6551Enclosure: To Samuel Jones and Richard Harison, [9 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury requests the opinion of Council on the following points, arising on the Act for Registering & Clearing Vessels regulating the Coasting Trade & for other purposes— 1st By the 22d Section it is provided that every Vessel of Less than Twenty Tons shall procure a license from the Collector of the District to which she belongs purporting that such Vessel is exempt...
6552The Federalist No. 28, [26 December 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. THAT there may happen cases, in which the national government may be necessitated to resort to force, cannot be denied. Our own experience has corroborated the lessons taught by the examples of other nations; that emergencies of this sort will sometimes arise in all societies, however constituted; that seditions and insurrections are unhappily maladies...
6553Constitutional Convention. Remarks on Equality of Representation of the States in the Congress, [29 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton observed the individuals forming political Societies modify their rights differently, with regard to suffrage. Examples of it are found in all the States. In all of them some individuals are deprived of the right altogether, not having the requisite qualifications of property. In some of the States the right of suffrage is allowed in some cases and refused in others. To vote for a...
6554Enclosure: Statement E: Statement of Balances in the Several Offices of Discount & Deposit, 6 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Statement of Balances in the Several Offices of Discount & Deposit. Dates of Returns Offices of Discount & deposit Balances 1793 Dollars cents Jany 5 Boston 156 028. 67 Amount of draughts not yet paid 70.375. 85.653 67 Jany 5 New York 224 734. 51 Received for Bills sold on Amsterdam 190.700. 78
6555Comments on Jews, [n.p., n.d.] (Hamilton Papers)
& progress of the Jews and their from their earliest history to the present time has been & is, intirely out of the ordinary course of human affairs. Is it not then a fair conclusion that the cause also is an extraordinary one —in other words that it is the effect of some great providential plan? The man who will draw this Conclusion will look for the solution in the Bible. He who will not...
6556Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 22 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of arrangements lately taken with the Bank of North America, and the Bank of New York, for the accommodation of the Government, I am to inform you that it is my desire, that the Notes of those Banks, payable either on demand, or at no longer period than thirty days after their respective dates; should be received in payment of the duties, as equivalent to Gold and Silver, and...
6557Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 1 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The Comptroller of the Treasury will forward to you by this or the ensuing post the whole of the forms necessary for making your Returns to this Office, and rendering your Accounts at the Treasury. You will observe that in these general forms it is not required that you should make a Monthly Return of the Duties on Imports, and that in the Weekly return the Cash receipts and Disbursements (and...
6558Continental Congress Report on Reduction of Expenses in the War Department, 7 April 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee appointed to consider and report such eoconomical measures as may be proper and necessary beg leave to report the following. Resolve That the Secretary at war in concert with the Commander in Chief be directed to consider and report to Congress as speedily as may be such measures as it will be proper to take in the present juncture for reducing the expences of The United States...
6559The Defence No. IV, [1 August 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
An accurate enumeration of the breaches of the Treaty of peace on our part would require a tedious research. It will suffice to select and quote a few of the most prominent and early instances. One of the earliest is to be found in an Act of this state for granting a more effectual relief in cases of certain Trespasses passed the 17 of March 1783. This act takes away from any person (subjects...
6560The Defence No. XXXVII, [6 January 1796] (Hamilton Papers)
It shall now be shewn, that the objections to the Treaty founded on its pretended interference with the powers of Congress tend to render the Power of making Treaties in a very great degree if not altogether nominal. This will be best seen by an enumeration of the cases of pretended interference. I The power of Congress to lay taxes is said to be impaired by those stipulations which prevent...
6561New York Assembly. Remarks on the Claim of New York City to Fort George, [16 April 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton proposed a resolution, which would set aside the order of the day, and answer the purposes much better, in his opinion; it was to direct the attorney general to enquire into the claim of the corporation to the Fort St. James, and its dependencies, now called fort George; and that the commissioners of the land office have a survey made of the property of the state therein; and that...
6562Enclosure: To Sempill and Company, [20 May 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Know all Men by these presents, that I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York, Counsellor at Law, have made, ordained, authorized, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, ordain, authorize, constitute and appoint John Sempill and William Amorey of the Island of St. Croix Merchants jointly and severally my true and lawfull Attornies, for me and in my Name, and to my Use to...
6563New York Ratifying Convention. Resolution by John Jay, [11 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved, as the opinion of the Committee that the Constitution under consideration ought to be ratified by this convention. Resolved further as the opinion of this Committee that such parts of the said constitution as may be thought doubtful ought to [be] explained and that whatever amendments may be deemed useful or expedient ought to be recommended. D , in writing of H, John McKesson...
