from the Executive Council to the Assembly of Pensylvania relative to the mutiny in a manner which may seem to impeach the candor of those who were the authors of...
6596Constitutional Convention. Remarks on the Election of the President, [6 September 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton said that he had been restrained from entering into the discussions by his dislike of the Scheme of Govt. in General; but as he meant to support the plan to be recommended, as better than nothing, he wished in this place to offer a few remarks. He liked the new modification, on the whole, better than that in the printed Report. In this the President was a Monster elected for seven...
6597From Alexander Hamilton to Ebenezer Stevens, 1 July 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The purposes for which the house I now occupy was taken having ceased, you will be pleased to dispose of it, as soon as possible, in the way which shall appear to you most favorable to the public interest. With great consideration I am, Sir, Yr. obt ser AL , New-York Historical Society, New York City; Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Stevens,...
6598From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 20 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I am this moment favoured with your letter of the 18th. instant and thank you for the ideas personal to me. Mr. Laurance, somewhat abruptly, regrets that I promoted his son’s nomination, as it was his desire that he should continue to pursue his profession. As I could not divine this desire of his, he certainly had no cause of displeasure with me. In case Laurance’s name is witheld at the...
6599From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [21 August 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
I was made very happy, my beloved Betsey by the receipt of your letter, informing me that one of mine had at length got to hand and that your spirits were recovered. I had suffered not a little at the idea that I must have appeared to you negligent. Nor am I able to imagine what can have become of my other letters. There is certainly some very foul and abominable practice, which it will not be...
6600From Alexander Hamilton to John Wilkins, Jr., 26 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosed copy of a letter to Col. Ha G. Wilkinson contains an answer to the question stated to me in your letter of the 18th. instant— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).