1Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, [13–15 May 1793] (Hamilton 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...
2Memorandum 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...
3Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the French Consul at Boston, [31 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st. day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mr Gore to mr Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by process from...
4Cabinet Opinion on French Privateers, 3 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
That The Minister of the French Republic be informed that the President considers the U. States as bound pursuant to positive assurances, given in conformity to the laws of neutrality, to effectuate the restoration of, or to make compensation for, prizes which shall have been made of any of the parties at war with France subsequent to the fifth day of June last by privateers fitted out of...
5Cabinet Opinions on the Debt to France, 25 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 25. 1793. The President desires the opinions of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney General on the following question, to wit. Mr. Ternant having applied for money equivalent to three millions of livres to be furnished on account of our debt to France at the request of the Executive of that country, which sum is to be laid out in provisions within the US. to be sent to...
6Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Time, Place, and Manner of the President-Elect Taking the Oath of Office, [28 February … (Hamilton Papers)
If the qualification is to be in private, T.J, A.H H.K and E.R, are of opinion, that Mr. Cushing should administer the oath to the President at his own house, where such officers, or others, as he may notify, will attend. T.J. and A.H. think, that it ought to be in private. H.K. and E.R. on the other hand think, that the qualification ought to be in public: and that the Marshal of the district...
7Cabinet 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...
8Cabinet 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...
9Cabinet 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...
10Cabinet 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...
11Cabinet Opinion on Prizes and Privateers, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That the Minister of the French Republic be informed that the President considers the UStates as bound pursuant to positive assurances, given in conformity to the laws of neutrality, to effectuate the restoration of, or to make compensation for, prizes which shall have been made of any of the parties at war with France subsequent to the fifth day of June last by privateers fitted out of their...
12Rules on Neutrality, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
1. The original arming and equipping of vessels in the ports of the United States by any of the belligerent parties, for military service offensive or defensive, is deemed unlawful. 2. Equipments of merchant vessels by either of the belligerent parties in the ports of the United States, purely for the accommodation of them as such, is deemed lawful. 3. Equipments in the ports of the United...
13Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Presidential Message to Congress on the Recall of Edmond Charles Genet, [19 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
For the correction of Colo. H. & Genl K. Having already laid before you a letter of the 16th. of August 1793, from the secretary of State to our minister at Paris, stating the conduct, and urging the recal of the minister plenipotentiary of the republic of France; I now communicate to you, that his conduct has been unequivocally disapproved; and that the strongest assurances have been given,...
14Cabinet Opinions on the Roland and Relations with Great Britain, France, and the Creek Indians, 31 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mister Gore to mister Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by...
15Cabinet Meetings. Proposals Concerning the Conduct of the French Minister, [1–23 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments & the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st. & 2d. of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of mr Genet’s correspondence & conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the US. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the US. & mr Genet,...
16Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Request for Payment of Installments on the French Debt, [11 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and the attorney general, on the 11th. of March 1794. It is advised unanimously, that Mr. Fauchet be informed, that He shall be supplied with the instalments, due in September and November next, according to the manner, expressed in the report of the Secretary of the treasury to the President on this subject. It is proposed by the Secretary of the...
17Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the Proposed Treaty with the Indians Northwest of the Ohio, [25 February 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The President having required the attendance of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney general at his house on Monday the 25th. of Feb. 1793. the following questions were proposed and answers given. 1. The Governor of Canada having refused to let us obtain provisions from that province or to pass them along the water communication to the place of treaty with the Indians, and...
18Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Expeditions Being Planned in Kentucky for the Invasion of the Spanish Dominions, [10 March … (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments, and the attorney general at the President’s on the 10th. day of March 1794. The intelligence from Kentucky, and the territory no. West of the Ohio, was laid before them; whereupon it was advised 1. that a proclamation issue against the expeditions, understood to be prepared in Kentucky, for the invasion of the Spanish dominions. 2. that a...
19Cabinet Opinions on Edmond Charles Genet, 23 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments and the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st. and 2d. of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of Mr. Genet’s correspondence and conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the US. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the US. and...