6564New York Assembly. Second Speech on the Address of the Legislature to Governor George Clinton’s Message, [19 January … (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton, I am sorry sir that I have to address you a second time, when I have already taken up so much of your attention, but as it is universally allowed to be a question of great importance, I trust I shall be excused for entering into a further discussion. I said in setting out in my former arguments, that the question was improperly stated, that it was put upon a wrong ground, that it...
6565The Stand No. VII, [21 April 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
The dispatches from our envoys have at length made their appearance. They present a picture of the French government exceeding in turpitude whatever was anticipated from the previous intimations of their contents. It was natural to expect, that the perusal of them would have inspired a universal sentiment of indignation and disgust; and that no man, calling himself an American, would have had...
6566Report on the Petition of Simon Nathan, [12 April 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to an Order of the House of Representatives of the 30th July, 1790, referring to him the memorial of Simon Nathan, of the City of New York, respectfully reports; That the subject of the Memorialist’s application, from his own statement, appears to relate wholly to the State of Virginia, and not to the United States. The Secretary is, therefore, of...
6567Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Request for a Passport, [31 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I am of opinion that a passport ought to be granted, under the restrictions, proposed by the petitioners, [(viz) the vessel to be American in ballast & to have passports from the several foreign Ministers.] I am inclined to think that the Embargo extends to all vessels which are not in some degree or other considered as under the direction of the President of the U.S. D , in the handwriting of...
6568Circular to the Commandants of Regiments, 7[–17] September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It has been suggested to me that particular officers in some instances have incautiously indulged remarks in the presence of their men respecting the bad qualities of articles furnished, which were of a nature to foster discontent in the minds of the soldiery. Instances of this sort, I am persuaded, must have been very rare, as the impropriety of the thing is too glaring to escape an officer...
6569Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Call for Volunteers from Kentucky, 13 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of the departments and the attorney General, at the house of the President of the United States, the subject of affording an auxiliary force to Major General Wayne for the purpose of enabling him to make a vigorous and offensive campaign against the hostile Indians being considered, it was advised, that he be authorised, to call for two thousand mounted volunteers...
6570Enclosure: Uniform of the Army of the United States, December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Uniform for the Army of the United States For The Commander In Chief A blue Coat, without lappels, with lining Collar and Cuffs of Buff, yellow buttons and gold epauletts of double bullion tag with fringe, each having three stars. Collar Cuffs and pocket flaps to have full embroidered edges, and the button holes of every description to be full embroidered. The fashion to be in other...
6571Conference at Hartford, [22 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Summary of a Conversation between His Excellency General Washington, The Count De Rochambeau & The Chevalier De Ternay—exclusive of the contents of the paper dated at Hartford the 22nd Sept. 1780. signed by the parties. It was agreed that if the Count De Guichen should arrive by the beginning of October and an naval engagement should immediately take place, in which by a fortunate office, The...
6572New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Melancton Smith’s Version), [12 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—Rises with reluctance. 1. because he wishes to conciliate. 2. That he is plausiable— Beleives it will not answer the purpose—though he thinks the Genn. means it to be so. The impost, acceded to—instanced—shd admonish us. 2 questions arise— 1. Our own powers 2d. The powers of Congress to receive and ye proby. No power except to accept or reject. 1st. Acts. The Resolution of the...
6573Report on the Petition of Stephen Moore, 3 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] On the petition of Stephen Moore of the State of North Carolina referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, by order of the House of Representatives, of the 4th. of May 1790; The said Secretary respectfully reports: That it is the opinion of the Secretary for the Department of War, that it is expedient and necessary that the United States should...
6574Pacificus No. VI, [17 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The very men who not long since, with a holy zeal, would have been glad to make an autos de fé of any one who should have presumed to assign bounds to our obligations to Louis the XVI are now ready to consign to the flames those who venture even to think, that he died a proper object of our sympathy or regret. The greatest pains are taken to excite against him our detestation. His supposed...
6575Conversation with George Beckwith, [16 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Lt. Colonel Beckwith. The newspapers of yesterday and of this day mention communications to the two Houses, from The President, on the subject of a commercial treaty with us, and although no particulars are stated, yet enough is expressed to convey an impression to the public mind, that we are not disposed to form any such treaty. I have in former conversations had the honor of declaring my...
6576Statement B: [Payments by Willink, Van Staphorst and Hubbard to Individuals], 13 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Statement, shewing the respective payments which have been made by William and John Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst and Hubbard, in Amsterdam, to individuals, upon the several loans made in Holland, on account of the United States. Florins. st. d 1791. Febry. 1: Payment of 54 premiums drawn in the lottery, agreeably to the terms of contract, of the 4 per cent loan of 2.000.000....
6577Enclosure III: [Statement of the Bills Which Have Been Drawn by the Treasurer], 3 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
A Statement of the Bills Which Have Been Drawn by the Treasurer of the United States, upon the Commissioners in Amsterdam, Shewing the Application of the Monies Arising from the Sales of Those Bills, and the Balance Which Remains Unapplied. Florins Sts. d. Dollars. Cts. The Amount of Bills sold by the Banks of North America and New York, as settled at the Treasury, is 2.468.673.12. 8....
6578The Federalist No. 1, [27 October 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New York. After an unequivocal experience of the inefficacy of the subsisting Fœderal Government, you are called upon to deliberate on a new Constitution for the United States of America. The subject speaks its own importance; comprehending in its consequences, nothing less than the existence of the UNION, the safety and welfare of the parts of which it is...
6579Conversation with George Beckwith, 19[–20] January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Beckwith. I take the liberty of speaking very freely to you on every subject, and upon this principle give me leave to remark, that I was sorry to observe a certain warmth of expression in one paragraph of the address of Your House of Representatives, in reply to The President’s speech, which respected your commerce and navigation. Mr. —— You know perfectly, that we have different opinions...
6580Report on the Petition of Stephen Steele, [21 November 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred by the House of Representatives, the Memorial of Stephen Steele, submits the following report thereupon. That the Memorialist prays for the allowance of an Account, exhibited by him, amounting to five hundred and one pounds, eight shillings and seven pence, New York Currency, for work and materials expended in preparing and fitting up...
6581Report on the Petition of Gosuinus Erkelens, [27 February 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred by an order of the House of Representatives of the 3d. of November 1791, the Petition of Gosuinus Erkelens, thereupon respectfully makes the following Report— That the Secretary has heretofore reported on the Case of the Petitioner upon a former Application and reference. That the Petitioner having since died, it is conceived that a renewal of...
6582Draft of Instructions for William Hull, 14 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, January 14, 1793. On January 14, 1793, George Washington recorded in the “Journal of the Proceedings of the President” that “The Secretary of the Treasury submitted … a draft of Instructions to be given to General Hull who is to go into Canada to purchase provisions for the treaty to be held with the hostile Indians in the Spring at Au Glaize.” Draft not found. ] JPP “Journal...
6583Continental Congress Motion that Furloughs be Granted to Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, [26 May 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 26, 1783. ] On this date Hamilton moved “That the Commander in Chief be instructed to grant Furlows to the noncommission’d Officers & Soldiers in the service of the U S inlisted to serve during the War, who shall be discharged as soon as the definitive Treaty of Peace is concluded.” D , in writing of Hugh Williamson, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. A...
6584Report on the Petition of James Gamble, [27 February 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred the Petition of James Gamble by an Order of the House of Representatives of the 14th. instant thereupon respectfully Reports— That the Claim of the petitioner has been heretofore considered and rejected, as appears, on the Journals of Congress under date the 15th of April 1784. That the Petitioner having been informed of this decision, (of...
6585Continental Congress Report on Measures to be Taken for Carrying into Effect the Provisional Peace Treaty, 30 May 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] May 30, 1783 . On this date a committee, consisting of Hamilton, Oliver Ellsworth, Ralph Izard, James Madison, and Benjamin Hawkins, reported on “what further steps are proper to be taken … for carrying into effect the stipulations contained in the articles between the United States and Great Britain.” The committee recommended that the states execute the articles of the...
6586Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Application of Money Given by Law to the Indigent of Santo Domingo, [22 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
We do ourselves the honor of advising the President of the U. S. to apply the remainder of the money, given by law to the indigent of St. Domingo, resident here, to the furnishing of them with the means of going thither, it being known, that several vessels are now bound thither from different parts of the U. S. with passports for the purpose of conveying them. DS , in the writing of Edmund...
6587Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 1 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have this day written to the Captain of the revenue cutter building for the [Pennsya.] station and I enclose you the letter unsealed which you will deliver to him open after you have caused a copy of it to be made and kept for your own information. It will also be proper that you retain a copy of my circular instructions to him, which are likewise transmitted unsealed. You will perceive that...
6588Account with Archibald Drummond, 4 October 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Hamilton To Archibd Drummond, Dr. 1795 Decr. 22d. 1 large slate 4/6 £ “ 2 Pencils 2/6 1 Copy 2/0 11.6 1 Ashes Grammr. 2/6 24 1 Espinasses 1.18 . 4 papers ink powdr.