20Cabinet Opinion on the Rules of Neutrality, 3 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
August 3. 1793 The foregoing rules having been considered by us at several meetings, and being now unanimously approved, they are submitted to the President of the United States. DS , in George Taylor, Jr.’s writing, DLC:GW ; copy (letterpress copy), DLC : Jefferson Papers; LB , DLC:GW ; Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC : Jefferson Papers; copy, DNA : RG 46, Third Congress, 1793–1795,...
21Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Restoring the Brigs Conyngham and Pilgrim to the British, [27 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and Attorney general. March 27. 1794. The Secretary of War, the attorney general and the Secretary of State advise, that the Conyngham be not delivered up to the British owners; the secretary of the treasury dissenting. The Secretary of the treasury, the Secretary of war, and the attorney general advise, that the Pilgrim be delivered up to the British...
22Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Drafting of Militia by Governor Thomas Mifflin, 24 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon consideration of the letter of Governor Mifflin to the President of the US of this date respecting his drafting one thousand men of the Western militia of this state, for the purpose of supporting a detachment directed to take possession of Presque Isle it was advised That an answer of the following purport be given. “That on mature reflection the President is of opinion that it is...
23Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Writing to the King of Prussia Concerning the Marquis de Lafayette, [14 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments at the President’s, on the fourteenth day of January 1794. It was propounded by the President, whether in consideration of the eminent services of M. de la Fayette, to the U. S. and his present sufferings, it be not adviseable for the President, in a private , and unofficial character, to address to the King of Prussia a letter, requesting his release...
24Minutes of a Meeting Concerning the Insurrection in Western Pennsylvania, [24 August 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a Meeting at the Presidents House City of Philadelphia Aug 24. 1794 Present The President of The United States. The Secretary of State The Secretary of the Treasury. The President proposed for the opinion and advice of The Secretary of State & the Secretary of the Treasury the following questions. 1 Shall orders issue for the immediate convening of the whole or any part of the Militia...
25Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Sending an Agent to the Choctaw, 1 [–5] June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
That an Agent be sent to the Choctaw nation to endeavor secretly to engage them to support the Chickasaws in their present war with the Creeks, giving them for that purpose arms and ammunition sufficient: and that it be kept in view that if we settle our differences amicably with the Creeks, we at the same time mediate effectually the peace of the Chickasaws & Choctaws, so as to rescue the...
26Cabinet Opinions on Sending an Agent to the Choctaw Indians, 1 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That an Agent be sent to the Choctaw nation to endeavour secretly to engage them to support the Chickasaws in their present war with the Creeks, giving them for that purpose arms and ammunition sufficient: and that it be kept in view that if we settle our differences amicably with the Creeks, we at the same time mediate effectually the peace of the Chickasaws and Choctaws, so as to rescue the...
27Cabinet Opinions on Indian Affairs, [25 February 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The President having required the attendance of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney general at his house on Monday the 25th. of Feb. 1793. the following questions were proposed and answers given. 1. The Governor of Canada having refused to let us obtain provisions from that province or to pass them along the water communication to the place of treaty with the Indians, and...
28Cabinet Opinion on the American Debt to France, 2 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President communicated to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War and the Attorney General of the United States, a letter from William S. Smith Esqr. of the 28th. of February past, to the Secretary of the Treasury, with sundry Papers No. I. II. III and IV. relating to a negotiation for changing the form of the debt to France; and required their opinion...
29Cabinet Opinion on the Recall of Edmond Genet, 23 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments & the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st & 2d of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of mister Genet’s correspondence & conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the U.S. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the U.S. & mister...
30Cabinet Opinions on Edmond Charles Genet and James King, 7 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and Atty. Genl. at the President’s on the 7th. of Dec. 1793. Mr. Genet’s letter of Dec. 3. questioning the right of requiring the address of Consular commissions to the President was read. It is the opinion that the address may be either to the US. or to the President of the US. but that one of these shoud be insisted on. A letter from James King was...