6589Receipt to Louis Le Guen, [15 January 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
I acknowledge to have received of Louis Le Guen in deposit for the purposes of his marriage contract and the surplus for his particular use Eighteen thousand Dollars in Cash a Bond of Aaron Burr conditioned for the payment of Six thousand seven hundred and thirty Dollars and thirteen Cents secured by the assignment of five leases and one mortgage in Fee also two notes of the said Aaron Burr...
6590Catullus No. III, [29 September 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
For the Gazette of the United States. Aristides complains that the American has charged Mr. Jefferson with being the patron and promoter of national disunion, national insignificance, public disorder and discredit . The American however, has only affirmed, that “the real or pretended political tenets of that gentleman tend ” to those points. The facts which have been established clearly...
6591Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Communicating to the Senate the Dispatches of Gouverneur Morris, [28 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments January 28, 1794. Upon consideration of the resolution of the Senate, of January 24, 1794, calling for the correspondences, therein mentioned: General Knox is of opinion, that no part of the correspondences should be sent to the Senate. Colo. Hamilton, that the correct mode of proceeding is to do, what General Knox advises; but that the principle is...
6592Account with the Trustees of the American Iron Company, [18 December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Alexander Hamilton Esqr. To the Trustees of the American Iron Company Dr To the last installment on lands in Crosby’s Patent £605.13.5 Interest from 4 Decr. 1795 to April 1797 is 1 Year 4 Months 56.10.7 do do 4 April 1797 to 20 Decr 1798 is 1 Year 8 M. 16 Days 72.10.10 £734.14.10 D , Miscellaneous Chancery Papers, American Iron Company, Clerk of the Court of Appeals, Albany, on deposit...
6593No Jacobin No. III, [8 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Another accusation against the Executive of the UStates preferred by the Jacobin is derived from this circumstance—That while by the Treaty between the UStates & France the goods of her enemies on board our Ships are exempt from capture; the goods of France on board our Ships are subject to the depredations of her enemies; without any “Steps being taken by the Executive to cause French...
6594Report on the Difficulties in the Execution of the Act Laying Duties on Distilled Spirits, [5 March 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] In Obedience to the orders of the House of Representatives of the first & second days of November last, the first directing the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the House such information as he may have obtained, respecting any difficulties which may have occurred in the execution of the Act “repealing after the last day of June next, the...
6595Drafts of Apology Required from James Nicholson, [25–26 July 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
Draft I Mr. Hamilton declares & would repeat that when he interposed in the altercation between Mr. Nicholson & Mr. Hoffman what he said was addressed to both & was purely intended without offence to either to prevent the continuance of a controversy which might lead to disturbance & riot. Mr. Nicholson replied very harshly to Mr. Hamilton that he was not the man to prevent his quarrelling...
6596Americanus No. I, [31 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
An examination into the question how far regard to the cause of liberty ought to induce the UStates to take part with France in the present war has been promised. This promise shall now be performed; premising only that it is foreign to the immediate object of these papers—a vindication of the Declaration of Neutrality. That Executive Act must derive its defence, from a just construction of...
6597Report of a Committee of the Trustees of Columbia College, 13 March 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, March 13, 1788. On this date Hamilton and Morgan Lewis, members of a committee to whom was referred an “Application of Messrs. Van Zandt and Kettlelas,” reported that the two men had offered to pay in 1776 the full amount of principal and interest due on their bond to the college in continental currency and that the treasurer of the college had refused the payment. D , signed by H...
6598Notes on the History of South America, [December 1786] (Hamilton Papers)
Rob. H of A B 2d P 73— Christopher Columbus, a subject of Genoa , the first discoverer of America. Idem P. 83–84–86 After Different applications to the Genoese, to the King of Portugal, England & various disappointments he at last undertakes the 95 voyage in the service of Spain & in 1492 set out on his voyage. 102 Idem 111. 112— Octr. 12. 1492 discovered land—the Island of San Salvador—&...
6599New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks, [23 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—thinks we ought to proceed on the report—& if any gent[leman] wishes to introduce an amend[men]t he has a right to do it. Gilbert Livingston MS Notes, MS Division, New York Public Library. For a discussion of the debates on July 23 and of the decisions made by the Convention on that date, see “New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 24 .”
6600Enclosure: Deficient Books of Mr. Hamilton’s Law Library, [16 June 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
D , from a facsimile printed in Goebel, Law Practice Julius Goebel, Jr., ed., The Law Practice of Alexander Hamilton: Documents and Commentary (New York and London, 1964– ) , I, 852. For the full titles and publishing information on the books on this list, see Goebel, Law Practice Julius Goebel, Jr., ed., The Law Practice of Alexander Hamilton: Documents and Commentary (New York and London,...